George Lott was born in 1922 in New York. He served in the 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, as a Private during World War II. George was gravely injured on November 22, 1944, while tending to his wounded comrades on the front lines in Diffembach-lès-Hellimer, France. During the engagement, a German mortar shell exploded nearby, sending shrapnel into both of his arms and knocking him down. Despite his severe wounds, he survived and began an arduous journey through multiple field stations, hospitals, and recovery facilities. His injuries required extensive medical treatment, including over 2,500 penicillin shots, but in 1947, his right arm had to be amputated due to the extensive damage it sustained.

Lott’s resilience caught the attention of LIFE magazine, and photojournalist Ralph Morse documented his journey, capturing both the immediate aftermath and the intensive medical processes Lott endured. Pvt George died on March 29, 1995, and was buried in the Graceland Cemetery, Albany, Albany County, New York, USA.

Source of information: time.com