One soldier’s story - From the Battle of the Bulge to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp

By Christine Baldwin, AFRH-W Librarian

Wilfred “Mac” McCarty joined the Army 3 July 1943 and after Basic Training and Army Specialized Training, he went to Belgium with the 11th Armored Division, where in December of 1944, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. A German 88 shell hit and sprayed him with shrapnel. It was in this battle that he received his Purple Heart.

In April 1945; a few days before VJ Day, he and his unit liberated the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria. They were there for over a month burying the dead, etc; an unusual and horrifying experience.

After being in and out of the Army, Mac retired in March 1967 and came to the home later that year. Mac, 87, has been a true asset to the Armed Forces Retirement Home. He enjoys the wealth of activities provided here and meeting all the very interesting people. He has been instrumental in the creation of our book ‘Who We Were’ and in gathering stories for the next edition. His commitment to his country and service to his fellow residents is legendary.