The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Not Forgotten: Mahlon L. Fink leaves a legacy of love and patrotism
As time went by, Mahlon began to share his experiences as a U.S. Marine with his family and friends.
About 20 years ago, his son said, Mahlon began giving speeches, providing details of his life as a U.S. Marine for students in local schools and numerous civic organizations. He shared how he was wounded by shrapnel from an explosion in the war.
“He was recovering from his wounds when the war ended,” Jeffrey shared during an interview this week in his Robeson Township home. “The war ended. He thought he was going to die.”
Mahlon’s legacy as a war hero will live on through his son Jeffrey; grandson, Bradley; and great-grandson, Ethan, all three U.S. Army veterans, and others in the community who were fortunate hear his speeches.
The three are expected to participate in the MidAtlantic Air Museum World War II Weekend this summer.
“My father-in-law was a patriot,” said Kathy Fink, 69, Jeffrey’s wife. “My father-in-law did what he was supposed to do.
Dale G. Derr, director of Berks County veteran affairs, said Mahlon was enthusiastically involved in a lot of community activities.
“I was inspired by him,” Derr said. “When he would read a poem or a prayer it was truly inspirational. He was an educator. He made sure people would know about the past.”
When Mahlon returned home from war, he devoted his life to June.
His affection for his wife was unconditional.
“What comes to my mind about the character of my grandfather is faithful,” said Wendy Boyd, 42, of Shillington. “He was an amazing husband. He fell in love with my grandmother, and he had taken care of her, and fell in love with her all over again.”
As time went by, Mahlon began to share his experiences as a U.S. Marine with his family and friends.
About 20 years ago, his son said, Mahlon began giving speeches, providing details of his life as a U.S. Marine for students in local schools and numerous civic organizations. He shared how he was wounded by shrapnel from an explosion in the war.
“He was recovering from his wounds when the war ended,” Jeffrey shared during an interview this week in his Robeson Township home. “The war ended. He thought he was going to die.”
Mahlon’s legacy as a war hero will live on through his son Jeffrey; grandson, Bradley; and great-grandson, Ethan, all three U.S. Army veterans, and others in the community who were fortunate hear his speeches.
The three are expected to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum World War II Weekend this summer.
“My father-in-law was a patriot,” said Kathy Fink, 69, Jeffrey’s wife. “My fatherin-law did what he was supposed to do.
Dale G. Derr, director of Berks County veteran affairs, said Mahlon was enthusiastically involved in a lot of community activities.
“I was inspired by him,” Derr said. “When he would read a poem or a prayer it was truly inspirational. He was an educator. He made sure people would know about the past.”
When Mahlon returned home from war, he devoted his life to June.
His affection for his wife was unconditional.
“What comes to my mind about the character of my grandfather is faithful,” said Wendy Boyd, 42, of Shillington. “He was an amazing husband. He fell in love with my grandmother, and he had taken care of her, and fell in love with her all over again.”