By D-Day on June 6, 1944, Walter Ehlers was a staff sergeant and squad leader in the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. His squad, part of the invasion's second wave, waited off shore in a Landing Craft, Infantry, while the first group of soldiers landed. The platoon came under heavy fire. Ehlers was wounded, but managed to cover the platoon's withdrawal; this included carrying a wounded automatic rifleman to safety. After treatment of his wounds, Ehlers refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his squad. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor six months later, on December 19, 1944. Walter Ehlers has hand signed this 8x10 Photo with 1st Infantry Division/Big Red One inscriptions. JSA Authentication #SS17644 & JSA Certificate of Authenticity