Sgt. George Sahlmann’s Purple Heart
According to CBS News, Sgt. George Sahlmann’s Purple Heart Medal will have a permanent home in the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Manhattan, New York when his family will present it tomorrow night with the help of our friends at Purple Hearts Reunited.
According to their Facebook page, in 1937 Sahlmann stowed away on a ship to escape the Nazi noose around the necks of Jews in Europe. After he was arrested, he was allowed to stay in the US where he began a career in barbering, but when war broke out, he enlisted in the Army out of a sense of duty to country;
[Sgt. George Sahlmann] saw action across Italy, France, and Germany. He was wounded on three separate occasions. Because he spoke fluent German, ironically, he was assigned as camp supervisor of a German POW camp. George had to now care for the very men who attempted to wipe out his race. He did so with respect, compassion, and the utmost professionalism one would expect from a Non-Commissioned Officer. We owe it to George to tell his story and keep his legacy alive!
According to the CBS article, Sahlmann’s Purple Heart was acquired from a collector along with some other of his medals. Sergeant Sahlmann passed away in 2006 at the age of 95.
According to Purple Hearts Reunited, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation, founded by my buddy Major Zach Fike of the Vermont National Guard and a Purple Heart recipient himself, they have returned 375 Purple Hearts to families in 46 states since their founding in 2012.
Category: We Remember
My personal and heartfelt thanks to those who keep such memories alive.
And many thanks to Major Fike for his tireless efforts.
Indeed. That’s IMO an organization worthy of receiving a donation or two.
Rest well Sgt. George Sahlmann. Thank you to Major Fike and his organization’s outstanding work.
Things like this make me feel good about the future – that someone sees the history of these individuals as valuable assets. Thank you Major Fike.
“Where do we get such Men?” Well, Sgt Sahlmann certainly had a tough time gettin’ here. Thank You, Sgt—and bless those who brought your noble sevice to our attention.
That generation of men was very special. You just don’t see it today as often. My father was of that generation and he told me he was raised with the expectation that males should serve their country. He raised my older brother and I the same way. Rest In Peace Sgt. Sahlmann and many thanks to you and your family for your service to this great country of ours!
This is why it is an honor to have served with such men…
Thank you for posting such an uplifting story.
Very nicely done.
Way to go, Zach!
Keep up the good work.
A great story, and a wonderful way to keep his memory alive.
Thanks to all involved.
Wow. Just, wow.