A Veteran’s Story Made for the Movies

One meets some of the most interesting, some of the most endearing people sometimes by pure chance.

So it happened that I met an unassuming young lady, a veteran, about two years ago. She had been an Air Force medic during Operation Southern Watch in 1999. She is a hero who was awarded the Airman’s Medal, one of the highest military decorations for heroism involving risk of life.

I wrote about her shortly after I met her and, again, on the occasion of Veterans Day here.

About two months ago, I met a fascinating not-so-young man, also a veteran. He served as a B-17 bombardier in Europe during World War II. He is also a hero and, in addition, he continues to be a hopeless romantic.

On the occasion of Veteran’s Day tomorrow, I have written about him:

I met John just a couple of months ago.

He told me he was of French descent. That, I believed immediately.

He also told me he was 90 years old. That, I could hardly believe.

He then told me his life story. I could say “unbelievable,” but that would be an understatement.

As will become apparent, the story of John Tschirhart is one that you would only expect to see in a compelling, haunting movie about romance, amour, passion and heartbreak; about war, suffering, intrigue, spies and heroism and, yes, perhaps some stronger stuff, too, but we’ll keep this one PG-13.

To read the rest of the fascinating story about this World War II veteran, please click here.

Photograph courtesy John Tschirhart, bottom row, left.