Apache Junction, AZ – High 92 Low 63
(We met Joe back in February but I just read his book.)
We were getting ready to go into PetSmart when we noticed this gentleman using his walker to push the dog food he bought out to his car. Jim stepped up and asked if he could help him load it into the trunk.
We visited with him about his dog for a few minutes than I noticed his WWII hat. I thanked him for his service and he then told us about what he did during the war in the Persian Gulf.
He was fascinating. What a story this man has to tell. His mission was to deliver war equipment and supplies to Russia through Iran. President Roosevelt knew that Russia could not fail in their bid to conquer Iran and stop them from coming to the aid of the Nazis.
Joe has written a short book (only 77 pages with lots of pictures) about his experiences. Because so little was known about this command, the Library of Congress asked him if they could put his book in their files.
He was a mechanic working to keep the big trucks and equipment running in freezing winter and the boiling summer. One day the temperature reached 136 degrees.
He said that it got interesting when they were making deliveries with the British used to driving on the left side of the road, the Americans on the right side, and the Russians down the middle.
He received the first Russian Medal for providing supplies to the Russians. He was presented with an award from President Clinton in the Rose Garden. He was also invited to go to Moscow to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the “Victory in WWII.”
There is so much more to the story and I would highly recommend reading his very interesting story at the following link.
The Persian Gulf Command and Aid to the Russians as I lived it
Joe in Iran in 1943
Thank you Joe for your service.
What an interesting story he has to tell. Thank you for the link.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Aren't you glad you stopped to give him a hand.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting story and man!! I would be delighted to read his story. Thank you for your story and love for your country, Joe!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great read, so happy Jim stopped to help him.
ReplyDeleteWell how cool is that meeting Joe. What an interesting man. We do owe so much to the brave men and women who have fought and continues to fight for our freedom. Thank you, Joe!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I'm adding this to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteThe greatest generation, men and women that answered the call. I am thankful for their service.
What a wonderful meeting and nice to read his story as well. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA little helpful hand seems to paid off more to you than to him. You met a wonderful man who had a great story to tell. You were the lucky one but I think he felt he was. I wish we could meet up with people like Joe. Great blog.
ReplyDeleteI wish we would recognize such people when we meet them. My grandfather was a SeaBee, the construction arm of the U. S. Navy, and I suspect he would have told me wonderful stories had I known enough to ask for them.
ReplyDeleteSo many untold great stories, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love impromptu conversations like that but most folks think they are too busy for it.
ReplyDeleteGreat story!
ReplyDeleteLove the personal history of vets of the greatest generation. :c)
ReplyDeleteI'm working my way through the blogs I read and today it was yours. First of all, congrats on the new addition to your family! He's so lucky you found him. I have to try an escape room. I thought it was just something on Big Bang Theory. LOL Your story about Joe Peters is wonderful. I'll have to read his book. Have a great summer. I hope you're getting out of the heat soon.
ReplyDeleteI love impromptu conversations like that but most folks think they are too busy for it.
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Joe Peters was my Uncle...He was engaged to my Mother, Millie...She married my Father when uncle Joe was overseas...Uncle Joe later married Rose, my Mother's sister....Who was also my God Mother...Uncle Joe passed away this past September...God bless him...What an interesting life he did have..I have a video of an interview that he did for CNN about his time in the Persian Corridor...Thank you for this lovely story about Uncle Joe!
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