After a relatively short day of biking we were kindly escorted into town by two police vehicles, VFW riders on their Harley's and a fire truck. Our host, Mayor Embody, was in fact the one driving the old fire truck and after our escort he graciously held a barbecue for us. Also, many locals and veterans joined our meal. One veteran in particular had an amazing story to share.
Bud Olson was the navigator of a glider in World War II. On June 6th 1944, Bud was in the leading wave with his unit the 325th and before reaching Normandy their tow plane was shot down. After losing the tow plane the glider had 90 seconds to make a landing. The airplane crash landed and he was the only one to survive. In the accident Bud sustained injuries to both his back and his leg but 3 months later, having little time to recover, Bud was assigned another glider and flew a mission into Holland. Now at 93 years old Bud still feels the effects of his landing on Normandy. Although Bud suffered injuries in the war, he says that the hardest thing he has lived through, was the death of his wife two years ago. He misses her dearly.
Bud is one of the few remaining veterans of World War II and this was an incredible opportunity to be able to meet him. Most of all, we are so great full for his service and for everyone else who has served.
Thank you
Gabby
Bud Olson was the navigator of a glider in World War II. On June 6th 1944, Bud was in the leading wave with his unit the 325th and before reaching Normandy their tow plane was shot down. After losing the tow plane the glider had 90 seconds to make a landing. The airplane crash landed and he was the only one to survive. In the accident Bud sustained injuries to both his back and his leg but 3 months later, having little time to recover, Bud was assigned another glider and flew a mission into Holland. Now at 93 years old Bud still feels the effects of his landing on Normandy. Although Bud suffered injuries in the war, he says that the hardest thing he has lived through, was the death of his wife two years ago. He misses her dearly.
Bud is one of the few remaining veterans of World War II and this was an incredible opportunity to be able to meet him. Most of all, we are so great full for his service and for everyone else who has served.
Thank you
Gabby
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