Retired Corporal Robert Curtis Andry, a 99-year old World War Two veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is being honored and inducted into the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame.
According to a story from Fox 10 in Mobile, Andry was honored in a ceremony in his home town of Bucks in the Mobile area.
Andry served in the 761st Black Tank Batalion at a time when black soldiers often were not acknowledged the way they should have been.
“They were fighting the war here at home to be accepted as just human beings. And to go on the frontlines and fight for this country because of the hope that equality would come — it just spells out so much to his heart and his true passion for humanity and his love of God and family,” said Chaplain Curtis Drafton at the ceremony.
Andry was honored and praised by Hon. Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army as well.
“Today, as your name is added to the Veterans Hall of Fame I want you to know that your story is being told and future generations of soldiers have heard your story and the story of the 761st,” said Wormuth.
Andry himself said that it was his strong faith in God that helped him to be able to return home from the war safely.
“I had my rosary in my hand, which I did every day. And I want you to know it’s because of the blessed Virgin Mary is why I am here sitting with you all today,” he said.
The actual ceremony inducting the entire 2024 hall of fame class will take place November 16th in Hampton, Virginia, but the organization came to Alabama early due to Andry’s age and health.
Video of Andry’s ceremony will be broadcast at the national ceremony in November.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.