1 Notes
Michaelina Sexton, 91, left, and her brother Mark Kishton, 93, were born in Youngstown, Ohio. Uncle Mark, who is Liz’s grandfather’s uncle, served on the front lines of WWII with General Patton, in the 3rd Infantry 1st Batallion. Attaining only the rank of Pfc. First Class after turning down an offer to become an officer, Kishton is decorated with seven Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and Medal of Valor. Michaelina resides in Tampa Bay, Florida, and was reunited with her brother, again, on this Memorial Day, 2009.© Andrew Dolph, 2009

Michaelina Sexton, 91, left, and her brother Mark Kishton, 93, were born in Youngstown, Ohio. Uncle Mark, who is Liz’s grandfather’s uncle, served on the front lines of WWII with General Patton, in the 3rd Infantry 1st Batallion. Attaining only the rank of Pfc. First Class after turning down an offer to become an officer, Kishton is decorated with seven Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and Medal of Valor. Michaelina resides in Tampa Bay, Florida, and was reunited with her brother, again, on this Memorial Day, 2009.
© Andrew Dolph, 2009

Remembering

Uncle Mark is visiting from Schenectady, NY. He’s 93 years old, speaks six languages fluently (still), and is a Veteran of WWII. The last story he told before Liz, Alex and I had to go back home for the night was of the battle in Anzo that led him to being honored with his seventh Purple Heart. That’s right, 7. Oh, and a Bronze Star and Medal of Valor also adorn his uniform that he wore to fly out here for Memorial Day weekend. Uncle Mark spent most of his two plus years fighting in WWII on the front lines, as an infantryman. He served as a radio man, and interpreter, under General Patton. Honorably discharged as a Private First Class, his tale of denying the opportunity to become an officer and potentially going on to Korea involves removing his pistol from his holster and motioning to the ranking officer to “… get the fuck outta here.”

Tales of the war are plentiful and never ending. His mind is just as sharp as the day he was drafted. Every story he tells deserves to be heard, over and over again.

Uncle Mark is why we remember today.

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