Today in the Second World War

Welcome to the June 14 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, where we embark on a journey through time to uncover the significant events that unfolded on this momentous day. As we delve into the annals of history, we will uncover stories of valor, sacrifice, and strategic maneuvers that shaped the course of the war. Join us as we pay tribute to the brave men and women who fought on the battlefields and the home front, reminding ourselves of their unwavering determination to defend freedom and secure a better future.

“Defend Paris to the last, destroy all bridges over the Seine and devastate the city.” - Adolf Hitler

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The Fall of France

In France, German troops captured the open city of Paris, France without any opposition. To the north, the coastal city of Le Havre fell under German control. To the east, the German 1st Army under General Erwin von Witzleben broke through the Maginot Line near Saarbrücken. The French government moved from Tours to Bordeaux and appealed for the United States to enter the war. Also on this date, all remaining British troops in France were ordered to return.

Loss of an Ace

German Luftwaffe ace Oberfeldwebel Robert Menge was shot down and killed near Marquise, France by Squadron Leader James E. Rankin of No. 92 Squadron RAF. At the time of his death Menge had 18 kills to his credit.

Nazi Business as Usual

In response to the British Commando raid at Heraklion, Crete, Greece on the previous day which saw the destruction of 20 Ju 88 bombers, 50 civilians of Heraklion were executed in retaliation.

Leading from the Front

Following the D-Day invasion in France, Matthew Urban and his men were engaged in heavy fighting in the bocage country of Normandy. On June 14, 1944 near Renouf, France, Urban's company was pinned down by heavy enemy fire and threatened by two German tanks. Arming himself with a bazooka, Urban advanced toward the tanks. Exposing himself to enemy fire, Urban destroyed both tanks. In words of his later Medal of Honor citation: "Responding to Captain Urban's action, his company moved forward and routed the enemy." Later that day Urban was wounded in leg by fire from a 37-millimeter gun but refused evacuation and continued to lead his men in heavy fighting until he was wounded a second time. He was then evacuated to a hospital in England. In mid-July, while still in the hospital, he heard that his unit had suffered heavy casualties in the ongoing fighting in France. Despite not being fully healed, Urban found a cane to help him walk and checked himself out of the hospital. He hitchhiked to Normandy and arrived back at the front on July 25. That morning, his unit had jumped off on the opening attack of Operation Cobra. When Urban reached his men, he found them halted by strong German resistance and coming under heavy fire.

A supporting force of U.S. tanks moved up to assist but two of the tanks were knocked out immediately and third tank was disabled by the loss of its commander and its gunner. Urban and the remaining lieutenant planned a counter attack but the lieutenant was killed immediately as enemy fire intensified. Urban hobbled forward quickly with his cane, across open ground, exposed to the brunt of enemy fire and climbed on top of the stalled tank. According to his Medal of Honor citation: "With enemy bullets ricocheting from the tank, Captain Urban ordered the tank forward and, completely exposed to the enemy fire, manned the machine gun and placed devastating fire on the enemy. His action, in the face of enemy fire, galvanized the battalion into action and they attacked and destroyed the enemy position." According to a sergeant who witnessed the action "One of the craziest officers suddenly appeared before us, yelling like a madman and waving a gun in his hand. . . . He got us on our feet, though, gave us our confidence back and saved our lives."

Urban was wounded again in early August but again refused evacuation. He was promoted to 2nd Battalion commander on August 6 and wounded again on August 15. On September 3, his battalion spearheaded the American attack across the Meuse River in Belgium. When the attack faltered, Urban moved to the front, rallied his men, and led the attack on the river crossing. Urban was hit in neck as he advanced. Despite bleeding heavily and unable to speak above a whisper, he continued to lead his men forward, until the German defenders were routed, and the crossing secured.

After two years of therapy, Urban was able to regain use of his voice despite damaged vocal cords. He retired from the Army at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following the war, he returned to civilian life and for many years rarely spoke of his wartime exploits. Although nominated during the war for the Medal of Honor, the paperwork was lost until the 1970s. Urban was finally awarded the Medal of Honor in 1980. As a civilian, he worked as a director of recreation and sporting programs for young people in Michigan, United States and passed away following complications from his war wounds in 1995.

Photo of the Day

Adolf Hitler, Eva Braun, Hitler's dog Blondi, and Braun's dog at Obersalzberg, Bavaria, Germany, 14 June 1942

As we come to the end of this edition of the Hidden History Newsletter, we hope that our journey through the events of June 14 has provided you with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and heroism displayed during this pivotal time in history. Remembering the past allows us to honor those who fought and reflect on the lessons learned from their experiences. May their stories continue to inspire us to strive for peace, justice, and unity in our own lives. Join us again tomorrow as we uncover more remarkable moments from the pages of World War II, preserving the memory of those who shaped our world and ensuring that their legacy lives on. Thank you for being a part of this meaningful exploration, and until next time, stay curious and keep the spirit of history alive.

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Have a great week :)

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