Andrew Tsimpides

Andrew G. Tsimpides (born c. 1916) was a 1st Lieutenant in the 8th Cavalry Regiment. He joined the unit in 1936 when it was still mounted on horseback. During World War II the Cavalry was sent into the Pacific islands as foot soldiers. In 1944 an exploding artillery shell killed many in his unit and sent him into a coma. He was thought to have died. Because the island was coral, they were transported to another island for burial. When his mouth was forced open to receive his dog-tags, he was discovered to be breathing and taken to a hospital where he eventually recovered.

Because his death had already been reported, Tsimpides is listed officially among the casualties of the war. He was discharged, and his mother collected GI insurance. After the war he married and had a family, including a son, Michael, who has served multiple tours with the Army National Guard in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Because he is still officially a casualty, Tsimpides' name was added to the Alabama Veterans Memorial off I-459. He resides in Adamsville and continues to participate in the National Veterans Day Parade each year in Birmingham, sporting his khaki uniform with its 1st Cavalry Division patch and polished brown boots. Until 2009 he still rode a horse in the parade.

Tsimpides is a member of the National First Cavalry Association, which sponsors reunions and other events for veterans.

References

• Carapucci, Kim (May 26, 2010) "'Dead' War Vet Lives to Tell His Story." CBS 42

External links

• Photo of Tsimpedes at the 2010 Veterans Day Parade