Our program for July 23rd was Bob Harbicht’s interview of Ken Mallory. Ken was scheduled in to be honored as the Dodger’s Military Hero of the Game back in April 2020. But that exciting event was postponed because of the pandemic. Not to let this great honor go by without notice, well known sportswriter Bill Plaschke took it upon himself to honor Ken in his sports column published April 15, 2020. You can follow this link to his column. https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2020-04-15/dodgers-military-hero-ken-mallory-world-war-ii-veteran

Fortunately, this month Ken finally got his time to shine! Ken was honored at a Dodger home game. Past President John Wilson was in attendance and loudly cheered for Ken during the well deserved standing ovation by the stadium crowd. A video of the event was presented and we could see the smiling faces and gratitude of the crowd and the joy and appreciation in Ken’s smile. Ken Mallory a true Military Hero of the Game.

Ken recounted how he was part of General Patton’s 3rd Army and participated in the December 1944 Battle of the Bulge campaign. As a Sargent he led the mortar squad across the Rhine River in Belgium with the objective to provide coverage for the Allied forces. It was a fierce battle in the forest in the snow. Out of the 200 in the Company, only 38 survived.

Ken described how 1944-45 was the coldest winter in years. To create a trench to sleep in the soldiers first had to dig through the snow and then through the frozen ground. An example of the sacrifices of war.

In a humorous antidote Ken recounted how in one captured German town he and several squad members went into houses to stock up on blankets and oatmeal. While walking out with his arms full he was surprised by 3 German soldiers who popped up to surrender themselves to him, but he shouted “Nein, Nein” and sent them over to another group.

Bob asked Ken about his voyage on the famous Queen Mary. Ken was part of 100,000 division shipped out. He slept in a bunk room and ate 2 meals a day. The task of feeding 100,000 men 3 meals a day was just too much for the kitchen crew.

Ken’s presentation was touching and fascinating. We thank Ken for his service in the military and his continuing service to Arcadia Rotary. You are a gem!!