Veteran’s story stirs memories
The story of Thomas L. Beveridge by Scott Beveridge was an interesting and memory-producing story for me. He was one of so many of our local fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, cousins, aunts and mothers who served our country during World War II.
Coincidentally, my uncle, Col. Fredrick “Fritz” Hassett was a “Hump” pilot flying 352 combat missions to resupply the Chinese army and our troop during the war. These service members generally do not get the recognition of other more-famous soldiers and battles, but their service was crucial to our winning the war against the Japanese. The Japanese were inhumanly brutal to the Chinese during the war, and these brave men and, yes, women, served our country by risking their lives for the Chinese nationals.
Uncle Fritz talked very little of the war other than to say he ate crates of bananas to make weight so he could enlist in the Air Corps. He was a fascinating man who continued in the Air Force Reserves, was a vice president of Westinghouse in the marine division, traveled the world and lived each day to the fullest, as many veterans do. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery along with so many veterans.
Uncle Fritz grew up in Hazelwoood during the Great Depression and, with my father, scratched out a way to survive. They both enlisted, but my father was injured in training and could not go on to serve with his older brother.
I will enjoy the memories of my Uncle Fritz and all of my relatives who served and continue to serve our country
Jim Hassett
Jefferson