POINTS TO PONDER LXVII

Remembering World War II

From Reader's Digest, June, 1945

Contributed by Lt. Bob Bartlett

 

   While waiting for a bus in a midwestern town, my eye was caught by a couple strolling hand in hand down the main street. He was in uniform, with Air Corps patch, pilot's wings, and two rows of decorations. She was young - maybe 25 - and pretty, and as they came closer I could see a deep pride shining in her eyes. And I could recognize some of his decorations - the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Silver Star, and above them the unmistakable blue ribbon with the five white stars representing the Congressional Medal of Honor. Beside it was the Purple Heart, with Oak Leaf Clusters.

   As he passed me, his hand rose in a rather unsteady salute. My heels clicked together and I returned his salute smartly - never had I responded with such enthusiasm. Maybe it was the proud, pretty girl. Maybe it was the Medal of Honor ribbon. Or maybe it was the fact that he was going on four years old.