WWII Veteran Shares Experiences With Kennedy Students

Bernie Radar, a veteran and prisoner of war in World War II, shared his experience of serving in France as part of a 55-man patrol in the Ninth Infantry Division with Kennedy High School students this week. 

Radar, who received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, spent 45 days in a German prisoner of war hospital after being wounded by mortar fire and captured by the Germans in Brittany, later being released as part of an unprecedented prisoner of war exchange in November 1944. 

Radar was presented with the French Legion of Honor Award in 2007, which was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to honor soldiers and civilians who have made a significant contribution to French life.

He spoke to students about his time serving in Europe along with historical accounts.

Karen McGuinness, social studies chairperson said that she was grateful that Radar has been sharing his story with Kennedy students for years. 

“He is a real hero," she said. "He is able to talk to the students about the actual conflict, the unprecedented POW exchange program and, more importantly, service to the community. It is really transferring all of those values across generations."