Vernon Kuhlmann

Introduction and Ending by Lura Pitman

You may have seen Vernon Kuhlmann for the first time at the Rodeo where he and Doug Parrot were honored for their service. If you were not lucky enough to attend that event, I have permission to share his story in The Roundup Record Tribune from Vernon and The Advocate News in Kansas. It is written from "The Advocate" by Kathy Merklein, published on Thursday Nov. 14th, 2019.

Before I begin with the script, I would like to mention that Vernon had his 100th birthday this year in April. That is correct, 100 YEARS. He was born in 1921. He served in the 134th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was shot during his service and received a Purple Heart for his service. The following is the article written from "The Advocate" by Kathy Merklein, published on Thursday Nov. 14th, 2019.

A WWII Veteran's Story, Vernon Kuhlmann Delivers Ammo to Troops

by Kathy Merklein

As World War II Veterans reach into their 90s, the number of WWII Veterans has been dramatically shrinking. In September, 2018, only 496,777 of the 16 million who served are still living. The Advocate had the chance to talk to one World War II Veteran, Vernon Kuhlmann, age 98, formerly of Kensington, now of Phillipsburg, Kansas.

Kuhlmann grew up on a farm south of Athol, Kansas. His father died when Vernon was young, so after he finished 8th grade, he returned home to help his mother on the farm.

On August 25, 1942 Kuhlmann was drafted in to service and went into active service on September 9, 1942, serving in the 134th Infantry, 35th Division, Company F.

As a 21-year-old, his life changed dramatically after being drafted. "It was a heck of a change for me," Kuhlmann said. "I was raised on that farm and that's about all I knew." He would complete his basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas, and received additional training in California and Alabama. "When I was shipped to Alabama, I got put in Transportation," Kuhlmann said. His official title was listed as Chauffeur.

After departing from New York, Kuhlmann was sent to join the fight in Europe, landing at Normandy, France. The 134th Infantry Regiment was part of the 35th Infantry Division during World War II. The 134th Infantry Regiment landed at Omaha Beach on June 5-6 1944.

"We went in at Normandy, France, from there on we joined our outfits after the war had started," Kuhlmann said. "I was a Jeep driver. Another driver and I each pulled a quarter ton trailer. Our job was to get ammunition and chow, the eats, up to the front." I asked if it was dangerous, Kuhlmann was quick to reply, "Oh yeah it was dangerous!" Driving under blackout conditions proved to be challenging. "We had little lights on the Jeep that were the only ones I could turn on; that they would let me turn on," Kuhlmann said. "I tell you sometimes it was pretty hard to find your way when you don't have any more light than that. If you had your main lights on, the enemy could pick you up."

While Kuhlmann experienced artillery fire while delivering the ammunition, he said that most didn't land close enough to hurt them. However, he was wounded during his service. "I was wounded once," Kuhlmann said. "A sniper hit me. They flew me to England after I was wounded and I think I was there a little over a month." He could have returned home, but instead Kuhlmann rejoined his outfit in Bastogne, Belgium to finish out his service. Kuhlmann stated that the hardest part of the War was the death of his fellow Servicemen, along with the death of his Captain during battle. "Losing my friends was the hardest part," Kuhlmann said. "I had a lot of friends in my outfit. On the very first day, I probably lost five or six. It was hard."

While Vernon was serving his country in Europe, three of his brothers were also serving in WWII. "My brother, Edward, was an engineer. My brother, Sam, was in the 45th Army Division and was captured at Sicily as a Prisoner of War. And my brother, Len, was a Marine stationed in the Pacific."

Kuhlmann's daughter, Mildred Hadley stated that the brothers were not able to be in contact with each other as they moved around a lot. Vernon's youngest brother, Bilbert was able to remain at home to help his mother run the farm. One of the highlights for Kuhlmann was getting to see General Patton. "I saw him in France. He was a pretty tough guy," Kuhlmann said. "He was a tank commander. One of his drivers told me that when they met a German tanker, the driver asked what they should do. Patton said, "Run over the son of a gun!'"

During his time of service, Kuhlmann served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, eventually making his way into Germany. Until they departed for the United States on the Queen Mary after the war's end on September 5, 1945, the 134th Infantry Regiment liberated or captured 124 towns. In the process the 134th suffered more than 10,200 casualties including over 1,200 soldiers who were killed in action.

Kuhlmann earned a Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal before being discharged on October 17, 1945 after serving three years and one month. One of his best memories is when he got on the Queen Mary to return home.

The Queen Mary was often called the Gray Ghost during the war because of her color and the way she traveled secretly about the globe. The Queen Mary left Southampton on August 28, 1939 packed with people trying to flee to America in the face of the threat of war in Europe. This was to be the ship's last peacetime voyage, for she arrived in New York to find that war had been declared between Britain and Germany on September 3. Even before this, the portholes had been painted over to offer less of a target to submarines.

The Queen Mary stayed at her berth in New York for six months, before orders were received to paint the ship in camouflage gray. She then sailed for Cape Town, South Africa, and from there to Sydney, Australia where her luxurious fittings were removed, and bunk beds were installed to enable her to carry troops. The Queen Mary then took 5,000 men to Gourock, Scotland. Later Troop-carrying voyages were to take her all over the world. Work was carried out here to service the engines, and the ship was even given guns on the Sun Deck as a measure against both aircraft and surfaced submarines.

Eventually, the ship's Troop-carrying capacity was increased to 16,000 men. She could move an entire army division in one voyage. This was an incredible feat, duplicating the Queen Mary's sister ship, the Queen Elizabeth, which had also been adapted for troop-carrying. It was not comfortable. Soldiers on board took turns in the bunks, sleeping in shifts as there were not enough bunks for all the men.

The Queen Mary's greatest defense against torpedoes was her speed. Sailing at 28.5 knots, the Queen Mary was a fast-moving target, much faster even than a warship could manage, and very difficult to aim at. To make it even more difficult, she zip-zagged at regular intervals, following set patterns.

After returning home to Kansas, Kuhlmann delivered fuel for the Athol Coop, operated a lumberyard, then operated an implement business, selling Oliver and Case equipment in the old Athol High School.

As one of the many who answered the call to serve, Kuhlmann said, "I was glad that I was called in and that I got to do my part."

Thank you to all veterans for your service, whether in times of war, foreign conflicts, or times of peace.

Written by Kathy Merklein

Vernon received a birthday card for his 98th birthday that read, "We are pleased to join your family and friends in wishing you a Happy Birthday! As a member of the Greatest Generation, your steadfast determination and unwavering patriotism have ensured the prosperity of our Nation and today we honor you. May your resilience and unyielding spirit continue to serve as an example for all Americans. We send our very best wishes for a year filled with good health and happiness. Sincerely, Donald Trump and Melania Trump.

This wish from our President Trump has come to fruition, as Vernon is now part of the Roundup community at 100 years old.

As the Roundup VFW celebrates 75 years of the local Post, we recognize that much of the foundation and strength in our community has come from patriots such as, Vernon Kuhlmann and Doug Parrot.