It came up in conversation one day, for some strange reason. Yes, I do read obituaries. Simple reason: families put in obituaries the very best thing their loved relative ever did. And sometimes, it is amazing.
Fred Hargesheimer, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died at the age of 94 just around Christmas. A WWII pilot of a P-38 in a Reconnaissance Squadron, he was shot down while on a mission over the Japanese-held island of New Britain in the southwest Pacific. Parachuting into dense jungle, he managed to survive for 31 days, until found by local hunters. They took him to their coastal village and hid him for seven months, fed him, and helped him recover from two illnesses. Australian commandos working behind enemy lines connected him with a U. S. submarine off New Britain beach, for the long trip home.
Back at home, he began a life-long career with Sperry Rand, but never forgot those who saved him. In 1960, he visited New Britain again, taking his son along. Then, he knew his mission: to build a school on that remote island. In 1970, he and his wife moved there with money they had collected, built a school, and taught the children of the village for four years. The school's experimental plot of oil palm led to development of a large plantation, with jobs for impoverished villagers.
This man whom the villagers called "Chief Warrior" was actively involved in benevolence to "repay" the village, until 2008, at the age of 92.
Is there a more powerful motivation than gratitude at being saved? And there are millions of inspiring stories, similar in a way, to that of Fred Hargesheimer. There's room for more, you know!
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