Spent first two years after taking basic training as a drill sargeant training recruits for the infantry at Camp Wheeler in Macon, Georgia. He was an expert marksman out of basic training.

While training troops at Camp Wheeler James Arness of Gunsmoke fame as Matt Dillion was also their taking infantry basic training; however their paths never crossed. After basic training Arness was given an opportunity to stay at Camp Wheeler to train troops. Instead he chose to get into the war right away, wound up later landing on Anzio Beach,in Italy; while on a night patrol as a point man Arness was severly wounded in the right leg ending his military career. My dad later became an avid fan of Gunsmoke and Matt Dillion. Both had alot in common being from the Midwest; Arness from St Paul, Minnesota and Hilscher being from Ripon, Wisconsin. Their paths most likely would have crossed if Arness had stayed at Camp Wheeler.

Landed on Normandy Beach in September 13, 1944 as part of Patton's Third Army 6th Infantry Battilion, Company "B". Fought in the Battle of the Bulge, spent many a day in a fox hole knee deep in water; could feel the heat of live ammunition going by while in the fox hole, headed up patrols probing into enemy occupied territory, he was later wounded. Was with Patton's Third Army which headed into Germany. I have a picture of him standing in a small village in Gotha, Germany. He was in Austria when war ended .

Later served in the Army Reserves upon completion of his active duty. Highest rank being a First Sargeant ( known as a Top Sargeant). I proudly display his Eisenhower Jacket with his memoribilia awards in a shadow box. His men were always his top priority. He was known as a soldier's soldier.

Discharged from active duty in Army at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Later went into Army Reserve Unit

Frederick Albert Hilscher