From Toccoa to Eagles Nest: WWII Paratrooper Jim 'Pee Wee' Martin

Boone County Public Library was honored to bring WWII Hero Jim "Pee Wee” Martin to Boone County to share his story with us on Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. at Florence Baptist Church, 642 Mt. Zion Road in Florence.
Martin was part of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division that parachuted onto the beach near Normandy in an effort to retake France and the rest of Europe from Nazi Germany. His unit actually touched down in enemy territory the night before D-Day, on June 5, 1944. Martin and his fellow paratroopers fought for 43 days at Normandy before they moved on to invade Holland, fight at the Battle of the Bulge and assist with the takeover of Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s fortress in the German Alps.
At the age of 93, Pee Wee Martin jumped out of a plane over Normandy once again to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Many of Martin’s experiences with the 101st Airborne Division were included in the popular HBO Mini-Series, Band of Brothers.
This event was presented by Boone County Public Library and co-sponsored by Simon Kenton Sons of the American Revolution, Boone County Daughters of the American Revolution, Florence Baptist Church and Pee Wee’s Manager, Doug Barber.

[BlueMoonShelly]

What an honor to be able to see and hear this incredible man.
♥️

[DDDD-pvfw]

God Bless this Great Man and his Family !!

[allandavis]

It is completely ironic and saddening that the greatest generation the world has seen, who rid the world of three tyrannical leaders, seem to have fought and died in vain, the actions of the leader of our former ally, whose countrymen died as did millions of others, have taken the relative peace these men fought for and torn it apart, and I have to wonder how these men and women do or would have felt about the situation we find us embroiled in today?, we owe this generation so much, and unfortunately there is one man who has destroyed their sacrifices. A brilliant oral and pictorial presentation by a truly brave man, thank you for your service and dedication to the cause of peace. Lest We Forget. 👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[James-ygxu]

To Jim's family I loved every word he shared. My grandfather and uncles grandfather fought ww1 uncle's ww2 and Korea I loved everything that I was told from all. So Jim I could hear ALL of what you have to say. Makes me mad that they want you to stop your story I'd listen all day every day. Thank you Jim Martin

[andywarrington]

we dont have men like this anymore, I have nothing but respect for these men who fought for freedom, I will remember you

[brentsarazin]

As you may have noticed his ability to appreciate the ones attending this and in my eyes this is one of the things that many have lost over the generations. Humility is a very strong attribute.

[robertjones]

My father served in ww2 in the navy. He was wounded twice. All his recollections were of fascination to me because even then I couldn't see how a whole world could be at war. And we all have people like my father and mr. Martin who have my utmost gratitude for having that problem when I was young.

[TileMasterGa]

Rest in peace dear friend - you will be truly missed...

[JEAN-pmlg]

Thankyou for bringing his story to people.

[blainedunlap]

Just a hour n 20, I'd listen to this for two days.

[leshiga]

We Americans owe a great debt to men & women like Mr. Martin who sacrificed much for our freedoms. He is indeed a true hero. A wonderful presentation. Airborne All the Way!

[mdrobc]

Hero...lots of current and future generations need to just listen and learn. Different times of course but content is priceless!

[dennismackey]

What an articulate presentation! Spoken from the heart....

[vinoman]

As this extraordinary generation of Americans passes away, we all have to dobeverything to meet, learn and engage them. I've interviewed many WWII vets and their humility, resolve and patriotism is magical. Our country will never be the same without them. God Bless Pee Wee Martin and all his fellow comrades.

[berrymccockener]

I could listen to this man talk for hours.

[jacobsparry]

A REAL HERO!! He is just such a remarkable personality. I wish him and his wife many more good years together!!!

[brucecaldwell]

I feel fortunate enough to have known a few WW II veterans in my life & heard their stories. My maternal grandfather being one. He served in the Pacific Theatre in the U.S. Navy.

[fredlew]

GOD BLESS YOU
JIM MARTIN AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[SunnyIlha]

I watched and listened to him intently.

Soldiering excellence.

[tomroberts]

Thank you for your service Sir. Your honesty and transparency are most commendable.