From Paratrooper to Pilot
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86-year-old John D. Hosey of Woodinville, WA appears on episode #702 of Hometown Heroes, airing October 9-11, 2021. A native of Birmingham, AL, Hosey retired from a 29-year military career with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1982. His decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart.
John Hosey’s Army story started at age 16. For more photos visit the Hometown Heroes facebook page.
The first of his three Purple Heart awards came during the Korean War, where he served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, after falsifying his birthdate to enlist in the Army underage at 16.
After listening to this episode of Hometown Heroes, don’t miss the rest of Mr. Hosey’s story on episode #703, detailing his close calls as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
Most military men/women come from families with a rich history of service from fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and of course mother’s, aunts, and grandmothers. I am proud to have been able to continue that tradition with my service, although I don’t think anyone could surpass the service this man put in.
LTC John Hosey is a personal friend of mine. I can attest that he is an exemplary human being. He was a military leader, has always been an exceptional husband and father, and is a leader in his church. If only the earth could be blessed with more heroes like John!
I met Mr. Hosey while shopping at Costco near Woodinville a little over a year ago. I had just been reading a book about WW2 in the Pacific and couldn’t quell my interest in a conversation Mr. Hosey was having with another gentleman about military matters. Mr. Hosey was such a gentleman to allow me to enter into their conversation. We didn’t speak very long as we all had shopping to so, but he referred me to the Hometown Heroes website and his episodes. After listening to the his stories while in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, I only wish I had known of them when I met him. He is so friendly, kind, and considerate–still a real American soldier worthy of great respect and admiration. God bless you and your family, Mr. Hosey. My prayer is that all our soldiers today will have your courage and patriotic spirit.
I met John Hosey last night at a veterans meeting at the Lynnwood City Hall. All I can say is what a treat it was to talk to John and hear some of his stories while in the military. It was an amazing conversation I’ll never forget. God bless all our military veterans and especially those who have fallen.