Howard was a pilot of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in the European Theatre during World War II. After V-E Day, he spent a few weeks flying displaced persons in Europe. He was then sent back to the United States where he began training to pilot the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. After he completed his training, he was going to be sent to the Pacific Theater. However, World War II ended before his training was complete. Due to the length of his service, he was quickly sent home to St. Louis to be reunited with his family.
Michael A., Saint Louis, Mo.
Stories of Honor nominations were supplied by the community. All nominations are told from the point of view of the nominator. Content produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Marketing Department. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com
Joe Kraft - U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army
Photo courtesy of Sally S.
Joe enlisted at age 20 and served from March 1943 to October 1945. During that time, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as a rear ball turret gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the South Pacific. He always told his family he was chosen for that position because he was a small guy, weighing about 140 pounds. The ball turret hung from the belly of the plane and required small men to occupy the space.
In 1945, Joe flew 43 bombing missions (359.5 total hours) from January to August over South Pacific targets, with the longest mission being 14 hours and 45 minutes. For his service, he was decorated with the Air Medal for courageous service and meritorious achievement.
Sally S., Eureka, Mo.
Stories of Honor nominations were supplied by the community. All nominations are told from the point of view of the nominator. Content produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Marketing Department. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com
Beverly Rogers - U.S. Army
Photo courtesy of Beverly R.
Beverly was stationed for two years in Germany in the late 1970s after she completed high school. After her service in Germany, she waited five years before joining the Army Reserves where she stayed for 26 years. She continued to work as a civilian in the reserves taking care of soldiers’ pay and promotions until she officially retired in 2017. Beverly loved taking care of all soldiers no matter what rank or gender.
Beverly R., Saint Ann, Mo.
Stories of Honor nominations were supplied by the community. All nominations are told from the point of view of the nominator. Content produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Marketing Department. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com
Trevor Slusser - U.S. Marine Corps
Photo courtesy of Peggy P.
Trevor is a very special young man. Trevor was so anxious to enlist in the Marines Corps that he graduated high school early. He is currently stationed at Camp Lejeune, waiting to transfer to Japan. Trevor also has three beautiful sisters, his beloved Weimaraner named Minnie, and a very proud mother and father.
Peggy P., Saint Peters, Mo.
Stories of Honor nominations were supplied by the community. All nominations are told from the point of view of the nominator. Content produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Marketing Department. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com
