In 1944, we were on standby, we were not allowed to leave our barracks, we knew something was about to happen very soon. On June 6, 1944 we boarded ships to cross the English Channel . I remember the smell of bread baking. The chaplain gave a sermon before embarking on our landing craft which held about 75 men. Our landing craft made a run for the beach in France . The channel was so rough with 5 ft waves coming over the craft. When we landed we followed a rope , hand over hand . The water so deep it came over the radio I carried in my hands and damaged it. Our artillery was still on the barges and they couldn’t get close to shore because of the rough seas . I borrowed a radio from an Englishman so I could radio in our co-ordinates . We could see the Germans firing from church steeples . My position was forward observation.
Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star
Elmer Schauer showed particular courage on June 8, 1944, while in the Artillery Observation Post at Putot-en-Bessin as a signaler. The OP was established in a slit trench on an exposed flank of the company area with the tank parked about 50 yards to the rear under cover. At the time, the FOO and ABLE were manning the Artillery Observation Post while Schauer with two other members of the crew were at the Sherman Tank. The company position came under heavy mortar and artillery fire, during which time the enemy attacked and succeeded in infiltrating in and around the position.
As the Artillery Observation Post was in an exposed position, the enemy subjected it to heavy machine gun fire. Schauer saw the predicament and on his own initiative crawled out from underneath the tank, climbed up on the turret and with the help of Braham and Toy brought down direct fire with the 75 mm gun of the tank onto the enemy, succeeding in completely neutralizing the fire from this sector. He then provided further covering fire for the Artillery Observation Post officer who was able to direct artillery fire on other enemy troops. For this action Schauer was awarded the Croix-de-Guerre Etoile de Bronze.
I’m aware I’ve given you more than you asked for, but we are so proud of my Dad. He just passed away last year at 99 years old.
Story provided by Elmers' daughter Brenda and his son Russel.
Lester Schauer
Elmer's brother Lester, did not survive the war as he got killed in Italy read his story here.
