SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – It’s not every day a World War Two and Korean War veteran turns a hundred years old.
But one man born and raised in South Bend has accomplished just that.
Gumkowski was offered a trombone spot with the South Bend Symphony but declined after being drafted at 18 during World War II.
Bert Gumkowski has seen more in his 100 years than we’ll ever see. From serving as a clerk in the army back in ‘45…
“I carried troops to Japan in the Pacific,” said Bert Gumbowski. “And then we went through the Water Canal, went up east, and picked up a whole bunch of ladies that were married to service people, brought ‘em back home.”
To serving in the Navy on the USS Twining …
“The pilot evidently was running out of fuel,” said Gumbowski. “So, he left. So, we’re very lucky that we’re not sunk.”
He helped transport troops in the Pacific, including to Japan, and traveled through the Panama Canal to pick up war brides in Germany and France for passage to the U.S.
He even survived a strafe, or a bombardment.
And despite the mix of good days and bad days, Bert is proud to have served our country.
“I was glad to do it,” said Gumbowski. “I was very happy to do it. There was no question at all.”
It was an experience that definitely shaped him…
“He always eats really fast because he had already somebody waiting behind him to sit down and eat, so he ate fast so the next guy could come up and have his meal too,” said Gumbowski’s third and youngest son John.
And shaped his kids and grandchildren as well…
“He showed us how to serve our country and how to serve others,” said John. “And I guess the most basic thing, do the right thing all the time and if you slip up, do better next time.”
After returning to civilian life, he worked as a draftsman at Studebaker in South Bend, designing engines and other parts.
Nowadays, you’ll catch Bert spending time with his family, rooting on Notre Dame Football and Basketball, and getting out on the town to eat.
His words of advice for the young folks out there?
“Just gotta eat good and gotta keep yourself healthy and the whole bit, and you’ll make it,” said Gumbowski.
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