remembering

[kickingbug1]

 I had a long time friend, he's gone now. His name was Henry Oertel. Henry joined the marines in 1941. He was just a kid 17 or 18. The plan was to join with his best friend and neighbor Sam. The day before Hank and Sam were scheduled to report, they went ice skating with their girlfriends. Sam complained that he was tired and went home to have a nap on the livingroom couch. He never woke up. Even at that young age,Sam had a heart attack and died. Hank joined alone. After boot he was shipped to the South Pacific. He saw quite a bit in a short time, landing on the "Canal", Talagi, Bougenville, and others. Hank even went in before the landings aboard subs. During a one operation Hank,s amphib struck a mine on the beach. of the eight marines Hank was one of two who survived. Both of his legs were badly damaged and he endured many surgeries and much painful rehab but did walk again. He went on to become a husband and father of two sons, was a welder working for a barge company on the Mississippi. At one time he even raced sports cars and owned a beautiful Allard. He joined the p.d. and retired as a Lt. I always called him at this time of the year and wished him well and thanked him so much for his sacrifice. I have always considered four men as heros : my dad, my grandpa, Charles Lindbergh and Henry Oertel.Thanks Henry

[TedStrat]

Great story and good reminder - thanks to all for your service to keep the rest of us safe!