My Father: A Special Man, and a True Hero

Editor's Note: This is a special week for veterans: The Marine Corps birthday is Nov. 10, and Veterans Day is Nov. 11. If you have a story to share with us about a veteran, past or present, feel free to send it to us. This story from  Sherman Oaks Patch blogger Sherry Brewer talks about her father, who served in the Air Force during World War II.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, and what better time than now to recognize my dad for the hero he was in World War II, and to celebrate him for being a loving, caring and laudable man toward everyone.

Always a humble man, my dad rarely discussed with me or my brother and sister his years in the military, unless coaxed by our mother. On a few occasions, he would go into the garage and bring to the table memorabilia that he kept in a cigar box, which consisted of pieces of shrapnel that found their way into the front section of the aircraft my dad was flying. We also got to try on, and show off, his flight uniform, which is boxed somewhere in the garage.

It was not until around 2003-04 that I learned the full extent of my dad’s military achievements. My parents were contributors to the World War II Memorial that was, at the time, being built in Washington, DC. As charter members, they were invited to and attended the Tribute to a Generation dedication celebration in May 2004. My mom thought it would be the highlight of a lifetime for my dad if, while attending the events, he could be presented with a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), which had been promised to him some 60 years earlier. Unfortunately, it never came to pass.

It took reading the letters that my mom wrote to the National Personnel Records Center, our congressman, and other agencies inquiring how to get my dad’s records that convinced me that he had been slighted by the Air Force and the country he had fought for. Here is why:

My father trained as a cadet, and upon graduation as a pilot, he became a test pilot. When his superior officer wanted him to become an instructor, he volunteered for overseas duty. My dad was with the 451st Bomb Group–724th Squadron, eventually becoming a second lieutenant. He was stationed in Foggia, Italy, and flew 29 missions over Europe, piloting a B24 aircraft.

During a special mission, my dad was successful in bringing in his severely damaged plane, and his grateful crew wrote him up for his bravery. The officer in charge said that wasn’t necessary; that he would receive the DFC because he'd earned it. Some time after that, my dad questioned a superior officer about why he had not received the DFC, and was told, “You know what the reason is.” The reason, sadly, was my dad’s religious beliefs. How many people, then or today, know that anti-Semitism existed in our armed forces?  Does it still?

I, too, sought answers and contacted the DFC Society for suggestions of whom to contact for records. In a brief email reply, I was told, “… The story about your Dad’s not receiving the DFC is a familiar one that we hear about almost on a weekly basis." It also appears that on July 12, 1973, an area of the National Personnel Records Center caught fire and many records for military personnel were destroyed. It seems that my dad’s records may no longer exist.

My family may never know the truth about why my dad was denied the aviation award for “heroism or outstanding achievement.” But I want everyone to know that Irving Levine, my Dad, is with us still and remains a hero. Except for the aches and pains that often accompany aging, he still has his brilliant mind and sense of humor. What better time to honor such an honorable man?

My parents will be celebrating 70 years of marriage this January. I also want to honor my brother, Jeff, who served our country doing two stints in Vietnam! Yes, we are a grateful family.

Thanks to all the service men and women who protect this country.