Blogfinger

Hank Boschen’s family during World War II. Left to right: Hank US Army, Marie in the WAVES, Jeanne in the Marines and of course Henry Boschen who honorably served for 45 years in the Marines and when he retired, he probably had the longest service record in the Marines at that time.  Hank was born in Quantico and spent most of his childhood there.

I received this wonderful photograph today  from Jane Boschen, a friend from Randolph, NJ.  I know the Boschen family from when I was practicing medicine in that area.    Hank was my patient and a fellow photographer, and Edie, his daughter, was a nurse at Dover General Hospital.  Hank’s wife Jane has kept in touch, and we usually post Hank’s wonderful image of Dover in a snowstorm downtown during Christmas.

The story of this photo:  “Hank was stationed in Northern England, and on D-Day 3 he and his fellow soldiers were in a glider carrying men and equipment across the English Channel and were dropped behind enemy lines and subsequently set France free from the Nazis.

“His father is buried in Arlington Cemetery with all the honors, and Hank’s ashes will also be there in the same grave that his father rests.”

From Jane Boschen:  “Have a great Memorial Day.”

Paul Goldfinger MD,  Editor’s note:   Hello Jane and thank you so much for sharing these memories and that wonderful family portrait.   I am very happy to hear from you again.

Hank and I would talk photography but he never mentioned his service.  Please say hello to Edie,  a first rate nurse at DGH.

I am a student of WWII history and I know the story of those gliders during D-Day very well.

As  students at GWU, Eileen and I lived across the highway from Arlington Cemetery. We went there often to make sure those soldiers raising the flag at Iwo Jima were doing OK.

It is a great honor for Hank and his Dad to be there.

Have a fine holiday Jane.

Paul

Ocean Grove beach front. Paul Goldfinger photo Feb 2024. Click to enlarge.

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD BAND: