Independence Day
On 24 February 1944 my uncle "Doc" Leclerc's B17 "No Balls At All" was shot down by German ace Heinz Knoke over Haariemmermer Theo Weterings in Holland. He was able to crash land his bomber in a open area in the little village and did not lose any of his crew or injure anyone on the ground.
The Mayor of this Dutch village opened a bike path dedicated to my uncle last May which contains a street sign "Walter LeClercpad".
He spent the next 400+ days as a German POW, came home and farmed outside of Lyons KS. He passed on a couple of years ago at 96.
http://amsterdam.usconsulate.gov/news-events/events-2012/dutch-memorial-day-2012.html
My family was contacted recently by the DOD DNA Registry requesting family DNA in order to ID remains found in the crash site of a Marine Corsair found in the Solomon Islands this year.
Its been 71 years since my uncle Joe disappeared over the jungle.
Freedom's not free.
Byron
Independence Day-Freedom's not free. amen brother.
.
--
Of the Troops & For the Troops
G*D bless you and yours this Independence Day, Byron
Thank you for the service your family has provided over the years.
Otony
Independence Day
My heartfelt thanks to those that have served in the past and those who serve today protecting us.
"ALL gave some . . .
Some gave ALL!!!
Amen! Freedom isn't Free!
Shame many European Countries recognize this much more than many of our own citizens.
Byron you come from good stock
God Bless you and your family. someday I hope to meet up with you , and shake your hand . you truly inpress me.