Page 11 - Harnett Life Winter 2019

Hubert Garland Edwards recounted his remarkable journey through North Africa and Europe during World
War II — a trip that included 660 days on the front lines and even a chance encounter with future president
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and legendary Gen. George S. Patton — during a recent program at Central Caroli-
na Community College sponsored by the CCCC Student Ambassadors.

While drinking coffee one day in France, Sgt. Edwards The stories Edwards told focused on a military career in
and his colleagues heard leaves rustle in the woods. In which the howitzer gunner received several medals and
what must have been an almost surreal experience for the ribbons, including one Silver Star Medal for valor in com-
young soldier, out walked Gens. Eisenhower and Patton. bat and two Bronze Star medals for heroic or meritorious
The sergeant called his men to attention and asked if the achievement or service.
generals had a few minutes to spare.
But that was just the beginning of a life that has included
As Edwards recounted the discussion, it began with a de- other accomplishments. Edwards served on the first board of
bate on the quality of the coffee, but then shifted to the directors for Beaufort County Community College, located
prospects for victory in Europe. not far from the 300-acre tobacco farm where he was born,
and worked at Hamilton Beach, where he retired as produc-
“I’m here to look around and see how things are doing, and tion manager. On a table just to his left was a small placard
what I see, I think we’re going to win this war,” Edwards listing high points of his military career and a collection of
remembers Eisenhower saying. “What do you think?” newspaper feature articles about his life.

“I don’t think so, sir,” Edwards replied to the Supreme With victory secured in Europe, his trip back in time came
Allied Commander in Europe, who seemed taken aback. to an end, but not before Edwards had one final place to go.
“Sir, you say you think we’re going to win this war and He slowly looked around the room and then urged everyone
I disagree with you. I don’t think we’re going to win this to appreciate the many comforts and luxuries that people can
war. I know we’re going to win it.” take for granted. “Say thank you, Lord,” he told everyone,
“(that) I haven’t got to sleep on the ground or in a foxhole

The Final Destinations tonight.”

Harnett Life ~ Winter 2019 Page 11