As we celebrate Black History Month -- a local World War II Veteran is being honored for his service and inducted into the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame. Retired Corporal Curtis Andry -- a member of the 761st Black Tank Battalion and one of General Patton’s all-black regiments -- received the honor Monday at his home in Bucks -- surrounded by family.
) - “I want to thank you all for coming out to honor an American hero,” said Chaplain Curtis Drafton, Founder U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame. Retired Corporal Robert Curtis Andry needs no introduction. In his hometown of Bucks -- The 99-year-old World War II Veteran and Purple Heart recipient is a living legend.
During his service in the 761st Black Tank Batalion -- he helped liberate 30 Nazi-occupied villages and multiple concentration camps.“You served at a time when the actions of black soldiers -- often went unrecognized. But today -- as your name is added to the Veterans Hall of Fame -- I want you to know that your story is being told and future generations of soldiers have heard your story and the story of the 761st,” said Hon. Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army . One of those soldiers -- Chaplain Curtis Drafton -- talked about Andry’s courage, duty, and selfless service as a black soldier in the 1940s. “They weren’t just fighting the war overseas -- they were fighting the war here at home to be accepted as just human beings. And to go on the frontlines and fight for this country because of the hope that equality would come -- it just spells out so much to his heart and his true passion for humanity and his love of God and family,” said Drafton.“I had my rosary in my hand, which I did every day. And I want you to know it’s because of the blessed Virgin Mary is why I am here -- sitting with you all today,” said Andry. “Again, it’s such an awesome experience to know that he was one of those groundbreaking soldiers in African American community, to be out there and to defend our country, again it’s an honor,” said Aaron Andry, Robert Andry’s son. “For one -- I would not be here if it were not for the service of Cpl. Andry and those like him. And so when you look at people like that -- we are standing in the footsteps in the path that they made for us. For him -- he told me to now see that his legacy produced another generation of soldiers... So now he just told me well done -- well done. And that’s the same I can say to him,” said Drafton. The actual ceremony for the class of 2024 will take place November 16th in Hampton, Virginia -- but due to Cpl. Andry’s age and health-- the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame came to Alabama early to give him his awards and recognition. Andry’s induction will be broadcast at the national ceremony.Full interview: Greene County deputy injured in the line of duty
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