John Gutbrod, a member of the Greatest Generation and a decorated U.S. Army veteran for his actions during World War II, is being remembered for his life of service, first globally and then to the community he loved: Surf City. He passed away Dec. 27 at the age of 103.
PATRIOT: In addition to being a recipient of the French Legion of Honour, John L. Gutbrod received Croix de Guerre, the French military “Cross of War,” for heroism among foreign forces allied with the French Republic. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
HERO: Sgt. John Gutbrod was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He was also part of the Berlin Airlift following the war.
“John joined the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. #1 (our emergency medical services were instituted in 1989) in December 1980, beginning 44 years of active volunteer service to the people of Surf City and the communities of Long…
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