LJWorld.com

Check it out Linda's published article here.

http://www.roadtripjournal.com/monthly-survey

We are proud of you, Linda!

Max Hutchinson was born October 12, 1915 on a farm outside of Logan, Kansas. His birth certificate officially lists his place of birth as Densmore, Kansas. Max was the second oldest of the 10 children of Willie C. and Annie Josephine Hutchinson.

Max was a bright young boy who started first grade (there was no such thing as kindergarten in those days) in a rural one-room school house at age four because Lee, his brother two years older, was afraid to go to school alone. Learning came easily for Max and althought it seemed he was paying no attention at school and at home, he learned quickly and a developed a sharp wit.

Max attended school through 8th grade then stayed at home to work on the farm so his younger siblings could go to school. He and his siblings were a tight-knit group who had many stories to tell about their years out on the farm. His brother, Ward, broke his leg jumping off the neighbor's haystack and limped home and didn't want to tell their parents what happened since they had disobeyed their parents. His sister, Eve, stuck a younger brother, Gene, in a cream can when he was little and they still talk about it to this day. His sister, Lucille, got the nickname, Boo, which stuck with her until the day she died because of her fear of storms. Brothers Bill and Don always joined in when could always tell some tales at family gatherings.

A sister, Phoebe, died of appendictis at age 13, before the widespread use of antibiotics. His mother used to go spend time in the attic alone, grieving the loss of her daughter. After his mother died, Max and his siblings discovered the cherished items of Phoebe's in the trunk in the attic. Among the items in the trunk was a picture Phoebe had colored of her baby sister, Wauneta and Phoebe's worn toothbrush. Max and his siblings had long wondered what secrets that trunk held but never violated their mother's private treasures until after her death.

Max was in his twenties when WWII broke out. He had worked and stayed close to home and had not yet married prior to the war. He and his brothers who were old enough joined the army or other branches of the military. Max, who was a homebody and very close to his parents, was stationed in Texas. His comrades called him "Arky" a shortened version of "Our Kansas boy". Before being shipped overseas, Max decided to take the train back to Logan to see his parents. Max didn't tell anyone he was going and never asked permission. By the time they realized he was missing, Max had returned to base and was ready to go overseas to serve his country. Max was demoted to Private because of his unexcused leave. He never regretted getting to go home to see his folks.

Max spent time in Northern Africa and Italy. He was assigned to a tank destroyer battalion. Letters to home indicated how homesick he was as he'd tuck in money or souvenirs for his sisters and brothers too young to serve. He recalled coming through Rome in the tank destroyers, their turrets turned to the rear out of respect to the Vatican. Women and children clamored aboard the tank destroyers, anxious to give thanks to their liberators. Max was still a Private when he was discharged from the army, which was okay with him. He had served his country as had many other men and women and that was recognition enough.

Max married the love of his life, Delores, after the war. He pumped oil wells in western Kansas until he retired, working 6 1/2 days a week. He and Delores raised three children in Logan. He remained close to his siblings and loved reminiscing about their days on the farm. He and his brothers and brother-in-laws talked from time to time about their military experiences in north Africa, Iwo Jima and the European front. His brother, Ward, was at Normandy but usually Max and Ward would rather talk about fishing than the horrors of war.

I was the middle of the three of Max and Delores' children and could not be prouder to call this man Dad. My dad died about 12 years ago, 14 years after the death of his beloved wife. On this Memorial Day, I honor the service of my dad and all the other Americans who serve our country. I love you, Dad.