Until he retired about 15 years ago, I worked with a B-17 gunner who was shot down over France and was hidden by residents of a small village for a few months until he was safely able to connect with advancing U.S. troops. A few years ago the villagers wanted to do something in appreciation of U.S. sacrifices in the liberation of Europe, and they arranged for Don an expense paid trip to visit for a commemorative event.
None of his former fellow employees knew any details of Don's WWII service until seeing this trip covered in a St.Paul newspaper article. The visit was described as full of joy, as one might imagine. The day after the article appeared, Don died of a heart attack while walking with his son up a lane to the farmhouse of one of the families that sheltered him.
Don's family expressed only happiness that he was able to renew his friendship with these French villagers and represent all U.S. veterans in hearing their gratitude.
