Nebraska family memorializes their family member and troops who gave their lives during the Battle of St. Lo

July 7th will be the 75th anniversary for the battle of St. Lo, which is located in northwest France the Germans had a stronghold of the city.

After a long battle that took many lives, the Americans eventually won, liberating the city.

So now Clayton Engelman a current US National Guard member who’s great uncle died in the battle has been chosen to go back in July to represent the American forces that day.

“It means a lot to be selected as a representative both for the Nebraska soldiers that were killed then but also for my great uncle,” Engelman said.

His great uncle Charles Stevens died alongside with 52 other Nebraskans during that bloody battle.

So for Clayton to be a representative for all those who gave the great sacrifice means just a little bit more.

“Being able to represent my great uncle from world war two also kind of helps me remember all of the soldiers we’ve to lose,” Engleman said.

Clayton is currently serving in the National Guard, and he made that decision after being inspired by those who gave their lives at St. Lo.

“It was always a passion to join the military as I joined and as I continued my service the feeling of service and commitment to something great than yourself has really meant a lot,” Engleman said.

And to help others remember the great sacrifice that those troops made in the war.

Clayton is donating his great uncle’s purple heart to the museum.

“Remembering that battle and how important it was and remembering world war two as a whole, and not forgetting the sheer number of soldiers that were killed during that war is very important to remember and not forget and not repeat history,” Engleman said.