On June 9–10, 1944, near Goville, France, Walter David Ehlers proved what frontline leadership truly looks like.

Serving as a Staff Sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, Ehlers repeatedly placed himself at the point of attack during the Allied push through Normandy. When advances stalled under heavy German resistance, he moved forward—alone if necessary—drawing fire and breaking enemy strongpoints by sheer force of will.

He killed members of an enemy patrol before overrunning a machine-gun crew under intense fire. He led assaults through intersecting machine-gun and mortar fire, personally eliminating enemy positions. The following day, when his platoon was forced to withdraw under overwhelming fire, Ehlers stood exposed to draw enemy fire away from his men. Though wounded, he carried a wounded soldier to safety, then returned across a shell-swept field to recover his weapon.

Even after receiving treatment, he refused evacuation and returned to lead his squad.

For two days of extraordinary courage and leadership in combat, Walter Ehlers was awarded the Medal of Honor.

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