I had a most interesting experience on my flight back from Chicago last Sunday.

While sitting in the gate waiting area, one of the many transport wagons rolled up with an older gentleman wearing a "Korean War Veteran" hat and what appeared to be his daughter on board. I really didn't pay much attention at first since this is a common occurrence in an airport. The cart driver and a armed ORD police officer helped the man to a seat near me. The officer called the man by name and thanked him for his service. I went back to watching the TV and thought nothing more about it.

When the time came to start the boarding process as usual they called for any passengers that needed extra time or assistance first. The older gentleman and his daughter proceeded down the the jetway and it was then I noticed something out of the ordinary. Several of the ORD police officers assigned to ramp duty had assembled on the jetway and saluted as this quiet man slowly made his way to the plane. Now that had me wondering......as many times as I've flown I've never seen that happen......never. I wouldn't have to wonder long......

After the gentleman and his daughter were out of earshot, the gate staff made an announcement that traveling on our flight today was a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, he was seated in first class and if we so desired it would be a good gesture if we wished to acknowledge him as we boarded.

After boarding was complete the flight crew used the PA system to personally thank this man for his service and sacrifice. The entire cabin applauded him.....and the 2 passengers that had given up their first class seats so this hero and his daughter could fly in comfort.

Thank you  Rodolfo P. (Rudy) Hernandez. Thank you.
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Thanks for that story Bill.

seaworthy wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2009 at 2:32pm:

USAir.

That, Sir, is one fine story!

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Thanks for sharing, Bill.  This gave me goose bumps and brightened my day.

Jeannie

Thanks Bill.  They had a CMH society get together in Chicago this year, the same time as the Clusterbusters conference.  A lot of men who really hung it out there for someone else.  God bless them!

Jerry

WOW! Very proud.

What an honor to be able to share your plane ride with him, and kudos to the couple who gave up their first class seats to him, they should be commended.

Thanks for sharing....

Diane

Cool story Bill.

First I would like to say hi Bill We met in Chicago it was my first CB conference Thanks for all your help and sage advice.
I too had the pleasure of meeting all of the Medal winners. I was at a biz meeting at the Swiss Hotel  the day before the conference. The Medal winners were at the hotel for a Lunch. I had the opportunity to speak with many of them. Great and interesting people with many stories to tell.