The Patriot Sheepdog's Tribute to America's most valued citizens...Our Military Veterans (past, present, and future)

On this Memorial Day, I can say that I have never been more proud to be a part of such a family of patriots! It was an honor to have served the cause of Freedom. Thank you, from the very core of my being, to those who have served, and those who currently serve. You are true patriots to the core.
Below is a story of my Grandfather, who epitomized the true meaning of a patriot and sacrifice, as many others who served with him. My life is truly enriched forever for knowing him. The least I can do is honor him with this memorial.
I invite you here to share a memorial of a family member or loved one of yours who served our great country.
"Our veterans will live forever, because with this tribute, we celebrate their lives, memorialize their sacrifice, and commemorate their service."
Name:
Harry S. Meints
Rank:
Position:
Navigator
Unit:
8th Air Force, 334th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomber Group
Duty Station:
Horham, England
Aircraft Type:
B17 F
Aircraft Tail Number:
42-29943
Aircraft Name:
"Situation Normal"
10OCT1943 (Lost his Right arm; Awarded Purple Heart and the Silver Star-G.O. No. 219, 1943)
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Courtesy Jim Horan |
(10OCT1943, B17 Situation Normal):
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"Situation Normal" taking flac |
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Horham Airfield, England |
After neutralizing the German fighter, Meints moved back to the navigator console to ensure the proper course back to base. In spite of his fatigue and blood loss, he successfully navigated "Situation Normal" to their airfield in Horham, England. Once the airfield was in sight, he succumbed to the fatigue and blood loss, and passed out. He had the sense of selfless duty to ensure the safe return of his crew before he lost conscienceness. Harry S. Meints was the epitome of a true, selfless American Hero; They don't make 'em like that anymore. Harry S. Meints received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his valiant service and sacrifice for the cause of Liberty.
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"Situation Normal" crew pic |
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"Grandpa," in true form |
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95th Bomb Group Memorial, Horham England |
"The Old Airfield"
Strolling through these fields so green
Where once a throng of life has been
A feeling so evoked in me
Of sadness amidst tranquility
For beneath where now grows golden corn
Bonds as strong as steel were born
Laughter, tears and stories shared
Amongst the comrades of the air
And as on concrete strips I tread
The backbone from whence missions led
I can almost hear the roar
As engines to the heavens soar
“We count them out, we count them in”
Through the ever ascending din
This, by those who watched and cared
For men whose lives might not be spared
Day after day, night after night
Into another enduring flight
The hardcore now so cracked and worn
Each tell a story for those who mourn
Yet now looking up to the clear night sky
Over the airfield to stars on high
I feel sure that in this patchwork of land
Our faithful friends stretch out their hands
This land which now yields sheaves of gold
Will forever breathe a life of old
Never forget – they came, they went
And for you and me their lives were spent.
- Kate Kirkum, May 2004
“The Grandpa”
(August 5th, 1918 - March 14th, 2008)
Harry S. Meints was a kind man with a gentle spirit and a big heart. He was considerate, unselfish, and giving. He was never judgmental, and always looked for the good in everyone. Sharp as a tack with a healthy sense of humor, his smile was contagious. He always provided a perspective that made any problem seem insignificant, and his outlook on life was one to emulate. Even after navigating B-17 Situation Normal on WWII bombing missions, defending his bomber from German fighters, and losing his arm, all the while ensuring the safe return of his crew, it seemed that later in life nothing else was really worth getting upset over. We learned a lot from him, so in part he will always be with us. He is a true hero who is owed greatly by our country and we are so fortunate to have him as a beloved part of our lives. He is truly “The Grandpa,” and will be sadly missed, and we are so thankful to have shared our lives with him. For that we will ever be enriched.
- His loving grandchildren, affectionately known as, Katie-Baby, The Man (Eric), Pookie and Dookie (Morgan and Maddie), Weesie (Lisa), Coy-Baby, Megan-Baby, Gina Marie, Kev-Man (Kevin), and Sondra Leigh