World War II veterans honored at Retiree Appreciation event

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  • By 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In a special recognition ceremony during the retiree appreciation dinner April 28, Director Denis Miller, introduced four veterans of World War II that were in attendance.

"Many years ago journalist Tom Brokaw coined a phrase to describe those who were born between 1917 and 1927; who grew up in the Great Depression; and who fought in World War II," Miller began. "Some of those individuals were Edward R. Murrow, George H.W. Bush, Tuskegee Airman Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, John Glenn, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Tonight, I would like to introduce you to some other members of what has been called 'The Greatest Generation.'"

U.S. Air Force Retired Lt. Col. Harold Floyd
Floyd is a World War II infantryman who was called to active duty in January 1942 and served in the Asia-Pacific and European theaters. In December 1942, he was sent to the Solomon Islands for 10 months. He returned to the states to train infantry replacements and then joined Gen. Patton's 3rd Army during the drive on Bastogne. In 1948, he transferred from the Army to the Air Force. He retired in 1963 after more than 21 years of active duty. Among his many military awards is the French Fourragere and the Bronze Star Medal, which were awarded during the war.

U.S. Army Retired Lt. Col. John Caldwell
Caldwell joined the Army in 1942 and saw duty in the European theater with the Corps of Engineers where he earned the World War II medal with four stars. During the war he was responsible for keeping the airfields ready for use. Throughout his career with the Corps of Engineers, he was involved in the construction of bridges, airfields, roads and barracks. His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal he received upon his retirement in 1964.

U.S. Army Retired Capt. Herman Wittman
Wittman joined the military in 1939 and served until 1945. He arrived in Hawaii 10 days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and joined the 25th Division. During the war, he saw action in Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons and Luzan, Phillipines, as an M7 tank driver. In 1945 he was discharged from active duty and joined the Reserves in 1948. During his career, he commanded Company C, 19th Special Forces. He also completed Airborne training at the tender age of 44. His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal awarded for valor during the Phillipine campaign. He retired in 1965 after serving for 23 years.

U.S. Army Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Fox
Fox joined the Army in 1943 and completed paratroop and communications training at Fort Benning, Ga. He was sent to the Pacific theater and joined the 11th Airborne Division, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, where he saw action during World War II in New Guinea, Luzon and Leyte. When the war ended, the 511th was sent to Japan. He was discharged in 1946 and then served with the Reserves and the Guard. He retired in November 1985 after 25 years of service. He was also awarded a Bronze Star Medal during the war. Currently he is serving his second term as the president of the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association.