U.S. Army Veteran Arnold Zimmerman, Honored by Gage County

BEATRICE – Gage County has honored a local U.S. Army veteran who served in the Philippines and Japan, toward the end of World War Two. Arnold Zimmerman was recognized Wednesday by Gage County Supervisors in an ongoing program to recognize local heroes who served their nation, and returned to serve their communities.  Zimmerman entered the Army in December of 1944, serving as a private through November 16^th, 1946. Zimmerman won five medals for his wartime service.  He told officials he was on his way to Japan when the U.S. dropped the second of two atomic bombs. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/10/Zimmerman-Honor1.mp3"][/audio] :07                  “stopping it” Zimmerman was a gunner on a 30-caliber machine gun. [audio mp3="http://media3.floodradio.com/columbus/2017/10/Zimmerman-Honor2.mp3"][/audio] :08                  “of ammunition” Zimmerman remembers machine guns being used so heavily that the heat from the firing would bend the barrel downward, rendering the weapon useless.  He said being in the Army was hard work, but he enjoyed his time serving his country. County Board Chairman Myron Dorn said the veterans’ accounts of their time in the service “really puts a personal touch” on the sacrifices they made for their country. All of the veterans honored in the special program have received small gifts of appreciation.