At the Houston Texans' home opener against the Chicago Bears, WWII veterans Robert Putnam, 106, and George Waters, 103, were honored for their service. The men, the Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group members, received recognition during a special on-field ceremony.
Robert Putnam, 106, and George Waters, 103, two World War II veterans from Montgomery County, were recognized for their service during the Houston Texans' home opener against the Chicago Bears on Sunday. As the stadium announcer recounted the veterans' extraordinary tales of heroism during the war, they were carried onto the field during the third quarter, flanked by Texans cheerleaders.
Waters and Putnam were born on June 12, three years apart. They have been active members of the Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group in Conroe, where they meet each Wednesday with veterans from a variety of service periods. The Texans cheerleaders had visited them during the summer to commemorate their birthdays.
Both individuals participated in the European Theater during World War II. Aboard destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, Robert Putnam served in the U.S. Navy. The Lone Star Honor Flight Group is led by Putnam, who is renowned for his passion of singing, in weekly performances of the national anthem and "God Bless America."
On a B-17 bomber stationed in Italy, George Waters was a ball turret gunner. In the course of his final mission, Waters' aircraft was shot down over Germany. Captured, he was held as a prisoner of war in a German camp for a period of 15 months.
The two men returned to the United States following the war, where they established successful professions and families. In front of a crowd of cheering fans, the Texans organization acknowledged their contributions to the country during and after the conflict.
We are proud of Montgomery County's veterans, including Waters and Putnam, who fought valiantly for freedom during uncertain times.
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