Mohawk?....................
Posted on 03/18/2021 7:08:42 AM PDT by mylife
You can find the most amazing things—from valuable artifacts to kitschy treasures—when you’re dumpster diving. But sometimes, trash trawling yields an heirloom that’s truly priceless—like the personal history of a hero.
U.S. Navy veteran Donald Helfer flew in 28 missions over enemy territory during WWII and was decorated for his bravery. Along with the Navy Flying Cross and a Bronze Star, Helfer even received a stirring letter from Harry Truman in which the President expressed his gratitude for helping “bring about the total defeat of the enemy” and offering the “heartfelt thanks of a grateful Nation.”
But Helfer was never one to seek glory. After leaving the military, he went on to become a police officer in upstate New York, eventually retiring to Florida. He passed away in 1993, taking the memories of his impressive military achievements with him—almost.
While Helfer’s children were aware of their dad’s stint in the navy, they never knew the true nature of his service. They were, however, about to make an incredible discovery concerning his forgotten legacy—all thanks to a serendipitous dumpster find in Hickory, North Carolina.
When a treasure trove of Helfer’s personal items—including medals, photos, identification, and military records—turned up in the Hickory dumpster, the man who found them immediately recognized their worth. (Helfer’s effects were likely discarded by whoever sorted through his late second wife’s Hickory estate and deemed them “not worth keeping.”)
The finder turned over the cache to Navy vet and American Legion Post 544 Commander Jeff Truitt for safekeeping until Helfer’s relatives could be found. Truitt was able to locate Helfer’s grown children in Rochester, New York, and his daughter, Linda Delorey, living in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
(Excerpt) Read more at goodnewsnetwork.org ...
Most WWII vets wanted to forget it rather than consider themselves the heroes they were. My dad never talked about it and he was in some of the most heroic battles of the war. Never knew until years after he died.
Mohawk?....................
Many people simply are not glory seekers, they have no desire for any extra attention, and above all to see their names in the paper. True heroes such as this guy deserve respect.
Sadly, as our nation disintegrates right before our eyes, this person’s grave will likely be vandalized by leftists in some cancel campaign in the near future. The very nation he risked his life to preserve has turned against him.
The Greatest Generation, they knew honor, dignity and what they did.
They didn’t seek any pomp and circumstance about it. They knew war is hell.
Yup, I was just about to post that pic
**When a treasure trove of Helfer’s personal items—including medals, photos, identification, and military records—turned up in the Hickory dumpster, the man who found them immediately recognized their worth. (Helfer’s effects were likely discarded by whoever sorted through his late second wife’s Hickory estate and deemed them “not worth keeping.”) **
Who are these people anyway?
Karens and pajama boys, obviously
Ditto. My Uncle was the same way. Didn’t want to talk about at all. But then most military personnel I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, if they saw combat, they don’t want to talk about it.
You would be amazed how common it is for people to throw this stuff out
There were countless fighting heroes who after the war quietly returned home, started families, dealt with their terrors and memories as best they could, and led productive lives without seeking recognition or adulation. Can only laugh when you compare those men to some of today’s “veterans” who never saw action but loudly proclaim they “ served their country” and become US Senators from places like Illinois and Connecticut or become the Secretary of Transportation.
So many of the Greatest Generation who defeated the Axis powers, came home with a case of survivors guilt. My dad, who was highly decorated himself, told us that, compared to those who died next to him, his sacrifice and achievements seemed totally insignificant!
One of my daughter’s HS boyfriends, Class of ‘05, went into the Marines immediately after graduating. He served two stints in Iraq, as a machine gunner in a Humvee, vehicle was hit with an RPG, killed his BF who died in his arms.
When he came home he was a totally different person that the one I knew...........................
The subject of WW II veterans not talking about their service in the war was covered amazingly well by little known two book series by Donald Rosen. hey are “Reckoning in Normandy” and the follow up “Saving Private Weinmann”
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Donald+Rosen&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Should be read by anyone trying to understand why they didn’t say much about the war.
Its a mystery to me. When I retire a flag at the VFW and find shell casings wrapped inside, I read the headstamps and try to place provenance.
I was presented a flag flown over Musa Quala. with certificates from pilot, FC guy and crew.
My brother threw it in the trash :(
He spoke about it twice. He commanded an LCT on Utah Beach. He said a boat next to his was 'blown out of the water'. And a German round hit his boat in his little office, luckily he wasn't there at the time. His jacket, draped over his chair, was shredded, and several cartons of cigarettes in a locker were 'turned to snuff'.
That's about all he ever said.
Cuz they were a pain to piss in?
I said don’t ask! 8~)
That is awesome.
One of the best books I ever read(only read the 1st half about the veterans) was, The Greatest Generation. Those men and women saved the world, went home and went about their business.
Truly amazing folks.
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