Walk Among Heroes

Walk Among Heroes is honored to welcome Bennett Stampes, guest for Episode 25. Mr. Stampes was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and was summoned to join the Army during World War II.  He was assigned to the 86th Infantry Division, which landed in France and relieved the 8th Infantry Division in the midst of tackling the extremely difficult Ruhr and Rhine River crossings.  While assigned to battalion staff, Mr. Stampes was sent forward to hold a key piece of terrain and was instructed to hold his position at all costs.  The German artillery began firing and soon the tanks poured through American lines.  Mr. Stampes was injured that day, and upon recovery, served the rest of his time in Europe as an instructor at American University in France.  

After the war, Mr. Stampes dedicated his life to serving others, touching thousands of lives.  Thank you, Mr. Stampes, for sharing your amazing story!

A very special 'thank you' to Shreyas Ganesh for donating your time as sound engineer for this podcast.

Don't miss the conclusion of our two-part interview with Gerry Auerbach, U.S. Army Air Corps.  Mr. Auerbach served in the United States Army Air Corps (Air Force in 1947) from 1943-1963, before retiring to work as a civilian pilot.  During World War II, Mr. Auerbach was a radar navigator in the revolutionary B-29 Superfortress program.  Mr. Auerbach flew his first B-29 mission on Christmas Day, 1944, then subsequently participated in the firebombing of Tokyo, as well as missions to bomb many other Japanese cities.  The B-29 Superfortress was the first high-elevation long-range bomber of its’ kind, and the firebombing missions became one of the primary catalysts for destruction of Japanese industry.  These missions began a long path toward eventual surrender by the Japanese.

Following World War II, the Air Force selected Mr. Auerbach for pilot training, and he began a long career as a pilot.  Mr. Auerbach was stationed in Germany in 1948, when the Russians created a blockade around Berlin, isolating the city in an attempt to force the Allies out.  This blockade was one of the first acts of aggression by the Russians in what evolved into the ‘Cold War.’  Urgent action was necessary, so the US Air Force mobilized and flew thousands of supply missions into Berlin to deliver life-saving food and other supplies.  This massive humanitarian effort became known as  the ‘Berlin Airlift.’  Mr. Auerbach flew 3 missions each day into Berlin as part of the ‘Airlift,’ accumulating more than 200 total missions into Berlin.  Throughout the Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian mission in history,  the U.S. Air Force flew 200,000 flights delivering more than one and a half millions tons of supplies.  

After Mr. Auerbach retired from the Air Force, he flew as a civilian for many years in Saudi Arabia, helping to build Saudi Arabia Airlines.  He eventually flew privately for the Bin Laden family, one of the wealthiest families in the world.  

The book referenced extensively in episode 24 is ‘A Torch to the Enemy:  The Fire Raid on Tokyo,’ by Martin Caidin.  This book can be purchased on Amazon, and provides an excellent overview (along with many first-hand accounts) of the firebombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities.

Episode 24 will consist of two parts.  24A focuses on Mr. Auerbach’s early life, joining the military, B-29 training, deployment to the South Pacific, B-29 missions, and finally, the firebombing of Tokyo.  24B focuses on Mr. Auerbach’s military service after World War II, including his significant role in the Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian mission of all-time.  24B also touches on Mr. Auerbach’s life after the military, including his civilian for Saudi Arabia and the Bin Laden family.  Very interesting!

 A special ‘thank you’ to Shreyas Ganesh for donating your time as sound engineer for this podcast.  

 As always, enjoy this episode, and thank you for listening and sharing!

Walk Among Heroes is proud to welcome Gerry Auerbach as our guest for Episode 24.  Mr. Auerbach served in the United States Army Air Corps (Air Force in 1947) from 1943-1963, before retiring to work as a civilian pilot.  During World War II, Mr. Auerbach was a radar navigator in the revolutionary B-29 Superfortress program.  Mr. Auerbach flew his first B-29 mission on Christmas Day, 1944, then subsequently participated in the firebombing of Tokyo, as well as missions to bomb many other Japanese cities.  The B-29 Superfortress was the first high-elevation long-range bomber of its’ kind, and the firebombing missions became one of the primary catalysts for destruction of Japanese industry.  These missions began a long path toward eventual surrender by the Japanese.

 Following World War II, the Air Force selected Mr. Auerbach for pilot training, and he began a long career as a pilot.  Mr. Auerbach was stationed in Germany in 1948, when the Russians created a blockade around Berlin, isolating the city in an attempt to force the Allies out.  This blockade was one of the first acts of aggression by the Russians in what evolved into the ‘Cold War.’  Urgent action was necessary, so the US Air Force mobilized and flew thousands of supply missions into Berlin to deliver life-saving food and other supplies.  This massive humanitarian effort became known as  the ‘Berlin Airlift.’  Mr. Auerbach flew 3 missions each day into Berlin as part of the ‘Airlift,’ accumulating more than 200 total missions into Berlin.  Throughout the Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian mission in history,  the U.S. Air Force flew 200,000 flights delivering more than one and a half millions tons of supplies.  

 After Mr. Auerbach retired from the Air Force, he flew as a civilian for many years in Saudi Arabia, helping to build Saudi Arabia Airlines.  He eventually flew privately for the Bin Laden family, one of the wealthiest families in the world.  

 The book referenced extensively in episode 24 is ‘A Torch to the Enemy:  The Fire Raid on Tokyo,’ by Martin Caidin.  This book can be purchased on Amazon, and provides an excellent overview (along with many first-hand accounts) of the firebombing of Tokyo and other Japanese cities.

 Episode 24 will consist of two parts.  24A focuses on Mr. Auerbach’s early life, joining the military, B-29 training, deployment to the South Pacific, B-29 missions, and finally, the firebombing of Tokyo.  24B focuses on Mr. Auerbach’s military service after World War II, including his significant role in the Berlin Airlift, the largest humanitarian mission of all-time.  24B also touches on Mr. Auerbach’s life after the military, including his civilian for Saudi Arabia and the Bin Laden family.  Very interesting!

 A special ‘thank you’ to Shreyas Ganesh for donating your time as sound engineer for this podcast.  

 As always, enjoy this episode, and thank you for listening and sharing!

Walk Among Heroes is honored to feature P-51 Mustang Pilot, First Lieutenant James (Jim) Frolking as our guest for Episode 23.  Mr. Frolking joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and was assigned to the 8th Air Force's 479th Fighter Group, arriving in England just in time to fly his first mission on June 6, 1944, a day forever known as 'D-Day'.  Initially flying P-38's, Mr. Frolking provide air cover for the invasion forces on June 6th.  Following D-Day Mr. Frolking provided bomber support/escort for long B-17 and B-24 bombing missions into Germany and surrounding areas (50 missions).

First Lieutenant Frolking's story has all of the twists and turns, close calls, and lucky breaks of a Hollywood movie. On October 7, 1944, on his way back to England from Czechoslovakia, Mr. Frolking's plane was hit by enemy fire over a German-occupied island in the Netherlands.  He bailed out, only to land uninjured on a sandbar, with land in sight. After spending the night in the dinghy that was part of his escape pack, he decided to head for shore, and eventually made contact with the Dutch underground. For three weeks, he was hidden and cared-for by a Dutch family, while Germans patrolled the surrounding area.  In one terrifying incident, German officers requisitioned and lived inside the farmhouse which he was staying (downstairs while he hid upstairs).

For those interested in reading Mr. Frolking's full story, a copy of his memoir can be downloaded for free at:  https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp-stories/loc.natlib.afc2001001.48142/ 

Simply an amazing man with an amazing story, it's an honor to share Mr. Frolking story with you.  A huge 'thank you' to Shreyas Ganesh.  Thank you, Shreyas, for volunteering your time as sound engineer for this podcast!

Don't miss the conclusion to our four-part interview series with Mr. Larry Kirby, United States Marine Corps, Third Division.  This episode focuses on the last chapter of Mr. Kirby's amazing memoir.  

Mr. Kirby was born and raised in the northeastern United States.  In the spring of 1942, Mr. Kirby walked out of St. Mary’s high school and joined the Marine Corps.  With a massive physique of 5’6” tall and 135 lbs, Mr. Kirby was not your prototypical Marine.  He suffered through boot camp in Paris Island, SC, where his first encounter with a Drill Sergeant resulted in a punch to Mr. Kirby’s face.  

Following boot camp, Mr. Kirby travelled west across the United States making stops in Camp Lejeune, Nebraska, and Camp Pendleton, for various types of training.  He was trained as a scout, which meant he would move ahead of the Infantry to observe the enemy and provide intelligence back to the Marines.  Upon arrival in the South Pacific, Mr. Kirby was assigned to Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.  The young Marines wasted no time, landing in Bougainville,  Mr. Kirby’s first combat.  

After Bougainville, Mr. Kirby and the Marines from 3rd Division invaded the Mariana Islands, with Guam as the objective for Mr. Kirby’s unit.  Mr. Kirby faced heavy combat in Guam, including one of the largest and most vicious Bonzai attacks of the war.  Mr. Kirby was wounded by a Japanese hand grenade during a one-on-one confrontation with a young Japanese soldier.  He also lost his best friend, who died in Mr. Kirby’s arms.  After being wounded, Mr. Kirby was evacuated for a short period, but he refused to leave his men.  He rejoined his unit shortly after being wounded and following the conclusion of a ‘successful’ campaign in Guam, 3rd Division made Guam home base while preparing for the fateful invasion of Iwo Jima.  

In February 1945, Mr. Kirby landed on Iwo Jima and began fighting for 22 straight days in some of the most brutal combat our nation has ever faced.  Of the 230 Marines who landed with Easy Company, only Mr. Kirby and six other men walked off that island.  

Mr. Kirby has documented many of his experiences by writing a book, ‘Stories from the Pacific:  The Island War 1942-1945.’  His book can be purchased on Amazon, and we HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only are his combat stories phenomenal, he has so many hilarious stories about life as a young Marine.  Most fascinating (to us) are his perspectives on the combat, the military, and war in general.  For those of us who have been in combat, Mr. Kirby was able to put into words what many of us feel but can’t say.  His perspectives really resonated with us, and we sincerely hope you’ll order his book.  It’s a must read, in our opinion, especially if you’re interested in World War II, the Pacific Theatre, or you’ve never served but would like a small taste of what combat is really like.

We want to thank Mr. Kirby for sharing his story.  He discussed some very difficult topics, and we believe his words are enlightening for those who served in the military, or those who never served at all.  This is our first four-part series.  Part 1 (Episode 22A) will cover his childhood, joining the Marine Corps, boot camp, and deployment overseas.  Part 2 (22B) will dive into Mr. Kirby’s first combat in Bougainville and then Guam (some of Mr. Kirby’s most difficult memories were experiences he faced on Guam).  Part 3 (22C) will focus on Iwo Jima, and Part 4 (22D) will cover the final chapter in his book, which is simply amazing.

God Bless men like Mr. Kirby.  None of us would be here today without Mr. Kirby, and the millions of young men who sacrificed their lives to provide us with the greatest privilege in the world, FREEDOM.

Thank you, Shreyas Ganesh,

Don't miss part three of our four-part interview series with Mr. Larry Kirby, United States Marine Corps, Third Division.  This episode focuses primarily on Iwo Jima, one of the most difficult battles our military has ever experienced.

Mr. Kirby was born and raised in the northeastern United States.  In the spring of 1942, Mr. Kirby walked out of St. Mary’s high school and joined the Marine Corps.  With a massive physique of 5’6” tall and 135 lbs, Mr. Kirby was not your prototypical Marine.  He suffered through boot camp in Paris Island, SC, where his first encounter with a Drill Sergeant resulted in a punch to Mr. Kirby’s face.  

Following boot camp, Mr. Kirby travelled west across the United States making stops in Camp Lejeune, Nebraska, and Camp Pendleton, for various types of training.  He was trained as a scout, which meant he would move ahead of the Infantry to observe the enemy and provide intelligence back to the Marines.  Upon arrival in the South Pacific, Mr. Kirby was assigned to Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.  The young Marines wasted no time, landing in Bougainville,  Mr. Kirby’s first combat.  

After Bougainville, Mr. Kirby and the Marines from 3rd Division invaded the Mariana Islands, with Guam as the objective for Mr. Kirby’s unit.  Mr. Kirby faced heavy combat in Guam, including one of the largest and most vicious Bonzai attacks of the war.  Mr. Kirby was wounded by a Japanese hand grenade during a one-on-one confrontation with a young Japanese soldier.  He also lost his best friend, who died in Mr. Kirby’s arms.  After being wounded, Mr. Kirby was evacuated for a short period, but he refused to leave his men.  He rejoined his unit shortly after being wounded and following the conclusion of a ‘successful’ campaign in Guam, 3rd Division made Guam home base while preparing for the fateful invasion of Iwo Jima.  

In February 1945, Mr. Kirby landed on Iwo Jima and began fighting for 22 straight days in some of the most brutal combat our nation has ever faced.  Of the 230 Marines who landed with Easy Company, only Mr. Kirby and six other men walked off that island.  

Mr. Kirby has documented many of his experiences by writing a book, ‘Stories from the Pacific:  The Island War 1942-1945.’  His book can be purchased on Amazon, and we HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only are his combat stories phenomenal, he has so many hilarious stories about life as a young Marine.  Most fascinating (to us) are his perspectives on the combat, the military, and war in general.  For those of us who have been in combat, Mr. Kirby was able to put into words what many of us feel but can’t say.  His perspectives really resonated with us, and we sincerely hope you’ll order his book.  It’s a must read, in our opinion, especially if you’re interested in World War II, the Pacific Theatre, or you’ve never served but would like a small taste of what combat is really like.

We want to thank Mr. Kirby for sharing his story.  He discussed some very difficult topics, and we believe his words are enlightening for those who served in the military, or those who never served at all.  This is our first four-part series.  Part 1 (Episode 22A) will cover his childhood, joining the Marine Corps, boot camp, and deployment overseas.  Part 2 (22B) will dive into Mr. Kirby’s first combat in Bougainville and then Guam (some of Mr. Kirby’s most difficult memories were experiences he faced on Guam).  Part 3 (22C) will focus on Iwo Jima, and Part 4 (22D) will cover the final chapter in his book, which is simply amazing.

God Bless men like Mr. Kirby.  None of us would be here today without Mr. Kirby, and the millions of young men who sacrificed their lives to provide us with the greatest privilege in the world, FREEDOM.&nbs

Don't miss part two of our four-part interview series with Mr. Larry Kirby, United States Marine Corps, Third Division.

We are honored to welcome Larry Kirby, United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode 22.  Mr. Kirby was born and raised in the northeastern United States.  In the spring of 1942, Mr. Kirby walked out of St. Mary’s high school and joined the Marine Corps.  With a massive physique of 5’6” tall and 135 lbs, Mr. Kirby was not your prototypical Marine.  He suffered through boot camp in Paris Island, SC, where his first encounter with a Drill Sergeant resulted in a punch to Mr. Kirby’s face.  

Following boot camp, Mr. Kirby travelled west across the United States making stops in Camp Lejeune, Nebraska, and Camp Pendleton, for various types of training.  He was trained as a scout, which meant he would move ahead of the Infantry to observe the enemy and provide intelligence back to the Marines.  Upon arrival in the South Pacific, Mr. Kirby was assigned to Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.  The young Marines wasted no time, landing in Bougainville,  Mr. Kirby’s first combat.  

After Bougainville, Mr. Kirby and the Marines from 3rd Division invaded the Mariana Islands, with Guam as the objective for Mr. Kirby’s unit.  Mr. Kirby faced heavy combat in Guam, including one of the largest and most vicious Bonzai attacks of the war.  Mr. Kirby was wounded by a Japanese hand grenade during a one-on-one confrontation with a young Japanese soldier.  He also lost his best friend, who died in Mr. Kirby’s arms.  After being wounded, Mr. Kirby was evacuated for a short period, but he refused to leave his men.  He rejoined his unit shortly after being wounded and following the conclusion of a ‘successful’ campaign in Guam, 3rd Division made Guam home base while preparing for the fateful invasion of Iwo Jima.  

In February 1945, Mr. Kirby landed on Iwo Jima and began fighting for 22 straight days in some of the most brutal combat our nation has ever faced.  Of the 230 Marines who landed with Easy Company, only Mr. Kirby and six other men walked off that island.  

Mr. Kirby has documented many of his experiences by writing a book, ‘Stories from the Pacific:  The Island War 1942-1945.’  His book can be purchased on Amazon, and we HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only are his combat stories phenomenal, he has so many hilarious stories about life as a young Marine.  Most fascinating (to us) are his perspectives on the combat, the military, and war in general.  For those of us who have been in combat, Mr. Kirby was able to put into words what many of us feel but can’t say.  His perspectives really resonated with us, and we sincerely hope you’ll order his book.  It’s a must read, in our opinion, especially if you’re interested in World War II, the Pacific Theatre, or you’ve never served but would like a small taste of what combat is really like.

We want to thank Mr. Kirby for sharing his story.  He discussed some very difficult topics, and we believe his words are enlightening for those who served in the military, or those who never served at all.  This is our first four-part series.  Part 1 (Episode 22A) will cover his childhood, joining the Marine Corps, boot camp, and deployment overseas.  Part 2 (22B) will dive into Mr. Kirby’s first combat in Bougainville and then Guam (some of Mr. Kirby’s most difficult memories were experiences he faced on Guam).  Part 3 (22C) will focus on Iwo Jima, and Part 4 (22D) will cover the final chapter in his book, which is simply amazing.

God Bless men like Mr. Kirby.  None of us would be here today without Mr. Kirby, and the millions of young men who sacrificed their lives to provide us with the greatest privilege in the world, FREEDOM.  

We are honored to welcome Larry Kirby, United States Marine Corps, as our guest for episode 22.  Mr. Kirby was born and raised in the northeastern United States.  In the spring of 1942, Mr. Kirby walked out of St. Mary’s high school and joined the Marine Corps.  With a massive physique of 5’6” tall and 135 lbs, Mr. Kirby was not your prototypical Marine.  He suffered through boot camp in Paris Island, SC, where his first encounter with a Drill Sergeant resulted in a punch to Mr. Kirby’s face.  

 After boot camp, Mr. Kirby travelled west across the United States making stops in Camp Lejeune, Nebraska, and Camp Pendleton, for various types of training.  He was trained as a scout, which meant he would move ahead of the Infantry to observe the enemy and provide intelligence back to the Marines.  Upon arrival in the South Pacific, Mr. Kirby was assigned to Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.  The young Marines wasted no time, landing in Bougainville,  Mr. Kirby’s first combat.  

 After Bougainville, Mr. Kirby and the Marines from 3rd Division invaded the Mariana Islands, with Guam as the objective for Mr. Kirby’s unit.  Mr. Kirby faced heavy combat in Guam, including one of the largest and most vicious Bonzai attacks of the war.  Mr. Kirby was wounded by a Japanese hand grenade during a one-on-one confrontation with a young Japanese soldier.  He also lost his best friend, who died in Mr. Kirby’s arms.  After being wounded, Mr. Kirby was evacuated for a short period, but he refused to leave his men.  He rejoined his unit shortly after being wounded and following the conclusion of a ‘successful’ campaign in Guam, 3rd Division made Guam home base while preparing for the fateful invasion of Iwo Jima.  

 In February 1945, Mr. Kirby landed on Iwo Jima and began fighting for 22 straight days in some of the most brutal combat our nation has ever faced.  Of the 230 Marines who landed with Easy Company, only Mr. Kirby and six other men walked off that island.  

 Mr. Kirby has documented many of his experiences by writing a book, ‘Stories from the Pacific:  The Island War 1942-1945.’  His book can be purchased on Amazon, and we HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only are his combat stories phenomenal, he has so many hilarious stories about life as a young Marine.  Most fascinating (to us) are his perspectives on the combat, the military, and war in general.  For those of us who have been in combat, Mr. Kirby was able to put into words what many of us feel but can’t say.  His perspectives really resonated with us, and we sincerely hope you’ll order his book.  It’s a must read, in our opinion, especially if you’re interested in World War II, the Pacific Theatre, or you’ve never served but would like a small taste of what combat is really like.

 We want to thank Mr. Kirby for sharing his story.  He discussed some very difficult topics, and we believe his words are enlightening for those who served in the military, or those who never served at all.  This is our first four-part series.  Part 1 (Episode 22A) will cover his childhood, joining the Marine Corps, boot camp, and deployment overseas.  Part 2 (22B) will dive into Mr. Kirby’s first combat in Bougainville and then Guam (some of Mr. Kirby’s most difficult memories were experiences he faced on Guam).  Part 3 (22C) will focus on Iwo Jima, and Part 4 (22D) will cover the final chapter in his book, which is simply amazing.

 God Bless men like Mr. Kirby.  None of us would be here today without Mr. Kirby, and the millions of young men who sacrificed their lives to provide us with the greatest privilege in the world, FREEDOM.  Mr. Kirby is a hero of the highest degree, and we are proud to call him our friend.  A huge ‘thank you’ to Shrey

Don't miss the conclusion of our two-part interview with Kenneth 'K.P.' Platt.  K.P., born and raised in Texas, never graduated high school.  He left school permanently in the seventh grade and joined the Army in 1937, two months before his sixteenth birthday.  K.P. began his Army career with the 23rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  After three years, he transferred to Hawaii and was eventually assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks on the north side of Oahu.  On December 7, 1941, K.P. awakened to machine gun fire strafing his building and bullets pouring through the window next to his bunk.  As the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they also attacked Wheeler Field, located next to Schofield Barracks, which placed K.P. in the midst of the attack.

Under fire from Japanese planes, K.P. broke into the company arms room to secure machine guns and ammunition, attempting to fire on the Japanese planes.  K.P. remembers the horrible damage inflicted on Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Field and other parts of the island.  ‘Pearl harbor was tore all to pieces,’ he said.  ‘Just horrible.’  

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, all military forces in Hawaii mobilized, not knowing whether the Japanese would return.  The following year, K.P. deployed to Australia where he served in a variety of roles, including Bomb Disposal School (not one of his favorite assignments).  Eventually, K.P. landed in New Guinea, fighting the Japanese throughout the island.  K.P. returned to Texas just before the war ended and has been a Texas resident ever since (with the exception of a few military deployments).  K.P. married his lovely wife, Lorena, on August 4, 1945, and they have been together ever since, celebrating a momentous 75th anniversary last year.

K.P. is a very dear friend and an amazing man.  We are honored to share his story.  The just don’t make ‘em like K.P. anymore!

A special ‘thank you’ to Shreyas Ganesh for volunteering your time as sound engineer for this podcast.  

We (Walk Among Heroes) are pleased to welcome Kenneth ‘K.P.’ Platt as our guest for Episode 21.  K.P., born and raised in Texas, never graduated high school.  He left school permanently in the seventh grade and joined the Army in 1937, two months before his sixteenth birthday.  K.P. began his Army career with the 23rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.  After three years, he transferred to Hawaii and was eventually assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks on the north side of Oahu.  On December 7, 1941, K.P. awakened to machine gun fire strafing his building and bullets pouring through the window next to his bunk.  As the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, they also attacked Wheeler Field, located next to Schofield Barracks, which placed K.P. in the midst of the attack.

Under fire from Japanese planes, K.P. broke into the company arms room to secure machine guns and ammunition, attempting to fire on the Japanese planes.  K.P. remembers the horrible damage inflicted on Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Field and other parts of the island.  ‘Pearl harbor was tore all to pieces,’ he said.  ‘Just horrible.’  

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, all military forces in Hawaii mobilized, not knowing whether the Japanese would return.  The following year, K.P. deployed to Australia where he served in a variety of roles, including Bomb Disposal School (not one of his favorite assignments).  Eventually, K.P. landed in New Guinea, fighting the Japanese throughout the island.  K.P. returned to Texas just before the war ended and has been a Texas resident ever since (with the exception of a few military deployments).  K.P. married his lovely wife, Lorena, on August 4, 1945, and they have been together ever since, celebrating a momentous 75th anniversary last year.

K.P. is a very dear friend and an amazing man.  We are honored to share his story.  The just don’t make ‘em like K.P. anymore!

A special ‘thank you’ to Shreyas Ganesh for volunteering your time as sound engineer for this podcast.