I was on a flight heading out of New York City. Just before takeoff, a gentleman boarded and sat down in the middle seat next to me. He began making small talk with the man sitting in the aisle seat beside him. He was returning home to Wisconsin after a visit to the Middle East. The man who he was visiting with was a middle school teacher. You're a teacher? I'd like to send you some books for your students, he said. Instead of asking him about the books, the teacher changed the subject. He clearly wasn't interested. Friendly, but not interested.
As they chatted, I closed my eyes to take a nap, partly to rest and partly to avoid conversation. I drifted off to sleep having made the assumption that my seatmate was a minister who was interested in sharing his beliefs, and that the books he was offering must be related to his religion. And honestly, that thought made me uncomfortable. Who knew what his beliefs were?
At some point, I was awakened by sunlight beaming in through the window. My seatmate was sitting forward in his seat, staring straight ahead to avoid the blinding light. The teacher next to him was fast asleep. I pulled down the window shade and apologized that he'd been having to sit uncomfortably for all that time. He just smiled and said that it was no problem. We began to chat. He'd barely caught our flight, which was the connecting final leg for him on a long trip home from the Middle East. He'd been traveling for something like 24 hours at that point and was looking forward to seeing his wife.
He asked me if I worked outside the home and I tried to explain what I do. He asked if I had children and we talked about his own. And then he told me that he'd love to send me a book for my children. Oh dear, I thought to myself. Here it comes, he's going to preach to me. About something crazy. What is the name of the book? I ask. A Gathering of Eagles, he replies. Oh no, oh no, oh no, I'm thinking. What's it about? I ask. He describes it as a book of stories and advice from 117 Medal of Honor recipients. I was taken aback and feeling bad that I had made an assumption about him and what he was trying to convey.
I learn that he's retired. What is your connection to the book? I ask. I'm a Medal of Honor recipient he replies. I'm Ken. Ken Stumpf.
You know how you feel when you realize you've been judgemental, and even worse, wrongfully so? I of all people should know this and speak of it often. You never really know someone's story.
Ken and I go on to have a lovely conversation, much of it with me wishing I could magically teleport my father-in-law Pete into my seat so that he and Ken can talk. They both served in Vietnam and I know they share a brotherhood that civilians like myself can't possibly understand.
After we land and stand to deplane, Ken and I say our goodbyes and I thank him for his service to our country. The teacher looks on quizzically and I feel sad that he slept through learning he was sitting next to an American hero, a man he could have talked about with his students on Monday. I could have missed it too, but fortunately, I saw the light.
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The After Story:
I'm happy to report that my boys now proudly own their own copy of A Gathering of Eagles, a gift sent personally from Ken. And my wish came true: Pete and Ken are now in touch with one another.
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There are 79 living recipients of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is bestowed to any member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
Ken Stumpf is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.
Stumpf joined the Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and by April 25, 1967 was serving as a Specialist Four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Duc Pho in the Republic of Vietnam, Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy fire and single-handedly disabled an enemy bunker. He was subsequently promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.
Stumpf reached the rank of Sergeant Major before retiring from the Army.
Staff Sergeant Stumpf's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SSG Stumpf distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader of the 3d Platoon, Company C, on a search and destroy mission. As SSG Stumpf's company approached a village, it encountered a North Vietnamese rifle company occupying a well fortified bunker complex. During the initial contact, 3 men from his squad fell wounded in front of a hostile machine gun emplacement. The enemy's heavy volume of fire prevented the unit from moving to the aid of the injured men, but SSG Stumpf left his secure position in a deep trench and ran through the barrage of incoming rounds to reach his wounded comrades. He picked up 1 of the men and carried him back to the safety of the trench. Twice more SSG Stumpf dashed forward while the enemy turned automatic weapons and machine guns upon him, yet he managed to rescue the remaining 2 wounded squad members. He then organized his squad and led an assault against several enemy bunkers from which continuously heavy fire was being received. He and his squad successfully eliminated 2 of the bunker positions, but one to the front of the advancing platoon remained a serious threat. Arming himself with extra hand grenades, SSG Stumpf ran over open ground, through a volley of fire directed at him by a determined enemy, toward the machine gun position. As he reached the bunker, he threw a hand grenade through the aperture. It was immediately returned by the occupants, forcing SSG Stumpf to take cover. Undaunted, he pulled the pins on 2 more grenades, held them for a few seconds after activation, then hurled them into the position, this time successfully destroying the emplacement. With the elimination of this key position, his unit was able to assault and overrun the enemy. SSG Stumpf's relentless spirit of aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of his men, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Staff Sergeant Kenneth E. Stumpf receiving the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Image: Scott Stumpf, via mishalove.
Thank you so much for such an amazing post....we are learning until we talk are last breath...I'm going to lookup his book. I learned today thanks to you!!!
Posted by: Miss Holly | January 17, 2013 at 03:24 AM
I've got one word "WOW!" That was truly incredible. Loved his story. He's a hero alright. Good golly. Thanks for sharing that. It was VERY inspiring.
Posted by: Kim @ Homesteader's Heart | January 17, 2013 at 04:45 AM
I got gosebumps readig this. How many times have I been judgemental without even realizing it. Thank you! Also, am looking for the book next.
Posted by: Jen | January 17, 2013 at 05:24 AM
Can't thank you enough for sharing this!
Posted by: Pam McCormick | January 17, 2013 at 05:56 AM
WOW! I often think of who's sitting mext to me.
Thank you for telling this story....
Posted by: SueBee | January 17, 2013 at 06:23 AM
We never know the person next to us story unless we extend that first smile and hello! I'm so glad you had this opportunity and you have shared it with us. I think this book will be a great addition to my library right along side Don Malarkey, Band of Brothers. A chance meeting I had and so enjoyed like you and Ken.
Posted by: Junebug | January 17, 2013 at 06:33 AM
Great story! Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: joan c. | January 17, 2013 at 06:37 AM
Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Mary | January 17, 2013 at 06:51 AM
Great story, we all can learn from this. Thank you
Posted by: Amy | January 17, 2013 at 07:34 AM
What an amazing story! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Vanessa | January 17, 2013 at 07:34 AM
What an amazing story! And you are so right, we should all take a moment to see the light. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: JoAnn K. | January 17, 2013 at 07:35 AM
What a great story - glad you woke up and spoke with him.
Posted by: Karen Candee | January 17, 2013 at 07:35 AM
Extraordinary. We can learn so much from those who went before us, an extraordinary generation of committed, men of honor and integirty and women who's strength afford us the freedoms we have today. What a blessing that you were able to meet him and talk with him. My little boy would be enamored with him (he is 7 and all her wants to do is be a Marine). Blessings!
Posted by: The Park Wife | January 17, 2013 at 07:36 AM
What a beautiful post. My father was in the military and it's amazing to share time with any person who has so selflessly given their lives to protect our country.
Posted by: Heidi | January 17, 2013 at 07:37 AM
Wow! What a great story, and a treat for you and your family.
Posted by: nicoleigh | January 17, 2013 at 07:49 AM
I loved reading this...such a reminder that we should all show kindness and respect and nonjudgement. Amazing story!
Posted by: Carolyn | January 17, 2013 at 07:53 AM
Great story. Thank you for taking the time to listen to this man. I love to hear about people's lives. Usually impossible to read a person by how the look.
Thank you for sharing this story.
Posted by: Sharon | January 17, 2013 at 08:17 AM
Serena, I loved this story!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. I'm going to buy the book on Amazon today and share it with a lot of people. You were so lucky to have sat by Ken. I choked up when I was reading your story and I feel sorry for Ken that he isn't recogonized more! He sounds like a wonderful person. Thanks again for letting us know about him.
Kristy
Posted by: Kristy Lawrensen | January 17, 2013 at 08:45 AM
I just love stories like this! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Nancy~The Wife of a Dairyman | January 17, 2013 at 08:50 AM
Such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing!
xox Glad & Celia
Posted by: Junebug Furniture & Design | January 17, 2013 at 08:51 AM
We never know why things turn out the way they do, those chance encounters that may never have been, put there for us to receive or deny, and we all do it. Good for you for listening & passing it along to us. I believe I just found the next book that I'll read. Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
Posted by: Teresa | January 17, 2013 at 08:53 AM
Thank you for a very touching story. I talk about American Heroes sometimes to different groups of people. I always say you might be standing next to them while you are in line at the grocery store or sitting next to them at church. In your case, on a plane.
Posted by: Sharon S | January 17, 2013 at 08:54 AM
Thank you for sharing, Serena.
Posted by: TracyP | January 17, 2013 at 08:59 AM
Such a beautiful post and a fabulous lesson. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Jennifer Dessert | January 17, 2013 at 09:01 AM
what a wonderful story! So happy that you took the time to write it down and share with us! xoxo-
ps- the book looks amazing!
Posted by: Katelyn | January 17, 2013 at 09:37 AM
Wonderful! Can't wait to order the book. You're right, too often we make assumptions about someone without giving them a chance and hearing their story. Lucky for you, you didn't miss out on the opportunity.
Posted by: Vickie K | January 17, 2013 at 09:49 AM
What a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing and for the link to the book. My father-in-law is also a veteran and I know he'd enjoy it!
Posted by: Kelly | January 17, 2013 at 09:56 AM
I always have said that everyone has a story and that you can't judge the book by its cover. But, I sometimes forget to put that into practice. Your story is just the reminder I need. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Karen A. | January 17, 2013 at 10:41 AM
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing. A great lesson for all of us.
Posted by: Sharyl | January 17, 2013 at 12:12 PM
What an honor.
Thank you for sharing Serena. It is a good reminder to stop and savor the present moment. Because when we don't do that, we miss out in so many ways. Ways we never even know.
Posted by: Stacie M. | January 17, 2013 at 01:04 PM
What a wonderful story...Thank you
Posted by: sandy | January 17, 2013 at 01:22 PM
What a blessing! And thank you so much for sharing his (and your) story. The background story is wonderful too!
Bless that man and every other person who serves our country so unselfishly.
Posted by: Holly | January 17, 2013 at 02:44 PM
I'm glad you didn't miss the opportunity to meet a Hero! Thank you for telling the story.
Posted by: Kimberly Codron | January 17, 2013 at 03:21 PM
Your story gave me CHILLS! Love this - what a hero. So glad you were able to connect with him.
Posted by: AndreaW | January 17, 2013 at 06:41 PM
I loved this post. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: stephany @ home is what you make it | January 17, 2013 at 08:07 PM
What a wonderful story - and wonderful lesson. We just never know.
Posted by: Tracy | January 18, 2013 at 06:37 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story. My father proudly served in the Korean War and I was so touched when I read your story. Thank you Mr. Stumpf, you are a true American hero! I am buying A Gathering of Eagles for my father.
Posted by: Diane | January 18, 2013 at 06:44 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this experience. So glad your father-in-law is in touch with this incredible man.
Posted by: Patti H. | January 18, 2013 at 08:06 AM
What an amazing story! You never know who you are in the presence of and I love to hear other people's stories. What a blessing! Have a great day!
Posted by: Rene Foust | January 18, 2013 at 08:06 AM
Hero's among us that we almost missed hearing their story! I loved it! I also thought his story received a much wider audience by telling you and your link with so many others.
Blessings,
Gayle
Posted by: Gayle | January 18, 2013 at 08:26 AM
I've had a little of an awaking today....I wonder what I have missed in my rush around life....Everyone has a story....thanks for sharing.
My four sons would love this...off to get a copy for each of them.
Thanks
Isn't life beautiful?
Teresa
Posted by: teresa | January 18, 2013 at 12:49 PM
Oh my goodness, what a hero! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. We owe so much to these great Veterans. I am a mom of a Marine and when I read things like this, it makes me so grateful for men like Ken Stumpf. Please know, there are still some men willing to risk their lives for our country today!
Posted by: Donna | January 18, 2013 at 03:45 PM
Thank you for sharing this incredible story. It is remarkable what you can learn from others when you just open yourself to listening. Thank you!
Posted by: Rachel Friedrichs | January 18, 2013 at 10:51 PM
Very very cool.
I seem to usually be seated next to large men with B.O. or garlic breath. Or sometimes, my favorite, a small fussy child... Next time I am going to try to look past the surface.
Posted by: Kelly Heeringa | January 19, 2013 at 12:25 AM
Incredible story. We probably all at one time or another have come in contact with heroes unbeknownst to us. What a lucky thing that you so kindly listened to this strangers story.
Posted by: maggie | January 19, 2013 at 07:31 AM
What a beautiful story, we never know the story that lies beneth unless we dig, do we. xxBrenda
Posted by: Brenda | January 19, 2013 at 03:11 PM
Thank you for sharing, I, too, am blessed to hear this story.
But I must ask, what would be so wrong if the man had turned out to be a minister and was sharing books about his religion. Wouldn't that man be worthy of our respect and interest as well? Wouldn't his story, whatever it be, also be one that should thrill our hearts?
I believe ALL people are special and ALL people deserve our respect and kindness ... even those who may be different than us or share different beliefs than us!
Posted by: Katie | January 19, 2013 at 03:15 PM
I must say that I was thinking the same thing as Katie while I read this post. Made me feel kind of sad and kind of ruined the moral of the story. :-(
Posted by: Lady Dorothy | January 19, 2013 at 07:44 PM
What a story. We received a book years ago from a Medal of Honor receiver who spoke at a Veteran's Memorial at which our church school choir had the privilege to sing ( I am now wondering if it is the same book you mention). Before I got a chance to read it however, all of our books were stolen while we were moving into our new home. Now I wish I had it so I could look up Kenneth E. Stumpf.
Thank you for this great story.
Posted by: Leah O | January 19, 2013 at 08:01 PM
Katie,
Thank you for your honest comments. I was expecting to hear more comments such as yours.
When I share my stories here, they are mine, and sincere and I'm very open about what I'm writing about.
Yes absolutely all people deserve respect and kindness. I couldn't agree more. That was somewhat what I was sharing in telling my story with Ken. I should have been more open to hearing his story and I was initially uncomfortable. Everyone's faith is different and for some, like myself, it's a very personal part of me and something I keep close. I love that there are others who can talk openly about their faith and beliefs and feel very lucky that I live in a country where that's possible.
I was actually pointing out the fact that I should have been more receptive and not judgmental. And as I sat there, I was thinking just that. A good lesson for me.
Ultimately, this story is about Ken and what a good man he is.
Hugs,
Serena
Posted by: Serena | January 19, 2013 at 09:57 PM
Thanks Lady Dorothy for your honesty. I'm sorry you were left with that thought after reading the story. That wasn't my intention. I wish you all the best.
Posted by: Serena | January 19, 2013 at 10:00 PM
Great post! I'm jealous. I never get to sit next to anyone interesting (except my husband).
THANK YOU for saying Medal of Honor recipient. It drives me insane when recipients are called Medal of Honor "winners", as if it were a contest.
I love American history, I will definitely look up his book.
Thank you.
Posted by: Jen | January 20, 2013 at 10:10 AM
LOVED the story so much...I just ordered his book...thank you for sharing! Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Langston | January 20, 2013 at 12:09 PM
What an wonderful story....I liked it SO much that I ordered his book!....thank you for sharing!...carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Langston | January 20, 2013 at 12:10 PM
It is always an honor to meet the soldiers (and airmen, marines and sailors) who are awarded the Medal of Honor. . . they are usually modest and so representative of the best that America has. There is a reason, that regardless of rank, you salute the men who wear the medal, they deserve it.
Posted by: dru | January 22, 2013 at 03:17 PM
Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Judi Storm | January 22, 2013 at 04:36 PM
wow! thanks for sharing this wonderful story! thank goodness for the bright sunshiney light! :)
Posted by: Tasha Horsley | January 24, 2013 at 08:37 AM
AWESOME!!!!! My father-in-law was a Army Capt. during WWII who served in Europe and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He has many stories he's shared with his family, of his time while serving. Incredile. Our service men and women, no matter what their rank, when or where they serve are all heroes!
Posted by: Janet | January 24, 2013 at 08:06 PM
Just read this and it reminds me about the ripples that spread from our interactions. Your sharing has resulting in Ken "meeting & visiting" with so many. How many times we we may have unintentionally kept a message or story from getting to those who needed to hear it by turning away. Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Betty | January 27, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Good good story...thank you for sharing it all~
hollie=)
Posted by: Hollie Eastman | January 27, 2013 at 03:10 PM
Such a good reminder for me. Thanks Serena.
Posted by: sylvia fountaine | January 28, 2013 at 07:23 AM
thank you thank you for sharing this
Posted by: stacy | January 28, 2013 at 07:33 PM
Thank you, Serena. Wonderful post. My 11 year old daughter just wrote a story on a Medal of Honor recipient. I wonder if her teacher has this book? I shall find out. Thank you again, wonderful writing.
Jen
Posted by: Jen s | January 30, 2013 at 09:41 AM
That's an amazing story! I know it is sad that we have become afraid of people being weirdos. But, luckily your encounter turned out to be a blessing. I'm always thankful for all who served our country and that we are reaping the benefits of all of them who fought and preserved our freedom and comfort..unfortunately, wars are what happens for freedom. God bless them and this gentleman for their service & bravery..I can't even begin to imagine.
Posted by: tammyCA | January 30, 2013 at 04:15 PM
A wonderful story and a lesson to all that everyone...EVERYONE! has a story to tell and left "untapped" it is our loss. You tapped-in, good girl!
Posted by: Sue | February 05, 2013 at 05:51 AM
I know ken and worked with him. His story and experiences are trumped only by his selflessness, humbleness and patriotism. He is an American treasure. Glad you got to experience him.
Posted by: clay | February 05, 2013 at 05:55 PM
What an amazing story, one of which I did not know about my cousins father-in-law. I am thankful for Ken's bravery and service above and beyond. What a hero he truly is. Thank you Ken.
Posted by: laurie | February 06, 2013 at 03:30 AM