War Without a Rifle

Private Kermit Scheele

Back in July my wife and I visited my1st cousin 2X removed on my Mother's side, Kermit Scheele.  Kermit is 88-years-old and lives in an assisted living apartment in Washington, DC with his dog, Ling Ling.  During our visit, Kermit  told us about his experience in World War II.

It seems he was drafted in June of 1943 and processed into the Army in Minneapolis, MN.  In January of 1944, he was sent over to England.  When he got there, he had no idea where he was or what he was to do.  A duty Captain, from Michigan, welcomed him and sent him to some barracks to get situated.  While he was there, one of his duties was to pick up Anti-Aircraft brass (casings of the shells fired at the German bombers).

He was later sent to Cheltham and then on to Cherburg, France during Bastille Day.  There, he was responsible for escorting a group of 12 female journalists who were traveling around getting stories to send to a Soldier's hometown.  Kermit was never issued a rifle or even fired one and never did have one his whole time in Europe.

The same Captain (now a Colonel) that met him upon arrival put Kermit in for a commission and he became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps.  Kermit was discharged from the Regular Army and entered the Reserves in Richmond, VA where he served until 1953.