thedrifter
09-12-08, 07:09 AM
POW speaks to Base about importance of POW⁄MIA Day
By Lance Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Combat Correspondent
Service members from Quantico have an opportunity to hear from a former World War II prisoner during a ceremony honoring prisoners of war or those missing in action at Lejeune Hall Quarterdeck Sept. 19 at 8 a.m.
The guest of honor for this ceremony is retired Air Force Maj. Frank Brandon. Brandon served as ‘‘flight officer” glider pilot during World War II. In September of 1944 while participating in the invasion of Holland during Operation Market-Garden, Brandon’s CG-4A combat glider was shot down behind enemy lines. Nine months later, in May 1945, armored troops assigned to legendary Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Armored Division liberated the camp where Brandon was being held. Patton, sporting his two pearl handle pistols, was with his front line troops as they came into the camp to personally greet the prisoners of war. During the summer of 1966, Brandon was honorably retired for physical disability from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of active duty. Brandon’s decorations include the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.
There have been many POWs or MIAs in the past wars; World War I with 3,350, World War II with 78,777, Korean War with 8,172, Vietnam with 2,260, and Persian Gulf with 41.
Everyone should come out to support the service members that have came before us and honor them for what they gave to our country, said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Frank, base operations chief.
The uniform of the day or appropriate civilian attire is required. For more information contact Frank at 703-784-4957.
Ellie
By Lance Cpl. Skyler Tooker
Combat Correspondent
Service members from Quantico have an opportunity to hear from a former World War II prisoner during a ceremony honoring prisoners of war or those missing in action at Lejeune Hall Quarterdeck Sept. 19 at 8 a.m.
The guest of honor for this ceremony is retired Air Force Maj. Frank Brandon. Brandon served as ‘‘flight officer” glider pilot during World War II. In September of 1944 while participating in the invasion of Holland during Operation Market-Garden, Brandon’s CG-4A combat glider was shot down behind enemy lines. Nine months later, in May 1945, armored troops assigned to legendary Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Armored Division liberated the camp where Brandon was being held. Patton, sporting his two pearl handle pistols, was with his front line troops as they came into the camp to personally greet the prisoners of war. During the summer of 1966, Brandon was honorably retired for physical disability from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of active duty. Brandon’s decorations include the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.
There have been many POWs or MIAs in the past wars; World War I with 3,350, World War II with 78,777, Korean War with 8,172, Vietnam with 2,260, and Persian Gulf with 41.
Everyone should come out to support the service members that have came before us and honor them for what they gave to our country, said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey Frank, base operations chief.
The uniform of the day or appropriate civilian attire is required. For more information contact Frank at 703-784-4957.
Ellie