“The Dutchman” Althuizen aka chow hound, a nickname given him to US troops during WWII.
RIP to Johnny “The Dutchman” Althuizen aka chow hound, a nickname given him to US troops during WWII.
John’s story is fascinating, while serving strictly as a linguist for the 7th Armored Division, Johnny was made a BAR man when fighting got heavy.
He followed the US Army through Europe mostly for the food, but also because he could speak five languages. The commanding officer of his armored infantry company asked John’s family permission to take him from Holland and to join them on the rest of their route to Germany.
John would be wounded during the Battle of the Bulge, then suffer an extensive leg wounded after being shot off a tank in Germany. While authorized to wear the uniform and medals of the 7th Armored Division, John was never granted the status of a US War Veteran.
We will always remember his sacrifice, and honored to have him part of the rifle project.
Comments
Post a Comment