I would like to honor my Grandfather, Carl Jahn [pronounced same as John], out of Rochester, MN. Joined the Army in March of 1944 on his 18th birthday, completed basic training and was shipped off to the European theater shortly thereafter. He was assigned to the 9th Armored Division of the U.S. First Army. He was in a tank and his job was to load the shells into the canon on his Sherman M4A tank (seen in the above photo).He served in the United States Army from 1944-1946 and entered the European Theater shortly after basic training in March of 1945. He was in the 11th armored division tank battalion and was instrumental in holding the Bridge at Remagan and continuing the push of Nazi Germany back across the River Rhine.
He was a 4th grade Technician which meant he could work on the tank and machine guns if needed. He saw action along the Rhine river and was part of the attack and eventual capture of the Luddendorff bridge in Remagan Germany in early March of 1945.
This was one of the last bridges left that crossed the Rhine river. His tank was the second one to cross.
Attached is a photo of his uniform and a pack of Dentyne Gum we found in the front pocket. There were two piece missing. The Adams company is now owned by Cadbury.
Just think…..Dentyne gum….helping soldiers get lucky for almost 75 years……
In May of 2011, he went on the Honor Flight out of Rochester MN to Washington DC to get a tour of the National World War II Memorial. We were all so proud to give him and all the veterans that were on the honor flight the long overdue cheering thank you at the gate for their proud returned. I can’t even begin to imagine how much it meant to the veterans who may not have been thanked upon their return from service.
He passed away on Sunday evening (Nov. 1st) at the age of 89, and we lay him to rest on Thursday. I just wanted to get a thank you out to all the World War II veterans, and especially my Grandfather for everything he’s done; he will be greatly missed.
Thank you guys for doing this, I’m a relatively new listener to the KQ Morning Show over the past year, and although not a serviceman myself I really appreciate the recognition that you guys have been giving to our servicemen and woman.
Thanks,
Chris Albee
