Military Life
Wilbert Wagner enlisted into the Military on October 8, 1943, at the age of 36 in Altoona. At the time of his death in June 21, 1944, he was a private who served as the backbone of the U.S. military, who followed orders and carried out missions and assignments.
Recuitment
Wagner enlisted in the military on October 8, 1943 at the age of 36 in the Altoona recruitment center. As part of the 4th Infantry Division, he trained in Eastern Texas and Louisiana in what's called the "Louisiana Maneuvers" to prepare for D-Day. In these training sessions, Wagner and the 4th infantry division would train through large-scale simulated battles, field exercises, and much more to prepare.
Simulated Battle in the Louisiana Maneuvers
4th Infantry Division
Wilbert Wagner was assigned to the 4th infantry division. His division participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers before D-day, practicing the landings that were about to happen. The division then later landed on Utah beach at Normandy, where Wagner was shot in the left eye and died.
Image of 4th Inf Division landing on Utah Beach
Equipment Soldiers had during D-day
Equipment
The Average Solider like Wilbert Wagner would usually have an M1 Garand with a bayonet as their primary weapon, along with a Colt 1911 as their secondary, grenades, a pocket knife, and many other tools. Other Infantryman may be carrying Springfield M1903A4 machine guns, Thompson M1A1 SMGs or Flamethrowers