was it chance, luck, or destiny? i don't know but the wings of fate carried me on its magic flight to make my life a great adventure. this simple "kid" of nineteen grew into maturity on foreign soil by talking with captured german generals who worked with us to win the war. i met characters like otto skorzeny, the dashing errol flynn - like soldier who challenges danger at every turn. i was a "lowly" private who had the good fortune to rub shoulders with the elite of the world, such as the king of hungary, the past chancellor of germany and later richard nixon, robert kennedy, and frank sinatra. i would soon meet the heroes of the war and the world --- the american soldiers. later, i would meet heroes like martin luther king, jr. and robert kennedy in compassion, love, and freedom. as the young soldiers of world war ii contributed to destiny, these later heroes were waiting in the wings. i know the world will always be grateful for the strength of the eagle and have a strong kinship with the dove. the symbols of power, and the symbol of peace and love.