Sterling World War II Veteran Maurice Schaefer Nears 100, Requests Card Shower

Maurice Schaefer, a Sterling resident born March 20, 1926, is preparing to mark his 100th birthday on March 20, 2026, and his family has requested a card shower to celebrate. Cards can be sent to Devonshire Acres, Room #201, 1330 N. Sidney Ave., Sterling, CO 80751, where Schaefer lives and where family members are organizing a birthday party and a small family parade in March.

Schaefer’s service during World War II began at a young age: "Maurice received his draft notice on his 18th birthday." At the time he was drafted, two of his brothers and a brother-in-law were already serving overseas, and two other brothers were working as wartime ship builders in Oregon.

One of Schaefer’s wartime memories is of an amphibious approach that left him shaken but alive. "Maurice did not know how to swim. The water was up to his chin but he made it to shore, many didn’t. They met no resistance. God was looking out for him." The account underscores both the danger he faced and the narrow margin by which he survived that landing.

After deployment he traveled to Japan: "Maurice was transferred to supply upon a few days after arrival in Nagasaki, as the infantry was thankfully no longer needed." His role shifted quickly. "He said he was soon promoted to sergeant and he was the one driving the Jeep." That promotion and duty on vehicles placed him in the logistical backbone of post-conflict operations.

Schaefer’s time in supply was relatively brief. "Within just a few months Maurice was no longer needed in supply. He was one of the younger guys, he was now 19. He had to stay while the older married guys were sent home." The sequence reflects how age and marital status affected demobilization for many young servicemembers in 1945.

Today he lives at Devonshire Acres in Sterling, where staff and family report he remains active around the facility: "Today, Maurice resides at Devonshire Acres, in Sterling, where he still moves about the facility with ease and always has a smile on his face." His family remains closely involved in his care and in planning his centennial events.

Schaefer has long expressed pride in his service and in civic ritual: "Maurice was very proud of his service to his country. He was a proud WWII veteran and remained a true flag flying patriot his entire life. Maurice flew the flag every day outside of his home." Those convictions are central to how his family and neighbors in Logan County are marking his 100th birthday with a card shower and a small parade. Cards for Maurice should be mailed to Devonshire Acres, Room #201, 1330 N. Sidney Ave., Sterling, CO 80751.