A Different Kind Of War Story

Assignment America: Steve Hartman Talks To A Veteran He's Known His Whole Life

(CBS)  Growing up CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman knew almost nothing of his father George Hartman's service in World War Two. In honor of Memorial Day, he went home to get the story.

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Once I overheard him say something about coming home with a mouthful of metal. And there were some other clues hidden way up in the attic of our house.

Just from poking around up here as a kid, I knew my dad was in the Army's 32nd Red Arrow Division. I knew he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge for serving in the Phillipines. And I could only assume, at some point, he got close enough to the Japanese to capture a flag found in a box.

Even more intriguing was an article I found in the local paper. It was written from an official Army press release touting my father's heroism.

"Private George Hartman, while under enemy fire, used TNT, dynamite and flame throwers to blast enemy troops from their caves high in the mountains of Luzon," the article reads.

Unfortunately, the release got a few things wrong.

"You never used a flamethrower?" I asked my father.

"Nope. Never saw one," dad said.

"TNT?"

"Nope," he said.

"Dynamite?"

"Nope," he answered.

Actually, they got most things wrong. The whole writeup was just Army propaganda, meant to boost morale back home in Toledo.

"What in here is true?"

"My name," he said with a laugh.

The truth is my dad spent most of his time working in a PX, selling candy bars and what not. Which finally explains the mouthful of metal. Dental records show dad got 12 cavities during the war.

As for the flag?

"Maybe I bought it, I don't know," he said.

Turns out my dad never talked about the war -- not because it was too hard for him, but because it was too boring. This wasn't exactly the Hollywood movie I was hoping to find. Although I still kind of think there's a hero here.

In August of 1945, no one in the 32nd Division was in the Phillipines for the candy bars.

"We were going to invade Japan like they did Normandy," dad said. "I honestly believe if Harry Truman hadn't dropped the two bombs, the atomic bombs, that I wouldn't be here today - because I was a young soldier in the infantry division which was going to hit the beaches like they did at Normandy and a lot of them didn't come back."

Sometimes, the only thing that separates the living from the dead is circumstance.

"It's just a part of life, some of us live and some of us die," dad said.

Sometimes, the only difference between a hero and an Average Joe is opportunity.

Of course, Memorial Day is about honoring those who gave their lives to this country. But this year I'll also be taking a second to appreciate the many more, for whatever reason, didn't have to.

[JCS001]

I believe you missed a few points in your story.

I note that your father had a CIB (Combat Infantryman's Badge). These are not earned in the PX so I suspect there is more to his service.

Most critically you missed the most important point of the story. When in a time of need, the Nation called and he answered.

[revlin1]

Another DIFFERENT kind of war story "Living in the Shadow of the Iraq Conflict" It would do the media's heart some good to read it. www.shadowsofiraq.com We can recommend it.

[ksbeab]

I had the honor and privilege of serving with the 32nd Infantry Division in both "C" Company and Cannon Company, 126th Regiment. When the war ended, we were preparing to invade Japan, having secured the Villa Verde Trail in the Carabello Mountains of Luzon. I am certain that I was in close proximity of the men in Hqs Co. 1st Batallion and in the Heavy Weapons Company

Most of the fellows who served are gone now, but I think of them just about every day. A few of us are still around and we keep in touch periodically.

[gladmarkj]

Small world, Steve. My dad and your dad both in the Red Arrow 32nd Division, yours in the 128th in the Phillipines and and mine in the 126th New Guinea. For interesting reading about the terrifying adventures of "The Ghost Mountain Boys," in New Guinea, have your dad read that book I gave you on your visit to Muskegon; "The Ghost Mountain Boys: Their Epic March and The Terrifying Battle For New Guinea--The Forgotten War Of The South Pacific" by James Campbell from Crown Publishers. Then be thankful your dad got to sell candy bars in the PX in the Phillipines. Blessings to your dad and to you.

Yet another wonderful story Steve!

Your Muskegon Pal

Mark Jastrzembski
"Mister 8%"

[barbaram99]

Today we honor the war dead that died serving this nation. Nov 11 that is Vets Day,we honor all vets living and dead. On this day we think of them that died in service to this nation.
Steve I enjoyed the story about yer Dad.tthank ye for sharing it. Vets thanks for yer service to this nation.

[PamCleveland]

I respect Steve for what he was trying to do but isn't this why we have Veterans Day?

[CyrenaOB]

My father, William M. Chapman, was with the 32nd Division and was assigned to the HQ 1st Batallion, 126th Infantry. He participated in Saidor, Aitape, Morotai, Leyte, Luzon campaigns and the occupation of Japan. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific with four Stars and Arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Clusters , U.S. Presidential and Philippine Citation Badges. He never really spoke of his time in the Philippines - only told me of his commander that was killed in front of him. Whenever he did speak of that, his eyes would become glassy. He had the utmost respect for his comrades in the 32nd. Always said they were the best soldiers there ever were. Dad passed in 2003.

[barbaram99]

I have met WW2 vets and I stop and shake their paw. They are an honour to meet. Steve Hartman enjoy your Dad as my Dad was in the 50s. He has passed away in April of this year.. I know the WW2 vets are dying. I always thank every vet I meet. Yer Pa is a vet and enjoy the time ye both have.

[huppmoile]

My Father, Staff Sergeant Donald C. Boyd, served with the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division, 128th Infantry Regiment, Cannon Company. He fought on Leyte, Luzon, the Druiniumor River, and the Villa Verde Trail where he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism. He now resides in Swanton, Ohio and is in good health. A short interview and recent images of my Dad may be viewed at this link. http://carol_fus.tripod.com/army_hero_donald_boyd.html

[number1GI]

To my brothers in arms past an present.... PEACE and REST

[50antoine50]

My Dad was also in WWII in the Pacific. He resently turned 86 and about 2 years ago me and my 2 sons brought him to the WWII Museum in New Orleans. He never talked much about the war only because he lived it. He told us he spent 23 months in the Phillipene islands.Going from island to island, and he could still remember each island he went to, In order. I told my youngest(20, the same age my dad was) could you imagine at your age being dropped off in the jungles half way around the world to survive on your own-without your cell phone! My oldest calls him every veterans day to thank him for his service to our country. I think my dad would have a real good story to tell.

[Squirrel_Dawg]

Excellent story......
My dad also serviced with the 32nd in the 126th inf. Heavy Machine Gunner, he didn't talk much either. He said those guys from Michigan were tough and loved to drink like the boys from Tennessee. He said he had buddies for life. Here's to the Red Arrow Men........