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Retired Longview doctor Donald Fuesler talks about his experiences liberating concentration camps with the Army during World War II. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News

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A veteran bears witness

Monday, November 10, 2008 7:02 PM PST

By Tony Lystra

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Donald Fuesler went to the village and gathered the people. He brought them into the camp so they could see the emaciated prisoners, the mass grave. He wanted them to see where the stench had been coming from.

"I can remember the mothers hiding their children’s eyes from this terrible scene," he recalled.

And then, with his fellow soldiers, Fuesler put them to work. The bodies would be pulled from the pit and buried respectfully, each in its own grave.

As they worked, some of the villagers wept. Some, Fuesler said, were merely stoic.

It was the spring of 1945 and Fuesler, now a retired Longview doctor, was a young private first class in Patton’s army. He had fought his way across France and into the Ruhr, an industrial area of Germany.

There, he discovered the second Nazi concentration camp he would help liberate during World War II.

"The first thing we noticed was this strange smell," he said of the camp in the Ruhr. "We found these people dying and dead. And then we found the mass grave where they bulldozed all these bodies."

Fuesler (pronounced Fee-sler) is among the last of a generation who witnessed humanity’s worst, and he has tried to forget much of what he saw. Yet, he spoke up about it during an interview Saturday, just before Veterans Day, because he wants people to remember.

People, he said, "need to know that it was real. They existed. These people were murdered. They were tortured. They were worked to death."

‘It was sickening’

Fuesler, who is now 84, said he and the other U.S. infantrymen who discovered the Ruhr camp were aghast. They asked the locals about it. "Oh they didn’t know anything. They didn’t know anything that was going on."

But of course they had, he said. And they were brought to the camp to clean it up, to be forced to reckon with the evils of their government.

The camp’s German guards had fled. Some were dead, killed by soon-to-be freed prisoners who still had the strength to fight back.

There were Jews and dissidents. Thousands of them.

"There were hundreds that had to be buried," he said.

From there, Fuesler said, the war took on a new meaning. He had always understood that Germany’s aggression had to be checked. But Fuesler, whose grandfather had come to the U.S. from Germany, said he was enraged after seeing the camps.

"It was hatred — of these people who allowed this to happen," he said of his feelings. "It was a hatred of the Nazi regime. ... And it was sickening. I can remember many soldiers vomiting, not being able to even look at it and walking away and trying to escape from it."

‘Just keep going’

Fuesler had fought his way across France, having landed at Omaha Beach several weeks after the D-Day invasion of Normandy. His unit was nearly crushed in the winter cold time and again. He recalled crossing the remnants of a bridge, clinging with his gloveless hands to an icy metal cable as the German fire rained down.

"We started to cross the river, going hand-over-hand on this cable. I got about halfway across the river. I thought, ‘I’ve had it. I’m going to drop into the river and drown and that’s the end of it.’ "

But then, he said, he thought of his mother’s brother, who was killed in World War I. "I thought, ‘I can’t do this to Mom. You’re being greedy. Just keep going across the river.’"

On the other side, a major who was there to help rescue the troops said, "Where are the rest of the men?"

"I said, ‘These are the rest of the men.’ "

There weren’t many left.

A life saved

Earlier that winter, in 1944, Fuesler had found in the French town of Metz his first Gestapo concentration camp at Fort Queuleu. The prisoners had been kept below ground in dank cells.

Fuesler said he was shocked by the brutality, but he pressed on, thinking of the tough fighting ahead.

What he didn’t know at the time was that he had helped free a French dissident who had been conscripted into the German army. The dissident, Francois Bretnacher, had deserted and was captured. Bretnacher was to be sent to Auschwitz for extermination the day the Fuesler and his comrades arrived at the camp.

A few years ago, an old friend introduced Fuesler to Bretnacher. They’re now good friends, the prisoner and the liberator, connected by a common moment in history.

Bretnacher’s granddaughter, Cathy, stayed with Fuesler and his wife, Margaret, in Longview for several months in 2006. She studied English, and volunteered with a local group that advocates for children in the court system. She also tutored students in French courses at Lower Columbia College.

Last fall, the Fueslers attended her wedding in France.

"Of course, both of them are very, very grateful," Fuesler said of Bretnacher and his granddaughter. "They just wore out their gratefulness to us about having saved his life."

Next

cherokee wrote on Nov 9, 2008 11:30 PM:

" A very sad story indeed! It is a shame about mans inhumanity to man. The death camps, the slaughter of innocent men, women, and children. Death marches, etc. OH WAIT!! That is a story of WW2. It sounded exactly like the way the US Army treated the Native Americans! Remember Wounded Knee! Remember The Trail Of Tears! "

Billy Hill wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:47 AM:

" Under the new Obama administration I have decided to spend at least the next 4 years in a complete and utter self loathing existence. Hopefully, as a white, guilt ridden American on Veterans day it will help me to better understand the plight of cherokee and others who will post here today. I will, if needed, be the one to light the fire to destroy all documents pertaining to and in an attempt to erase the complete history of GW Bush so it will not be a burden to future generations. If this practice is implemented today the tomorrows could not help but be better. In the 21st century under the leadership of the Messiah sent to us via the Democratic party humanity will evolve so history need not be a learned experience it will instead be an enlightenment given free via the government, in due course, prepared in advance to all who shall receive it thus, never repeating it. However, in these last few days until that happens I would truly like to take this opportunity to thank each and every Veteran for their service to this the greatest country the world has ever known. "

local worker wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:26 AM:

" I knew he was a very nice man. I had no idea what his story was though. My hat is off to you Don. 55 years ago you helped bring me into this world; you were there to stitch me up and set my bones when needed. You were our family doctor until you retired. I was told stories of Don making his way up Columbia Heights in deep snow to treat my sister when she was sick with scarlet fever. I thought you were a hero from the way you cared but there is so much more to your story. Thank you and thank you again. And thank you for sharing this portion of your life. "

Simple Man wrote on Nov 10, 2008 3:21 AM:

" This was a lot worse than the way native americans were treated. "

kk wrote on Nov 10, 2008 7:00 AM:

" if you have met dr. fuesler, you would never guess he had seen such horrible things. a gentle, gentle soul. he delivered me, my younger brother, and my first child. he used to make house calls!!!! drove me to the hospital when my appendix broke in his own car. my family has had many reasons to thank the good doctor for his medical care for many years before his retirement. and now i have another..... thank you doctor fuesler for your service to our country. i hope you are well and may God bless you and your family. "

LviewLocal wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Thank you to Dr. Fuesler for sharing his heroic story. We all owe a huge debt to these soldiers, a debt that those of us who were not there can never truly grasp or understand. Thank you again Dr. Fuesler for all you & your fellow soldiers did. "

4146 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Very hard to find a better man or a better soldier than the Doc. Thank you for everything. "

Rural Citizen wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:41 AM:

" A true American Man. Quiet, non assuming, no demand to be called a hero. Thank you so very much for this most important story. And thank you to TDN for always remembering Veterans Day 11/11.

On Veterans day I always remember to thank my father, an Omaha Beach soldier who I loved very much, in my prayers.

This family is especially lucky to still have their father. "

Blogger Jogger wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Thank you, Dr. Feusler, for All that you've done. Your service to our country would be enough, but it seems that was just the beginning. Thank you for sharing your story. "

Blogger Jogger wrote on Nov 10, 2008 8:47 AM:

" Billy Hill: Give it up. When I read your posting it almost sounds like you think Bush has been a decent president. I just don't see how that can be true... of ANYBODY, republican, oops, GOP or Democrat. "

Tracie C wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Thank you Dr. Feusler for all you have done for this country and for my family. You brought my dad into this world. "

greenbean wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Let's keep the comments about this story. Thank you Dr. Fuesler for telling the story of what you saw, it is so important for us to all remember. I especially like that your unit made the local townspeople confront the camp so close to their homes. All it takes for evil to succeed is for good people to do nothing. They did nothing, but you and your fellow soldiers sacrificed their lives to save others. Thank you. "

greenbean wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:06 AM:

" I just finished reading an account of life in a extermination camp -- "Night" by Elie Wiesel. If you want to read a first hand account of how a young boy survived, I recommend this book. "

stag wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:19 AM:

" As a person who has served his country I tip my hat and I would like to say thank you to this person. As one who was in the Navy & now a Merchant Marine myself I know what this means to a person when he or she hears these words. I don't know what it is like to fight a war but I do know what it is like to be in one. I was in both Iraqi wars, but never had I set foot on land on both wars. In the last I helped give supplies to those who needed them. In all I have given 15 years to this country that I do love so very much and not once ask for anything. I wish that others that don't serve would think about there freedoms that they have and how they got them. I know that in this time in U.S. history it is hard to think of those who serve. "

Jynx wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:22 AM:

" Thank you for sharing your story. I had asked my grandfather to share his accounts of WWII before he passed, but he insisted that I did not want to know about it. Thank you, and all veterans, for serving the United States of America. "

momto1 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:37 AM:

" What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing it with us. And Jynx my grandfather told me the same thing when I asked him to relate some of his experiences during WW2. "

aelkins02 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:40 AM:

" I'd like to say that both atrocities were dark times. However, whoever Cherokee is, has never felt persecution the way their ancestors did. And the current government in this day and age has done nothing but help to rebuild the damage our ancestors did. So why are you running your mouth? I'm in the military currently IN Germany. To look down on the Germans now for what their ancestors did to Jews, is of the same spirit that Hitler had. What you said was wrong dude, and I'm calling you out on it. As for Mr. Fuesler, thank you for your willingness to go into harms way to save a people from total annihilation. Whether or not you know it, Germans here have a great respect for what you've (your generation) done for them and the Jews. "

Kelsograd wrote on Nov 10, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Dr Feusler was also my family's Dr. As a young child i remember him being very kind as a teenager being very forthright. He was very good for us. "

ProudKelsoMom wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Dr Feusler, thank you for your service & thank you for sharing your story.

The Rodgers Family "

FDR wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:28 AM:

" Dr. Feusler, thank you for your service to out country and to our local health. I personally know somebody who's denies the holoucaust happened, I am glad for first person accounts so that the populace doesn't buy into that view.

Billy Hill, I'm a veteran and I'm disgusted with your post. "

AmericanGirl wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I am so glad the people posting here have not been as disrespectful to Mr Feusler and they had been to Mr McCain.
Thank You to both men. "

somedude wrote on Nov 10, 2008 11:43 AM:

" I was Lucky enough to hear a Holoccaust survior speak at LCC when I was yonger, I was shocked when she said that over 80% of the worlds population does not belive that the holocaust was real. I sat and listened to this woman who marched with Ann Frank tell her story and it brought tears to my eyes to hear the horrors she and others went through, to see how she was marked liked cattle and treated like she was not even a life form. I appluade Dr. Donald Fuesler for his role and I hope to never see the things he has had to live with his entire life and for him to know that some people will never forget what happened. I also agree with the posts that what the U.S. did to the indians was just as bad as what happened in WW2 the only difference between them is Hitler did what he did out of hate of the Jews, the U.S. did it for profit "

grams wrote on Nov 10, 2008 12:25 PM:

" Dr. Feusler, I am fortunate enough to have a living patriot and hero in my own family who has shared his own experiences in regard to this terrible war. While you were on the ground, he was in the air flying in B-25 and B-17 bombers. Like you, he chose to go on and ended up flying 80 missions. He too is a soft spoken, sensitive, and gentle man and only shared his experiences with us because we want to keep this history alive in our family which has alwyas had patriots in every war and conflict since the Revolutionary War. Without all of you men and women who leave your home behind to protect it we owe the deepest respect and reverence. Thank you for sharing your story. "

concerned citizen wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:05 PM:

" Yes, thank you Dr. Fuesler. And thank you TDN for this important article. Thank you to all veterans! "

CRgirl wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:39 PM:

" Who among us can say that one atrocity is worse than another? Be it to the Jewish people, Native Americans, African American slaves.
Animals are kinder to their own than many men. "

country gal wrote on Nov 10, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Thank you, Donald Fuesler, and to all veterans of USA! "

1arealocal wrote on Nov 10, 2008 2:17 PM:

" 1st..on this Veterans Day, I want to thank all veterans that served before me and are serving now, you honor this nation with your service and sacrifice.

RE: aelkins02, I agree with your comment about the modern German citizen, I too have been on German soil many times and have been graciously accepted by the Germans, HOWEVER, to you post about "Native Americans", have you every heard of the BIA? This government subsidizes millions of dollars to the remaining indian clans. There are many (not all) that do not work, abuse drugs/alcohol, and draw government aid to continue this cycle. The tribes do not follow the same laws as us, they are not subject to our regulation. They squander the millions of dollars they make in their casinos while there is crippling poverty in the rest of their "nation". How long do WE have to pay for our ancestors mistakes?? I believe it has been too long. They have the ability to make their own way like every other American. "

Louie wrote on Nov 10, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Many atrocities have occurred in our global existence on humans and animals alike. Who knows what makes a human being act in such a horrific manner. Dr. Donald Feusler happens to he a man of honor, unlike those who commit such acts, and will be thanked and revered time and time again for his kindness. Today is no exception...thank you. "

LongviewFam wrote on Nov 10, 2008 5:37 PM:

" You are a true hero, Sir. Thank you for your service. "

the Grateful Dad wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:13 PM:

" I was delivered by Dr. Fuesler & he was my family doctor for a very long time. I remember the house calls, those visits to the doctor's office, his gentle eyes peering at me over the top of his half-spectacles. I have always enjoyed Dr. Fuesler's wise & witty "one-liner" letters to the editor. This is a chapter in his life that I never knew of, or could have even imagined took place. Dr. Fuesler, I honestly didn't think that I could honor or respect you more, but I was wrong. You are truly a great American hero, and a prince of a man. Longview, and, yes, the whole world, have been blessed by your very presence. Thanks for giving of yourself so selflessly for an entire lifetime. It is people like you that bring TRUE hope to the United States of America. I have TWO middle names, one of them being "Don", after Dr. Fuesler. It seems that my mother fell from a moving car shortly before my birth. When I was born healthy and OK, my parents added Dr. Fuesler's name, "Don", to my name. Yes, God did the work, but it was Dr. Fuesler's caring hands and wisdom that God used to save my life. Thanks again, Doc! I'm honored to have your name. "

longviewtransplant wrote on Nov 10, 2008 6:43 PM:

" thank you, doctor - and thank the men and women who served with you. thank you for serving our country, for fighting with honor and integrity, and for living your life out in the same manner. many of us could learn a lesson from you. thank you, and happy veterans' day. "

direwolf08 wrote on Nov 10, 2008 10:05 PM:

" Dear Dr. Fuesler,

You touched me like no one else ever has.

Jim W. "

ROCK wrote on Nov 11, 2008 2:41 PM:

" I FIRST HEARD THESE TYPES OF HORRIFIC ACCOUNTS OF CONCENTRATION CAMPS FROM WALT PIPER. HE SHED TEARS TELLING OUR HISTORY CLASS OF HIS PERSONAL EXPIERENCES. DOCTOR FUESLER HAS BEEN A IMPORTANT INFLUENCE OF MY FAMILY'S LIFE. HE DELIVERED ME, AND MY TWO BROTHERS.HE HAS BEEN WITH OUR FAMILY THROUGH JOY AND SORROW. DOCTOR FUESLER WAS MY DOCTOR UNTIL THE DAY HE RETIRED. I ONLY KNOW THE MAN AS A FAMILY DOCTOR. I HAD NO IDEA HIS CALM,PLEASENT PERSONALITY WAS HONED BY SUCH TERRIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES. THANK YOU DOCTOR FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR OUR COUNTRY, ANS FOR THE STONE FAMILY. "

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