Ruston resident who lived through German internment camp, Allied bombings recogonized in D.C.

Congressman Ralph Abraham, gave a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and service of Ruston resident Adolf "Wes" Wesselhoeft.

Wesselhoeft was born in the United States to German immigrants. During World War II, he and his family were moved to a German internment camp, similar to those of Japanese and Italian Americans. Wesselhoeft's family was eventually traded to the Germans for American POWs, and they survived Allied bombings after being sent to Germany.

Despite these challenges, Wesselhoeft returned to the United States at his earliest possible opportunity and promptly joined the Air Force. He served for 22 years and flew bombers during the Vietnam War where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He is now legally blind.

Dr. Abraham met Wesselhoeft at an event at the Chennault Aviation Museum and wanted to share his incredible story with the rest of the country.

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