The day his friends were set to graduate from Clinton High School nearly 80 years ago, Henry Langrehr was near the open door of a C-47 transport plane on his way to France.
It was June 6, 1944 — a day that changed Langrehr’s life. It is known as D-Day.
“When I was in that plane and looked down at all those ships and boats, I thought you could walk on them back to the United States,” Langrehr said.
Langrehr was a guest of the John Deere Classic on Saturday at TPC Deere Run.
For about 30 minutes Saturday the 99-year-old discussed his experience over the beaches of Normandy, parachuting behind the lines of Omaha Beach eight decades ago. He fought through hedgerows in the midst of combat and watched a friend recite the Lord’s Prayer before dying.
“We lost a lot of good men, but I survived it, and I had a beautiful family,” Langrehr said. “I often wondered, ‘What about those other beautiful boys we lost?’ They didn’t see life at all.”
The JDC has made a concerted effort to honor military guests during this year’s tournament that commenced on the Fourth of July.
Earlier in the week, Deere & Company announced a $100,000 two-year program to support the USO, an organization that helps the well-being of military members and their families.
On Friday morning, there was a ceremonial tee shot and flyover.
Veterans and first responders were given free admission on the grounds at Deere Run this week.
Langrehr was hospitalized for about a month in Paris, recovering from shock and shrapnel wounds. His World War II experience included an escape from a German prisoner-of-war work camp.
Following Normandy, Langrehr served in several other campaigns. He retired from the United States Army as a corporal after two and one-half years of service.
Langrehr returned to Clinton and started a construction business. He married his high school sweetheart, Arlene, and raised four children, two sons and two daughters.
Awarded two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service, Langrehr didn’t open up about his traumatic experience until the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
Since then, he’s written a book entitled “Whatever It Took” and done numerous speaking appearances to share his story.
“I still have a lot of faith in younger generations,” Langrehr said. “I had four grandsons and a great-grandson who served in the same unit I did.
“We still have young people willing to serve, and I give them a big hand for that. We take for granted what we have in this country. If you lost your freedom like I did when I was a prisoner of war, you don’t realize what you’re given. We’re so blessed in this nation.”
Langrehr returned to Normandy earlier this year for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He was emotional at several points Saturday as he reflected on what he witnessed and endured.
“I love America, and I know my family loves America,” he said. “I hope we can stand together firm enough that outside influences don’t hurt our nation.”
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