WWI Hero Sgt. Reidar Waaler Honored for Bravery in Saving Allies

The American soldier Sgt. Reidar Waaler of Company A, 105th Machine-Gun Battalion, 27th Division, has been remembered for his extraordinary act of heroism during World War I. Born on February 12, 1894, in Oslo, Norway, Waaler immigrated to the United States with his family as a child and later enlisted in the New York National Guard. Rising through the ranks to become a sergeant, he was deployed overseas with the U.S. First Army during World War I.

During the Battle of Le Hamel on July 4, 1918, Waaler fought alongside the Fourth Australian Division under Lt. Gen. John Monash, a renowned tactician. By September 1918, Waaler was part of the British-led advance against the German Hindenburg Line near Ronssoy. It was here that he demonstrated unparalleled bravery when a burning British tank, struck by enemy fire, trapped two crew members inside. Despite the intense artillery and machine-gun fire, Waaler crawled forward to the burning vehicle, rescued the two men, and even re-entered the tank to ensure no one else remained alive. His actions were later cited in awarding him the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration for military service, on February 4, 1919, by Gen. John Pershing.

Waaler’s story is a testament to the heroism and adaptability of soldiers during World War I. His ability to act decisively under fire, even as new technologies like tanks posed challenges, highlights the human element in warfare. After the war, Waaler married Gladys Evelyn Schutrum and lived a quiet life until his death on February 5, 1978, at age 84, in Palm City, Florida. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and sacrifice during one of history’s most devastating conflicts.