134th Infantry Regiment Website "All Hell Can't Stop Us"

Sgt. Wilber L. (Bud) Kahle

137th Infantry Regiment - Company B

Wilber Kahle was inducted into the Army on Feb. 19, 1944 at Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Later, he was transferred to the Infantry Replacement Center in Camp Roberts CA where he completed 17 weeks of training. Bud departed for Europe on Aug 12, 1944, arriving for assignment on 22 August where he was assigned to the 2nd platoon, Co. B, 1st Battalion, 137th Regiment, 35th Division. He arrived in the Normandy Beach area in mid-September and later joined the 137th as a replacement when the Regiment was fighting near Nancy, France.

His Regiment, part of the 35th Division, continued it successful drive east, later in support of the Battle of the Bulge. In early February 1945 the Division was pulled out of line and sent in a westward loop north to the area of Banholt, Holland, via Namur, Belgium. By the end of February the Regiment had captured the town of Houverath and then moved in early March to Lintfort, Germany.

Bud was reported missing in action on March 4. His Company B would have been attacking to the northwest of Linfort. He was not reported dead or wounded by his Company, so the hope survived that he may have been captured. On April 19 the family was made aware that he had been liberated on April 6. Bud had suffered during his captivity and spent some time in a French hospital before being return home.

Thanks to Jim Fritsch, Sgt Kahle's son-in-law for this information and photograph.

A Short History of the 137th Infantry Regiment by Jim Fritsch

The family would enjoy hearing from anyone who knew Bud and could share experiences.  He and his wife are now deceased.  Contact Jim Fritsch jffrit@att.net.