Video: Caledonia “Band of Brothers” Veteran Turns 90

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CALEDONIA, Miss. (WCBI) — A local World War II hero Bradford Freeman is turning 90 years old. Family and friends are celebrating his life and his unique military experience. He’s a member of the 101st Airborne Division that saw action in Europe during World War II. Though nearly a century old, he can still remember fighting for his country.

“I jumped in France. I jumped in Holland. Stuck it out in Bastogne and up in Kaprun where they surrendered to us,” says Freeman.

Freeman was a member of the Band of Brothers, the infantry that specialized in jumping from planes during combat. Friends and family gathered in Caledonia to honor the man who gave back to his country and his community.

“He’s probably always been there for you and just one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met,” says Tony Smith, a friend and hunting partner.

Freeman is one of the last surviving members of the Band of Brothers. His family says they couldn’t be more proud of his service and his character.

“We’re very blessed to have him here. He is still very active, he keeps me very busy. I live next door to him. We trap coons and we keep up with our guineas and he helps me with my horses. He’s been a wonderful dad. I couldn’t have asked for a better parent,” says daughter, Beverly Bowles.

The Band of Brothers also caught the eye of Hollywood. Their story became an HBO television series in 2001. The film Saving Private Ryan was also based on their story.