Portrait of An American Hero

July 4, 2008— -- At the fourth of July parade in Millville, Pa., Arthur Albertson, an 85-year-old war veteran, is the Grand Marshal.

"I don't believe I have any real duties to do. I'm just going to ride around and enjoy everything," Albertson said.

"Be glad it's the fourth of July and just be thankful for everything I've got, and everything we've all got."

The reason why Albertson's hometown chose to honor him begins during the World War II.

"I went through the war from Normandy, clear through to central Berlin to the Elbe River to Magdeburg, where we met the Russians," he said. "And in between it was rough."

At 19, Albertson landed on Utah Beach during the historic invasion of Normandy. Over the next 10 months, he marched through Belgium, Holland and Germany as part of a reconnaissance team in the Army's 30th Infantry division.

While he was on patrol behind enemy lines he jumped into a foxhole, where he was shot by a German soldier. He managed to make it back to the allied forces and was awarded the Purple Heart.

"It's big game, but a final game for so many," said Albertson. "But I was lucky to get through."

In a 1945 letter home, Albertson proudly told his parents that he received the Bronze Star from the 9th Army general. "There were three boys decorated from the 30th Division," he wrote. "One was dead, the other's legs shot off, and me."

"Mom you can imagine how I felt. I was so tickled and happy when all the troops in the field stood there at attention and the stars and stripes waving and me talking to the general. I was proud and it was probably the happiest moment of my life."

Arthur thanked his parents for their love and support.

"I am sending the bronze star medal, Mom," he wrote. "You and Dad can have it. I certainly owe you a lot and maybe some day I can help you out. I'll never be able to do for you what you have done for me."

The letter was published in a Bloomsburg, Pa., newspaper in 1945, offering Americans a glimpse of what soldiers like Arthur were thinking.