By Anita Curtis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Bill Harper proves that staying fit brings its own reward. In fact, at a recent luncheon honoring veterans who live at Highland Springs, Harper wore his army uniform—the same one he wore 60 years ago while serving under the command of the famous General George Patton in World War II.

Harper also keeps up with others from his battalion and writes a newsletter he mails out three or four times a year. “I’m the go-to guy,” he says. “We have tracked over 200 [other veterans from the battalion], and I keep an ongoing list.”

Making the connection
As a result of Harper’s connections, the History Channel contacted him, looking for insight into what it was like serving under General Patton’s command post. Harper’s comments could possibly appear in the History Channel’s documentary  describing battles fought during that era.

Harper remembers well the times of retreat and advance, like when his infantry division counted 75 enemy tanks coming toward them. “We took out 37 of them before they finally retreated,” says Harper. “Those are things you never forget.”

Another famous veteran
Harper also has the distinction of serving in the same third infantry division as Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier in military history, and later a famous actor and country music writer before a plane crash claimed his life.

“Audie Murphy was from Farmersville, Tex., but Greenville claimed him, collected memorabilia, and then founded the museum,” he says. Harper attended the 1998 opening of the exhibit at the annual Audie Murphy Day in Greenville with others from the third infantry division.

After seeing Harper proudly wearing his original army uniform, Highland Springs Community Resources Coordinator Barbara Blachly says, “That he is able to fit into his uniform after 60 plus years is an amazing feat.”

Harper only smiled a modest smile.