Fred Kaempfer was an officer and a gentleman

To the editor:

I first met Fred Kaempfer in 1996. Although the visit was brief, Kaempfer left a lasting impression on me. He was an officer and a gentleman -- an officer with police departments years ago, and a gentleman to the end.

Few know that during World War II Kaempfer fought in five major campaigns: Sicily, Central Europe, Normandy, Rhineland and the invasion of France, where he was awarded the Medal of Freedom.

Last June, when he was very ill, we had to leave and told him we would see him again, he replied he hoped he would see us again. On our last visit to Missouri he did get to see us. And he will again in due time.

To Kaempfer's daughter, Dollie, whom he lived with, we are so thankful for you always being there for him.

One last thought. Gen. Douglas MacArthur once said, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away."

RANDALL and BRENDA HICKMAN

Palestine, Texas