Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.
We’re honored to share the story of Bernie Sheffield, a 98 year old WWII veteran who exemplifies courage and resilience.
Story submitted by RDML Terry Wayne Eddinger: "Bernie is a good friend whom I met in 1996. He is a WWII veteran, having served with the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. Bernie was drafted into the Army at age 19 (15 August 1944). He landed in La Harve, France from England 15 January 1945. He went through Belgium where he joined the 83rd. On 1 March, the Division advanced toward the Rhine River, then crossed on 29 March. They pushed through the Harz Mountains Region, advancing to the Elbe River at Barby, fighting as they went. They took the city on 13 April, then crossed the river. Along the way, Bernie told me a story of a harrowing incident about three weeks earlier. He said he was advancing to a position when he hit the ground taking a position a soldier had just vacated. He said a German 88 hit nearby, covering him with mud. He ran behind a tank and then over to another position, when another 88 hit the back of the tank, severely damaging it. On the way to Barby, the 83rd liberated the Langenstein-Zweiberge Concentration Camp, liberating over 1100 inmates. Bernie and his platoon attacked a German position on 15 April. They encountered a Germany machine gun nest. The Germans open fired. Bernie said he saw the 2 men to his left go down, killed in action. The bullets started popping up to the right of him as they aimed at a soldier there, who fell dead. Then the Germans targeted Bernie, hitting him 5 times. He was left for dead for a while. He was taken to a hospital in England where his was operated on, on 15 May. He was put on a hospital ship, heading to the US on the 15 June and arrived at Long Island 15 July. He arrived in Atlanta on 15 August (the 1st year anniversary being in the Army). He was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Bernie returned to Germany in August 1998, to Wernigerode, on a mission trip with a group from First Baptist Church, High Point. There, he met someone who knew of a reunion of German soldiers for the battle he was involved it. So, Bernie and his wife Helen returned in 1999 to attend the reunion, about 25 German soldiers. He was the first American to ever attend. They welcomed him with open arms and gave him an invitation to return anytime. After the war, Bernie married Helen, and worked for the High Point School system as a Librarian and Supervisor for 31 years. He volunteered to go on mission trips with the church. He has been to Germany twice, Czech Republic, and Brazil twice. In the US and working with Baptist Men, Bernie has been on several trips including trips to Oklahoma and six trips to Gulfport, MS following Hurricane Katrina. Bernie and I work on totes for the hospital patients now. Bernie is still alive, at 98 years old."
Thank you, Bernie, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.
