(WBIR) - About this time last year we were packing our bags to follow two East Tennessee veterans back to France to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
Only a few weeks after returning from that transatlantic trip, Clinton Riddle was headed back overseas to Holland for another commemorative voyage.
The Sweetwater native crash-landed into both Normandy and Holland aboard gliders during World War II.
The American-made airborne troop carriers could pack in 13 soldiers. Held together with canvas and thin polls they were so flimsy, some troops dubbed them "canvas coffins."
"Let's go! That's the motto (of the 325th Glider Infantry)…and go we did," said Mr. Riddle, who since last summer celebrated his 94th birthday.
Riddle returned to Holland to go back to the spot where his glider landed and a colleague died.
In addition to our on-camera interview, we learned more about Mr. Riddle's life in and out of service after he agreed to answer the following 10 questions.
1. What one person influenced you most in life?
I guess that a boy in the 325th, Stephen Kralj. He was Czech and from Chicago. He was my foxhole buddy. He was about 6'6" and he and I could cram into the same foxhole together day and night for a year until he was wounded. He was hit in the neck with shrapnel. He did recover and we kept in touch after the war. He was from the big city and I was from the old farm. Together we knew everything. We were just like brothers.
2. Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country?
Definitely. I would do it again and wished I had stayed in. But after 30 months overseas I was ready to go.
3. How can people thank you for your service?
Just shake hands and tell me you appreciate it.
4. How do you honor your fellow service men and women?
I appreciate them and share that with them.
5. How do you think this generation of military men and women is different or similar to yours?
It is different mostly in they are all volunteers. They want to go in.
6. What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life?
I formed habits that I still carry with me today. I hang my jacket a certain way and place things in order.
7. Does your family have a history of military service?
No sir. I guess I do have relatives who served in the Cold War.
8. Would you encourage younger generations in your family to join the service?
Yes, I would. That is, up to a certain point. (Young people) need to taste it.
9. How has your opinion of war changed?
I've heard people say, 'war is hell.' Well, that's wrong. Wars end, hell don't. Before going in it can look glamorous but the glamour wore off. I tell people I was 5'6" going in and 5'5" coming out because I walked off an inch.
10. How did your military experience shape your religious faith?
I became a pastor on January 12th 1951. I pastored four churches and all four I pastored at each for 30 years. I just recently spoke at my 107th church in the area.
