Each year Fresno Christian students gather for a special chapel honoring Veteran’s after their National holiday on Nov. 11. This years annual chapel brought the FCS community together to listen to the personal story of WWII veteran, Bob Cole, Nov. 14.
Moderated by Hometown Heroes radio host Paul Loeffler, Cole shared his WWII stories from the USS Hornet during the launching of Doolittle’s Raid, Battle of Midway and sinking in the Battle of Santa Cruz islands in 1942.
Resinating with high school students, one of Bob’s stories impacted the audience with large gasps and hands covering their mouths. In 1942, Bob was aboard the USS Hornet when the Japanese bombers attacked the ship in the Battle of Santa cruz islands.
During the attack, Bob was hit by a shrapnel leaving him to hold one eye in place while having to jump three miles deep off the ship. His ship, The Hornet sunk to the bottom of the sea in combat.
After returning home from war, Cole spent his years as a teacher, coach and basketball referee. One of his previous students, former Fresno Mayor, Alan Autry, surprised Cole while on stage. Autry expressed his gratitude for what he called a life changing moment as Cole’s student.
In honor of Veterans Day, students and faculty gather in a special chapel to listen to the personal story of WWII veteran, Bob Cole, Nov.14. Introduced by Hometown Heroes radio host Paul Loeffler, Cole shares his journey throughout WWII on the USS Hornet during the launching of Doolittle’s Raid, Battle of Midway and sinking in the Battle of Santa Cruz islands in 1942. After returning home from war, Cole spent years as a teacher, coach and basketball referee. To his surprise previous student also a local celebrity and former Fresno Mayor, Alan Autry, shared the stage. Autry expressed his gratitude for what he called a life changing moment as Cole’s student. To learn more about this heroic veteran head to The Feather soon for a spotlight article on Bob Cole. Thank you for your service. ?? @thefeatheronline @fresnochristianschools @loeffler.paul @cvhonorflight @sanjoaquinvalleyveterans #wwiiveteran
For more information on veterans, read 100th annual Veterans Day Parade.
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