TAMPA, Fla. —The Warrior Games are over, but the competition left a lasting impression on a Bay area World War II veteran.
- Walter Larsen, 98, served in World War II as a U.S. Army aerial photographer
- Larsen's family brought him to watch the Warrior Games
- Larsen honored with a medal of his own, gifts from fellow veterans
- More Warrior Games stories
“I felt very honored just to be there,” said 98-year-old Walter Larsen.
Larsen was a U.S. Army aerial photographer during World War II.
Last month, his family took him to watch injured soldiers compete at the Warrior Games. The family never expected him to be honored with his own gold medal.
Once word spread that Larsen was at the Tampa Convention Center, he was showered with admiration and gifts from fellow soldiers.
"They had tears in their eyes,” said his daughter, Beverly Lech. “I didn’t expect him to inspire them the way they did.”
British Corporal Alan Izzard, 48, was so fascinated by Larsen that he rushed over to introduce himself.
“He’s our forefather,” Izzard said. “He’s the guy who inspired the next generation, that inspired the next generation.”
Izzard, who participated in the Warrior Games, gave Larsen his United Kingdom T-Shirt.
"His wife gave me his flag," Larsen said.
The Larsen’s family home is now decorated with all the gifts from the Warrior Games. But Larsen truly cherishes the friendship that he formed with Izzard.
The two soldiers may be generations apart, but they’re now united through friendship and service to their countries.
“He’s part of my family now,” Izzard said. “He’s part of my Warrior Games family.”
