Patch Readers Share Photos And Stories Of Their Favorite Veterans

HARTFORD-TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — As military members of the past and present are celebrated on this Veterans Day, Patch editors in north-central Connecticut asked readers to share photos and stories about their beloved heroes.

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The response has been tremendous, with readers from across Hartford and Tolland counties (and even a few just beyond those boundaries) sending in tributes to the veterans in their lives.

The photo atop this story is of SSgt. Frank Maglaty, an Army Air Corps veteran from West Hartford who was drafted in 1943 and was stationed in Italy. He served with the 816th Bombardment Squadron in the 483rd Bombardment Group. He was a top turret gunner on a B-17 and earned numerous accolades, including the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Sharpshooter and a Good Conduct Medal. On his first mission, his plane was shot down over Yugoslavia, but all crew members survived as Partisans led them back to a friendly area at night. He went on to fly 35 more missions.

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Those who correctly followed the submission instructions are featured in this gallery, which will be continuously updated throughout the day. The veterans will be listed in reverse alphabetical order.

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