This American Soldier Saved Charlemagne’s Cathedral in World War II
As the city of Aachen—once the seat of power for Emperor Charlemagne—lay in ruins during World War II's harshest winter, an American soldier worked tirelessly with German civilians to preserve its ancient cathedral. Walter Johan Huchthausen of Perry, Oklahoma, fought to prevent the building from collapsing and ensured its preservation for future generations.
Walter Huchthausen: Architect and Soldier
Huchthausen, the son of a German immigrant, was a promising architect known for his strong understanding of design and passion for history. After earning a Master’s degree from Harvard, he worked in New York and Boston and later became an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Minnesota.
His German Heritage and Language Skills
Huchthausen’s connection to Germany was profound. Before the war, he studied there on a Harvard fellowship and gained native-like fluency in German while collaborating with German museum experts. This cultural and linguistic knowledge proved essential during his service as a U.S. Army Monuments Man, where he was tasked with protecting valuable historical artifacts.
Military Service
At age 38, Huchthausen volunteered for military service in 1942, joining the U.S. military. Although his time in the USAAF was brief, his unique expertise became vital in safeguarding cultural heritage during the war.
"Walter Johan Huchthausen strove tirelessly to stop the building from collapsing and ensured it would be preserved as it is today."
Through his dedication, Huchthausen played a crucial role in protecting one of Europe's most important historical landmarks under extreme conditions.
Author’s summary: Walter Huchthausen combined his architectural skills, German heritage, and military service to save Aachen’s Charlemagne cathedral during World War II’s harshest winter.