Weiler, Donald (1923-2011)

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:9867#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: Donald Ursus Weiler was born July 12, 1923 in St. Cloud. He was drafted in spring 1943 and served as a machine gunner in the 34th “Red Bull” Infantry Division of the Army National Guard in North Africa and Italy. After being wounded in the leg during the Battle of Monte Cassino, he underwent an experimental treatment using a high-calcium diet at a hospital in North Africa. While recovering and working in a military production factory in Iowa, Weiler met Thelma “Ruth” Lair, whom he married on January 27, 1945. Weiler lived his entire life in St. Cloud and had a long career as a service technician at the Typewriter Shop and later retired as a sales representative of Marco Business Products. As a recipient of the Purple Heart, Weiler dedicated time to supporting wounded and sick veterans at the St. Cloud Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center. He passed away on March 1, 2011 at the VA Center, and is buried at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley. He was survived by two sons who followed him into the military; two daughters, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Transcript Summary: Donald Weiler described his experiences serving as a machine gunner in the 34th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard during World War II. He spent a significant amount of time discussing how he would climb poles to listen for enemy movements, describing it as scary and dangerous work. He also described at length the ways in which his unit would support riflemen and vehicle convoys as they advanced through Italy. Among the topics Weiler focused on the most was an experimental medical treatment he received after being wounded at Monte Cassino in Italy. This treatment, conducted at a hospital in North Africa, focused on healing Weiler’s broken leg through a high-calcium diet. He recalls that the paperwork was lost and nothing came of the experiment, leaving him bitter and ornery as he recovered in the United States and after he was discharged. Other topics Weiler discussed include his training at several locations, gratitude towards and appreciation for combat medics, attitudes towards officers, thoughts on Italian prisoners of war, and opinions regarding military service today.

Interview by David Overy

Includes archival material