I just returned from escorting my Mother to Arizona to visit my 91 year old Uncle George. They are the last 2 remaining siblings in a family of 8 children. Although fairly close to my Uncle as a child...I haven't seen him in 30 or so years.
He is a veteran of WWII....this is the first time I had the pleasure of chatting with him concerning his experiences. I was thrilled.
Winds up he was in the Army Air Force in a "Weather Unit" initially stationed in England then in Ireland. Following D-Day he said he landed at the beachhead (didn't quite recall Utah or Omaha) on D +2 and was then attached to the 5th Infantry as a Forward Observer and remained so for the duration of the war. He explained his role in spotting for artillery and bombing runs....the daily threat of friendly fire. He gave me a quick review of his basic travels through France, the Maginot line, crossing the Rhine and then into Czechoslovakia...he was wounded @ Metz for which he received his Purple Heart (still has it...showed it to me with great pride) I think he made it to Sgt. before his honorable discharge following the war...
What a great man. It was one of the most wonderful trips I have had the pleasure to enjoy. He's a force to be reckoned with - still at 91 years old...an unassuming, conservative, friendly man who still gives more to his community than he ever asks for. Still works 15 hours a week....as an Ombudsman for the elderly in nursing homes. (we walked past the door of an eighty year-old man's room who he had to see...he said "give me a minute....I have to check in with this old guy in here"
This "old guy" was 11 years younger than him...
I only stayed there for 5 days....and after spending time with him, hearing of his trials in WWII, and just hanging out with this wonderful man....I have never been so proud to be a nephew.
Now for some research on the 5th and to see if I can find out more specifics....
What a special trip!
Russell
He is a veteran of WWII....this is the first time I had the pleasure of chatting with him concerning his experiences. I was thrilled.
Winds up he was in the Army Air Force in a "Weather Unit" initially stationed in England then in Ireland. Following D-Day he said he landed at the beachhead (didn't quite recall Utah or Omaha) on D +2 and was then attached to the 5th Infantry as a Forward Observer and remained so for the duration of the war. He explained his role in spotting for artillery and bombing runs....the daily threat of friendly fire. He gave me a quick review of his basic travels through France, the Maginot line, crossing the Rhine and then into Czechoslovakia...he was wounded @ Metz for which he received his Purple Heart (still has it...showed it to me with great pride) I think he made it to Sgt. before his honorable discharge following the war...
What a great man. It was one of the most wonderful trips I have had the pleasure to enjoy. He's a force to be reckoned with - still at 91 years old...an unassuming, conservative, friendly man who still gives more to his community than he ever asks for. Still works 15 hours a week....as an Ombudsman for the elderly in nursing homes. (we walked past the door of an eighty year-old man's room who he had to see...he said "give me a minute....I have to check in with this old guy in here"
This "old guy" was 11 years younger than him...I only stayed there for 5 days....and after spending time with him, hearing of his trials in WWII, and just hanging out with this wonderful man....I have never been so proud to be a nephew.
Now for some research on the 5th and to see if I can find out more specifics....
What a special trip!
Russell
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