My Grandfather, Ed Creamer is my hero!! He was shot down over the Bering Sea in 1942, at the age of 21. He spent 1183 days as a POW.
He would tell people who would ask how he was treated by the Japanese, "that there were others who were treated worse." He never said anything bad about what he went through during his time as a prisoner. Many years later, when he was able to meet the man who shot down his PBY-5A plane, he shook his hand and said to him "you were just doing your job."
Papa was a life member of the American Ex-Prisoners of War, he was a guest speaker at POW-MIA ceremonies at our local base. He was one of the first inductees into the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Hall of Honor for his actions prior to and after his capture. He was also inducted into the Association of Aviation Ordnancemen Hall of Fame.
Papa never met a stranger, he liked all people. Papa was a true American, he loved his country. I only hope that I am half the person he was. He loved his family with all his heart and soul, especially my Grandma, Jeanette Creamer.
He died in August 2013 at the age of 91. Gone but never forgotten.
Jacksonville, FL
