George Kerchner retired to Ocean Pines in the early days of the Ocean Pines Association. He was one of the founding members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of the Ocean City American Legion, Post 166. Today, few in Ocean Pines remember the man. Former OPA Director Marty Clarke is among those who do, not so much for his retirement activities but for his heroism and bravery on June 6, 1944.

It isn’t often that the death of an individual is covered in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, the Arizona Daily Star, the Baltimore Sun, the Richmond Times Dispatch, and numerous other publications across America. George Kerchner's death in 2012 saw that extensive coverage.

The following is from Kerchner's obituary:

"KERCHNER, George Francis, passed quietly at home on February 17, 2012. Born February 22, 1918 to John and Caroline Kerchner, of Baltimore. He joined the Elite 2nd Ranger Battalion as Lieutenant, for what General Bradley called, " the toughest of any task assigned on D-Day." He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. "By his determined leadership and outstanding heroism, he led his company in the successful assault upon and captured the 155 mm enemy gun positions. He tenaciously and courageously held his position until relieved and was a constant inspiration and source of encouragement to his troops." Several oral histories are available, including one at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, where a plaque will commemorate his service and a tree will be dedicated in his name."

As reported in the Washington Post:

"Then-Lt. Kerchner, a former Baltimore soda jerk, joined the Army in 1942 and volunteered the next year for duty in the elite Army Rangers. He trained for six months in England, climbing seaside cliffs in anticipation of raiding Pointe du Hoc, a well-fortified promontory jutting into the English Channel.

"The mission, under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder, was viewed as near-suicide. In an oft-quoted line, attributed to an intelligence officer, Rudder was warned of the 100-foot ascent up Pointe du Hoc that 'it can’t be done. Three old women with brooms could keep the Rangers from climbing that cliff.'

"On the dawn of the June 6, 1944, invasion, Lt. Kerchner entered his British-manned landing craft with other members of Company D of the 2nd Ranger Battalion.

"He recalled to historian Douglas Brinkley the advice of a chaplain conducting an impromptu Mass: 'When you land on that beach and get in there, I don’t want to see anybody kneeling down and praying. If I do, I’m gonna come up and boot you in the tail. You leave the praying to me, and you do the fighting!'

"By the time he got to the rocky beach, he found himself in charge of D Company; every senior officer had been killed or severely wounded. From several hundred yards away, German machine-gun fire continued to rake the beach."

Kerchner and his men reached the top of Pointe du Hoc but found the 155mm guns they were to destroy had been moved. They were able to locate the guns and destroy them. Even so, Kerchner and the 15 men under his command were surrounded and fought off German attacks for nearly three days until reinforcements arrived.

Around 100 of those 225 Rangers at Normandy on June 6 were killed or wounded. Kerchner was later shot in the left shoulder during combat near the city of Saint-Lo. The Allied exploits at Pointe du Hoc were featured in the 1962 Hollywood epic "The Longest Day." At the age of 92 Kerchner told a TV interviewer, "I didn’t think I did anything that heroic."

Clarke believes heroes like Kerchner must be remembered. To that end, Clark is urging folks to make a donation in Kerchner's name to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. Later this year, on June 6th, Clarke says there will be a brick paver placed at the Memorial in Kerchner's name and encourages everyone to attend the ceremony.

Those wishing to donate may send a check to:

Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines
P O Box 1576
Berlin, MD 21811
Attention: Kerchner paver
and also write "George Kerchner" on the check.

Your donations will enhance the Memorial’s teaching program for school children across Worcester County.