Five World War II veterans shared their stories of combat in detail during multiple assemblies held for Briarcliff High School students. These men and women served the country in various capacities, both overseas and at home. Students admired the courage, wisdom, sacrifice and patriotism of their guests.
Coordinated by Briarcliff teachers Melissa Carnahan and Paul Zeidan and in conjunction with the BHS Leadership Club, the program gave BHS students an opportunity to interview many senior citizens at a local center. As students have been studying WWII in their global studies classes, the assemblies offered them a priceless opportunity to meet individuals who experienced the events firsthand, bringing textbook accounts to life.
Veteran Lewis McKinney, infantry captain, entered the service immediately after college. He served in the 19th infantry regiment and was assigned to jungle islands in the Pacific. Although he was in danger as he served during the army’s occupation of Japan, unlike other less fortunate young soldiers, he was not hurt.
“I was fortunate to be serving with capable people,” said McKinney. “I was lucky and blessed. The experience helped me to grow up.”
The students also heard from Pearl Blaustein, who was employed as an almanac researcher for the New York City Weather Bureau. She tracked and recorded weather patterns for specific calendar dates. At the time, Ms. Blaustein was unaware that she was responsible for predicting the weather for the allied D-Day invasion.
Also providing a firsthand account of the second world war was Seymour Stanton, who was 17 years old when he enlisted in the Air Force and became a tail gunner on a B-25. Positioned between twin rudders at the back of the plane, he flew to New Guinea in the South Pacific, during which flight his aircraft was hit and those aboard were forced to parachute out of the plane. They landed in the jungle and were saved by an infantry patrol. Stanton was slightly wounded when his plane was shot down once again. He and his fellow crew members jumped into the ocean and were saved a couple of hours later by a Navy destroyer.
Private Stanton also belonged to a unit that stormed a beach on D-Day. In addition to the Purple Heart, he received a Bronze Star for protecting his men from fire after a Japanese bomber attacked the beach.
The assemblies both educated and mesmerized the students. “We are fortunate to witness living history,” said Zeidan.