She’s One of a Kind

Willoughby receives medallion, certificate for service in WWII
Coined as “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw, those who have been born between 1901 and 1927 overcame the extreme hardship of depression and the greatest conflict in the history of humanity.
The generation that had help save the home islands of the United Kingdom, stormed the beaches of Normandy, raised the Stars and Stripes on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima and won World War II on two major fronts helped mold the world as it is today.
In 2018, nearly 496,777 of the 16 million Americans who had served in World War II are still alive, according to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
The number in the U.K. is significantly lower, with less than 100,000 still alive to share their experiences of the Battle of Britain, the preparations for the D-Day invasion and the victory over a madman hell bent on genocide and world domination.
Going forward, this number continues dwindle – with more than 350 veterans passing away with each passing day. Going forward, the life stories of these veterans – who have kept their experiences under the lock and key of the mind – will forever vanish to warn future generations of the hellscape that is warfare and the sacrifices to preserve freedom and self-determination.
In Rockwell City, there is a resident who not only served in World War II, but served on the side of America’s greatest ally in the conflict: Great Britain. It is a rare combination, indeed.
Enter Norma (Filby) Willoughby, whose life story is extensive, colorful and definitely worth a listen for curious ears. Willoughby’s mind is sharp, a healthy balance of a fountain of youth and an encyclopedia of historic, yet first hand information.
For the full story, see this week's edition of The Graphi- Advocate. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 extension 122, or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com.