WWII vet receives delayed gratification

Published Dec. 20, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Sean M. Crowe
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- John F. Flynn, World War II-era Army sergeant, was formally awarded the Bronze Star medal during a small ceremony Dec. 17, 2013, inside the U.S. Army Reserve Mobilization Museum here.

Flynn, a Philadelphia native who currently resides in Egg Harbor, N.J., earned the medal Feb. 1, 1945, while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 393rd Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division and directly engaged the enemy in ground combat.

Although World War II was coming to an end when he joined, his division was the first infantry element to advance the Rhine River, spending most of their time in trenches and foxholes.

Flynn's brother in-law informed him approximately 25 years ago that his accomplishment of earning the combat infantry badge entitled him to the Bronze Star. He then decided to contact Henry Melon Lopez, ASA-Fort Dix military human resources director, in November 2013 to request a ceremony.

Army Support Activity-Fort Dix coordinated the time, location and audience of a ceremony with Flynn for the overdue award.

Col. Jeffery Doll, ASA-Fort Dix commander, presented the award to Flynn and explained to the audience that Flynn had earned the award and his actions were not lost upon today's generation.

Flynn followed Doll with a speech expressing his gratitude for the award and described what the Bronze Star meant to him.

"I did not originally intend to follow up on the award when I was first told," said Flynn. "I realized sometime later that it would be a great way to set an example for my two grandsons and experience some sentiment. I ultimately decided that anyone who served in combat deserves recognition."

Flynn's family, including three sons, their wives, his daughter, two grandsons and a granddaughter, accompanied him to the ceremony. His daughter, retired Army Lt. Col. Nadine Flynn, was able to share in the sentiment that came along with the ceremony as a former military member.

"My father wanted to feel the camaraderie again after all the years," said Nadine Flynn. "I think part of his reluctance to accept the award was his desire to avoid what he thought to be a commotion. It makes sense that he would want a remembrance of his time in the service."

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst service members also attended to show support for the World War II veteran.

"Men like Mr. Flynn paved the way for today's military and deserve to be recognized," said Army Sgt. Kevin Forkin, ASA-Fort Dix Headquarters and Headquarters Company supply sergeant from Lincoln, R.I.

Flynn commented that he still feels connected with the service members of today as service bridges the age gap between himself and current members.

"I'm very proud of my achievements," said John Flynn. "We all felt as though we were on the side of the angels when we made it out of there. I heeded my mother's advice and separated after my enlistment because I had other goals I wanted to pursue."

John Flynn transferred to the 1st Infantry Division following his time in combat. He, like many other draftees, pursued a college degree and moved on after the service.