In the spring of 2018, Sallie and I accompanied our granddaughter’s school outing on a field trip to France and Belgium to honor the end of the First World War. The trip schedule took us to Normandy, also, to see the Normandy beaches and other sites of the invasion.
As you would expect, we visited the Normandy US cemetery. But my story begins back before we left. We did research on local Oconee County veterans who were buried at Normandy and, in particular, that were killed on or about D-Day, 1944. There were only a few, but one was to stand out and humble me forever, Pvt. James B. McDaniel.
At Normandy, luckily, as the rain had fallen steadily for several days and walking on the grass was discouraged, we found his grave site and took a photo.
When I returned home, a local paper wanted to interview me about the trip and the photos, and I agreed. As I prepped for the reporter interview, I begin to wonder: are there any relatives of Pvt McDaniel still here in the area? So, I begin to search using an online genealogy tool. After being discouraged somewhat, the ancestry tool came through. Literally, on Memorial Day 2018, I discovered that, indeed, his widow, Helen McDaniel, was still alive and living about 30 minutes away. I decided to pay her a visit. My wife said, “be sure to take flowers!”
So, away I went to Winder, GA. I found her house- no one home. Then I remembered the genealogy tool had given me a phone number, so I called her number and listened for it ringing inside the house. Not a sound. Just when I was about to give up, she answered.
“‘Hello’. Ms. McDaniel?
Yes.
Ms McDaniel. My name is Dick Wallace and I am at your house. Are you home?
You are at my house? Well, I don’t need anything. Thank you. I don’t want to buy anything.
Ms. McDaniel. No, you misunderstand. I don’t want to sell you anything. I was just in France and I have a photo of your husband’s gravesite at Normandy. And I have you some flowers! I would like to give them to you.
You have flowers for me?!
Yes, ma’am. Can I come see you?
Well, I am in a retirement home now. I had stroke about five years ago and had to move out of my house.
That’s ok- where are you located, and I will come by.
Well, it’s Magnolia Estates. Not too far. But lunch is at noon. (It was about 1115 now)
Yes, ma’am and I will be there right away. I won’t interfere with your lunch.
Ok, then.”
So off I went to Magnolia Estates and found it easily. As I walked up to the front doors, they begin to open from the inside and as I pulled them all the way open there stood Ms. McDaniel, pushing the door open with her walker.
After the greetings with staff, she escorted me back to her room and there is where this story took a turn.
She sat in her big easy chair and across from her on the wall was a collage of memories and photo of her husband, James. She told me their love story and how they had been married only 10 days before he deployed to France.
“A bride at 18 and a widow at 18” she lamented. She never remarried.
But what tore at my heart most was the last letter she received from James just before he left for Normandy. In fact, it was a poem and she had framed the original and also a calligraphy copy a friend had made for her. The words are below:
Towering Faith
How I have missed you
So sweet your lovely smile
Like glittering stars of heaven
Presenting the comfort of your eyes.
In the moonlight sphere above me
I picture your loving face.
So innocent, kind, virgin, pure
And filled with maidenly grace.
Like towering trees you stand
In pose you face the breeze
Your lovely curls are flowing
Like the drifting of the sea.
Your sad heart with its plea
Cries out in soundless screams
With mind and soul both lonely
You sigh with sleepless dreams.
But forever you’ll be waiting
With all the love we knew
Until the storm is over
And I come home to you!
‘ Jim ’
She shared that she was able to communicate in writing to Jim’s good wartime buddy. His biggest revelation was that Mac had died on the 10th of June, not the 17th in the Army record. He knew that for a fact because the German mortars that wounded him had killed James. But she took the Army’s dates for record and every 17th of June honored him with altar flowers in their local church.
She invited me to stay for lunch with her. I did, of course. And she liked my flowers!
The local paper printed her story and more.
Leaving, I was humbled and awed at the immensity of their sacrifice- all of their tomorrows and dreams gone that momentous day back in 1944. No national treasure can repay. And they are only one of those who shared the same sacrifice.
For my own catharsis I wrote a letter to her husband. Civilization owes a great debt to the James and Helen McDaniel’s of that generation.
I still visit with her from time to time.
Letter to Pvt. James B. McDaniel; KIA Normandy France June 1944
Dear Pvt. McDaniel,
I met your widow today, Mac. I report that she still holds your memory dear. The poem you wrote to her from England, Towering Faith, hangs on her wall, along with a calligraphy copy lovingly done by a friend or relative. A reader comes to tears upon reading. And, of course, your photo is center set among the poems and rests above the memorial flag sent to her in commemoration of your sacrifice. I note you were married only ten days before you left for France.
You know, Helen never remarried. I can only surmise you were her first and deepest love and she couldn’t really replace it with another. She honors your death every June 10. Yes, June 10th. Your buddy, Bill Koch, told her he was with you when you were killed, the same moment he was wounded. You both were hiding in the hedgerows we have heard so much about since, and German artillery took your life. The Army reports your death as June 17th but Helen relies on Bill’s recollection.
Helen has been surrounded by loving family, however, all her life: her mom and dad, nieces and nephews and sisters and brother. From her picture collage in her room, there are photos of church lady friends also. I can also tell you they are all Georgia fans as many graduated from Georgia, Helen proudly recounts.
A former mayor of Winder and his wife took Helen to visit you in Normandy many years ago, maybe she said 1995. The cemetery caretaker there put sand into the marble inscription on your resting place marker so that she could get a clear photo. Otherwise, your name was indecipherable from the blazing white marble. I think there is some symbolism there.
Pvt. McDaniel, I am so grateful, as is your nation, for the sacrifice you and Helen have made for our country. You two sacrificed all of your tomorrows together and all the memories those future days would hold and create- children, grandchildren, ball games, recitals, careers, and your Memorial Days at the beach, perhaps. There is no national treasure that can repay.
I report to you, though, that your sacrifices were not in vain as heart rending as it was to you both. The world has been and is a safer and more prosperous place; civilized and mostly at peace. Citizens of Europe and the Americas live in peace and hundreds of millions now can chart their futures guided only by their dreams; as great an epitaph as a man from Georgia could want.
Deepest, Deepest regards,
Dick Wallace
A Fellow Soldier and Georgian for all Georgians
Well done, Dick. Thanks for blessing her and sharing this memory with us today!
Thanks, Eric– knowing Helen and her story has been the blessing for sure. Today was Helen’s 94th birthday. Sallie and I sent her red roses. As she is not able to get out to church any longer her church friends called her to sing Happy Birthday! She’s still a very happy and engaged lady.
I read your moving tribute today Dick. Thank you for sharing it with us and thank you as well for comforting a widow who, in turn, inspired you.
With very best wishes,
Bob
Bob— good to see you at the reunion. I am glad Helen’s story inspired. She humbles us all— just turned 94 on Sunday the 7th.
Allons!!
DW
Dick, one of the best parts of your story is to show that when we extend ourselves for others, we gain far more than we give. Thank you for setting an example for all of us that multiplies the value of the gift given us by the McDaniels.
Mike- you are so correct— Helen humbles us all —- I have been blessed by her story in so many ways- v/r, DW
Dick, moving story from which we all can take so much. Thank you.
Wayne— thank you— Helen turned 94 on July 7th. She’s still happy and content- grateful person. I think she humbles us all. V/r, DW
Dick,
As we used to say in the old days, “Pop your chest up!” Meaningful & moving gesture.
Shows one reason why they are called the Greatest Generation.
Denis— thank you. I am glad you found the story impactful. Helen turned 94 on last Sunday— still happy, grateful, content. She humbles us all. Yes, The Greatest! V/r, dw
Great story. Thank you for sharing.
Pete— my pleasure to share— she just turned 94 on July 7th- still happy and content with her life— not bitter. She humbles us all— v/r, DW
Wow. Great job Dick. Good for you.
Stu – Thanks. Helen just turned 94 on July 7th. We have been blessed by her story, n’est pas? See you soon in St. Pete. DW
Dick,
A wonderful tribute — all around — to him, his wife, his family, his countrymen, and our nation. Ten days is not much in a life, but it showed a love for one another and a love for country that will last for eternity. So noble of you to take the time to visit, to follow through, and to share.
Well done.
Jim McDonough
Jim, thank you, indeed. FYI Helen just turned 94 on July 7th. Still has the reputation of being the sweetest woman in Winder, GA. She humbles us all… v/r, DW
Dick,
What a lovely story–and such a generous gesture on your part. Thank you for sharing.
Ralph— it was my honor to tell the story, you know. What a shame it had gone untold before now. It is a true “Saving Private Ryan” story, isn’t it? Helen turned 94 on last Sunday — still happy and content even after all these years. She humbles us all. V/r, DW
Dick, my admiration of you ever increases…learning of your efforts to locate Helen and share time and memories adds to that respect. Thank you for both making this effort and sharing it.
Ever your company mate and brother in arms,
Tom
Tom, well thank you so much— FYI Helen just turned 94 on July 7th and still has a sweet and content disposition. The humbles us all. Best to Barbara and tell me how she liked the recipe!!! DW
Dear Dick,
Please add my voice to the chorus of others expressing gratitude and admiration for your effort to find Helen and tell your story about all that followed. Our recent Reunion reminds us of the value of memories recalled and shared.
Your account of enduring love, poetically expressed and tenderly preserved, reflects human nature at its finest and serves as an example of courage, self-sacrifice, and the inequities of fortune. Thank you for adding meaning to a day of the celebration of freedom and the price paid to ensure its preservation.
For the Best of the Line,
Stewart
Stewart— thank you for your comment. FYI Helen turned 94 on July 7th. Still has the sweetest spirit and grateful for life. She humbles us all— DW
Dick,
What a moving and inspirational story. Thank you so much for sharing and especially for having the compassion and resolve to keep following that thread to the end. Nothing can make up for what Ms. McDaniel and her courageous husband, Jim, had to sacrifice, but I suspect that your incredible act of kindness and compassion will warm her heart for the rest of her days. Well done! You make your “Best of the Line” brethren proud!
Ted
Ted, thank you very much. I can report to you that Helen has the reputation of being the sweetest woman in Winder GA. Imagine. After all that hardship. She just turned 94 on July 7th. V/r, DW
Beautiful. Poignant. Thank you.
Mick— thanks— are we not so terribly fortunate? I am humbled every time I recount this meeting. It’s a real life Saving Private Ryan story— best to you in your tough job— v/r, DW
Riveting. Through your and Helen’s comments, Pvt James McDaniel lived again. Thank you.
Tom— thank you—. Are we not so fortunate today? Their story brings burdens me with the true cost of the sacrifice so many made— v/r, DW
Dick,
Wonderful tribute. I must confess that I had to break out my handkerchief. It made me proud to be an American Soldier and your classmate.
Geoff— well, thank you— let me say I have been brought to tears many times by this story— humbled— realizing how fortunate we are today— what a sacrifice they made— we know it in intellectual terms but a story like this in flesh and blood brings it home— v/r, DW
Dick, it surprises me not one bit that you would make such a gesture of kindness, respect and honor. Thank you.
Hank— thank you for your kind response. Hey- we miss you and Elizabeth’— come see us when you can and I will take you to meet Helen!! DW
An awesome tribute to an American soldier and his wife and their sacrifice for us. Wow. Thanks, Dick.
Paul— If I am not mistaken – we served together at FORSCOM back in the day!! Regardless – thank you for reading my recounting of a truly humbling experience. V/r, Dick Wallace
I was deeply touched by your story of Mac and Helen. How lovely of you to do it, write it, and share it. I am a more humble person for reading this touching story. Thank you!
Diana— I am so honored that you read this story. Yes, their story truly humbles, and reminds us how fortunate we are to be living the fruits of liberty. V/r, Dick Wallace
Dick,
What a wonderful story. Thank you so much for uncovering it and sharing it. What I find so fascinating about life is that there are countless untold stories like this all around us. The vast majority will probably never be discovered, but every once in a while they are. And as you learned so humbly, when they are brought to light they brighten not just our day but many other days as well. May God bless you abundantly.
Thanks Ray- you are so correct– I have been humbled by their story. And blessed immensely. Best to you– v/r,
btw– Helen turned 94 on Jul 7th and we sent her red roses– florist said she remembers Helen as the sweetest woman in Winder GA- imagine not being bitter but sweet after all these years– DW
Dick,
Take Very Big Bites. A most excellent story. Taking the flowers was real class – even better than Sallie’s gravy, which was at the top of my list for 50 years – until Sallie topped that with the nudge.
Your return visits to see Helen match the gravy.
Ron