Last week, World War II veteran Corporal Jack Myers visited St. Albans to speak with Upper School students at assembly. Myers served as a gunner in the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion in some of the most pivotal moments of the war and is also the uncle of STA choral music director and teacher Chuck Bowers.

After an informative introduction and overview of Myers’s time and service in the war by STA history teacher Dr. Rob Shurmer, Myers took the stage to a thunderous standing ovation . Myers, in full uniform with his medals and numerous recognitions adorned, introduced himself to the crowd, reminding them that he is now “101 and A HALF years old,” and he is grateful for every moment of it. 

In his sit down with Dr. Shurmer, Myers recounted his upbringing on a farm in Maryland during the tail-end of the Depression and joining one of the first classes of the Civilian Conservation Corps before being drafted and beginning his training in Texas. During his service, Myers played an active part in some of the most infamous phases of the war. His battalion was part of Operation Market Garden, providing support for the offensive drive into Germany. They helped secure victory at the Battle of the Bulge and also have the distinction of being the only unit to penetrate the Siegfried Line on two separate occasions. Later, Myers and his unit liberated the concentration camp at Dachau, receiving a Bronze Star and special designation as a Liberator unit.

Myers recalled hardships from the war but also friendships and more pleasant memories such as singing Christmas carols with the enemy across the river and bonding with his unit. “Of course I was scared, but I was well trained - and that’s important,” Myers recalled. 

He credits his faith with helping him through difficult moments of the war, and processing the experience in the years that followed. “It took me quite a few years to get my good feelings back, and I did,” Myers said. 

He concluded the assembly by singing “God Bless America” with his nephew, Mr. Bowers. Afterwards, Myers stood up and walked down the stairs of the stage, to be greeted by a mob of young men who wanted to shake his hand, thank him, or take a picture. He graciously met every single one of them with a firm handshake, a laugh, and a smile.

Thank you to Corporal Myers for his service and sacrifice to his country, and for giving his time to share his story with the St. Albans community.