There were three visits during our trip to Italy where I experienced goose bumps. One was during worship, which I shared with you. Another was taking communion in the catacombs and the third was a stop by an American military cemetery just outside Florence. Our guide said it wasn't part of the actual tour itinerary and noted he thought we would appreciate the visit. The cemetery was getting ready to close for the day and the guide had to ask for permission from soldiers, telling them our group was from the U.S.A.

When we got off the bus I immediately went to the guide and thanked him for making the stop. My dad was a World War II veteran and served in France. I kept thinking maybe he knew someone buried here. Maybe they were in basic training together. That's why it was a solemn moment for me. My dad wasn't directly involved in combat, but suffered an injury during training exercises and was in a military hospital for a while. He never talked about it and I didn't know he was a card-carrying member of the Disabled American Veterans until I found the card in his billfold after he passed. Mom confirmed it and gave each of his children a potholder he made while rehabilitating in the hospital. He made five potholders and at that point was a single man with no children. I have two sisters and a brother.

The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial consists of 70 acres and is just south of Florence. There have been 4,402 burials there and 1,409 MIA's. The cemetery was started in 1944 and officially dedicated in 1960. It is run by the American Battle Monument Commission. On the way to Rome I had a nice conversation with a fellow traveler about the cemetery. They wondered why medals are given out for killing in wars.

Many of those buried there died in the fighting that followed the capture of Rome in June 1944. There are three Medal of Honor recipients memorialized there. I can't use the word buried because one of the men's remains have never been recovered. I'll give you a description from each of their citations and hopefully you will understand the medals aren't handed out for killing. They are handed out for saving lives and sacrificing one's own life in the process.

Addison Baker was born in Chicago on Jan. 1, 1907, and died Aug. 1, 1943. He was commander of the 93rd Bombardment Group that led low-altitude bombing of oil refineries in Operation Tidal Wave. Piloting a B-24 Liberator, the 37-year-old led the group's second formation in the five-group mission of 177 aircraft. Co-piloting was a volunteer and former member of the 93rd, fellow Medal of Honor recipient Maj. John Jerstad. A portion of the citation says his plane was in flames, having been seriously damaged by German anti-aircraft guns. "Baker maintained formation and bombed his target. Subsequently, Baker broke formation to avoid a mid-air collision with bombers from the lead group. He attempted to gain altitude so that his crew could escape by parachute, but despite his efforts" the plane crashed and exploded, "killing Baker and the other nine airmen aboard. Although his body was never recovered, he was given a memorial site in Florence American Cemetery and Memorial, Florence, Italy." According to the citation, his actions saved countless lives.

Roy Harmon was born in Oklahoma in 1915. I could find no birthdate for him. Even his citation simply states 1915. On July 12, 1944, his life here was over. Harmon is one of six Native Americans to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The U.S. Army member received the medal for actions against German forces in Italy. The sergeant serving in Company C, 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division actually did something you thought only happened in war movies. He single-handedly attacked three German positions firing on a friendly platoon and destroyed each one. Despite being wounded on his first approach, he kept going. He was killed while attacking the third position. Here is what his citation says in part. "Sergeant Harmon's extraordinary heroism, gallantry and self sacrifice saved a platoon from being wiped out and made it possible for his company to advance against powerful enemy resistance." He ordered his company to stay back while he rushed those enemy positions.

George Keathley was born March 10, 1917, in Texas and died in October 1944. The member of the U.S. Army was awarded his medal for actions against enemy forces in Italy. The 27-year-old took command of two platoons after they had been left leaderless due to heavy casualties. The remnants of the platoons were dangerously low on ammunition so the citation reads, "Sergeant Keathley, under deadly small arms and mortar fire, crawled from one casualty to another, collecting their ammunition and administering first aid. He then visited each man of his two platoons, issuing the precious ammunition he had collected from the dead and wounded." The citation continues noting his actions and says he suffered a mortal wound to his left side from a grenade but, "His heroic and intrepid actions so inspired his men that they fought with incomparable determination and viciousness. For fifteen minutes Sergeant Keathley continued leading his men and effectively firing his rifle. He could have sought a sheltered spot and perhaps saved his life, but instead he elected to set an example for his men and make every possible effort to hold his position." The citation concludes, "had it not been for his indomitable courage and incomparable heroism, the remnants of the 3 rifle platoons of Company B might well have been annihilated by the overwhelming enemy attacking force. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service."

Over 4,000 reminders in this American Military Cemetery in Italy that freedom is not free. They never returned home to enjoy family barbecues or go fishing, attend a Twins game or go dancing, or watch their son or daughter get married and in many cases get married themselves.

I told my fellow tour group member that there were over 4,000 stories in that cemetery of how those people met their life's end.

Thanks to the American Battle Monuments Commission, we can be reminded of their sacrifice while enjoying the sites and smells while freely roaming Italy, a freedom we might not have had it not been for their service. Thanks to all who have served and are serving to maintain our freedoms.

Florence American Military Cemetery and Memorial, Florence, Italy

 

More From KDHL Radio