Hero in Our Midst -
Havehrill's John Katsaros
Tech Sgt. James Moore,
USAF
It
is now possible for us to remember a true
patriot. Sworn to silence for a period of
time, even to his own family, John
Katsaros can finally reveal his story of
perseverance, courage, and heroism to us.
We hear stories about freedom fighters.
However, an airman of this magnitude, a
true American from the greatest
generation, one who can tell his
own story, is among us and lifting the
hearts of those who hear.|
The greatest generation, is
quoted in Wikipedia as, Americans
who fought in World War II, as well as
those who kept the home front intact
during it. Some of those who survived the
war then went on to build and rebuild
United States industries in the years
following the war. John, still
among us today, a poster child for the
Greatest Generation, reveals his account
of a man against the odds.
Katsaros, 85, of Haverhill, born and
raised, is a World War II veteran.
Initially planning to join the Navy as an
aviator, his color-vision disqualified
him from being able to serve as a Naval
pilot. His determination compelled
him to join the United States Army Air
Force, making it possible for him to
serve our country and make his story
possible, in March, 1942.
John served with the 8th Air Force as
assistant engineer, photographer and
aerial gunner on the B-17 Flying
Fortress. He served in the U.S. Army Air
Force (8th Air Force), 1st
division, 94th Bomb Wings, Deenethorpe,
England, U.K., and the 401st Bomb Group,
612th Squadron. However, with his amazing
credentials, it is the story of Staff
Srgt. John Katsaros that now being told.
Having survived
circumstances involving his bullet
riddled aircraft, initially sent on a
mission to Germany to bomb a primary
aircraft factory; the story begins here
as the plane was shot down over Reims,
France. There were ten crew members on
his B-17 aircraft, traveling on their
11th mission over Germany, March 20,
1944. Although many perished, John
escaped death from his battered aircraft.
John parachuted from a height of 25,000
feet, survived, but was captured as a POW
(Prisoner of War) by Gestapo twice.
However, John escaped with help of the
Free French Resistance, but it took
numerous attempts until he would be out
of the camp for good. Furthermore, he
received medical treatment from Dr. Levy,
who performed surgery on Johns
injured arm. Dr. Levy is credited for
saving Johns arm and is life. Once
free from being a prisoner, John faced
the Pyrenees Mountains as his new barrier
to freedom. After climbing, John finally
reached freedom in neutral Spain.
However, hearing him tell his story lifts
the heart and makes one reflect on the
cost of freedom.
Normal interview processes change with a
story such as Johns. There is only one
question to ask, John, tell us your
story. Then ones life could
slow for a moment and possibly be changed
for lifetime. Katsaros book is the
story of his struggle to freedom from
being knocked out of the sky in Germany
to his miraculous rescue. It is an
incredible story of his dedication to
duty and honor to his country.
However, John was not able tell his story
to the world. According to the synopsis
of his book, John was under secrecy
oath by the government and, under heavy
penalty of punishment, was unable to
reveal his story until recently when the
oath of secrecy was lifted. Now,
many have heard, and many more must be
told the events surrounding this American
hero.
He was awarded: Purple Heart, Air Medal
with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star,
British Flying Boot, French Resistance
ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern
Campaign ribbon, World War II Victory and
POW Medal, Caterpillar award and two
Presidential Unit Citations.
One who heard first hand, the Methuan
Youth Core Founder Kathleen Corey
explains, Interviewing John
Katsaros for MCTVs show Call
to Serve, was one of the highlights
of our 60 and counting shows. Katsaros
description and knack for story-telling
brings the listener to a greater
understanding of what it was like to be
on a B-17 during WWII. Our crew found it
amazing that he was only 20 years old
when he bailed out. The trials and
tribulations that he had to endure to
secure his freedom are truly something
for the story books. That is why we all
grabbed one of his books and had him
autograph it. I personally felt it was a
worthwhile read.
In the fast-paced world in which we live,
people like Staff Sgt. Katsaros, a true
patriot, can bring the toughest to tears
with his story of courage. His account
can bring the world to a stop for moment
causing us to reflect on life and freedom
itself. Many have lost their lives, but
some were left to remind us of why we
live free. More than just commending
remarks are owed to those who risked
their lives for us. Many just want to
tell the story of the sacrifices of
freedom. Such is the case with Staff Sgt
John Katsaros, who wants to take you on a
journey through his book to reveal his
story and open you eyes to the true
definition of the greatest
generation.
In Johns book, Code Burgundy
The Long Escape, the story comes
with great detail and vivid account,
which could not be conveyed in any
article.
If you would like to order you copy
today you can contact John at JKatsaros@comcast.net.
If you would like to speak to him
directly, please call John at
978-869-3035.
Tech. Sergeant James Moore is
a recruiter for the United States Air
Force and our Valley Patriot Hero
Columnist. You can e-mail Sgt. Moore at
James. Moore.73@us.af.mil or you can call
him at 978-686-1464
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pictures and material are
(C) copyright, Valley Patriot, Inc., 2008
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