Talk:Wendell Fertig
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In addition to being a great hero to the Filipino people and to Americans trapped by the Japanese on Mindanao, Colonel Fertig was a gentleman. He was a kind man who, long after the end of the War, treated those he met with dignity and respect.
In 1965 my family moved to the Philippines and while we were residents of the Manila Hotel we met Col. Fertig. My father and I fell into the habit joining Col. Fertig in the hotel dining room for breakfast on a regular basis, and the Colonel always invited me--a seven year old kid--to sit next to him. He laughed when I ordered oatmeal and said, "You're a smart boy, son. Eat your oatmeal--it will stick to your ribs and make you strong." During those breakfasts and on visits in our home over the next couple of years Col.Fertig related the story of his struggle in World War II. When the Colonel was talking I never wanted to be any where other than next to him so I could hear every word. There was never a hint of self aggrandizement or arrogance, only modesty and great respect for the brave Americans and Filipinos who fought alongside him.
As a Naval Officer years later I thought of Col. Fertig each time I put on my uniform and sought to carry myself with the same honor and dignity that I'd seen in the Colonel years before. And, yes, I still eat my oatmeal.
[edit] Work needed
I cleaned up this article as best as I could, but there is still a LOT that could be improved. Notably, sources need to be added, and from what I can tell, it probably needs a dose of NPOV as well - some sites I found did not agree with Fertig's methods, but that is not mentioned. It could also use better chronological organization. I think it's an article with a lot of potential if some WWII experts spent some time on it. -Big Smooth 22:54, 17 April 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Birthdate correction
I am the eldest granddaughter of this true American hero.
