Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
Pittman brothers remember their honorable uncles who fought in WWII
The most recent Kansas Honor Flight 104, (KHF), landed on Wednesday afternoon in Wichita, returning from a three-day trip that took Kansas veterans to Washington D.C. Among the 94 veterans on board were a pair of twins from Augusta who say they would recommend any veteran to take the trip for themselves.
Jeff and Steve Pittman, Augusta High School graduates of 1975 returned from Washington D.C. after what they say was the most meaningful trip of their lives. Those words hold their weight after the two men have worked around the world for the United States Army during their time served.
Jeff joined the Army in June of 1975 when he was sent to Fort Port in Louisiana for basic training.
“I hated every minute of it,” recalled Jeff. “With it being so humid and hot.”
He then attended parachute or “jump” school as the men called it at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He then served the Army for four years before his time ended and he returned to civilian life once again. He spent the rest of his time splitting his jobs as a welder or pipe fitter for oil refineries around Butler County and the United States until he retired at the age of 64.
Steve entered the Army in December of 1974 when he was sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He then attended Advanced Individual Training school to become a Combat Engineer. Afterwards he was sent to Alaska to work as a Demolition Expert for three years. After Alaska he served at Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Riley in Kansas for a combined four years.
Once Steve served his time with the Army he returned to civilian life to work in the oil fields where he traveled for work. In 1989 he landed a job with Boeing where he worked for 33 years until he retired in February of 2022.
“I wouldn’t ever do it again, but I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything,” said Steve.
Although Steve was never supposed to go on this KHF, he said he enjoyed it thoroughly. His older brother Thomas, who also served in the Army was scheduled to attend with Jeff. Unfortuantely, Thomas passed away in March due to medical conditions. That’s when Stever was offered to take the trip in his brother’s place.
“I originally had no interest in taking the trip,” said Steve. “But I’m glad I did go. Anyone that doesn’t go on this trip is missing out. The guides are so informative, and you learn a lot of things you wouldn’t know otherwise.”
The twins were chosen to lay the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial. Something they both agreed is the most honorable thing they’ve done in their life, topping all other experiences they’ve had. Upon their return home to Wichita on Wednesday, several classmates of theirs showed their support by attending the Welcome Home ceremony, bringing signs and cheering them on.
Although the twins aren’t the only ones who served in their family; they have two uncles, Jesus and Frank Gonzalez, who were brothers that served in the Army during WWII with distinguished recognition.
Jesus was in the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. He was distinguished in honor by the Great Britain military, given the Distinguished Conduct Medal, which is the highest military award they can give a non-British military member. Only five other American soldiers have received this honor.
During WWII, Jesus was at battle against the Germans when he went to retreat to a safer area with other American soldiers. Soon he realized he had accidentally gotten mixed up and was in British territory although German troops were closing in on the area. Without hesitation, Jesus stood up and emptied three magazines worth of ammo into the incoming troops to defend the British soldiers.
He ended up killing 18 and injuring six German soldiers before returning to American territory. He passed away after being shot during the Battle of the Bulge on January 25, 1945.
After he was killed in battle, the medal was lost and never given to Jesus or his family. It wasn’t until 72 years later after his brother Robert learned more about his time served that it was brought to light. The Great British military has the medal remade and delivered by two British soldiers ordered by Queen Elizabeth II within 45 days. A ceremony was held in Augusta to award and recognize the family as well as remember Jesus’ actions taken on that day.
Frank Gonzalez was a Technical Sergeant of the 35th Infantry Division of the Army. He was given a Silver Star medal for his actions taken in Normandy, France on July 12, 1944. After his platoom leader was killed in action, Frank crawled to the rear to take command of a tank and directed the driver to fire and destroy an enemy machine gun. He also emptied a .50 and .30 caliber machine gun into enemy fire himself before throwing hand grenades in the same area.
He used this same tactic later in the day and directed another tank to tow the first tank, now non-operable, to safety. It was during a similar engagement that Frank was killed in action. The following excerpt is taken from the Hall of Valor by Military Times website:
“The courage, tenacity of purpose and zealous devotion to duty on the part of Lieutenant Gonzales reflects the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and entitles him to a position of honor in the annals of fighting infantrymen.”
Both Gonzalez men are recognized in the Hall of Heroes with their medals on display in North Carolina.
Each veteran that experiences a Kansas Honor Flight can do so completely free, through donations that are raised by volunteers year-round. If a veteran is disabled in any way, there are chaperones or guardians provided who dedicate their time to helping those veterans make their way on and off each plane and around the hotels and memorials. WWII, Korean and Vietnam war era veterans are priority and are selected in the order they apply. Priorities are also given to terminally ill veterans. If you or someone you know is interested in taking an honor flight, you can apply on the website at https://kansashonorflight.org/.
The Times-Gazette would like to thank each and every veteran that’s served this great country and all current members of the U.S. Military. You have served a debt that can never be repaid. We certainly hope this is the welcome home you need.
