WWII vet

[Ron Altier]

I used to have a huge garden in OH. A really old farmer plowed and disced it for me. He died and I got a new guy. He used an 8 foot rototiller and it did a fine job. He loved to talk and when he was done, we did a lot of that. We became good friends and he never mentioned WWII. I had not seen him for about a month and was concerned. I went to his house and we talked. He said it was easier to talk to another combat vet. He was one of the GIs that landed on Normandy and survived. He was among the ones liberated France. He said that they gave away candy to kids and food to adults. He hadn't been home because he took a freedom flight with other vets to Normandy. He was one of the few that didn't need assistance walking. He said that as they went thru a town, an old lady came over and hugged him tightly, wouldn't let go. When she did and looked at him, she told him she was one of the kids that he handed candy too. He stood about 6 foot 7 with a large nose, easy to remember. They hugged and cried for a long time.

[Gene Howe]

What a great story, Ron. Thanks for sharing it with us. It's great he was able to make the trip and his remembrances, especially with the girl..now lady...warms the heart. 

[Ron Altier]

When I returned to visit I couldn't find him, no one knew anything about him. I checked obituaries, I asked neighbors, nothing. I finally found someone who said he had problem and went to live with his daughter around Cleveland. He was there a short time and died. He was in his 90s. I loved that old guy like a father.