From war hero to Don Shula’s right-hand man: The life of Charley Winner

[jim1]

Winner, now 91, looks back and reflects gratefully on a life full in and out of football
His 37-year NFL career included a 1980s executive’s role during Dolphins’ last best days
Winner also was an airman in World War II, shot down and captured by Germans

“We were at about 19,000 feet when we got hit. We were bombing Hamburg. Pattern bombing. We were the first group over the target. Flak from the ground was way below, but antiaircraft fire was right up where we were and we took a direct hit. Our pilot, who had just turned 19, was killed. We tried to nurse the plane along but lost all our electrical power. So we jumped. Parachuted. On the way down I could see our airplane making a slow big circle, head to ground, and I could see it hit and explode.”

Monday is Memorial Day, when we honor our war dead.

Veterans Day, in November, is when we honor those who served.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/greg-cote/article80355532.html#storylink=cpy

 

[The Goat]

That's an outstanding article. What an interesting life.

 

[Bumpus]

Great article! Thanks for the link. :up:

 

[NRA]

I love those kinds of stories. Thanks so much for your service the country charlie and even though your still alive, i will think of you when we do our anual ride on memorial day and visit VA hospitals and military cemateries and show support for all who served and especially those who gave their lives in defense of their country and love of fellow man.

A sincere shout out and respect for every military person here on Finheaven for their service to our country. Your the true salt of the earth.

Thank you so much for my freedom!!

I am in arizona. If Any of you have someone here you want respect and memorial for, tell me what cemetary they are in, name and plot number if you have it and i will make the stop (within 40 miles of the greater phoenix area. I will send you pics or video of my stop. Areas include phoenix, glendale, mesa, gilbert, casa grande, tempe, chandler, suprise and florence.

We visit a LOT of places on memorial day so i have to keep my visits, if requested within reasonable mileage as i am sure you can understand. Also, include YOUR name and relationship to the deseased. I will only do one visit on monday for each person requesting unless they are in the same cemetary.

Again, a heartfelt thanks to ALL servicemen and women on finheaven.