An 85-year-old Tyrone veteran of World War II received long-awaited recognition as a Prisoner of War earlier this week at a ceremony held at the Tyrone American Legion Post 281.
William N. Rhodes, a technical sergeant in the United States Army/Air Force received the recognition at Tuesday evening ceremonies attended by several fellow veterans, other former prisoners of war and dignitaries.
Just prior to the ceremony Rhodes and his wife, Ardis, mingled with the crowd, posed for photographs and were interviewed by some of the area’s television stations.
Rhodes told reporters, “We weren’t treated bad,” in reference to his German captors. Rhodes and three comrades had been taken into captivity after they bailed out of their plane (a B-17 bomber) when it was shot down on March 31, 1945. Rhodes said five men were able to get out of the plane. However, one of those who bailed out did not survive the jump.
After about a month in captivity, Rhodes said he and his fellow soldiers “were liberated by the 15th Army.”
He said, “They were following the Germans and that’s how they found us.”
Congressman Bill Shuster made the formal presentation of the POW Medal along with a citation. Congressman Shuster was instrumental in helping Rhodes receive the honor after a clerical problem had caused six decades to pass before Rhodes was granted the status.
During the Congressman’s remarks he mentioned Rhodes had said he didn’t think he had done anything special. Shuster said those who had lived during the war and those who have since learned about it understood “how important” Rhodes’ service was to the effort. Shuster recognized the importance of all of those who served during what he called “a great struggle.”
He also recognized those serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said service people today feel the same way as Rhodes that what they are doing isn’t “anything special.”
He said military people feel as if “they are doing their job, they are protecting their families (and) they are protecting their buddies. A young Sergeant Rhodes was able to go do that.”
Shuster said whether it is Rhodes or today’s soldiers, “It takes someone with great courage, great desire and someone with a great desire and someone who really loves their country and their family to be able to do those types of things.”
After his remarks, Shuster presented the medal and a citation. Rhodes received a standing ovation and Shuster thanked him for his service and dedication and said, “We will be indebted to you forever.”
Rhodes offered some brief remarks to the crowd and received additional ovations as other dignitaries at the event recognized him.
State Senator Robert C. Jubelirer was represented by his executive assistant Jim Gregory and State Representative Jerry Stern was represented by William C. Fink, US Air Force Retired.
Fink presented Rhodes with a proclamation issued by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Blair County Commissioner Barry Wright also presented a proclamation to Rhodes on behalf of the county and its commissioners.
Rhodes’ granddaughter, Tara Beals, spoke about her grandfather’s heroism during the ceremonies.
American Legion Commander Fred Zanghi recognized Rhodes and other attending former Prisoners of War. There was also recognition for visitors from neighboring American and VFW Posts.
