Four years ago today, my Grandfather, Kenneth Willard Neidenthal passed away at the age of 88. He was a hero of mine. He graduated Valedictorian of Brewster High School Class 1939. After graduation he entered the United States Army Air Corps and proudly served his country during WWII. Ken saw action over Germany and North Africa in B-24 Liberators “Boomerang” and “Eager Beaver” out of Hardwick England, completing 25 missions. He was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, Air metals with three Oak Leaf Clusters. To say he fought in World War II is something of an understatement. My Grandfather was in the Air Corps, which had one of the highest casualty rates in the entire war. The deal was, once a soldier flew 25 missions, they were sent home... they had beaten the odds. He flew all 25, was never wounded but was constantly under threat of danger. He made it through physically unscathed, despite enemy fighters, flak, and countless other airborne hazards, he survived. After the war, he entered The Ohio State University and received a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married his longtime love, Mary Jean. Together they had three sons, my Dad, my uncle Gary, and my uncle Randy. Twenty-five years later, his wife died from cancer. He raised his three sons on his own. He survived that as well. Years later, Grandpa met a woman named JoAnn and shortly after he retired they were married on a hot summer day, surrounded by his sons, and their children. Several months later, while bowling, my Grandfather had a severe stroke, which paralyzed the right side of his body. Doctors said he wouldnt last long... with JoAnns aid and the love of his family, he survived another 22 years. In the end, my Grandfather died of natural causes. Nothing killed him. He died on his own terms, surrounded by his family. His funeral was attended by people he had known for almost all of his 88 years. He was laid to rest beside Mary Jean, and was honored by a military three-volley salute. I was told when he died by another man I respect, that as long as I keep my Grandfather in my memory, and tell people of his deeds, he will live on. This is my way of remembering his legacy. My hero, Kenneth Willard Neidenthal.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 11:40:14 +0000
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