The Bronze Star was awarded to ground troops, infantry in particular, during WWII who lead miserable lives of extreme discomfort and were the ones who were the closest in personal combat with the enemy.
He was wounded one night when his troop rushed into a building that was full of heavily armed enemies. He fought his way through the building while being shot at several times. One of those bullets ricocheted off of the butt of his rifle and went into his heart and then into his arm. After taking over the building from the enemy, my grandfather looked down at his chest to find that the bullet did not in fact go into his heart. The bullet was stopped by a Zippo lighter that he had placed in his shirt pocket earlier that day.
If it weren't for that Zippo lighter, my family wouldn't be here today.
I will always remember camping at Kandiyohi Park 2, riding his red scooter, how he always picked up empty pop cans on the side of the road while riding his scooter, his great sense of humor and family get-togethers.
He was honored with a full military service featuring seven United States Army Honor Guards. The firing of the rifles, sound of taps & the presentation of the flag with the words "This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service" will forever remain as one of the most unforgettable, emotional days of my life.
Thank you grandpa for your service to our country, your bravery & courage, and for giving me your sense of humor. I will miss you dearly!
Click here to read his obituary.
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