‘I Wanted to Join the Fight Against Hitler’

Bob Feller, four years ago, on why he joined the Navy to fight in World War II:

A lot of folks say that had I not missed those almost four seasons to World War II — during what was probably my physical prime — I might have had 370 or even 400 wins. But I have no regrets. None at all. I did what any American could and should do: serve his country in its time of need. The world’s time of need.

I knew then, and I know today, that winning World War II was the most important thing to happen to this country in the last 100 years. I’m just glad I was a part of it.

★ Thursday, 16 December 2010