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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..
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Comments (31)
tigertim
Not a lot I could add Sig, to such a poignant photo of this Marine, I could only doff my hat in honour and respect.
ronmolina
Amazing story!
farmerC
Exellent.
flaviok
Relato impressionante sobre a vida, emociona meu amigo, soberba homenagem a este Marine, aplausos mil
neiwil
Max respect to this warrior...... Salute.
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God bless.
auntietk
What a wonderful portrait of your friend! It's nice to have a face to put with the stories. When you see him for breakfast this week, give him my regards. :)
jayfar
A super portrait of a true Veteran.
Cyve
Fantastic !!!
casmindo
Magnificent Capture of the greatest subject.
prutzworks
sad story but a very good dedi
dakotabluemoon
What a wonderful image this is of this guy and we should never forget what they have done for us.
UVDan
Isn't it amazing how the most unassuming guys are the real heroes? Super portrait of a real patriot!
adrie
Great portrait shot my friend.
bmac62
Wonderful Sig. A tip of my old Army cap to this old Marine. I knew his "twin" in the Army. His name was Bob Howard. He received the MOH along with two DSCs, and numerous purple hearts for service on at least three tours in Vietnam. He was given a battlefield promotion to Captain from Sergeant First Class over the radio by General Creighton Abrams...while on patrol in North Vietnam after all the officers in his long range reconnaissance patrol were killed. He retired as a full Colonel, served as President of the MOH Society and died at age 70, about 4-5 years ago. He was the bravest man I've ever known...but he too struggled with the effects of PTSD. Love your portrait of your friend. Atta boy:)
Juliette.Gribnau
superb portrait !
Faemike55
Fantastic portrait and narrative when you see him next, tell him from this sailor, "Thanks for your service!"
drifterlee
Nice character shot!
nefertiabet
Wonderful Story Sig and shot!!!
illkirch
Interesting story
Minda
Great portrait of your friend sig and amazing story.
jocko500
he looks healthy for sure. wish he could have gone but guess it may have cause flash backs and you may done know how to handle that. at lest you went . very good shot
starship64
Great shot, and what a life he's lived!
tofi
Definitely this man has earned much respect! He has much to be proud of and the courage and bravery... I'm at a loss for words. A really great portrait, and the fact that he is still smiling is ever so wonderful!
Richardphotos
what a great photo and information for the anniversary and Veterans day
flavia49
Fabulous portrait
SunriseGirl
My deepest respect to all the veterans past and present. thank you for sharing this great character photo and story.
erlandpil
What a wonderful portrait erland
pat40
brilliant work
danapommet
A true American hero Sig and a wonderful capture.