Salute
November 11, 2013 - by
Only one million World War II veterans are still living in America today. My stepfather, Joe Dickerson, is one of them.
Joe was in the first wave to land at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Fourteen of the 30 men on his LCVP died in the water or on the beach. His unit, Company E, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, suffered 75 percent casualties.
For three months, Joe fought across France, Belgium and into Germany. He was awarded a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for heroism. He was wounded five times, finally so grievously that he was shipped home to a hospital. They put so much steel in his arm that airport security gates start clanging when he gets close. It’s actually a salute.
Joe and my mother live a quiet and full life today in Murfreesboro in Hertford County. A few weeks ago, he said his goal is to be the last surviving WWII vet. Given what he did 69 years ago, I wouldn’t bet against him.
We reflexively say to veterans: “Thank you for your service.” Somehow that seems too little. So this is my way of expressing our awe and admiration.
Posted in General
Salute
November 11, 2013/
Only one million World War II veterans are still living in America today. My stepfather, Joe Dickerson, is one of them.
Joe was in the first wave to land at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Fourteen of the 30 men on his LCVP died in the water or on the beach. His unit, Company E, 116th Infantry, 29th Division, suffered 75 percent casualties.
For three months, Joe fought across France, Belgium and into Germany. He was awarded a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for heroism. He was wounded five times, finally so grievously that he was shipped home to a hospital. They put so much steel in his arm that airport security gates start clanging when he gets close. It’s actually a salute.
Joe and my mother live a quiet and full life today in Murfreesboro in Hertford County. A few weeks ago, he said his goal is to be the last surviving WWII vet. Given what he did 69 years ago, I wouldn’t bet against him.
We reflexively say to veterans: “Thank you for your service.” Somehow that seems too little. So this is my way of expressing our awe and admiration.
Posted in General