11/11/2025
Every Veteran's Day I think about my Grandpa Johnny who, after learning his big brother Joe was captured by the N***s, was raring to get to Europe to help free him.
Joe served three years and two months in the US Army during WWII, landing in France on D-day + two. He became a prisoner of war on July 23, 1944 in France; he was taken to prison camp 7-A at Stalig in southern Germany.
Grandpa Johnny signed up for service in September of 1942 and was shipped out to Europe on February 16, 1945. This was around the time the US was kicking fascist ass, and Grandpa Johnny spent a lot of time freeing the Jewish people from camps and witnessing the destruction of war. He didn't like to talk about it.
Joe was liberated by the Seventh Army on May 23, 1945 - a month after Hi**er died. He was flown to France and came back to the US by boat. On August 17, 1945 Joe was decorated with the Purple Heart. Grandpa Johnny also received a Purple Heart after being blown off a tank.
Grandpa didn't leave Europe until January 9, 1946.
It amazes me that two Iowa farm boys were brave enough to go to the other side of the world to fight fascism in Europe.
Veterans are brave. Veterans are resilient. Veterans know what democracy means. Thank you, United States Veterans.