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.
