Paul Thiner
WWII Veteran Paul J. Thiner
Paul Thiner, 2007
- Branch of Service: United States Army
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Military Service: Drafted, 1942 - 1945
Listen to the following sections by scrolling forward to the timecode.
0:00 - Drafted at 23, training
1:05 - Went overseas, Omaha Beach; helmet shot off when looking out tank
4:25 - Fought in 4 bigs battles
4:56 - Became disabled
7:40 - Feelings about the enemy
8:43 - Medals, including the Silver Star and Good Conduct Medal
9:09 - Going home, marriage, and writing letters
11:04 - How parents felt when left for service
11:54 - Atomic bomb
12:54 - Life back home after the war
18:45 - Memories of fighting; 3,600 miles on the tank
This story was recorded at an SDPB event in Sioux Falls, SD.
For more information about SDPB's educational resources and services, contact