Honoring WWII Military Heroes with Ft. Sam Houston
Airman Heritage Foundation Brings WWII Living History to Operation Encore Ceremony at Ft. Sam Houston
In February 2024, the Airman Heritage Foundation (AHF) proudly supported a historic ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio – Ft. Sam Houston commemorating the 80th anniversary of Operation Encore – a key allied offense during WWII. Operation Encore was the Allied offensive timed for February – March of 1945 to break through the Gothic Line — a German and Italian defensive line of the Italian Campaign of World War II. Operation Encore comprised of the 10th Mountain Division and the Brazilian Expeditionary Force.
At the request of Melissa Hornback, Director of Executive Services for U.S. Army North (5th Army), the AHF enhanced the ceremony with a compelling WWII living history presentation that outfitted five soldiers in authentic WWII U.S. Army combat infantry uniforms and gear, offering attendees a powerful visual connection to the operation. Held on February 21st, the event welcomed a 20-member Brazilian delegation the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Maira Luiza Ribeiro Viotti. Remarks were also provided by U.S. Army North Commanding General Lt. Gen. Allan M. Pepin. The AHF’s contribution was praised and served as a moving tribute to the spirit of international cooperation and military heritage.
For more information about this event, read ‘Fifth Army, Smoking Snakes commemorate historic WWII campaign with Operation Encore’ by Shawn Davis, U.S. Army North Public Affairs.
