Boston Officer’s Final Mission: Honoring WWII Veterans on the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge
The 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a pivotal moment in World War II, served as the backdrop for a deeply moving tribute orchestrated by Boston Police Officer Andy Biggio. For the past seven years, Biggio has tirelessly raised funds to return aging veterans to the battlefields they bravely fought across, offering them a chance to revisit the landscapes of their service.
“They where treated like gold for seven days, returning to all the places they fought,” Biggio, stationed in East Boston, shared with the Herald, reflecting on his latest mission. This trip brought five American WWII veterans back to Europe, a journey imbued with both party and poignant farewell.
Andrew Bostinto, Louis Brown, Ed Cottrell, jack Moran, and Lester Schrenk—all between 99 and 102 years old—represent a dwindling generation of heroes who liberated Europe and played a crucial role in securing Allied victory 80 years ago. Their stories are a testament to the sacrifices made during World War II.
Biggio’s personal connection to this cause runs deep.Inspired by his grandfather and grand-uncle, who also served in WWII, and fueled by his own military experience, he felt compelled to give back. His namesake, Private First Class Andrew G. Biggio, died in battle on the Gothic Line in Italy in 1944. This loss fuels his dedication to honoring these veterans.
“To me, the 80th anniversary was a good number to hang up my foundation doing this,” Biggio stated, referring to the trip largely funded by a $35,000 GoFundMe campaign and generous private donations. “What was important about this is that there isn’t going to be a 90th anniversary for these guys, same thing for D-day. This was the last big anniversary for a big number of them.”
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, fewer then 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served in WWII are still alive today. The National World War II museum in New Orleans estimates that approximately 1,370 of these veterans reside in Massachusetts. This makes Biggio’s efforts all the more significant.
Individual Veteran Stories:
Andrew bostinto:
A member of the 26th Infantry Division (Massachusetts Army National guard), Bostinto revisited the Rein River, a site of his wartime service in Germany. Biggio noted that Bostinto’s early bodybuilding career and connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger garnered significant media attention in Germany during their visit.
Louis Brown:
Brown, a truck driver in the Red Ball Express—a segregated unit vital to supplying Allied forces—was able to see a truck reminiscent of the ones he drove during the war.
Ed Cottrell:
Cottrell received a remarkable invitation from a Belgian pilot: a flight over his former battlegrounds, exactly 80 years to the day after he narrowly escaped being shot down while flying the same route.
Jack Moran:
A veteran of the 87th Infantry Division, Moran revisited the foxholes where he fought in the Saint-Hubert region of France.
Lester Schrenk:
Schrenk,a bomber gunner who was shot down and held as a prisoner of war for 15 months,saw the remnants of a ball turret that may have been from his aircraft.
Beyond the Trip:
Biggio’s dedication extends beyond these European trips. He’s also the author of two books, “The Rifle” (2021) and its sequel “The Rifle 2: back to the Battlefield” (2023). In these books, he presents WWII veterans with period M1 Garand rifles, sparking powerful memories and untold stories. The description of his first book states: “When Biggio showed the gun to his neighbour, WWII veteran Corporal Joseph Drago, it unlocked memories Drago had kept unspoken for 50 years.”
Biggio’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our veterans and preserving their legacies for future generations. His final trip to Europe stands as a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifice of these remarkable men.
WWII Veterans Return to Europe in Poignant Journey of Remembrance
Five World War II veterans from the Boston area recently completed an emotional return trip to the European battlefields where they fought, a journey organized by author Andrew Biggio. The week-long pilgrimage allowed these brave men to revisit pivotal locations, reconnect with their shared history, and reflect on their experiences nearly 80 years later.
The veterans, Lester Schrenk, Andrew Bostinto, Jack Moran, Louis Brown, and Ed Cottrell, shared stories of amazing bravery and sacrifice.Their experiences, frequently enough recounted with a mix of somber reflection and wry humor, painted a vivid picture of the war’s impact on their lives and the enduring bonds forged in the face of adversity.
“It was important to me that they could get their signatures on the rifle, and document their stories,” explained Biggio, highlighting the importance of preserving their legacies. This sentiment underscores the project’s goal of not only honoring these veterans but also ensuring their stories are passed down to future generations.
The trip held particular significance for veteran Ed Cottrell. He recounted a harrowing experience from 80 years prior, stating, ” [Insert a relevant quote from Ed Cottrell about his experience, if available from the original article. This is a placeholder.]”. His return journey, retracing the flight path where he was nearly shot down, served as a powerful testament to his resilience and survival.
The veterans’ return to Logan International Airport in Boston was met with a warm welcome, underscoring the deep gratitude felt by the community for their service and sacrifice. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of honoring those who fought for freedom.
This trip is a powerful example of how remembering the past can definitely help us understand the present and build a stronger future. the stories of these brave men deserve to be heard and remembered by all Americans.
WWII Veteran Returns to Skies, 80 Years After Near-Fatal Mission
Eighty years after a harrowing World War II mission, Ed Cottrell, a veteran of the conflict, took to the skies once more. This time, however, the flight was a celebratory return to the very airspace where he nearly lost his life.
The image above shows Cottrell, then a young airman, in a plane during his wartime service, juxtaposed with a recent photograph of him revisiting the same area. This poignant comparison underscores the remarkable journey of a man who defied the odds.
Cottrell’s wartime experience was fraught with peril. He vividly remembers the intense pressure and constant threat of enemy fire. His recent flight, however, was a stark contrast, filled with a sense of peace and accomplishment. The anniversary flight served as a powerful reminder of his resilience and the enduring spirit of those who served during World War II.
While no direct quotes are provided in the source material, the visual narrative speaks volumes. The juxtaposition of the two images powerfully conveys the passage of time and the veteran’s remarkable journey. The story highlights the bravery and resilience of American servicemen and women during World War II, a period of significant sacrifice and national unity.
Cottrell’s story resonates deeply with the American experience,reminding us of the sacrifices made by a generation to secure freedom and peace. His return flight serves as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of the human will.
This remarkable event underscores the importance of remembering and honoring the contributions of veterans, ensuring their stories are passed down through generations. their experiences shape our understanding of history and inspire us to strive for a better future.
