Jack, far right, served in the B Squadron of the 12th Canadian Army Tank Battalion, also known as the Three Rivers Regimen.
like to help revive the almost lost art of communications over lunch with interesting people.”
Meaningful Recognition
awarded an Air Medal after every five missions, and the Distinguished Flying Cross after completing 25 combat missions." Statistics showed eight missions to be the normal for survival for air crews. The 8th Air Force in England alone had more casualties in World War II than all the Marines lost during the war. Most of these young men were 18 to 25 years old. “We took it in stride, but we were all scared. Anyone who said he wasn’t was not being truthful. We just did our job; we knew our objective was to defeat Hitler." Jack flew 24 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with four Air Medals, two Presidential Unit citations, two Battle Stars, and two Air Force Commendation medals – just to name a few. Transferring back to the states, Jack was assigned to Boca Raton Air Base. He left the service after the end of the European War and before the end of the Pacific campaign. He then began flying as a radio officer overseas for Pan American, bringing troops back from Europe. Knowing that radio officers would soon be replaced by more sophisticated communications, Jack went back into the Air force in 1945. He graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1947 and retired from the Air Force in 1966. Jack recorded his memoirs of his military career in Patriots Will: Surviving the Great Depression and World War II Combat. Dedicating his book to those who served the 8th Air Force during World War II, Jack says, “I called my book Patriots Will because patriots will defend our country at all costs
so their will and legacy will always be a free America.
The Good Life When Jack and his wife, Karen, talked about moving into a retirement community, they knew they wanted to check out Shell Point. They had friends living at Shell Point and decided to take a closer look for themselves. They loved what they saw and moved into Lakewood three and a half years ago. Jack says, “Coming to Shell Point was the smartest move I ever made - next to marrying Karen. Just like everyone else, I say that the real trouble is that I should have moved here sooner.” One of the first things Jack did when he moved into Shell Point was start a Veterans’ Club. “It is open to men and women who served in all branches and all ranks of the military. Spouses are also encouraged to attend the club gatherings.” While Jack is no longer serving as the president of the club, he is an active participant. Jack spends a lot of time reading, primarily non-fiction, biographies, and history. He is also a part of two Bible study groups. “Those groups are very special to me,” he said. Jack and Karen enjoy attending Shell Point’s Speaker Series every year. “We find it extremely interesting. We also enjoy the music and entertainment available to us here.” Jack is currently finishing a two-year term on the Program Advisory Council. And, he always embraces the opportunity to connect with a friend over a good meal. “I
On March 4, 2012, a letter from the Consul General of France, Gael de Maisonneuve, extended congratulations on behalf of the French Republic to Jack for his recent nomination and induction into the French Legion of Honor. Those heartfelt congratulations expressed France’s deep appreciation for Jack’s service to their country during World War II. The letter further stated, “Your decision to fight for freedom during World War II was an admirable act, demonstrating your courage and selflessness. The solidarity you lent our country and people as a soldier will never be forgotten. Please be assured that we are eternally grateful. …Without your bravery, and that of those who fought alongside you, France and Europe might have never been liberated from the barbarity of Nazi occupation. Your efforts are both admirable and an example to follow and it is our pleasure to award you France’s highest military distinction.” On May 11, 2012, the medal was conferred by the French Consul General at a ceremony held by the American Legion in the city of Pinellas Park, Florida. Jack said “I am honored and humbled to receive this distinctive award and accept it on behalf of my fallen comrades who are the real heroes." In addition to other World War II veterans, Jack joins the ranks of well-known honorees who have received this medal, including Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Clint Eastwood, and recent Best Film of the Year producer Harvey Weinstein. Jack is quick to encourage other World War II veterans who have served in France to apply for the Legion of Honor award for they may well be eligible, and France is pleased to learn of such veterans. The impact of Jack’s service is something that will live on forever in the hearts of those who he dedicated and risked his life to protect, and future generations who will benefit from his patriot’s will.
Shell Point Life | July 2012
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