EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — Eyewitness News spoke to two men who crewed a Sherman tank during World War II, here’s what they had to say as they reminisced about their time in the military.
A legendary piece of military equipment, and the men who made it a huge part of the Allied victory. The Sherman tank first hit the battlefield 80 years ago as a crucial weapon in World War II, and recently some Sherman crewmen were honored for their efforts.
It’s the sound of these Sherman tanks at the Museum of American Armor that takes these two 80-year veterans back.
“For an 18-year-old boy who knew nothing, it was traumatic. We lived in the tank, five guys all the time. The food was terrible,” recalled World War II veteran Jim Andreadis.
Veteran Jim Andreadis remembers the days when he loaded shells into these tanks, the main battle tank of the US Army in World War II. He says the tank is a reminder to young people how bad war is and that it should never happen again.
Andreadis, along with Sergeant Julius Fiorini, wear their hats daily for pride. They say they hope his legacy lives on through the history taught at school, and that his time fighting for freedom is not wasted on the younger generation.
“Now I wear my hat and the people at King Cullen when I go shopping, they thank me and I really appreciate it because it shows they remember WWII. It annoys me when I talk to people who have no idea about World War II, who Patton was or any of the generals,” Andraedis said.
If you have an idea for us about Veterans Voices, please email Nick Toma directly at ntoma@pahomepage.com
