With the 2023 Wars in Israel and Ukraine, and Veterans Day, it brings to mind stories of our local Westlake heroes.
Emmett Shelton Sr. knew four, personally. Some of their stories have been told on separate OUR WESTLAKE Episodes but their Valor deserves a focus. Unlike Austin High Football stars like Austin's Overton Gang, these heroes were regular Westlake guys who learned how to shoot before they could read.
Take Buck Simpson (WWI) he never learned to read or tell time - but he was declared a hero compared to the more famous Sargent York. When the few remaining soldiers in his troop were ordered to retreat, he forged forward and turned machine guns on the Germans.
Take Major John Brackenridge (Spanish-American War) As Captain, he led the Texas Ntl. Guard and Governor's Guard.
And then there was Jesse Teague (WWII) who returned from WWII battles to pick up a gun and successfully defend his Westlake home.
Another, closer to home, was Emmett Sr. son, Emmett Jr. (Korean War_. He was a Marine Reservist, called to duty a week after graduating from Austin High, just as War broke out. He fought the Chinese hoards in the battle at Yalu River and the Frozen Chosin Reservoir for 2 months and was evacuated. Emmett Jr. injuries resulted in 100% disability later in life.
Music: Thank You that Old Flag of Mine by Boxcar Willie
(Boxcar Willie was a pilot in the Korean War. He joined the United States Air Force in May 1949, and served as a flight engineer on the B-29 Super Fortress during the Korean War in the early 1950s.)
#Korean War
#AustinTexas
#Austintexasveterans
#AmericanLegion
For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.
With the 2023 Wars in Israel and Ukraine, and Veterans Day, it brings to mind stories of our local Westlake heroes.
Emmett Shelton Sr. knew four, personally. Some of their stories have been told on separate OUR WESTLAKE Episodes but their Valor deserves a focus. Unlike Austin High Football stars like Austin's Overton Gang, these heroes were regular Westlake guys who learned how to shoot before they could read.
Take Buck Simpson (WWI) he never learned to read or tell time - but he was declared a hero compared to the more famous Sargent York. When the few remaining soldiers in his troop were ordered to retreat, he forged forward and turned machine guns on the Germans.
Take Major John Brackenridge (Spanish-American War) As Captain, he led the Texas Ntl. Guard and Governor's Guard.
And then there was Jesse Teague (WWII) who returned from WWII battles to pick up a gun and successfully defend his Westlake home.
Another, closer to home, was Emmett Sr. son, Emmett Jr. (Korean War_. He was a Marine Reservist, called to duty a week after graduating from Austin High, just as War broke out. He fought the Chinese hoards in the battle at Yalu River and the Frozen Chosin Reservoir for 2 months and was evacuated. Emmett Jr. injuries resulted in 100% disability later in life.
Music: Thank You that Old Flag of Mine by Boxcar Willie
(Boxcar Willie was a pilot in the Korean War. He joined the United States Air Force in May 1949, and served as a flight engineer on the B-29 Super Fortress during the Korean War in the early 1950s.)
#Korean War
#AustinTexas
#Austintexasveterans
#AmericanLegion
For maps and other info check out our Facebook page: Our Westlake
Stories told by Emmett Shelton / compiled and submitted by Cynthia Shelton.