Pennsylvania veterans have a long, distinguished legacy
Pennsylvania has a strong history when it comes to its veterans' service in foreign wars.
The United States suffered more than 1 million soldiers dead and wounded during World War II. Of the 407,316 who died, more than 33,000 were from Pennsylvania.
Among the almost 1.25 million who served from the Keystone State were some of our top military leaders, including George C. Marshall from Uniontown, the Army Chief of Staff; Henry "Hap" Arnold of Gladwyne, who commanded the Army Air Corps and became the only U.S. Air Force general to ever hold five-star rank; and Admiral Harold Stark of Wilkes-Barre, who was Chief of Naval Operations in European waters.
The state's National Guard, the 28th Infantry Division, is one of the most decorated divisions in the U.S. Army. Some of the units trace to Benjamin Franklin's battalion, The Pennsylvania Associators, during the American Revolution.
During World War II, German forces called the 28th the "Bloody Bucket" division because of its red insignia. Today the division goes by the name "Iron Division," which was given to it by Gen. John Pershing during World War I.
Among the list of legendary soldiers is Francis Stanley "Gabby" Gabreski, who was the top American and U.S. Army Air Force fighter ace over Europe in World War II. The Oil City (Venango County) native also became a jet fighter ace over Korea, making him one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to become an ace in two wars.
The acclaimed HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers" featured the exploits of the men of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in the famed 101st Airborne, and their commander, New Holland native Richard Dick Winters, who was portrayed by English actor Damian Lewis. The real Maj. Winters died in 2011 at an assisted living facility in Campbelltown, Lebanon County.
We can learn more about the valor of Pennsylvania soldiers and the state's distinguished role in military history at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum Media Armory in Delaware County, which is open to private and school tours Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in the American veteran experience can find something here as the museum's resources include documentary films and lesson plans to enhance the learning experience.
The mission of the nonprofit museum is to preserve, promote and protect the legacy and dignity of all U.S. veterans through public display and to educate the public to the experiences and history of veterans during times of war.
It's rewarding to see that education is the museum's primary focus and that reaching our youth is a priority, ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans are never taken for granted.
By JIM ZBICK | tneditor@tnonline.com
