…my Grandpa, Ola D Campbell, flew his last WWII mission as a bomber pilot. The reason it was his last? While flying on this particular mission their plane was shot and my Grandpa was wounded in the process. Because he continued to fly the plane, even after being shot, he was awarded the flying silver cross and the purple heart.
Last week, as our country celebrated veterans day, it was because of men like my Grandpa that we even have the freedom to celebrate. It’s hard to believe that the course of MY history could have been eliminated but for the matter of a few inches. If a bullet or shrapnel hits differently, my life and family may not exist.
As proud as I am of my Grandpa for serving our country like that, there is something else that I look up to even more. Ola D Campbell wasn’t allegiant only to his country. He has followed the call of God in ministry since LONG before I ever called him “Grandpa”. I know that there were sacrifices, decisions and stands my Grandpa had to make in the spiritual world, that affected my life and family just as much as the war did. The spiritual implications of my Grandpas life are FAR MORE valuable than any military heroics.
There are VERY few men in my life that I can truly say “If I end up like them, I’ll be a success.” Ola D Campbell…Grandpa Campbell is one of them.
Thanks mom for the reminder of Grandpas story. Thank you Grandpa, for not only serving our great country…but for diligently serving our GREAT GOD!
Till the end,
Jeff
That is an amazing story. As a veteran, I love to hear stories of others who have served but your story of your grandfather brought tears to my eyes.