I had asked before if anyone knew my dad, he was in stalag 2b,pow/slave camp 1942-1945?

Question

I need to hear someone else tell what happened to their dads

Answer 1

My Dad never served time in a Stalag/Labor Camp - but he sure was afraid of one.
He was a Bombardier in the 8th Army Air Force out of Mendelsham, England. He served from 1942-45 flying B-17's over Europe. He flew well over 40 missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, among others - not too many of those given out...
He refused to talk about it until my son, now 16, was about 10. When my son asked him questions - he answered them, Then I'd chime in with my own. Only then, when he was about 76 did he start to talk about the War.
I remember in High School my Mother and I went to England and Scotland and he could have gone. He refused, saying once was enough. I didn't get it at the time. He also never went to the reunions - even if they were close by. One was right in town about 10 years ago. He got all dressed up, as did my Mother, and at the last minute refused to go. She WAS NOT happy.
We also went to see a flying B-17 down in Geneseo, NY and he wouldn't get in it. He claimed he wouldn't fit. B.S.
His greatest "reward" was dropping food to the starving Dutch, after the Germans broke all the dikes. They were feeding the Germans too - after the end of the War, of course.
He also made several trips in a C-30 (?) transport plane from Germany to France, Belgium, Poland, Romania, etc. carrying Displaced Persons home from Labor and Concentration Camps. After the flights they had to disinfect the cargo bays AND themselves. He felt this was something they were doing that was helping people.
He was awarded the Order of the Orange from the Dutch government and the Croix de Guerre from the French.
When my boy was about 11, a B-17 came to our airport and offered 30 minute flights at $350/person. It was called the Fuddy Duddy. It was the best $700 I ever spent. Just to stand on the tarmac and see and LISTEN as it took off and landed. I can't imagine what it was like when there were 500 in line for take-off. We stood where he stood, sat where he sat - it was VERY emotional.
My Dad was in London on VE Day and New York City - ready to be shipped out to the Pacific - on VJ Day.
My Grandfather waited several nights at the train station 'cause they weren't sure exactly when he was coming home - for good.
He got in the car, they went home, he went to his room and took his uniform off and never put it on again. I have it now. And all his flight gear.
He wasn't just a hero to his Country - he was my hero. He passed away last November and I will always miss him. I wear his dog tag always. They don't make 'em like that anymore...

Answer 2

Majority of WWII veterans are dead. The youngest someone could be today and have served is 79.