World War II prisoners of war share their stories

From MyFox Tampa Bay: World War II prisoners of war share their stories

POLK CITY - Three American heroes shook hands and signed autographs Friday.

Warren Smith, Foster Heath and Rudy Froeschle recounted their experiences as prisoners of war during World War II to dozens of people at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City.

It is part of the Legends and Legacies series.

Warren Smith was just 18 years old when he enlisted. He wanted to become a Navy pilot, but an astigmatism grounded those plans. Instead, he became a tail gunner on a B-17.

On their third mission, they were shot down by Germans.

"A couple of German guards came up and they said literally, 'for you, the war is over.' That's exactly what they said. I'll never forget it," Smith said.

He was a POW for one year and one day. He lost 25 pounds.

"We were given some thin soup once a day, Coffee twice a day. Given a little loaf of bread -- tasted like sawdust -- once a week. A little margarine and sugar, and that's about it," he recalled.

Rudy Froeschle was shot down three months after he went off to war. He spent 601 days as a POW. He still gets emotional talking about the day he and his fellow soldiers were liberated.

"That was very exciting, very emotional. When the American flag was put up, there wasn't a dry eye in the place. To this day, I well up with tears when I think of the American flag," he said.

Visitors to Fantasy of Flight were enthralled to hear the men speak.

"It's unfortunate, people don't get enough of the history. Especially while we have the living history still, people who witnessed some of the greatest victories this nation's ever been through," said Doug Wingate.

Warren says he's amazed people want to listen to their experiences.

The men will be back at Fantasy of Flight on Saturday, October 15th. There are two symposiums, one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m.

Each will be followed by an autograph session and a meet and greet.

www.fantasyofflight.com