Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward MageeNews.com a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
Tuesday, July 25th, I was honored to interview World War II veteran, Howard Sessums. The name “Howard Sessums” may sound familiar to several “older” people in Magee. Mr. Sessums was the principal at Magee High School during the mid 1950s (55-57).
I learned of Howard Sessums through Carolyn Stephens. Carolyn and Mr. Sessums live in the same assisted living home in Hattiesburg, Provisions Living. Carolyn called and told me about Mr. Sessums and how he was a war hero and knew all these people in Magee…and,”is one of the most interesting people I have ever talked to.”
Carolyn can be very persuading! After speaking with Mr. Sessums on the phone, I was hooked and ready for the interview. The wounds of war are still evident in Mr. Sessums life. Lingering problems caused from his 6 months as a Japanese prisoner of war and injuries received during eleven invasions still cause health issues.
Howard Sessums joined the Navy when he was 17. He grew up on a farm in Morton., MS. What happened after he joined the army is a remarkable story of a man with grit and love of his country.
Mr. Sessums speaks all over the country to college history departments. (University of Alabama, LSU, South Alabama etc). He limits the number of speaking engagements because he is in his mid 90s with the memory of a 30 year old!
Howard Sessums changed my life. He allowed me the privilege of being in the presence of a true American Hero. He allowed me the privilege of hearing first hand experiences of the war. The films are not a movie. The films are the true and up close personal experiences of a man who was awarded: 4 Purple Hearts, 2 Navy Cross, 2 Presidential Citations, 2 Distinguished Service Awards, Silver Star, 3 Bravery awards, The Philippine Liberation Award, and 11 Invasion Stars. (In the home page picture, Mr. Sessums is holding one of three framed displays of his medals.)
Tears sprang into my eyes from the very first story he told. These film are a treasure. Thank you Howard Sessums for allowing me a glimpse into your life.
I promise you, this man will bring you into the heart and soul of the war. Howard Sessums is an American treasure living in Hattiesburg, Mississippi telling his story so we will remember what others gave so we could be free. I’m proud to be an American…and no one can doubt how proud Howard Sessums is to be an American. Let us not ever forget….
