Between Las Vegas, today, and Aachen, Germany, 73 years ago today, we see a thread of timeless American courage.
In Las Vegas, mere seconds turned hundreds of civilians from party-goers to lifesavers. As bullets smashed into their fellow citizens, young Americans banded together to provide cover for the wounded. They helped first responders evacuate the wounded and then stood in line to give blood to save strangers. Many others charged towards the gunfire and ended it.
THANK YOU to the brave Las Vegas police officers who raced towards an active shooter during this horrible mass shooting. #MandalayBay #LVMPD pic.twitter.com/lr7m7dTbLp— Ugo Lord (@UgoLord) October 2, 2017
Yet the American ability to rise to the moment and overcome evil is nothing new. For any date newly defined by heroism, American history offers a partner from history.
Take what happened in western Germany on Oct. 2, 1944, 73 years ago. The U.S. Army’s 30th and 1st Divisions began an offensive to secure the German city of Aachen from its entrenched Nazi defenders. An anchor-point for the Siegfried Line of German defensive fortifications, Aachen’s fall was a prerequisite for invading Hitler’s heartlands. But the Germans also recognized that if Aachen fell, it would mean certain defeat for their Third Reich. They were prepared to fight for every line of approach, every street, house, and room.
And so, 73 years ago today, as they attacked Aachen’s fortified external positions, hundreds of U.S. Army soldiers were killed in action. But like the civilians, EMTs, and police officers of Las Vegas, the American soldiers did not cower in face of the guns. Instead, the Americans confronted the overwhelming fire and, as in Las Vegas, overcame it.
But as in Las Vegas, the cost 73 years ago was dear and borne by young souls like 20-year-old Pvt. Harold Kiner. The U.S. Army’s historic record tells us:
“With 4 other men, [Kiner] was leading in a frontal assault 2 October 1944, on a Siegfried Line pillbox near Palenberg, Germany. Machinegun fire from the strongly defended enemy position 25 yards away pinned down the attackers. The Germans threw hand grenades, 1 of which dropped between Private Kiner and 2 other men. With no hesitation, Private Kiner hurled himself upon the grenade, smothering the explosion. By his gallant action and voluntary sacrifice of his own life, he saved his 2 comrades from serious injury or death.”
Soon we will know the names and stories of Kiner’s Las Vegas compatriots new to heaven. But even as we mourn them, we should be inspired. The timeless blood of Las Vegas and of Aachen proves America’s triumph over evil.
