Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and A Forever Promise Forged in World War II

This chapter introduces the US Army’s Graves Registration Service (GRS) and the establishment of the American cemetery at Margraten in October 1944. It outlines America’s massive WWII mobilization, the shift from ad hoc burials to standardized recovery and identification missions, and 9th Army Commander William H. Simpson’s promise not to bury his men in Germany. After a dangerous initial site near Sittard is rejected, Captain Joseph Shomon—guided by village clerk Joseph van Laar—selects farmland by the Rijksweg (national highway) at Margraten for the 9th Army’s cemetery.

Still exhausted and short on provisions, Emilie reluctantly prepares to host US troops led by General Pete Corlett. The city welcomes the Americans—even sharing their single stick of gum—while air raids and shortages persist. Emilie tends to the visitors and receives unexpected help in the form of coffee, chocolate, and medicine for Willem. At Corlett’s suggestion, Emilie agrees to organize wholesome dances to lift frontline soldiers’ morale.

After Operation Market Garden’s failure, the leader of the Apeldoorn Resistance is arrested, and the Nazis execute two downed airmen. A resident takes Bill Moore, John Low, and the “Underwater Boys” to a nearby safe house with a hidden attic room.

That night, the Gestapo raids. Moore draws the searchers away by jumping from a window, giving Low enough time to reach the hideout.