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Joe's Grandson, Stephen Gray King
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Joe North was a motor machinist mate second class and his brother, James Urie North-(Army) was killed in Germany. He is very proud that his grandson, Stephen Gray King of Loganville, Georgia is following in his footsteps and is currently serving in the Submarine Navy on the USS Nebraska. His advice to those currently serving their country is to “keep in touch with their families and to keep in touch with the political climate at home and abroad.” |
Joe North-During WWII
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Michael George-2003
An up-close view of just a few of Michael George's many medals.
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Michael N.George-(retired)–Army Airborne Infantry-(Command Sergeant Major)- A career army veteran, who served 26 years in the Army is a bonified and very well-decorated war hero. When we met, he came dressed in an army jacket and beret. But it was the large box of honors and medals with him, which immediately caught my eye. Among them was:
A Legion of Merit Medal- for leadership in combat, Bronze star with 2 clusters- for valor in combat, a Purple Heart with 1 cluster- for wounds received in combat, Air Medal- for flying in a combat zone, A Gallantry Cross with Palm- a Vietnamese equivalent to a silver star, Army Commendation Medal with Valor, and 15 other assorted medals and decorations.
Mike George was wounded twice. His first wound was received when he was shot in the right leg in WWII (Germany) and later received wounds to the left and right hand due to shrapnel from a grenade. |
The old expression “you never know your neighbor” really came to life here for me. I have personally known Mr. George and his lovely wife, Mary for many years, since they first moved into our community. He is a kind and funny man and someone I have always enjoyed “shooting the breeze” and bantering with outside. I never knew however, that he was a genuine war hero. Honestly, I was in awe and somewhat overwhelmed by all of the medals that he received. It made me take a few minutes to reflect on how unfortunate it is that in our busy society today, sometimes we know so little about our neighbors. He is also proud of the fact that one of his daughters, Patricia S. George (Purcell) who currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida served 4 years in the Army and was a Lieutenant.
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Michael & Mary George and their daughter, Patricia S. (George) Purcell
Michael George-During Vietnam
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His saddest memory of that time was when his unit was crossing the Mossel River in Germany on assault boats. There were guys who got hit to the left of them, but they couldn’t stop to help them; they had to keep going. “Some of my personal friends were drowning and we had to keep going or we would get hit too. To see their faces was awful,” said Mr. George. What was his most frightening moment? You would think it was when he was shot and wounded. No, it was when he was in Germany in a dirt bunker next to a concrete bunker. They were "hit" and he was buried up to his neck in dirt. His buddies dug him out later. His advice for men and women currently serving today is, “Stay focused on the mission. If you do not stay focused you jeopardize yourself, your buddies and the mission.” |
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Our Little Net- Sandy Springs wants to thank these and all the Veterans for their service and dedication. A special thank you to the three Sandy Springs Veterans for sharing their stories. We also want to send a message of thanks to all of the service men and women, who are currently giving of themselves so that we may enjoy the freedoms afforded to us in the United Sates of America.
And a special thanks from Coleen Lou
your Sandy Springs Editor!
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