Editor's Note: Kansas Honor Flight announced the passing of Olen Mitchell on Christmas Eve. Hutch Post is re-running the feature on his planned trip to Normandy earlier this year in tribute to his service.
EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. —Community members, friends and family gathered for the send off party of Wesley Towers resident and WWII Veteran Olen Mitchell’s journey to Normandy France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Olen said it was the furthest thing from his mind when he heard that he would be one of a select group of U.S. WWII Veterans to go on the American Airlines chartered Boeing 787 aircraft flight. Wesley Towers heard of the American Airlines sponsored trip through the Kansas Honor Flight.
“Oh it's great," Olen said. "First I feel honored. Next I feel lucky."
Olen and his great great nephew Jordan Mitchell, will make the trip to Normandy together. Olen and Jordan will leave for Normandy on Thursday, May 30. The trip will last nine days and end on Friday, June 7.
WWII veterans are in their 90s or older. Due to older age, all veterans have a guardian with them on the trip. With his great great uncle Olen being 102 years of age, Jordan was asked to be Olen’s guardian for the trip.
“It’s a huge honor and I jumped on it when they asked without hesitation,” Jordan said. "I said absolutely. Whatever I have to do to go I will jump on. Once in a lifetime opportunity.”
The pair will travel from Dallas-Fort Worth to Paris for two nights and then take a bus ride to the Normandy region. Veterans will have the opportunity to honor those who served during WWII.
Priority for the flight was given to those who participated in D-Day and those who served in the European Theater.
Mitchell served in the European Theater in the U. S. Army 337th Infantry Regiment in Italy-Rome ARNO-GO33 War Dept. He later served in the 1763rd Service Command.
On May 23, 1944, Olen was wounded in combat after being hit by a bullet in the jaw and mouth. He spent nine months in the hospital and underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries.
Mitchell was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground combat, the European Theater ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Video of the send off parade for Olen is courtesy Hutchinson Police Department.
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