Wakefield John Pershing

John Pershing Wakefield, 2nd Infantry Division
On the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I was still working as an adjunct professor at Iowa State University. I was then called to active duty as a reserve officer in the artillery. After ten months of training, our 2nd Infantry Division was transferred to County Armagh, Ireland. In May 1944, our troops were stationed in Cardiff, Wales. On 7 June of that year, we launched an attack on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. We had no doubt that we were going to fight for a free Europe. We believed with certainty that most European nations had been victimized and suffered under the tyranny of Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime. But to our surprise, the European reception at the liberation of Normandy looked somewhat different.
The British, our long-time and best allies, considered us unwanted relatives. We imagined that the French would be more respectful to us because we were liberating their country, but often this was not the case. When we advanced through Germany, people were reluctant and skeptical of us and had some fear of our behavior.

After we won the Battle of Leipzig, we were ordered to cease fire, advance further, and wait to meet the Russians. We stood about half an hour's journey from Berlin, and after a long wait, without seeing a single Russian soldier, we were marched at night into the neighbouring country. When we stopped, we came within range of the southern suburb of Pilsen.
Most of us had hardly ever heard of this small country in the heart of Europe. A nation of hardworking, healthy, intelligent and religious people with a language and culture similar to our own. As we rode in trucks from the southwestern Czechoslovak border to Pilsen, we realized that we were indeed among true friends. Among people who abound in respect, love and understanding for one another. There was a truly cordial atmosphere.

The best ending to our harrowing journey from Omaha Beach through Normandy, Brest and Germany was the liberation of part of Czechoslovakia. We learned that the quickly acquired respect and trust for us was genuine, for our friends accommodated us in their homes without hesitation. At various festive luncheons, parades, and dances we rejoiced together in the great victory. We were aware that Czechoslovakia was the only bright spot of our hard fighting journey through Europe.

From the book 500 Hours of Victory by Karel Foud, Milan Jíša, Ivan Rollinger