WWII Veteran Honors Comrades from 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery
93-year-old Kenneth “Rock” Merritt, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, returned to Europe last month to visit his fallen comrades at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. Merritt enlisted in the military in October 1942 with the hope of becoming a paratrooper. Despite his small stature of less than 130lbs, Merritt proved he had the strength and stamina, becoming a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
He jumped in the Normandy Invasion and Operation Market Garden, and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Merritt served in the U.S. Army for 35 years, 31 of which he spent on jump status.
More than 70 years after Europe was liberated, Merritt, along with members of his travel group, visited multiple sites as part of a journey of remembrance. During their time at the cemetery, they visited the gravesites of Cpl. Brassie S. Cascio, SSgt. Joseph G. Endress, Pfc. Steve Tetak, and Capt. William H. Nation, all men who served with Merritt in the 508th. At each resting place, they laid flowers, and had a moment of silence.