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Vet's Last Request
To all of you that receive this message, please forward to all vets on your e-mail list. Quite possibly someone will know how we can fulfill this final request.
There is a veteran of WWII that lives at the beach, who has contracted cancer and is going to die. He still has some time, though. He was in the 454th ordinance...27th bomber group; he was confined as a POW from April 9, 1942 until September 11, 1945; his time in service was 1941-1946. this man is 88 years young. He was in the ARMY AIR FORCE. he was awarded three bronze stars, distinguished service medal, WWII victory Medal, purple heart, American defense service medal with 1 bronze star, American theater service medal, Asiatic pacific service medal with 2 bronze stars, Philippine liberation service medal. He was a survivor of the BATAAN DEATH MARCH. I have a copy of his papers here at my house....this is a legit request. This veteran lost all his uniforms years ago. His final request is to find him a uniform (hopefully...dress uniform) to be buried in. He really wants to be buried in his Army Air Force uniform. If any of you know where we just may be able to find one, please contact me at home at 843-346-2123. I do have an answering machine and will return all calls. Please don't call after 9:00 pm. Someone may have one laying around or someone may know of a uniform salvage company. any help will be deeply appreciated. I would think, that even though there is time, we should probably work fast on this. thanks in advance for any support you can provide. CB Anderson
Florence, SC
843-346-2123
--------------- Follow-up letters ---------------
Thanks, To All Who Have Responded -
I have contacted the Rolling Thunder Member who is trying to put this together today. I have gotten nearly 100 email messages from Vets all over the US - most willing to help any way they can and a few who questioned how legitimate this was (its sad we live in a time when that even has to come up, but I understand). Since I have (or had) an uncle who served in the AAF in WWII, I had learned some about it. Let me first say that the request came from the Nationwide Vets Organization, Rolling Thunder. Personally, this is one of only two National Veterans Organizations I actively work with and support. They are well known to me and I know they check things out first, which is why I sent it on. I did make contact with the originator of the message and request, CB Anderson, and he read from this Vet's "Enlisted Service Record" (Pre DD214 days) and all sounds very up and up. He is going to talk with this Vet (Hero), Sgt. Frank Dunlap, and get his permission to scan and send his papers to me so I can send them on to all who are actively trying to help. As soon as he gives his OK, I will get them and pass them on to those who can make this happen. You would not believe how many Vets and others have rallied for this effort. I told Sgt. Anderson (who is a Veteran of Korean Service in my days there - 1968-69 - the Second Korean War - who is also one of the thousands of us poisoned by Agent Orange) to let Sgt. Dunlap know that he will get his wishes. From a complete, correct fitting Uniform, with his proper insignia, unit patch and his Medals and Ribbons before the day comes that he needs them. His Congress Members and Senators have also been alerted by another Vet to spearhead an effort to have him receive the POW Medal, which was not offered during his era. And another vet with a contact to the White House is working to get a Letter to Sgt. Dunlap from the present CIC. Members of Rolling Thunder and, from all indications, from the Patriot Guard Riders from across the nation will escort this old soldier to his place of final rest and several Honor Guard Units are beginning plans to be there for him as well. Another special Honor Guard is making plans to attend as well - more on that as it comes together. I own a Flag and Flagpole Sales and Service Company, and tomorrow I will be talking with our primary manufacturer to get an era correct American Flag made for both the Honor Guard and for his Interment Flag, and we will find the correct colors for the Army Air Force as well. This is one Old Soldier who will not just fade away. Thanks again, all of you. I will get you the complete details as they become available. Phil Steward, Captain (former) 2nd Engineer BN, 2nd Infantry Division Korea - 1968-69
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