100-year-old greatest generation veteran, shares stories of World War II valor
Columbia veteran Howard Cecil Whiteside, 100, paid a visit to the Kiwanis Club of Columbia last week to share stories about his military experiences dating back to World War II.
Kiwanis member Judge Bobby Sands interviewed Whiteside about his early days in the U.S. Navy Armed Guards, which took him to Germany, France and Australia on various missions before he returned to settle on a 393-acre farm in Columbia, where he has lived with his wife, Letha Lou, 91, ever since.
Whiteside served during the height of the war from 1942 to 1945.
Whiteside enjoyed telling how he and his shipmates missed tragedy by about three feet when a torpedo missile, fired by enemy forces, zipped past the 400-foot long Liberty ship, while stationed on a mission in the Pacific Ocean.
Whiteside has had an adventurous life even upon turning 100. In July, he took flight in a vintage aircraft at Maury County Regional Airport as part of the nonprofit program Dream Flights.
He has also developed many talents over his lifetime, including woodworking, showing great craftmanship. He's also developed hobbies such as collecting antiques, all of which tell a story, and are stored in "Cecil's Museum," a 300-square-foot blue barn on his farm. He also has a woodworking shop that spans 600 square feet, where he builds furniture.
"We were honored to have WWII Veteran Navy Armed Guard Gunners Mate 2nd Class Howard Cecil Whiteside at our meeting," Kiwanis president Charlie Plunkett said. "It was important for our members to hear from Mr. Whiteside’s experiences and to remember the sacrifices that he and others have made for our country. He was able to recall experiences that happened 80 years ago with specific details.
"He is truly a hero and we are honored to have him in our community."
Other Kiwanis members were enthralled by Whiteside's stories, the ones he's carried with him for many decades.
"I was touched by Mr. Whiteside's stories. We were all fascinated. I think talks like these with veterans allows us to really appreciate them and enjoy the insight they bring to those around them," Jack Cobb, Kiwanis member said.
Most of all, Whiteside says he enjoys living the simple, independent life one can find on a farm.
An independent man, Whiteside said what he values most in life is "liberty," which he found by living a simple life on the farm. Working on a farm allows one the kind of freedom to "let the weeds grow," he said. Duties ebb and flow on a farm he said with harvests, planting and the change of the seasons.
"You can do as you please," he said. "You can fish when you want to fish, and you can work when you want to work."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: 100-year-old greatest generation veteran, shares stories of WWII valor
