WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY :: Okinawa vets reunited after six decades LOUISVILLE (WAVE) -- There is an unbreakable bond between World War II veterans -- especially those who served alongside each other. It's a bond that neither time nor distance can destroy. Two World War II vets proved that to be true right here in Louisville with a reunion that took more than six decades to happen. WAVE 3's Lindsay English has their story. Friday night was a big night for 84 year old Vernon French of Frankfort. He made the trip to the Louisville International Airport to pick up an old friend he hadn't seen in a while. 62 1/2 years to be exact. French, a World War II veteran, wasn't just reuniting with an friend. It was fellow World War II vet, Rudy Podhora of Vancouver, Washington. The last time the two saw each other was July 1945 in Okinawa. "I can't keep from crying," says French. Until Friday, when after more than six decades and Vernon's 85th birthday just around the corner, they decided it was time to get together. After an emotional first meeting, the two just started reminiscing almost immediately. Both men were Marines with the First Division and served at the Battle of Peleliu and at Okinawa. In fact, French credits Podhora with saving his life. "We had just been on Peleliu for 2 to 3 days and we were in a foxhole," says French. "He sees this big piece of shrapnel coming, about the size of my hand or bigger and he couldn't say anything. He just ducked for me and when I did, it went right over my head and right in the foxhole bank right beside him. If he hadn't reached for me, it would've took my head off." The two men, just 20 and 22 years old the last time they saw each other, say they kept in touch over the years through letters and phone calls. Podhora plans to visit with French through the weekend. They also have a dinner planned with another fellow Marine and World War II Vet. Podhora says he's thrilled to see his friend once again. "It's overwhelming. I can hardly contain myself, " he says.
