(American Military News)
Chester Westgate has survived at least four brushes with death.
Yet the World War II veteran, who once stormed the beaches of Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, doesn’t talk about near-death moments in combat. He recalls flying at night in Brazil, and after hitting a storm cloud, dropping 500 feet. The wing tips tore, but those on board survived, he said.
Then there was the time he was flying into a Washington, D.C., runway, and a plane — coming in from the opposite direction — was approaching the same runway.
“The other plane went under us,” said the 98-year-old Richland man, recalling adventures from his time in the U.S. Army.
Life in and out of war has taught him surviving isn’t just a matter of luck or courage.
“People step in and help,” he said. “I’ve been in hospitals so many times, and had 18 operations, a stroke, two heart attacks, rods in my back …” he said. “I want to be around to help in any way I can.” Read more