In the heart of Tucson, Arizona, the echoes of World War Two are still alive in the memories of a few resilient individuals. One such person is Walter Ram, a centenarian who not only lived through the harsh history of the war but also braved the perils of dangerous bombing runs over Germany, survived German prison camps, and continues to lead an active life at the remarkable age of 100.

Flying Into Danger: Walter’s Sixth Mission

Walter Ram, at the tender age of 19, served on a B-17, embarking on perilous missions straight towards enemies dedicated to shooting him down. On his sixth mission, his aircraft was hit. Positioned towards the middle of the plane, Walter experienced an explosion that knocked him down, rendering him unconscious and tearing off his oxygen mask. In a desperate situation, a fellow crew member emerged from the ball turret, rescued Walter, and pushed him out through the aft hatch without oxygen.

Parachuting Into Uncertainty

Walter’s survival instincts kicked in as he found himself hurtling towards the ground. Despite the chaos, he managed to open his parachute, a critical action that would define his fate. Waking up burned and bandaged in a German hospital, he found solace in the eyes of a German nurse—the only individual who showed him any kindness during the following 19 months.

Endurance Amidst Hardship: From Interrogation to Maggot-Infested Rations

Walter’s ordeal continued with an interrogation that involved a gun to his head, followed by imprisonment in camps where sustenance was a meager offering of bread made with sawdust and thin soup infested with maggots. In those dire circumstances, the prisoners justified consuming the maggots as a source of much-needed protein.

Witnessing Injustice: Jewish Prisoners on the Forced March

During a forced march to another camp, Walter and his fellow prisoners encountered Jewish prisoners facing even more severe starvation and abuse. Walter’s empathy was tested when he attempted to offer water to a fallen man, only to be violently thwarted, witnessing a tragic outcome.

Liberation at Last: General Patton’s Arrival

The dawn of liberation arrived one Sunday morning at 6:30 am, marked by the arrival of military trucks from General Patton’s Third Army. While liberation brought relief, Walter Ram faced a long road to recovery after enduring months of physical and emotional abuse.

A Home at the Memorial Museum

Walter Ram, originally associated with the 94th Bomb Group, found a sense of belonging at the memorial museum for the 390th, located on the grounds of the Pima Air and Space Museum. Here, he shares his harrowing story of survival, expressing deep appreciation for the country he fought for and nearly sacrificed his life to defend.

A Legacy of Resilience and Gratitude

Walter Ram’s journey through World War Two is not merely a chronicle of personal survival but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As he continues to share his experiences, his story becomes a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring gratitude for the freedom he fought to preserve.