Carl Dalke 101st Airborne 506

The most unbelievable thing happened yesterday. I was sitting in the Oriental Institute Museum working my job as a security guard when an elderly man was rolled by in a wheelchair by a younger woman who looked to be his daughter. They commented on how they were having such a great time in the museum. Replying with a smile and a friendly greeting, I noticed that he was wearing some army memorabilia, like a jacket and a cap that read 101st Airborne Division. Immediately realizing who he probably was, I asked him if he was in the 101st. And yes, he was, and in the 506 regimental division that took part in Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and so on.

In short, he went through every part of the WWII depicted in Band of Brothers. And he told me war stories for half an hour: how he took his jump training under Capt. Sobel, how he was responsible for finding quarters for Col. Sink, what is was like during the Battle of the Bulge (when he didn't change clothes for 18 days straight), and how he single-handedly captured 23 SS officers at gunpoint who were plotting to kill the invading Americans. It was an incredible experience talking to this man. He had such incredible stories and has even been doing memorial jumps (parachuting) with guys from the 101st for the past 10 years while he's well into his 80's.

I guess the best part about meeting him was being able to shake his hand and thank him for his service to our country. I imagine so many people have imagined being able to do that with a veteran, especially after the HBO Band of Brothers craze. But I actually got to do it with a guy who experienced some of the most severe combat experiences firsthand.