World War II veterans share their stories at Neuqua
Army veteran Jack McCambridge of Naperville enjoys helping Neuqua students "put a face" on his experiences.
Students probably have strolled past Leo Kuefler's likeness on the Veterans' Valor sculpture in downtown Naperville for the past 18 months without knowing why he deserved to be there.
On Wednesday, hundreds of Neuqua Valley High School sophomores and juniors learned the story of 91-year-old Kuefler and several other World War II veterans.
Social studies teacher Tracey Cook invited them to speak to American Studies classes to give students a link to some of the country's oldest living veterans.
Kuefler was drafted into the Army in December 1941, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and quickly rose to the rank of staff platoon sergeant. During his nearly five years of service, most of which was spent in France, he received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star Medal.
He was the sole survivor of two attacks on Nov. 14, 1944, in France that claimed 11 lives. First, his legs were shattered when his tank suffered a direct hit. Hours later, the ambulance carrying him and his tank crew to a field hospital also was attacked.
His story drew tears and dropped jaws in each of the classes.
"I'm 91 and the memory isn't as good as it used to be," Kuefler said. "But that's a day I'll never forget."
Sophomore Matthew Reed said each of the men's stories were inspirational, but the message of "never give up" from former POW Arnold Massier struck him most.
Massier was captured by German soldiers while securing a bridge in Italy. He spent more than 1½ years in work camps in Poland and Germany before escaping and being repatriated.
He told of having a gun pointed at his head when a German soldier told him "this war is over for you" and took him as prisoner instead of taking his life.
"I never thought I would be here today to tell you all the story," Massier told the students. "But I've had angels on my shoulder and all around me my whole life."
Cook said she appreciated the veterans coming to lend some real-life experience to her World War II lessons.
"We're losing our veterans at such a rapid pace that I think it's important for our students to hear their stories while they are alive to tell them and to have that link between the generations," Cook said. "It's an important part of being a citizen and an informed taxpayer."
Army veteran Jack McCambridge usually speaks at middle schools. Wednesday was the first time he's told his story to high school students.
"I think the kids get a lot out of talking to us and having a real-life walking, talking person who lived through it tell them the story," he said. "There's only so many of us left. They're smart to take advantage of us while they can."