CLINTON, Iowa – The late Henry O. Langrehr — a World War II veteran, author and longtime resident of this community – will be honored as a “Hometown Hero” during a ceremony this week.
That ceremony will begin at noon Friday, June 20, at the Clinton County Freedom Rock, located along the Mississippi River riverfront next to the city’s Showboat Theatre.
An image of Mr. Langrehr rendering a salute to his fellow servicemen and women has been painted on the west-facing side of the Clinton County Freedom Rock. This tribute is part of a statewide initiative by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, who created hand-painted Freedom Rocks in each of Iowa’s 99 counties to recognize local veterans.
Mr. Langrehr died on Wednesday, April 23, at the age of 100. He was a featured speaker at many events in the region, including last year’s John Deere Classic golf tournament, and was honored at a Veterans Day celebration last year at John Deere Headquarters in Moline.
He served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. His military experience included on June 6, 1944, D-Day, when, at 19 years old, he parachuted into Sainte-Mère-Église, France. After being captured and imprisoned in a Nazi war camp, he orchestrated an escape.
His experiences are detailed in the book “Whatever It Took,” which he co-authored with Jim DeFelice, best known for “American Sniper.”
The ceremony on Friday will include:
- Kay Schneider, Mr. Langrehr’s daughter and Clinton resident, along with other family and friends in attendance.
- The “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by Bharati Manion.
- Remarks from Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion and Amvets Post No. 28 Commander Jim Manion.
- A 21-gun salute by 10 members of Amvets Post No. 28 Honor Guard.
- Ceremonial presentation of the American flag, folded in the traditional triangular shape to honor Mr. Langrehr’s service.
- Closing performance of “God Bless America” by Bharati Manion.
This event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Grow Clinton, Amvets Post No. 28 (Clinton), American Legion June Van Meter Post 190 (Clinton), the City of Clinton, and dedicated community volunteers.
