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Hi, I am Sig (junge1),
I was born in Dominikus- Krankenhaus in Berlin-Hermsdorf, Bezirk Reinickendorf in December 1939. Bezirk Reinickendorf was one of 20 Bezirke that made up Gross-Berlin before World War II and one of 12 Bezirke that made up former West-Berlin, the other 8 Bezirke were Russian occupied and became East-Berlin after the war. Moved from Berlin to Neurohlau (Nova Role) Sudetenland (now Czech Republic), in August 1943 (our entire block of apartment buildings was bombed out in November 1943) and returned back to Berlin in November 1945. Saw my dad the first time in my life in August/September 1946 after he returned from POW camp. Attended elementary school in Berlin-Waidmannslust, high school in Berlin-Hermsdorf, and trade school in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Was an apprentice for the trade of Klischeeaetzer (photo engraver) at Burrath & Schmidt on Friedrichstrasse between U-Bahnhof Kochstrasse (near to what later became Checkpoint Charlie) and Hallisches Tor.
While watching Allied planes supplying West-Berlin by air during the Berliner Luftbruecke in 1948-49 I developed my love for aircraft. I guess I could be considered a 'Berliner Grosschnauze", or at least I used to be.
'Wanderlust' led me to leave Berlin in summer 1960 to emigrate to Toronto, Canada and in February 1962 to move from Canada to New York City, NY, USA. In January 1963 I joined the United States Air Force, one step ahead of Uncle Sam drafting me. Became a United States citizen within 7 weeks after it became a security issue because of my military career. One day after I was sworn in as a citizen in Seattle, my entire unit left for Southeast Asia in June 1966. After nearly 5 years of active duty (extended 11 months to make it an 18 months overseas deployment) I got discharged and moved to New York City. In 1973 I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and two years later joined the Arizona Air National Guard.
Received my higher education at Arizona State University and the University of Georgia and worked for 22 years for the Arizona Department of Water Resources in various capacities. Upon military retirement in 1999 and State retirement in 2005 I looked at a number of things to keep me occupied. Traveling and joining 'renderosity' in September 2007 were a couple of them,
Sig..
Comments (33)
Faemike55
Very beautiful thanks
whaleman
Very nice Sig!
junge1
I posted this a day early because I won't be home. Will be in Willcox for a Veterans Day event.
kgb224
Stunning capture and dedication my friend. God Bless.
ysvry
medal of honor is a reversed pentagram? how odd.
renecyberdoc
excellent tribute.
bazza
Super dedi Sig
jayfar
Very apt at this time.
Palaemon
Beautiful.
jophoto
Nice tribute shot.
drifterlee
A great one for Veteran's Day!
flavia49
marvelous posting and dedication!! great tribute
debbielove
Excellent dedication Sig, very well posted.. I will posted for 11.11 myself Rob
mariogiannecchini
Nice tribute shot !
bobrgallegos
Most gave some, Some gave all!!! Wonderful somber tribute to Veterans. Thank You!!!!
casmindo
Good Job Sig. Seper Fi
Dreamingbee
this is great dedi for the veterans Sig !
bmac62
Fine photo...excellent thoughts. Happy 236th birthday to the Marines and fond rememberances for all who have served...and that includes you my friend. Read then Corporal Day's Medal of Honor citation. Wow!
farmerC
Exellent.
emmecielle
great tribute! :)
lieselotte2000
Honerable dedication. ... auch wenn wir als Nachkriegsgeneration ein gespaltenes Verhältnis zu Kriegshelden haben.
auntietk
Between your photograph and the Wiki Bill provided, I have a greater sense of Veterans Day. Excellent presentation.
sandra46
GREAT TRIBUTE
jocko500
wow I just read up on him. wonderful image for tomorrow
0rest4wicked
Think we all know Freedom is not free! Perfect presentation! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Minda
excellent Tribute sig...
Lashia
A beautiful dedication for a day worth remembering. Lest we forget.
dbrv6
Excellent dedication.
jamaicamac
Nice shot Sig...Thanks and happy Veterans Day.
carlx
Excellent tribute!!