07/09/2025
I wonder how many 20 year olds would be willing to accomplish what this young man has achieved after staring into their iPhones all day! They don’t make too many men like this anymore! AATW!
Harry Hudec (1922-2007) joined the Army on October 24, 1942, at the age of 20. He was a member of the 508 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division. He was also the regimental Boxing Champion.
On June 6, 1944 about 13,100 American paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, then 3,937 glider infantrymen, were dropped in Normandy via two parachute and six glider missions.
Hudec made his jump into Normandy at approximately 1:30 AM on D-Day and fought valiantly on Hill 30, situated between Chef du Pont and Picauville. He sustained injuries from combat and was sheltered and cared for by a local family for four days until German forces arrived. Following his recovery, Hudec underwent surgery to remove gr***de fragments from his wounds. He returned to active duty and subsequently parachuted into Holland during Operation Market Garden, as well as participating in the Battle of the Bulge.
After the war, Hudec returned to Cleveland, got married, had three children, and eventually retired from the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company after 43 years of service.
