Like thousands of other American men in the 1940s, Charles Havlat of Dorchester was sent overseas during World War II. Also like many others, Private First Class Havlat never made it back home, having made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.But what makes PFC Havlat's story especially unique is that he is officially the last American soldier killed in action in the European Theatre during World War II. PFC Havlat took a bullet in the head while on patrol in southern Bohemia, shot by Nazi soldiers who were unaware that a ceasefire had been declared.
At 34 years old, PFC Havlat was the oldest in his family to serve in WWII, along with brothers Adolph and Rudy Havlat.
According to a 2005 story by Radio Praha (Czech Radio), PFC Havlat was on reconnaissance in a jeep on May 7, 1945, in Czechoslovakia, when his unit was blindsided by a "hail of enemy machine gun and small arms fire from concealed positions in the woods." In an interview, his brother Adolph recalled that "Charley fired once at the enemy and then ducked" behind the hood of the his damaged jeep. "But he peeked back up, I guess, at the same position and they apparently had a bead right on him, so ... and he died instantly," Adolph said. "That's what I've been told, anyway."
PFC Havlat's fellow soldiers returned fire until the Germans' radio operator received word nine minutes latter that a cease-fire order and armistice were in effect. Taken captive, the German officer who led the ambush said he did not know that a cease-fire had been declared and apologized for the incident.
The Havlat brothers were unaware of just how unlucky Charles had been until half a century later, according to the Radio Praha article. "We actually didn't hear about this until about 1995 -- that he was the last killed -- until it was published in the VFW magazine," Adolph said.
PFC Havlat is buried at the Saint Avold World War II Veteran's Cemetery near Metz, France. A military club in the Czech city of Plzen paid for a memorial plaque to be placed at the spot where he was killed. A few years ago, Adolph waged an unsuccessful campaign to get part of Highway 33, which Charles traveled often as a trucker, named "The Charles Havlat Memorial Highway." The Dorchester Times encourages county and state leaders, including state Senator Russ Karpisek, to pursue this worthwhile memorial and tribute to PFC Havlat.
A great story that has not been told often enough.
ReplyDeleteNaming Hwy 33 after Mr. Havlat would be the least we could do to honor him and his family. Thats quite something. I knew he was one of the last war fatalities but not the very last.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder and the history lesson -- so many have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. We are indeed fortunate to live in the USA..something we tend to take for granted.
ReplyDeleteI apologize that this comment is not germane. (Perhaps the Times could create a complaint box.) I've just returned from the City Park. On a weekend night, I found that the grass was half way up to my knees. Weeds were wrapping around the play equipment. The bathrooms were not working. These conditions existed as there were eight families (and about 20 children) grilling at the shelter. Unacceptable! I hate complaining, but I know the town has four employees to mow and maintain city grounds. I don't think the taxpayers of town are getting their money's worth. The citizens would be right to complain. (There are serious problems if the park can't be mowed for the weekend. Ultimately, someone at city hall, either elected or unelected, needs to be in charge.) Any town board members reading this, please look into why care of the park wasn't prioritized on a Friday.
ReplyDeleteWe ask that readers try to keep their comments relevant to the subject of the story. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGood family.........too bad they never got to see their brother grow old.
ReplyDeleteWould the staff of the Times be able to begin an effort to advance the memorial highway idea?
ReplyDeleteWould a petition drive help? Any chance of beginning the effort at the 4th of July ceremonies?