HOMETOWN HERO–A banner honoring local veteran Austin Wittenauer is currently on display in front of the Red Bud VFW Post. Pictured with the banner are his wife and five of his six children. In front: Shirley Vogt, Gladys Wittenauer-Thiele and Rosalie Heizer; in back: David Wittenauer, Terry Wittenauer and James Wittenauer. Not available for the picture was Mary Lea Van Rider.
A recent Hometown Hero featured by the Red Bud VFW Post 6632 was Austin T. Wittenauer.
Born in 1922 to John and Eleanora Wittenauer of Hecker, Wittenauer was one of 11 children. After graduating from St. Augustine Catholic Grade School, he worked as a milk truck driver and at the New Athens Shoe Factory before entering the service.
In the 2.5 years he was overseas, he was in five countries: England, France, Holland, Belgium and Germany.
For more on Wittenauer, please see this week’s print edition.