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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES September 20, 2007 Another generation, another time BY SENIOH AIRMAN STEFANIE TORRES 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs T oday's generation may best understand the history and sacrifice behind a worldwide conflict r ' through old war movies. But to the 130 World War II veterans who donned their military uniforms once again and packed their bags to come to Hill Air Force Base on Sept. 14, the pictures of war are forever embedded in their mind from first-hand experience. The 388th Fighter Wing hosted the hour-long send-off ceremony for the veterans, which included remarks from congressional representatives, the Utah governor and 388th Fighter Wing commander. "This trip means someone appreciates what we did," said Charles Hawkes, who was an infantry rifleman. "I think this is great. We received a salute coming on base and that's a good tribute to those who are left." During a short film presentation, war pictures and quotes on the screen brought sniffles and tears throughout the audience. From the beaches of Normandy to the island of Iwo Jima, these heroes served their nation during one of the deadliest conflicts in history. For William Newland, a former Marine private first class, his memories of the battles at World War II veterans return Sept. 16 to Hill Air Force Base after a weekend in the nation's capital. MITCH SHAW StandardExaminer Iwo Jima and Saipan are still overwhelming. "We were the first to hit the beach at Iwo Jima," he said. "My job was to take the wounded back. The worst part was not being able to take them all because there were so many." Newland was also there for the infamous flag-raising event. "I saw the flag go up and it meant so much to us," he said as his eyes filled with tears. During the ceremony, three Utah-native brothers were presented the flag by the Hill Honor Guard to carry to the Arlington National Ceremony. Their two other brothers, who passed away in the last few months, were to be honored. The five brothers served at the same time but in different parts of the world. "I have so many memories," said Fred Johnson, one of the brothers who served on the USS Snowbell. But his sense of humor from his journey at sea still remains. "I didn't eat for seven days, and we took a zigzag motion to Europe. I was so seasick I didn't think I was going to make it," said Johnson. "I didn't kiss the ground like others did, but I definitely was thankful that I made it." One veteran was on board the USS Enterprise, the most-decorated battleship in history. The 86-year-old veteran has his entire Navy uniform intact and planned to wear it to a banquet to be held in Wash- HEROES ington, D.C. Another veteran, Vern Little, is one of only two in his unit to survive an attack on Iwo Jima. He wanted to go to Arlington to give a final salute to his commander who is buried there. The Hero Flight ended around 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 as the vets were greeted by cheering family members waving their American flags and signs. The 419th Fighter Wing was there upon their arrival to give them a final welcome home as well. were just kids — but we were the kids who saved the world." From 1 Arlington visit able to come and see the monument together. To be here with all these gentlemen and exchange memories and stories is priceless." Reunion Jack Gibbons, of Ogden, and Melbourne Roberts, of Roy, served together in the Navy in the South Pacific area during the war, and both said they were extremely thankful to reunite with their fellow veterans. "I think this is a very special journey for us," Gibbons said. "I think it's something that needed to happen. It's really not something everyone can understand, but we all have something in common that truly means something. "The fate of the world depended on our success. It really did." After an earlier Utah World War II veteran flight to the memorial had been abruptly canceled in May, the Hero Flight committee, with the help of an anonymous donor, raised more than $150,000 to make the trip possible. Col. Scott Dennis, commander of the 388th Fighter Wing at Hill, said the veterans deserve all of that effort. "It's fitting that we honor these veterans on the eve of the Air Force's 60th anniversary," he said. "The legacy of the Air Force dates back to these veterans. They stepped out onto the battlefield without many of the tools that would later be used in the conflict, but they still prevailed. "We owe the strength of our country and our military today to these heroes that came before us. Their legacy will continue to be remembered by the generations to come." Governor's send-off Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, who was on hand for the send-off ceremony, said the generation who lived and served during World War II is second to none. "Freedom isn't free," he said. "Ultimately, each generation will likely have to stand up and defend our freedom and liberty. Tbday, we are among the greatest generation, the generation who defended those principles like no other." Saturday, as the veterans walked through the columns of the World War II memorial, many were overcome with emotion as they remembered the war they fought in and the comrades who died in action. O The veterans also visited Arlington National Cemetery to watch the changing of the guard and meet with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Hatch thanked the veterans for their efforts during World War II and said he was honored to be among so many heroes. "It's an honor for me to be with you ladies and gentlemen today," he said. "The courage, sacrifice and effort that you displayed during such an important time in this world is truly astonishing." At Andrews Air Force Base, as the veterans boarded their flight back to Hill, a sense of accomplishment filled the air. 'This was really something," said Lawrence Sanders, of Harrisville. "It feels like we did something important. I'm just glad that I was a part of it." The veterans kept busy during their weekend stay in the nation's capital. MATTHEW HATFIELD/Standard-Examiner Much of their time was spent on buses, Longtime friends and World War II veterans Melborne Roberts (left) and Jack traveling to various destinations. Gibbons arrive at Hill Air Force Base and prepare to board a chartered flight to "It feels like we did about a week's Washington, D.C, as part of Operation Hero Flight. worth in 2Vi days," said Janet Petersen, wife of E.A. Petersen. "But it was well u "This is sacred ground we are We were all on the same team," worth it — a fantastic experience." standing on," said Ogden resident Petersen said. "Boy, I am wore out," said Chuck Lindsey Munson, an Army veteran Paul, a Navy veteran from Willard. "It's Japanese-American airman who served in Papua, New Guinea. "I been a great weekend." wouldn't say that being here today is North Ogden resident Casey Hero Flight committee member Judy fun — it's touching, but not fun. Every Kunimura was part of the 442nd Lemmons said the journey was one time I think of my friends who never Regimental Combat Team of the United she and the other committee members came home, my heart just breaks." States Army, a unit composed of mostly won't soon forget. Munson is 92 years old, one of the Japanese-Americans who fought in "It's been an absolute pleasure to oldest on Hero Flight. With many Europe during World War II. The serve these fine men and women," she veterans in their 80s and 90s, the trip families of many of its soldiers were said. to the memorial could well have been subject to internment during the war. "You gain a greater appreciation for their last opportunity. Kunimura said being at the memorial them as people and for the things they The memorial honors the 16 million reminded him of the great sacrifices did for us when you are able to be with who served in the armed forces of the made by Americans of all ethnicity. them and hear their stories. U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, "There were two sides in the war "They are all priceless." -' and all who supported the war effort — one was fighting for good and the As the plane carrying the veterans at home. The memorial opened to other was righting for evil," he said. "We touched down in Utah, it was clear the the public on April 29,2004, and was knew which side we were on, and we feelings were mutual. * i;; dedicated a month later. felt we had to fight for that, no matter "They did a damn good job," ! "The memorial was built in 2004 and what was happening." Dean Ihler, of Bountiful, said of the a lot of us are getting up there in age, North Ogden resident Jack Helgesen committee members. 'The whole thing so there is a real small window for us flew B-17 bombers over Germany as has been perfect." - •* ^ ^ - ,,..'-: ;, to see this," said Petersen. "My brother part of the United States Army Air Ihler, a Navy veteran, was the Claude was originally supposed to come Corps. youngest vet on Hero Flight. on this trip with me, but he passed He said the significance of what he He stormed Iwo Jima as a 16-yearaway. I wish he could have seen it." and other veterans did during WWII old. Many of the veterans who gathered wasn't felt immediately. Being back among his fellow , served on completely different parts "I was 19 when I went over there," veterans "brings back a lot of ( of the globe during the war, and a lot of Helgesen said. "At that age, you feel memories," he said. them had never met until this weekend. like you're invincible. We didn't really "Some of them are good and some Despite this fact, many said they were know what we were getting into. are bad, but you try and remember the among "brothers." "Later we saw the significance. We good times, and this helps." O o o |