I just saw a great post on David Bellavia's website about winners of the Medal of Honor. It brought back some memories of my brush with a couple of heroes. One of whom was Captain Harold Fritz. I posted this comment on David's website.
When I was a young PFC in 1975 and driving a jeep for the 11th Cav S4, Captain Harold Fritz climbed in the back seat and rode with us for the trip from Fulda to Graf. The weather was cold and damp and Captain Fritz limped a little. I asked him about it and he said he had a sore ankle for a few years. He never said anything else about it, and we passed the time, two captains and a PFC – I said “Yes, sir” a lot and still remember just how nice a guy I thought this Captain was. A couple of months later I happened to be there when LTG Starry came visiting the Regiment. And I saw the damndest thing. A three-star general saluting a captain. What the hell? And somebody told me that Captain Fritz had the medal. And I went to the library and found his citation. Damn. I had spent days on end with a true hero and didn’t have a clue. I knew Captain Fritz for about two years until we both rotated our separate ways and I’ve never seen him since. But he has stayed in my mind for these 30 some years. His story is readily available on line – look him up.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A Belated Birthday
Well - yeah, I wrote this on February 1 and it sat on the hard drive. So here it is, only a month late.
Wow - 35 years. I remember exactly where I was - the delivery room at the Krankenhaus in Fulda, Germany. My first-born. Who was born three years before Elvis died but has now grown up to be an Elvis nut. Who would have thought? The funny times, the good times - your mother wondering if, since you were born in Germany we would have to teach you how to speak English instead of German. I don't think she was serious. I really don't think so. Maybe. Back to the states, growing up - playing with Peanut (you DO remember Peanut) and then growing into a beautiful young woman who still wanted to "put on a show" at Grandma's. Then the two biggest "shows" of all. I still think I'm too young for grandsons but with one 16 and other one following right behind him, I'm obviously wrong about that. And tonight after talking to you all the good times and good things just keep flooding back in my memory.
Good night - and Happy Birthday.
Wow - 35 years. I remember exactly where I was - the delivery room at the Krankenhaus in Fulda, Germany. My first-born. Who was born three years before Elvis died but has now grown up to be an Elvis nut. Who would have thought? The funny times, the good times - your mother wondering if, since you were born in Germany we would have to teach you how to speak English instead of German. I don't think she was serious. I really don't think so. Maybe. Back to the states, growing up - playing with Peanut (you DO remember Peanut) and then growing into a beautiful young woman who still wanted to "put on a show" at Grandma's. Then the two biggest "shows" of all. I still think I'm too young for grandsons but with one 16 and other one following right behind him, I'm obviously wrong about that. And tonight after talking to you all the good times and good things just keep flooding back in my memory.
Good night - and Happy Birthday.
Catching Up
OK, for anybody watching, it's true I've had nothing to say for awhile. And I've been busy working and traveling. But no excuses. I've got a couple of things to say, so I'm back for a couple of posts tonight while I'm sitting at the airport. Long story in itself but not for here.
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