OKC World War II Veteran Overcome By Heat While Laying Wreaths In Cemeteries

The summer-like temperatures in Oklahoma became too much for an 89-year-old man who was trying to honor family and friends at four different cemeteries across Oklahoma City.

Sunday, May 27th 2012, 5:39 pm

By: News 9


The summer-like temperatures in Oklahoma became too much for an 89-year-old man who was trying to honor family and friends at four different cemeteries across Oklahoma City.

Delbert Coulter spent Saturday laying wreaths in honor of Memorial Day. Coulter's wife became worried when she noticed something wasn't quite right with her husband. She called 911 and paramedics rushed to the scene to check him out.

Paramedics say Coulter was overcome by the heat but would be okay. While treating him, they learned Coulter's incredible story.

He's a veteran of World War II who was held as a prisoner of war for 14 months. He was forced to walk 500 miles during the infamous "death march" at the end of the war. German soldiers forced thousands of POWs to march west across Poland, Czechoslovakia and Germany in the middle of a harsh winter. Paramedics say Coulter is a true hero.

"The best way I can equate it to is like a kid having a super hero, and finally meeting that super hero," paramedic Aaron Van Camp said.

After treating Coulter, the paramedics helped the veteran and his wife raise an American flag at their home.

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