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    World War II vet joins paratroopers to celebrate All American Week

    World War II vet joins paratroopers to celebrate All American Week

    Courtesy Photo | Mahlon Sebring (right), a former paratrooper who served with the 82nd Airborne...... read more read more

    FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

    05.22.2014

    Story by Sgt. 1st Class Joe Armas 

    82nd Airborne Division

    FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The year was 1943. Mahlon Sebring was a young man eager to serve his country and help out any way he could. He satisfied his urge to serve by joining the U.S. Army, and when the opportunity came to volunteer to be an airborne paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, he didn’t think twice.

    “Take me, I’ll go,” said Sebring.

    The following year, Sebring joined the division in the midst of its involvement in World War II. He served in Berlin when the division was the occupying force and earned its title of America’s Guard of Honor. He was part of two of the division’s most famous campaigns. From landing in Normandy in the dead of the night to co-piloting a glider into the Ardennes Forest, Sebring has seen it all.

    Seventy years have passed, but the memories still linger for the former sergeant. He has vivid recollections of his service in World War II and the men who he fought alongside during that conflict. Many of those brave young men gave the ultimate sacrifice.

    “You can’t just turn your brain on and off or erase any of that,” said Sebring. “Seeing a fellow comrade die right before you … it’s something that stays with you forever.”

    Sebring remembers one of his comrades had just received a love letter from his fiancée when he was fatally wounded in combat.

    “She couldn’t wait for him to come home,” he said. “It breaks my heart to this day.”

    Sebring, who served with the 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, said that he and his counterparts endured tough conditions, but sound leadership helped everyone stay motivated and ready to push forward.

    “We would go weeks without taking a shower … it’s not a lifestyle that I would wish upon anyone,” he said. “But we had a great core of officers and noncommissioned officers.”

    Fast forward to the year 2014 and Sebring is at Fort Bragg taking part in All American Week, the division’s annual celebration of its rich history, veterans and Gold Star families.

    During this year’s Memorial Ceremony, Sebring laid a wreath in honor of the division’s troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It was a humbling experience for the 90-year-old war veteran.

    “It was an honor to be selected to take part in this since I’ve lost fellow paratroopers and friends in combat,” Sebring added.

    He continued, saying he felt he was a lucky man to be standing tall this late in life.

    “I know plenty of people who would like to be here in my shoes today,” he added.

    Sebring has enjoyed his time here at the center of the military universe, and said he’s impressed by this current generation of paratroopers.

    “I’ve seen nothing but highly-trained and well-disciplined troopers here,” he said. “I can sleep at night knowing that these brave young men and women are ready to answer their nation’s call at a moment’s notice.”

    Sebring’s son, Greg, said that you won’t find a more patriotic American than his father.

    “To this day, he either wears a shirt with the American flag or a shirt with the 82nd logo on it,” he said. “If my dad can help it, he’ll be coming back for many more All American Weeks.”

    Greg also said the hospitality his father has received here has been overwhelming.

    “He’s been treated like royalty this week,” he said. “It means so much to us that everyone here has honored his service and that they appreciate what so many have done in service to our country.”

    World War II is a distant memory to many, but the legacy of "The Greatest Generation" still endures. It’s a legacy of service, sacrifice, patriotism and honor.

    For Sebring, 70 years have passed and many things have changed, but one thing remains the same: the pride, camaraderie and professionalism of All American paratroopers.

    “We were all extremely proud to serve in this great division in my time,” said Sebring. “That same level of pride is evident here today, and it’s a great thing to see.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.22.2014
    Date Posted: 05.22.2014 19:05
    Story ID: 130857
    Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US

    Web Views: 977
    Downloads: 0

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