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Walter W. Covert - World War II

Walter Covert served as a half-track driver with the 19th Armored Infantry Battalion, part of the 14th Armored Division. Despite the fact that Covert did not arrive at the combat zone until December of 1944, he saw considerable action as his unit fought its way across Germany, including twice when his vehicle was disabled. He was injured in March of 1945, taking shrapnel in his leg, some of which he has lived with his entire life. Following the German surrender, Covert served in the occupation army before returning home in March, 1946.

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Feature Excerpt

Panzerfaust

Abstract

Interview Session (Audio)


Photos

Caption
The children all dressed up for family picture of the boys. Betty was not born yet. Cal-3, Ken-5, Walt-6, Harry-8. Circa 1927

Where:
Unknown

When:
Circa 1927

Ownership:
Narrator’s Photo

Caption
Covert Family Picture. Circa 1927. Harry (Dad), Cora (mom)Front: HarryJr. 8, Walter 6, Ken 5, Cal 3.

Where:
Unknown

When:
Circa 1927

Ownership:
Narrator’s Photo

Caption
Picture of the Covert children. Left to right, Walter, Cal, Ken, and Harry, and Betty in the front. Circa 1930’s

Where:
Unknown

When:
Circa 1930’s

Ownership:
Narrator’s Photo

Caption
An M-3 Half-track (an armored personnel carrier) during a training exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky, circa 1942. The version Covert drove during the war included an anti-mine drum in front and a small cupola for the .50 cal machine gun.

Where:
Fort Knox, Kentucky

When:
Circa 1942

Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.

Caption
The map of the 14th Division’s path across Germany in early 1945 as included in the 14th Division’s official history written shortly after the war.

Where:
Unknown

When:
early 1945

Ownership:
Photo was in the 14th Armored Division’s history. This image is considered to be in the public domain.

Caption
A German soldier hit Covert’s half-track with a Panzerfaust during a skirmish deep within Germany in the spring of 1945. All but one of the crew members made it out okay. The one casualty was a severe burn injury.

Where:
Germany

When:
1945

Ownership:
Photo was in the 14th Armored Division’s history. This image is considered to be in the public domain.

Caption
Covert Family Christmas party. 1976. Back row: Lyle, Cal, Ken, Walt, Betty (Covert) Collins. Couch: Nilene, Rita, Virginia, Marge. Front: Curtis Collins.

Where:
Unknown

When:
1976

Ownership:
Narrator’s Photo



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