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| 101st AB veteran, Jim "Pee Wee" Martin signs the tail plane at the C-47 Cafe. Ellwood Von Seibold looks on. |
Yet, after stories of bitter cold and lack of provisions he spoke of in The Americans in the Bulge, and listening to him go through the horrors of Normandy, the facts speak for themselves. Sorry to contradict you, Pee Wee!
One thing is indisputable, Pee Wee Martin is an inspiration. We were touched by the soldiers lined up outside the closed cafe, waiting to shake his hand.
I like his definition of "hero".
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion no amount of training can give a man or woman the courage to boldly confront "barbaric times" like they had to face -- courage comes from within -- and that's what can turn someone into a hero. But as he stated, they didn't have much of a choice, and they were doing what they were paid to do.
If a man didn't have the right mindset, there was nowhere else for them to go. Pee Wee being alive today, with the stories he has, is evidence enough that he had what it took to be a hero.
It's a title that's earned. And by definition, he's earned it.
Update for Camp Toccoa, training camp during WWII for Jim "Pee Wee" and so many more great men. It is official: Pacolet Milliken Properties have donated the deed to 5.85 acres of land and the last remaining building on WWII Camp Toccoa paratrooper site at the base of Currahee Mountain.
ReplyDeleteWhile the Currahee Legacy is still active today, the mission of the museum and historical society is to keep the stories of our great WWII American Patriots alive and remembered.
Many of you have visited and supported the society, museum, Currahee and events; the historical society hopes you will join us in celebrating this milestone event, July 21, 2011, time TBA later.
Please read attachment for more details or call 706.282.5055. Currahee!! Brenda