A generation defined
From the Buffalo News (an older story): France honors WWII hero: Veteran took part in Normandy battle which is an ode to the sons and daughters of immigrants. Men like Mr. Pawlik were part of a great generation, not in the marketing sense of the term, but in the way that service, honor, and sacrifice were part of their very being. It came from family, neighborhood, and Church.
Blood shed during World War II never is far from Joseph E. Pawlik’s mind.
In addition to scrapbook photos, medals and recordings of the war stories he once told, a piece of shrapnel still lodged near his spine serves as a reminder.
Pawlik, now 89, was struck by artillery fire in 1944, during the invasion of Normandy at the Battle of Merderet River.
—He carries with him an all-too-difficult memory of his service that day,— said Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Kenmore.
Monday afternoon, with small American flags on the laps of many in a room at Buffalo’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pawlik was named chevalier —” the equivalent of —knight— in English —” of the Legion of Honor by the French government for his contribution to France’s liberation during World War II.
The honor, dating back to 1802 under Napoleon, was conferred April 16 in a decree by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
—Today, you are our hero,— said Pascal Soares, honorary consul of France in Buffalo, as he presented Pawlik the honor.
As a young man in Buffalo’s Black Rock neighborhood, Pawlik was eager to assist his country at war. He enlisted as a paratrooper and served as a technical sergeant.
Pawlik’s selfless nature would carry him through the war.
Three months after receiving a Purple Heart as a result of fighting at Merderet River, Pawlik was back in the front lines.
He didn’t want to leave the troops,— his daughter Terry Hans explained. —They needed him.—
In 1945, on a bitter winter day at Dead Man’s Ridge in Belgium, no one needed Pawlik more than his sergeant, who was wounded. As others took safety in their foxhole, Pawlik left his comfort zone to help his comrade to safety.
…
James Benz, a Vietnam veteran, was on hand as his friend was honored. —I’m very proud,— Benz, 61, said of Pawlik. —He’s like another father to me.—
Sto Lat! Mr. Pawlik, Sto Lat!
Excellent article. We need to look back at that generation as we debate the issues of this day. Where ever we stand on the issue, we need to ask ourselves, are we there for service, honor, and sacrifice or are we in it for ourselves. As community, we need to remember these came from family, neighborhood, and Church. Do we as church still teach these things? That is the question each of us must ask ourselves, as the answer lies in the hearts of each of us.