GUARDIANS OF FREEDOM
Saluting Those Who Served in the U.S. Army, Part 9

by Janis Stein

Join me for the conclusion of Harold O'Neill's story as he finally returns home after spending time in France and Germany, serving during World War II. Soldiers eagerly gulped down chocolate milk upon arriving in America - a drink many hadn't had the luxury of enjoying in over a year.

At long last, Harold boarded the liberty ship, which would return him to the United States. Harold traveled through the Straits of Gibralter, and on the evening of the tenth day, the ship sailed into the harbor at Newport News, Virginia.

Stepping on American soil again, for many, was overwhelming; several had been sure they would never have lived to see the day. The Red Cross gave each soldier a cup of chocolate milk, and this time they didn't even charge a dime. Although some might wonder how a cup of chocolate milk was going to make everything better, keep in mind these soldiers hadn't had fresh milk in over a year. While the milk wasn't going to erase the sights and sounds these soldiers had seen and heard, it was a nice introduction to the normalcy they hoped their lives would return to.

Harold made his way to a whole battery of telephones, because he eagerly wanted to talk to Betty to let her know he had returned to the states. A small state of panic set in when he realized he didn't have her folks' phone number written down. Fortunately, his memory kicked in, and in no time at all, he told Betty they would soon be together.

At dinner, the soldiers all sat at tables, and they were served a meal. Sitting was a welcome relief; on the liberty ships, soldiers put their food in a tin pan and ate while standing. To add to the soldiers' enjoyment of their return, all the people waiting on them were German prisoners of war. The POWs put one quart of milk beside every soldier's plate, and nine out of ten drank the whole quart. Relishing in the comforting drink, many were surprised at how many things they had taken for granted before they served their country during World War II.

From Virginia, Harold had to travel to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where the soldiers were mustered. Harold turned in his clothes, and in exchange he was given a fresh set of clothes to travel home. Clean clothes were a welcome sight. During the war, soldiers were issued two sets of uniforms, and they didn't get a chance to wash very often. Between battles, many soldiers washed their uniforms in gasoline, and then rinsed them with cold water. Because of the cold weather, it had been hard to get the newly-laundered clothing dry, with the exception of those nights when Harold and his comrades spent their nights in the warmth of the Germans' homes. Along with chocolate milk, wearing clean clothes was another luxury these soldiers would never take for granted. After two days, he was given his discharge papers and a train ticket to Michigan - another glorious step closer to seeing his family.

It was about 3 PM when Harold was officially discharged, and the train he needed to catch wouldn't be ready to board until 7 PM. With a few hours to burn, Harold went downtown to a barber shop, and he got spruced up a bit with a haircut and a shave. He even splurged on a massage!

Harold was traveling with another soldier, and they had been together much of the time during their enlistment. Roger Durbin, who was so very anxious to get home, lived in Toledo, and the duo would be boarding the same train. With a few extra hours yet to kill, Harold suggested they visit a local tavern for a few celebratory drinks. Durbin disagreed, telling Harold if they got in a bar, they'd get drunk and it would take another week to get home. When Harold assured him it would be only one or two - after all he was equally eager to get back to Detroit to see Betty and the children - the soldiers relaxed at the bar over a few drinks.

At long last, it was time to board the train. Harold was surprised the civilians didn't make way for the two soldiers to board first. During the war, soldiers were given priority to get on first, but as far as the American civilians were concerned the war had been over for a half of a year already. To Harold, it was fascinating how quickly everyone seemed to forget all that had transpired. But then they hadn't lived it.

When it was time for Harold and Durbin to board the train, there was no more room. Another car was added, though, and soon the soldiers were on their way home. The train car was warm, so Harold removed his cap and jacket, hanging them on a coat hook in the train car. About two in the morning, they were told to wake up, because the last car was going to be removed from the train, and they were to sleep in the next car. Half-sleeping, Harold didn't give a thought to his cap and jacket which were still hanging on the hook. In the morning when he awoke, Harold remembered his clothes, and a sick feeling came over Harold when he realized his precious discharge papers were nestled in the pocket of his jacket!

Harold made it back to Detroit, all the while hoping an MP wouldn't stop him, since he didn't have any discharge papers on him. (Betty later contacted the railroad and provided them with Harold's traveling destinations. The O'Neill's were impressed how quickly a messenger was sent, retrieving his hat, coat and discharge papers.) Harold quickly departed the train station and hailed a cab to Betty's parents' home. The anticipation of seeing his wife again was indescribable. At long last, Corporal Harold O'Neill was home.

The Lakeshore Guardian salutes Harold O'Neill for his three years of service in the United States Army, serving during World War II.

I thank Harold O'Neill for sharing his memories and photographs, providing all of us a unique perspective on what life was like for him during World War II. Harold, in a calm quiet voice, talked to me for hours about his experiences. As I listened, I was embarrassed as an American how little I really knew about the details of this country's history. Because of Harold, I have a new appreciation for the freedoms I take for granted each and every day. Information in this article is as accurate as his memory would allow.