JOSEPH BEYRLE: THE U.S. PARATROOPER THAT HELPED THE SOVIETS IN WWII
We’re painting with broad strokes here, but the general rule is that if you're willing to serve in the American Armed Forces, you’re a hero. This isn’t a lazy cliché; the personal sacrifices that go into serving are admirable. Veterans give up their time, personal health, and efforts to keep America safe. Now, while it’s not a contest, every so often, you come across a war hero that has gone above and beyond what many would consider to be their call of duty. Getting the job done is an obvious goal for anyone on a mission, even when things go sideways, but Joseph Beyrle, a.k.a. “Jumpin’ Joe,” took things to new heights. Seriously, this man’s life is like a Call of Duty mission that just keeps going. By the time Jumpin’ Joe was finished with his service, he would be the only American who fought in the Soviet Army during World War II, helping to bring an end to Nazis in Europe by not only helping the Americans but also joining the Soviet army. Buckle up because this story is a wild ride and displays heroism, strength, and a literal fighting spirit that would help liberate the world from the Third Reich. Read next:Klaus Martens and the WWII Origins of Doc Martens
Joseph Beyrle Completes His Missions in WWII
In 1942, shortly after the United States entered World War II, Joesph Beyrle had just graduated high school and was set to play baseball at the University of Notre Dame on a scholarship. But he had other plans in mind. Forgoing his collegiate baseball career, Beyrle would enlist in the U.S. Army to be a part of the paratrooper infantry. Paratroopers were a new concept to war. The Germans had just started using them in WWII, with America not far behind them. Jumpin’ Joe earned his nickname while serving in the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles, because of their enthusiasm for jumping out of planes when others were a bit more hesitant. Trained in radio and demolitions, Joseph Beyrle’s paratrooper training would come into use multiple times in occupied France as he completed two successful missions behind enemy lines. Then, Beyrle would be signed up for one of the most infamous military operations in the history of the United States: Operation Overlord, a.k.a. D-Day. The mission was “simple,” Nazi forces were holding the beach and surrounding areas, and their infrastructure needed to be sabotaged. Sgt. Joseph Beyrle was sent to destroy a local power station and create chaos for Nazi forces in the area. But things took an almost immediate turn for the worse. While approaching their destination, Beyrle's C-47 took heavy fire off the Normandy coast, forcing an emergency jump at a low altitude. Jumpin’ Joe was separated from his fellow paratroopers and went missing for several days. During this time, Beyrle was able to not only disable the power station but also complete several successful sabotages before becoming a prisoner of war (POW) at the hands of German soldiers. For most, this would be achievement enough. Surviving Operation Overlord in and of itself was difficult, but to do so under such conditions all while completing various objectives... Again, we’re talkin’ a video game-esque story here. However, believe it or not, this is actually the part where things get crazy. Up until now, we’ve seen what Beyrle was expected to do, but what he would do over the duration of his service was a unique, adrenaline-filled ride.
The Most Incredible Story of All Time
After being captured, Sgt. Beyrle would spend seven months in captivity at seven different prisons along the way. Security was simply not the best, as Beyrle was able to escape captivity twice over this period. The goal of Beyrle and his fellow prisoners was to find the Red Army and seek assistance, as the Soviets were known to be fighting nearby. Nazi-occupied Europe was so bad that it was better to be an American Soldier in the hands of the German army than it was to be left with the Gestapo. This was evident, as on his second attempt to escape, Beyrle would take a train that he believed to be sending him into Poland only to find himself smack dab in the middle of Berlin. Not exactly ideal. Because the German citizen who saw him didn’t understand that snitches end up in ditches, or more likely was scared to end up in a ditch themselves, they ratted Joseph Beyrle out to the Gestapo, who would torture him, believing him to be an American spy. Ironically, Beyrle and his fellow prisoners were saved by the German government and forces who determined that the Gestapo had no authority over POWs and prevented them from being executed. This would place Beyrle back in a POW camp where, yep, you guessed it, he would escape once again looking for Soviet forces. Only this time, he’d finally make contact. “Amerikansky tovarishch!” said Beyrle, holding his hands up with a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. Translating to “American comrade,” the phrase let the Soviets know he wasn't an enemy. Beyrle would come face to face with another WWII absolute bada$$ named Aleksandra Samusenko, the only woman to hold such a position in the Red Army. She was the leader of the tank battalion and was impressed with Beyrle’s demolition skills, which earned him a spot in their group as they continued fighting. Stalag-III C, the camp that Joseph Beyrle was last held in, was liberated by Beyrle and the Soviets during his month-long stint fighting with the tank battalion. Sadly, soon after, Beyrle would end up suffering wounds that would place him in a Soviet hospital. Soviet Marshal Georgy Zhukov would meet Beyrle here and, through a translator, would get to know his story. After learning of his service, Zhukov provided Beyrle with the papers needed to rejoin American Forces; however, this would prove to be difficult, as Jumpin’ Joe was pronounced dead. Beyrle’s dog tags were found shortly after D-Day, and everyone had been notified. A service was held, and that could have been that. As we know, however, Sgt. Beyrle was still very much alive. When he arrived at the U.S. Embassy, nobody would believe it was him, as is the case when you go missing for several months and are presumed dead. He would finally be allowed back into the U.S. after his fingerprints were taken and his identity was confirmed. Jumpin’ Joe would make it back to Michigan after a crazy adventure on April 21, 1945, only days before Hitler escaped to Argentina killed himself in his bunker.
Joseph Beyrle’s Recognition and Reunion
WWII hero “Jumpin’ Joe” died in 2004, and now, we are left with only memories. There somehow isn’t a Joseph Beyrle movie, but this is a blockbuster that needs to be created ASAP. The incredible life that Joseph Beyrle led helped make the world a safer place during one of the major modern military impasses that shaped the world we live in. It’s an incredible story that deserves more recognition and should never be forgotten. Suggested read:Charles Jackson French, the WWII Hero You Never Knew
Image: Chronicle News files