Independence is secured by men like these

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jul 5, 2008

Father Time is doing what the Germans, Japanese and their allies couldn't do, taking the lives of 16 million Americans who served in World War II. The Department of Veteran Affairs estimates only 2.5 million are living, and others estimate WWII vets are dying at the rate of 1,000 a day.

Whenever I see the obituary of a male over 80, I look to see if he served. Almost without exception, he has. Many served twice, being recalled for the Korean War that began less than five years after Japan surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945.

The Korean War, "the forgotten war," was just as deadly and just as miserable as WWII and had less national support, setting the pattern for future wars.

World War II was gung ho. It was everyone's war. How could it be anything less with the 16 million in uniform coming forward from a nation of 120 million? Which has always led me to wonder why we, a nation of 304 million, have been able to muster at most 160,000 soldiers and Marines in Iraq, which our president tells us is as important as WWII?

The Capital-Journal on June 29 carried the obituaries of 11 men ages 81 to 93. Ten had served, nine likely in combat. The 11th may have served; his obituary was a brief death notice.

What was totally remarkable was three had been prisoners of war. Only 130,000 Americans - fewer than one in 120, were prisoners of war. And nearly 63 years after that war, three former POWs died in and around Topeka, an amazing coincidence. The roll of honor:

Hardie M. Schweigen Sr., 90, of Hoyt, served in the U.S. Army "in North Africa and Italy, and was captured and held as a prisoner of war for 29 months."

Carl E. Moore, 84, of Overbrook, "served in the United States Army Air Corps as a turret gunner and radioman on a B-24 during WWII. He and his crew were shot down over Austria, and he was held as a prisoner of war for over 14 months."

Robert Donald Fox, 84, died at Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in the nursing home unit. A native Nebraskan, he "served as a gunner and flight engineer on a B-24 Bomber during WWII on his 20th mission his plane was shot down; he was wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans. He later escaped with the aid of the French Underground and was returned to the American sector."

Equally remarkably, six of the other seven served in war zones. Martin Dean Stover, 81, was the youngest memorialized. He was a Marine "stationed near Okinawa," the only Marine among the 10.

Ivan H. Lolley, 83, "served as a 1st class boatswain's mate, " and "was a part of the Tarawa to Japan theater." A short description of a long journey.

James F. Davidson was also 83 at death. He was 20 when Japan surrendered, and may or may not have used the Japanese he learned at the Navy's Oriental Language School. But this wartime experience launched him on a distinguished academic career.

Jack Lindley Sweeney, 86, "served as a P-47 fighter pilot ... in the Pacific Theater and in Korea." He remained in the Reserves - as did many who were recalled for Korea - and retired as a U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and decorated intelligence officer.

Austin Victor Spencer, 93, also had extended service. He served in the Army in WWII, and in Korea, and only retired in 1965, apparently after 20 years service.

Clarence W. Risebig, a longtime hospital accountant and auditor, died at 86. He served " in the field artillery of the 95th Division, which liberated Metz, France ... a fact Clarence was very proud of."

Marvin S. Chilcoat, 90, a Nemaha County native, "served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 ... and was stationed in the South Pacific and the southern Philippines, where he earned the Bronze Star," and a passel of other medals and ribbons. Like so many others, he was active in veteran organizations.

These men missed this Fourth of July. But they made it possible for the rest of us to celebrate our nation's liberty.

Bill Roy is a retired physician and former member of Congress. He has a law degree and lives in Topeka. He may be reached at wirroy@aol.com.