Although I was with Harry on only four occasions, I considered him to be both a friend and a hero. Harry represented the best of what our country and humanity are all about. His valor and patriotism and strength as a B–17 gunner and prisoner of war have been documented.
Our first meeting took place while in a golf cart. We soon discovered that we shared a Brooklyn upbringing and a strong attachment to the Brooklyn Dodgers. When I mentioned the 1942 and 1943 Dodger teams, Harry stated that he was too busy fighting the Germans during those years to follow baseball.
What Harry described as “too busy” turned out to be flying 16 bombing missions and spending 17 months as a prisoner of war. I can still hear him denying that he was a hero, stating that he just did what he had to do.
Upon learning of his Word War II experiences, I invited him to speak at a meeting of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation. The invitation was graciously accepted, and his talk was moving and inspiring.
Preparations are now being made to send many of our youths to a foreign land. Most of them will have an easier time than did Harry Gilrane. They and we should all be thankful to Harry Gilrane and his peers for their deeds on our behalf.
Although the loss to our community is great, Harry Gilrane’s contributions to our country will not be forgotten.
Stu Warshauer
Pinehurst
