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Heroes Among Us: ‘Proud’ Marine Recalls Fighting In Battle Of Okinawa

SUNRISE (CBSMiami) — Every Friday, in partnership with the Florida Panthers, we put the spotlight on a hero among us, men or women who have gone beyond the call of duty for our country.

Today, we’re meeting United States Marine Corps World War II veteran Corporal Gene Witkowski.

Corporal Witkowski enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944 and served until 1946. During his service, he was involved in the largest amphibious landing on Okinawa on April 3, 1945.

He remembers being in a tank with four other Marines when both sides of his tank were hit and they all had to evacuate.