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World War II Veterans and the Reason They Are Called Heroes

Read these inspiring stories of World War veterans who bravely served their country

Heroes need no superpowers. That’s what I learned when I was drafted to fight for my country. I found so many of those who gave up their future and bravely took on whatever the enemies shoot and throw at them. Many of those warriors I looked up to died in the battlefield, hospitals, and some unknown places. Their stories died along with them, buried underneath the surface.

But some, like these brave and lucky veterans, lived and told their own, and received honorable rewards and applause from their motherland.

Capt. Charles Upham (1908–1994)

At first glance, one could not think that shy and modest Captain Charles Upham VC is a man worthy to be honored. But with a brave heart like no other, he was one of the only three men in history who were ever awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honor given by the British honours system to the gallant men in the World War.

This inspiring man just did what most of us cannot do, earning him such most distinguished acknowledgement. His most exceptional leadership and comradeship saved millions of lives including that of his men. Fighting in Crete in the spring of 1941, he single-handedly carried a bag full of grenades and bombed the German machine-gun nest, destroying it along with another one which was located in a house. Then, in full view of the enemy, he helped one of his men escape then ran on a half-mile with bullets everywhere, just to save a company from being crushed by enemy arms.

A year after, Upham had taken a German position in North Africa. He fought with relentless bravery, and with a mind only looking after his troops, he stayed with them with a shattered arm and only a few limbs to protect himself.

For many, this outstanding man deserves to receive Victoria Cross more than twice.

Maj. Gen. Tony Deane-Drummond (1917–2012)

A recipient of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and two Military Crosses (MCs), Major General Deane-Drummond fought with the British Army Royal Corps of Signals. He fled from the hands of the enemies during the Second World War.

He was one of a few veterans who displayed remarkable courage in Operation Market Garden, which aim is to take hold of a corridor that stretched up to a 60-mile field of eight major water obstacles. It was a successful attempt after the Allied Forces made it through to the German territory.

Wg. Cdr. Jimmy Flint (1913–2013)

Bomber pilots play an integral part in the victory of the Allied Forces over the Axis Powers. Among these air men was Wg. Cdr. Jimmy Flint. On the night of July 5, 1941, Flint led his all-sergeant crew in a flight that will determine the fate of this life-and-death mission. Carrying the necessary arms and big bulk of courage, he successfully took down Osnabruck, earning him an immediate DFM.

He was given two gallantry awards for his role in defeating the enemy lines in an underworldly battle. He received the George Medal, an award only few veterans are worthy to pin on their chests.

Do you want to know what it was like to live behind the enemy lines? Find the answers here at www.davidmeakes.com and read Perspective: The Golden Rule for more golden lessons about life as I have experienced it. You can also find more precious insights when you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

References

The Telegraph. 2016. “VE Day: Ten most inspiring World War II Veterans.” Last modified May 7. Accessed on November 8, 2018. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/05/06/ve-day-ten-most-inspiring-world-war-ii-veterans/.