American Soldier Heroically Saves Charlemagne’s Cathedral in WWII

Aachen, the historical seat of Charlemagne’s power, faced devastation during World War II’s bleak winter. Amid the ruins, an American officer emerged as a protector of its iconic cathedral.

Heroic Efforts to Preserve Aachen’s Cathedral

Captain Walter Johan Huchthausen, of Perry, Oklahoma, dedicated himself to saving the cathedral from collapse. This site, integral to Aachen’s identity and deeply tied to Charlemagne, symbolized significant cultural heritage.

Background of Captain Huchthausen

Huchthausen was the son of a German immigrant and a promising architect. After earning a Master’s degree from Harvard, he worked in New York and Boston and became an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota. His architectural knowledge and passion for history made him a notable figure in his field.

Transformation into a Monuments Man

• Studied in Germany before World War II, mastering the language and culture.
• Served in the U.S. Army Air Forces before transferring to the European Civil Affairs Division after being injured.
• Joined the Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives program, known as “the Monuments Men.”

After the Battle of the Bulge, Huchthausen became a Monuments officer with the Ninth Army. His ability to communicate with German civilians and POWs allowed him to uncover numerous hidden caches of art and artifacts.

The Siege of Aachen

Aachen, once the royal city of Charlemagne, was recognized as a symbolic site during the war. As the U.S. Army advanced, Adolf Hitler ordered the city to be defended aggressively. The local population suffered under the brutal tactics of the Schutzstaffel (SS), facing severe restrictions and violence as they attempted to evacuate.

The battle reached its peak between September and October 1944, leaving much of the city in ruins. By October 21, the cathedral had sustained extensive damage from bombardments, putting its future in jeopardy.

Rescue Operations

Huchthausen arrived in January 1945 to assess the damage and spearheaded efforts to save the cathedral. Setting up his base at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, he rallied local civilians to recover missing artifacts and repair the structure.

• Organized repairs on the roof and restored paintings.
• Used his architectural skills to reinforce the cathedral’s buttresses.
• Successfully strengthened the interior, averting collapse.

He believed in preserving the site’s significance, stating that “Aachen Cathedral belongs to the world.”

A Tragic End

On April 2, 1945, tragedy struck. Huchthausen was killed in action while searching for a stolen artifact, leaving behind a legacy of dedication. His last moments were shared with his assistant, Lt. Sheldon Keck, who survived the ambush.

Major Walker Hancock, a fellow Monuments Man, paid tribute to Huchthausen, reflecting on his influence and commitment. Following his death, Huchthausen received posthumous honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. He is interred at the Netherlands American Cemetery.