Bill, A Real Hero (R.I.P. My Good Friend and Brother)
Today an American Hero died (11/29/2010). When W.W.II started Bill lied about his age so he could go fight for his country. He became a member of the 101st. Airborn and jumped into a number of major battles. When the weather was so bad the planes couldn't fly, his outfit was trucked into and fought at the famous Battle of the Bulge. Still a teenager he was assigned to help guard the Eagles Nest. When Korea started, Bill was still jumping out of perfectly good airplanes for the 101st. On his last drop, he noticed several "gentlemen" on the ground shooting at him. His weapon was a Thompson so he decided to return the favor, so he opened fire. He was hit once. He popped in another mag and fired until he was completely out of ammo. He managed to kill one of them. Then he was hit the second time. He received the Purple Heart and several other Decorations, but would never talk about them.
I'm lucky enough to have known Bill since 1997 when he affiliated with Paradise Valley Silver Trowel #29, F&AM, Phoenix, Arizona.
I was going to take this picture down, then I decided to leave it up. People need to see what a Hero look like and Bill was the real deal. So my dear friend, good-bye for now. You will always be remembered and for the last time, I thank you for your service.
Bill, A Real Hero (R.I.P. My Good Friend and Brother)
Today an American Hero died (11/29/2010). When W.W.II started Bill lied about his age so he could go fight for his country. He became a member of the 101st. Airborn and jumped into a number of major battles. When the weather was so bad the planes couldn't fly, his outfit was trucked into and fought at the famous Battle of the Bulge. Still a teenager he was assigned to help guard the Eagles Nest. When Korea started, Bill was still jumping out of perfectly good airplanes for the 101st. On his last drop, he noticed several "gentlemen" on the ground shooting at him. His weapon was a Thompson so he decided to return the favor, so he opened fire. He was hit once. He popped in another mag and fired until he was completely out of ammo. He managed to kill one of them. Then he was hit the second time. He received the Purple Heart and several other Decorations, but would never talk about them.
I'm lucky enough to have known Bill since 1997 when he affiliated with Paradise Valley Silver Trowel #29, F&AM, Phoenix, Arizona.
I was going to take this picture down, then I decided to leave it up. People need to see what a Hero look like and Bill was the real deal. So my dear friend, good-bye for now. You will always be remembered and for the last time, I thank you for your service.