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Re: WW II Ex-POW Finally Honored With DFC

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: July 08, 2003

"McGory DFC: An important reminder

EDITORIAL

This past July 4 weekend, amid the packed state parks and ubiquitous backyard barbecues, Tom McGory received the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the U.S. Air Force's highest honors.

The award wasn't given for any heroism in the Iraq war or the Gulf War or even the Vietnam War. This particular award traces far back to a sunny day on Aug. 6, 1944, when Tom McGory made a selfless choice.

Rather than jumping to safety from his crippled B-24, he ventured back into the aircraft and saved the life of his pilot, Mark Osborne, who had become trapped in his seat.

Both McGory, who lived in Dryden, and Osborne, of Tennessee, safely parachuted from the bomber. Both were captured and spent the remainder of World War II in German prisoner-of-war camps.

That was almost three generations ago, yet this past weekend, the U.S. Air Force awarded McGory, 88, the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism that August day.

Years after the war ended, Osborne, now of Nashville, lobbied federal officials to give McGory the recognition that was long overdue.

Some people might say that McGory's actions in the skies over Nazi Germany is "old news." Perhaps it is, but the history that this award dusts off is important for all Americans to remember. The recognition of McGory's heroism and the events surrounding it can serve as a refresher on the issues central to World War II. Such reminders are important today, particularly when many teenagers and young adults don't know the difference between the Norman Conquest and the Normandy Invasion -- and that's if they've heard of either one.

Countless members of McGory's generation sacrificed their youth and often their health -- and many their lives -- to fend off a global threat of fascism. Many historians say it was necessary for this country to become involved in the war.

Understanding the history of World War II is particularly important for young voters today, as the United States continually becomes involved in foreign conflicts such as those in the Middle East and now, perhaps, in Liberia.

Every Aug. 6 after his liberation from a Nazi prison camp, McGory wakes up at 6 a.m. and downs a shot of whiskey to toast his fellow Americans who didn't live through World War II.

The sacrifices by soldier and civilian alike can also help remind us of the freedoms we enjoy. McGory, for one, will never forget the price many paid for those freedoms.

©2003 The Ithaca Journal"