George was a student at Texas A&M College when the news was reported that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
He reported for active duty on June 5, 1943 at the age of 18. After basic training, George was shipped overseas to the European Theater of operations.
George was assigned to Company C, 1258th Combat Engineers Battalion of the 3rd US Army. This was General George S. Patton’s command.
He saw combat as a line sergeant in several major river crossings in the march across Europe to eventually take Berlin. These included the rivers Saar, Meuse, and the Rhine. Each of these crossings was significant in that Germany considered these barriers to be major obstacles for the Allied Armies. Some thought that the Allies would never be able to cross these rivers since they were so heavily defended.
George’s most memorable experience was when he had the opportunity of attending the Nuremburg war crime trails after Germany surrendered.
George was awarded the European Theater Campaign ribbon with three battle stars. He also stated that his wartime experiences matured him greatly, giving him leadership abilities that helped him later in life.
He was discharged on May 23, 1946.
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