Their Story
Harry Wyman Angus was a courageous American who fought for our nation in three different wars. Harry Angus was born in Detroit, Michigan to his parents Harry and Grace Angus[1]. He attended Tilden Technical High School in Chicago and he became captain of the ROTC[2]. This group prepares students to serve in the military after receiving a high school or college diploma. He went immediately into the Air Force and met his wife, Evelyn. The two got married in Colfax, Louisiana on November 17, 1943[3]. The couple moved often and would have to endure long periods apart as Harry served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam war. During his service in World War II he was “a radio operator-aerial gunner and 8th AF bomber assigned to the 96th bomb group,”[4] which means he spent most of his time in aircrafts. His job was to relay information to his peers and to shoot down enemy planes. However, in a tragic turn of events his plane was shot down and many of his crew-members did not survive the crash. According to a local newspaper, “on Feb. 21, 1944, on their 14th mission their aircraft was shot down… He [Harry] and four fellow crew members bailed out of their crashing B-17 [aircraft] and were captured”[5]. He went on to spend 15 months as a prisoner of war in East Prussia (one large nation made up of a combination of various present-day Eastern European countries) and then Pomerania (areas in present-day Poland and Germany)[6]. When WWII finally concluded he stayed in the military and eventually fought in both the Korean and Vietnam war. Both of these were wars that attempted to stamp out the spread of Communism across the world. This was not the end of his military career. After his year of service in the Vietnam “he retired from active duty in 1969 as a supervisory inventory management specialist for Headquarters, Air Force Communicators Service” [7]. Chief master sergeant Angus received numerous awards and medals for his hard work while serving our country including, the Purple Heart and the Oak Leaf Cluster[8]. As time passed he moved on from his job in the Air Force. However, he joined “the Air Force Association, The Eighth Air Force Historical Society, the 96th Bomb Group Association, and the American Ex-Prisoners of War,” as a means of maintaining his dedication to our country[9]. These groups were created as a means of connecting military members and keeping their stories alive.
Not to mention, all of this was done amidst raising a large family with his wife, Evelyn. The two of them had both a daughter and a son who went on to give them grandchildren and even great-grandchildren! Tragically, at the age of 77 he lost his life during an open-heart surgery[10]. While he may not be here today his family will be able to carry his legacy on through each new generation. Harry Wyman Angus is a name to be remembered for his dedication and determination. He risked his life for the safety and well-being of our entire nation. His work is honored and appreciated by all Americans as we keep his memory alive in the pages we write and the stories we tell.
References
[1] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.
[2] “Returns Home After 15 Months in Nazi Prison.” The Chicago Tribune. July 1, 1945.
[3] “Obituaries: Evelyn Angus.” The Dispatch. June 26, 2005.
[4] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.
[5] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.
[6] “Returns Home After 15 Months in Nazi Prison.” The Chicago Tribune. July 1, 1945.
[7] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.
[8] “Harry Wyman Angus II.” Veterans Legacy Memorial. March 31, 2022.
[9] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.
[10] “Obituaries: Chief Master Sgt. Harry W. Angus II United States Air Force (Retired).” The Belleville News -Democrat. July 7, 2001.