Recently, Rolling Thunder presented Tryon resident Linwood Williams with a commemorative plaque and replicas of his U.S. Army dog tags. The ceremony was held in the living room of Benson Hall at White Oak of Tryon in order for Doris, his wife of 65 years, to participate.

Williams, now 85, joined the U.S. Army when he was 18, trained at Fort Bragg and what was Camp Croft in Spartanburg. After training, he served in the 69th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was wounded twice, then captured and imprisoned by the Germans in 1945. General Pattons 75th Armored Division facilitated Williams and his fellow captives escape three days before Easter Sunday. Needless to say, that Easter Sunday was an unforgettable and holy day for Williams and his fellow POWs. Three worship services, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant, were held quietly on the side of a hill in Germany.

Rolling Thunder, which made the presentation to Williams, is a group made up of veterans from all branches of service who fight for MIA and POWs, assist all veterans in the pursuit of needed and deserved benefits and recognize the service of veterans. Particular attention is paid to the veterans of WWII, with whom they visit, present medals, flags, certificates of appreciation and hugs.