Sharing history that never made the books

One hundred years ago, the Treaty of Versailles ended World War I, Prohibition ended, the White Sox threw the World Series and these centenarian veterans were already born. World War II vets are a dying breed, literally, yet the Grand Valley area is home to at least six who are 100 years old or better. The VA recently honored these five men and one woman recently, where they shared memories that never made the history books.

100 years of memories

William Floryancic, 101, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942 and served as a quartermaster in New Guinea for three years, supplying troops in the Pacific Theater. He was about 23 when Uncle Sam sent him a letter that began with the dreaded “Greetings.” Leaving his wife and children behind for years was heartbreaking.

In the tropical climate of New Guinea, the heat sucked energy and the insects made life miserable. But Floryancic and his men functioned as a team, doing their best to keep combat troops supplied with the essentials.

“I hated the war, but I felt I was meant to be there,” Floryancic said.

George Tatum, 102, joined the Army Combat Engineers and spent his enlistment building bridges, airports and roads while “we were arguing with the Japanese.”

“We did our job to protect the guys. I’m glad I did it, and glad I don’t have to do it again,” he said.

He, too, left a wife and a son who was only a few months old behind. Jim Tatum, now 77, was 5 years old when his father returned from the Pacific the day before Christmas. Could there have been a better present than having your dad return home safely?

Dr. Harold Gard, 102, enlisted in 1942 so he could choose which branch of the service he entered when Uncle Sam said, “you’re mine.” Gard graduated from medical school and went from private to first lieutenant overnight. His outfit was geared up physically and mentally to assault Japan when the Enola Gay bomber effectively ended the war in the Pacific. On returning to the States, Gard practiced medicine at Brook General Hospital in San Antonio and then at Fitzsimmons in Denver.

“It was a privilege to take care of patients,” Gard said.

Harold Nelson, 104, served as a staff sergeant in Europe and Africa. He and his troops went all over the map, literally, serving time in North Africa, and then in Italy. As a platoon sergeant under General Patton, he and his men ran 20 miles one night, following Patton to their next embarkation. As Nelson’s crew straggled up the gangplank, Patton barked, “Damn it, soldier, let me hear you give some orders! These men look all pooped out!”

Nelson chuckled. “I couldn’t very well say that they were pooped because they ran all the way while he rode in his Jeep!”

Dean Paul enlisted before war broke out and served in the Army, invading near the Battle of the Bulge and moving across Belgium and France.

“We were bombed every day,” he remembered.

Paul was well into his 90s when he decided he wanted students to know that the war was real, not just facts and dates to be memorized for history exams.

“I’ve been talking for 15 years at Colorado Mesa University to tell students what we did in World War II. I want them to know how it was,” he said.

His discussions brought history to life for students almost 90 years younger than he, and everyone who has heard him speak has thanked him for his service and for filling in the gaps between history textbooks and real life.

Women fighters

The VA ceremony didn’t forget the women patriots who served alongside their male peers.

Ann Reynolds, 100, enlisted in the army in 1943 and served as a corporal, instructing physical education classes for both men and women in the early mornings.

“I always loved people in uniform. My brothers were in the Army and the Navy, and I loved hearing about their service. My parents said I was just carrying on the tradition,” Reynolds said.

She had her bags all packed to go to the Pacific Theater when the order was canceled at the last minute.

Maj. Elizabeth Edwards handed out certificates and embroidered caps to the six centenarians. She especially thanked Reynolds, saying that women like her made it possible for Edwards to achieve her goal of serving her country in the Armed Forces.

Acting VA director Patrick Hull also thanked the vets, saying, “This event is to say thank you. It’s all about you and your families.” He ended by saying, “My only purpose in life is to serve you."

As we honor on November 11 those who served so nobly and so well—in all conflicts—let us never forget their sacrifices. We are the land of the free because of the brave.