Hawaii News Now – KGMB and KHNL
He did manage to make it to the ceremony and had a crowd of people, who had heard of his difficulties, out to greet him when he finally arrived in Hawaii.
Via Fox News:
A 90-year-old World War II veteran en route to a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the attack at Pearl Harbor was booted from his flight to accommodate the weight of additional jet fuel needed for the trip.
According to Hawaii News Now, Ewalt “Walt” Shatz, a WWII veteran credited with shooting down a Japanese plane during the 1941 attack, was scheduled to take a United Airlines flight direct from Los Angeles to Honolulu on Wednesday, but was re-booked on an American Airlines flight leaving eight hours later that included a layover in Maui.
“I was surprised. I didn’t know which way to go. Here I am at LAX with all these people and it’s all new to me. I was just lost. I didn’t know what to do which is an awful feeling,” Shatz told the paper.
Navy Chief Petty Officer’s Mess ensured there would be a welcome party greeting Mr. Shatz when he finally arrived around midnight. Here they are, with other naval personnel, pictured with him. Thank you all!
HT: Dapandico, Christina Reese Miccarelli