Walter Ehlers Becomes a Paul Harris Fellow

Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow

An award bearing the name of Rotary International Founder Paul Harris is presented to those distinguished individuals who have served and inspired Community & International Service. Rotary District 5320 Governor Roger McGonegal presented the award to Mr. Ehlers at the Awards Luncheon on May 20th. Walter is a Buena Park Resident and an Honorary Member of the Buena Park Rotary Club.

is a great example of the Rotary Motto of “Service abpve Self” he joined the Army from Manhattan, Kansas, and by June 9, 1944 was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. On that day, near Goville, France, he led his unit’s attack against German forces and single-handedly defeated several enemy machinegun nests. The next day, his platoon came under heavy fire and he covered their withdrawal, carried a wounded rifleman to safety, and continued to lead despite his own wounds. For his actions, he was issued the Medal of Honor six months later, on December 19, 1944.