#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Ned Schultz

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Ned Schultz, who earned a Purple Heart and was a prisoner of war during World War II.

Ned Schultz was 19 years old when he joined the 106^th Division in April 1944. His division joined forces with the British in Manchester, England early in December 1944 before moving on to France. On Dec. 16, 1944, the Battle of the Bulge began. Schultz acted as Capt. Renata Spadola’s runner throughout the battle. Later on during the fight, Spadola ordered Schultz to fall back after delivering a message for him. Before he could do so, German soldiers captured Schultz and part of the 106^th Division. He worked on railroads at Stalag Oerbke until he could not work any longer. The Germans then sent Schultz to Reishenburg to recover.

It was around midnight when the 89^th Division attacked the camp at Reishenburg. The attack lasted about six hours before Schultz and the 106^th Division were liberated April 17, 1945.

In the morning, Schultz approached the 89^th Division. The first question he asked was “do you have any food?” Nearby was a soldier who had recently received a Christmas package from his mother. He offered Schultz the contents of the package expect the socks.

After he was rescued, Schultz was sent to Paris to wait. He was in Paris for 30 days before he was finally able to head back to the States. Despite being well enough, he was told to get on a stretcher in order to be sent home. He arrived home Dec. 7, 1945, after being discharged from the Army.

Schultz received a Purple Heart, a Prisoner of War Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

We thank you for your service!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Contributors

Writer: Michelle Cannon

Editor: Barbie Carranza

Graphic artist: Deanna Cannon