Bob Sirott`s One More Thing about WW2 hero Bill Cullerton
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By Bob Sirott, FOX 32 News at Nine Co-Anchor - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing, about a true American hero; a World War II flying ace and a man who you might say lived three lives.
In 1944, Bill Cullerton destroyed five enemy aircraft in aerial combat and 15 on the ground. He received the Silver Star, Distinguished Service Cross, and Purple Heart. Cullerton's plane was forced down April 4th, 1945 and he was captured by the Nazi's. Shot and left for dead, he somehow managed to stay alive for two weeks in enemy territory before American forces rescued him.
He came home and made fishing lures for his grandfather's company in the western suburbs. Bill Cullerton became a major advocate for fishermen and a familiar voice to thousands of listeners across the Midwest as the host of "The Great Outdoors Show," a weekend tradition on WGN radio for 20 years.
Bill Cullerton was modest about his life, or lives. When he participated in a documentary last year on "vanishing cultures" he was asked why he decided to share his war stories. This is what he said.
"If you people don't realize how important it is to me to see American fighter pilots honored, you know why I'm here," Cullerton said.
The last of the World War II dragon squadron ace pilots died over the weekend. Bill Cullerton was 89. We honor him tonight.
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