Near this cache is a large flag, and a stone monument indicating
that the flag is dedicated to "Sergeant Louis A. Slama, 82nd
Airborne - US Army". Come to find this cache, but consider the much
larger implications of those of the "Greatest Generation" (like my
own father) who understood that "Freedom is for those willing to
defend it".
Louis Slama was born in Czechoslovakia in 1925. He emigrated to
the United States with his family in 1935. Raised in New Jersey, he
became a star athlete, and eventually played professional baseball
on the minor league level. In 1943 he joined the Army, and was
assigned to the 508th Regiment of the 82nd Ariborne. As a mere boy
of 18, he parachuted behind enemy lines in the Netherlands, where
he helped secure the Nijimegen Bridge (remember the movie "A Bridge
Too Far"?), and saw combat resulting in the loss of 45% of his
unit, including his closest friend. He was twice wounded early on,
but was patched up and quickly returned to combat. He fought in the
Battle of the Bulge, where he endured not only the horrors of that
battle, but also snow and cold resulting in frostbite to his feet.
He was later severely wounded while attempting to lead a patrol
across the Rhine River to determine enemy troop strength and
plans.
After the war, Louis Slama attempted to continute his baseball
career, but the injuires he suffered in the war proved obstacles
too great to overcome. He eventually became a Civil Engineer, and
settled in Utah. An interview in which he details some of his
experiences can be found here. KUED
Interview
So, have a seat, and take a few minutes to consider how much we
all owe to men like Sgt. Louis Slama, and others of "The Greatest
Generation"