The blood from Sgt. William J. Rossman’s left forearm seeped into his watch, stopping time at 11:31 a.m.. This was the time that “Take-Off Time,”  his World War II B-24 liberator, plummeted over Verona, Italy.

Rossman’s story, like the American flag, represents pride, hope, and kindness. Rossman’s dedication during WWII displayed his love for the United States. Was it a coincidence that his plane fell on Valentine’s Day over Verona, Italy, the City of Love?

Rossman, after saving his fellow crewmember, bailed out, was captured by the Germans and was subsequently held in four different POW camps. While malnourished, receiving death threats, and having no medical attention for his injuries, he stayed strong.

A Russian made Rossman a pair of wooden shoes, in which he carved the date and location of all the events he endured during his time in the POW camps. After fifteen months, Rossman looked to the ridge around the camp and saw American tanks, and no Germans. U.S. Army Gen. George Patton rescued the camp.

Upon his return, Rossman traveled between New Jersey, Florida, and Illinois before finally going home, to Racine, Wisconsin, to regain his health.
  
Upon Rossman’s return to the United States and the air force, after six years of service, Rossman became an officer, and continued to protect America. At the age of 91, on January 4, 2015, Rossman was laid to rest. His funeral did not leave one dry eye; from the 21 gun salute, to the enlisted Armed Forces saluting, to the folding of the American flag, Rossman was honored and respected for his dedication to America. During his life, Rossman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the POW Medal.

To me, the American flag means pride, hope, and kindness. And Sgt. Rossman fulfilled each of these traits. In a way, Rossman is like our flag. And after 61 years, the remains of “Take Off Time” can be seen in a museum located in Fusignano, Italy, honoring Rossman’s service.