Donald Talbot: Feigning death to survive

2023-10-19T20:15:56-05:00

Don Talbot spent his first years with parents, Walter and Helen, in their home on the southside of Chicago.  Upon completing 7th grade at Madison Grade School, Walter and Helen, with Don and his siblings, Barb, Wally and Bobby, moved to their new home in Harvey, Illinois. 

Donald Talbot: Feigning death to survive2023-10-19T20:15:56-05:00

Bruce Hansen: We take care of them, they take care of us

2023-10-16T23:02:10-05:00

Bruce Hansen's military career began when he told his Dad, a Marine Raider during WWII, that he would follow in his footsteps and enlist in the Marines. It was 1968, and 18-year-old Bruce was working as a carpenter/laborer, trying to get ahead of the Vietnam draft.  

Bruce Hansen: We take care of them, they take care of us2023-10-16T23:02:10-05:00

Johnnie Williams: A well trained soldier

2023-10-17T13:23:04-05:00

Johnnie Williams grew up in Gary, IN the oldest of 12 children. After graduating high school in 1961, he worked at White Castle for three years. He and his cousin were the first blacks ever to work at White Castle in Hammond, IN

Johnnie Williams: A well trained soldier2023-10-17T13:23:04-05:00

Joseph Phelan: A silver star for gallantry

2023-10-16T22:57:41-05:00

On March 2, 1965, Joseph P. (“Joe”) Phelan flew his rescue helicopter to pick up a downed fighter pilot in North Vietnam. By doing so he participated in the first air rescue in the North.

Joseph Phelan: A silver star for gallantry2023-10-16T22:57:41-05:00

Raymond Gervais: Determined to stay active

2023-10-16T22:56:45-05:00

Talking with WWII Veteran Raymond Gervais, he said “I always wanted to be doing something”, from his WWII and Korean days, to playing volleyball in his 60’s, or working with his canine search and rescue team. He has certainly kept himself active.

Raymond Gervais: Determined to stay active2023-10-16T22:56:45-05:00

Jesse Kimp: Cold War Warrior

2023-09-18T21:31:43-05:00

While political powers battled for supremacy during the Cold War, Airman Jesse Kimp was just trying to keep warm while serving late night guard duty in Alaska Territory.

Jesse Kimp: Cold War Warrior2023-09-18T21:31:43-05:00

Joseph Lombardi: Serving and Protecting

2023-09-18T21:30:24-05:00

Joseph Lombardi was born in Chicago in 1947 and raised in the Cragin neighborhood on the northwest side of the city. His father had served under George Patton in World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Joseph Lombardi: Serving and Protecting2023-09-18T21:30:24-05:00

Roger Dexter: A Fiery Experience

2023-09-18T21:29:28-05:00

Roger Dexter was born in Melrose Park, Illinois in 1945, the fourth of five children. His father served in the Army in World War II but was never sent overseas, in part because of the large number of children he had.

Roger Dexter: A Fiery Experience2023-09-18T21:29:28-05:00

James Parker: From Celebrant to Celebrated

2023-08-22T23:15:52-05:00

Longtime Honor Flight Chicago volunteer James “Jim” Parker usually wears an orange shirt on flight days, signifying his role in supporting the honored veterans. On flight day this month, Jim will put on a gray shirt, symbolizing he’s one of the veterans being celebrated on HFC flight #110.

James Parker: From Celebrant to Celebrated2023-08-22T23:15:52-05:00

Gloria Kerzner: Wanting to Serve Her Country

2023-08-22T23:14:57-05:00

It was the uniform that first caught her eye.  Not the bell bottoms that the boys wore, but the deep blue, tailored cut of the WAVE uniform that brought Gloria Harnett Kerzner to the Navy recruitment office in 1944.

Gloria Kerzner: Wanting to Serve Her Country2023-08-22T23:14:57-05:00

James K. Sawyer: Reluctant Yet Proud

2023-08-24T09:35:35-05:00

James Sawyer called himself a reluctant soldier but he said there was never a question in his mind that he wouldn’t report to the induction center when he was drafted in 1970.

James K. Sawyer: Reluctant Yet Proud2023-08-24T09:35:35-05:00

George Pearson: An Elvis Welcome Home

2023-08-22T23:07:54-05:00

As wounded personnel were brought in for treatment, George Pearson placed heavy fire on the enemy to protect the wounded soldiers. With complete disregard for his safety, he constantly exposed himself to keep a base of fire on the enemy, causing them to withdraw after suffering numerous casualties.

George Pearson: An Elvis Welcome Home2023-08-22T23:07:54-05:00

Charles Ohrn: Making a Deal

2023-08-22T23:13:28-05:00

Charles Ohrn was born in Chicago and grew up in the suburb of Park Ridge. He was the middle son of three boys and had one sister. His older brother served in the US Army in Germany and his younger brother in the US Navy, based in Iceland.

Charles Ohrn: Making a Deal2023-08-22T23:13:28-05:00
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