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 ...
‘preciate it..
The current guys have fought in more war than anyone in the big one and deserve our respect. 5,6,7 8 tours in combat.
How long have we been in Afghanistan? 15 freeking years?!!!
Any time.
M1911. Classic. Can’t be improved.
Salute.
My father served in Korea. Only one time did he talk about his time there, and the amount of info he gave wasn’t much. I guess many like him did their duty and tried to forget it once they were back. I got his DD-214 a couple of years ago. It fills in some.
My dad was on the Destroyer Moale in the battle of Layte Bay where 3 destroyers took on multiple Jap destroyers, zeros and a sub while being shelled and torpedoed from the land. The Destroyer next to my dad’s was torpedoed and sank in 90 seconds killing over 190 sailors.
Never mentioned it other than his friend was killed at a gun he was feeding. He never mentioned his service even though he was at the surrender signing in Tokyo bay. Never knew.
“My grandfather was a cook in the US Army in WWII and served in the CBI, my ahole brother says he was jus a damn cook.”
Don’t disparage cooks.
When I was in Vietnam, our cook had a Medal of Honor from his service in Korea.
I’m not
The county’s American Legion Post sponsors a tour for area 5th grade students through one of the larger cemeteries honoring Veterans civil war through present including MIA. Many presenters are in uniform of the era. I am honored to present at my Father and Mother’s gravesite . . .both served in WWII. My mother was aboard the Queen Mary that was chased by a German sub as they were returning to the states. Now that was a ship!!! As I have posted many times on FR, my parents instilled in my siblings and me the love and honor God, Family and Country.
It is important to remember
It is important to remember
Sound like your Dad was most likely aboard the USS Heermann:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Heermann
My Dad spent his time in Europe, providing artillery support for a fellow by the name of Patton. He never said much, either.
My grandfather was an ambulance driver in France during WW-I.........
a friend’s mother in law died recently. My buddy was going through her stuff and found out that her husband was a serious hero in the Polish Resistance. He knew a little about it before but he was blown away by what he found.
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