Flew home from Europe with one of the "Band of Brothers"

[kilopaparomeo]

I just got home from a business trip in Poland this weekend.  I connected through Munich and while walking back to my seat, I passed an older gentleman with a 101st Airborne hat on and a green flight jacket draped over his seatback.  The nameplate had his name, unit designation and underneath said "Band of Brothers".

I was two rows behind him and once he settled in, I went forward and asked him if he was in Easy Company.  He said "Yes" and we began talking.

It was Ed Mauser, who at 92, is believed to be the oldest surviving member of Easy Company.  Ed said that he had just completed a 2 week tour where he found his jump zone from D-Day and traced his route of all the major engagements they were involved in...all the way to the Eagle's Nest.  Ed was wounded at Bastogne.  He received the Silver Star as part of the nighttime rescue of the Arnheim survivors.

I told him how honored I was to have met him and thanked him for his time.

Later, I mentioned him to a flight attendant.  She immediately went over to talk to him.  She went up front and soon, each pilot came back in turn to shake his hand.  The crew wrote out a letter saying what an honor it was to have him on the flight.

When the crew finished their post-takeoff announcements, they mentioned the "very important passenger".  The entire aircraft broke out into applause.  The crew refused to let him pay for his wine during dinner.  There were several military people on the flight returning for leave and many of them stopped by, shook his hand and asked to have their picture taken with him.

Heavens...stuff like this almost restores my faith in people.  For me, this was like meeting Elvis...

Mr. Mauser was kind enough to sign this autograph for me...I'll put this in my "Band of Brothers" book or DVD set.




Here's my "commemorative" picture...my favorite M1 Garand with his little brother carbine backing him up




Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me for a picture.  Here's a few links I found on him.



http://www.omaha.com/article/20090906/NEWS01/709069862

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacques_wood/3899920876/

http://www.majordickwinters.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=3031&sid=6c393c700d331fcb93cc3af71d80d6e4

[Ichiban]

Truly an honor. 

[Hazcat]

Way cool and ya did good, KPR. 

[PegLeg45]

WOW! KPR, that had to be one heck of an experience.

These guys are true treasures of the country.


I had the good fortune this past June to have a good conversation with a gentleman who was a retired USAF SMSgt with 32 years of service and veteran of WWII (Army), Korea, and Vietnam (USAF), and served in two different branches of the military.
He showed me a photo of himself sitting on the barrel of a German Tiger tank when he was 17 years old (he lied about his age to enlist).

If anyone out there ever has the opportunity to listen to these guys tell stories about their experiences, I would strongly urge you to partake in the privilege of doing so.

[Pathfinder]

Wow, KPR! That is just so cool, what an experience. Just way cool, I ain't got any other words.

[Sponsor]

[twyacht]

That is a truly awesome event kpr!

Wow, KPR! That is just so cool, what an experience. Just way cool, I ain't got any other words.

DITTO!!!

He should drink for free for the rest of his life.

[Timothy]

I had the privilage of working as a bartender at our local VFW hall back in the early 90's.  It was a real honor to serve and speak with Vets from WWII, Korea and Viet Nam. 

You happened across one of our countries finest and it will be something you will remember for the rest of your life.   

Some guys would talk for hours and others, like my Dad, didn't really care to relive any of it but, you could see the pride and sometimes pain in their eyes when you extended your hand and thanked them.

[tombogan03884]

 Thank you for sharing that KPR.

[kilopaparomeo]

Thanks guys for the replies.  I do consider it a real honor to have met him.

For what it is worth, I asked him if the book and the DVDs are accurate.  Ed said that the Stephen Ambrose got the facts in the book very true to life.  When I asked about the DVDs, he smiled and said "those actors added a few things". 

[r_w]

Thanks guys for the replies.  I do consider it a real honor to have met him.

For what it is worth, I asked him if the book and the DVDs are accurate.  Ed said that the Stephen Ambrose got the facts in the book very true to life.  When I asked about the DVDs, he smiled and said "those actors added a few things". 

It was accurate enough to give my neighbor's Grandpa flashbacks.  He was in the 506th, but not easy company.  He still gets cold anytime someone mentions Bastogne. 

Heroes, every one of them.