The moment his companions were set to graduate from , Clinton High School , almost 80 years previously,  , Henry Langrehr , was near the open doorway of a C-47 transport planes on his way to , France.
It was  , June 6, 1944 , — a time that changed Langrehr’s career. It is known as D-Day.
When I was in that helicopter and observed all the ships and boats, Langrehr said,” I thought you could move on them back to the United States.”
On Saturday at TPC Deere Run, Langrehr was a visitor of the John Deere Classic.
The 99-year-old spent about 30 days discussing his experiences on Saturday over the beaches of Normandy, parachuting behind Omaha Beach’s ranges eight years ago. In the middle of battle, he fought through trees and watched a colleague read the Lord’s Prayer before passing away.
” We lost a lot of great men, but I survived it, and I had a wonderful home”, Langrehr said. ” I frequently wondered,’ What about those other gorgeous guys we lost? ‘ They did n’t see life at all”.
During this year’s tournament, which kicked off on the Fourth of July, the JDC made a conscious effort to recognize military friends.
Earlier in the week,  , Deere &, Company , announced a$ 100, 000 two-year program to help the , USO, an organization that helps the well-being of military members and their families.
On Friday night, there was a royal tee shot and runway.
This year, veterans and first responders were given gratis admission to Deere Run’s basis.
Langrehr was hospitalized for about a quarter in , Paris, recovering from impact and debris wounds. His World War II expertise included a break from a European concentration camp for prisoners of war.
Following Normandy, Langrehr served in several other activities. He retired from the , United States Army , as a sergeant after two and one-half years of service.
Langrehr returned to , Clinton , and started a design company. He married his high school darling, Arlene, and raised four children, two sons and two daughters.
Langrehr, who was given two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service, did n’t reveal histraumatic experience until the anniversary of D-Day’s 50th anniversary.
He’s since done many speaking engagements and contributed to the book” Whatever It Took” since then.
” I also have a lot of trust in younger decades”, Langrehr said. I had four sons and a great-grandson who both served in the same system as I did.
We also have young people who are eager to offer, and I give them a huge helping for that. What we have in this region is taken for granted. You do n’t realize what you’re given if you lose your freedom, as I did when I was a prisoner of war. We’re but blessed in this country.”
Langrehr made a trip to Normandy earlier this year to commemorate the 80th commemoration of D-Day. As he reflected on what he witnessed and endured, he was psychological at various times on Saturday.
” I love America, and I know my household loves America, “he said”. I’m hoping we may have up for what we believe is right and prevent harm to our country.
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