World War II Vet Speaks to Lincoln-Way East Students

FRANKFORT, IL - A World War II veteran who was a tank driver in the Battle of the Bulge spoke to students at Lincoln-Way East High school during a recent United States History class.

Bob Babcock shared several stories from his time stationed in England in the 11th Armored Division with the students. He told them about how he missed tank-driving training and had to teach himself and how he was part of the group of soldiers that liberated Mauthausen Concentration Camp.

Babcock grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and declined a farm-deferment that would have excused him from the military.

In his talk at LWE, he left the teenage students with a bit of advice when it comes to having a strong work ethic.

“You can always find a job if you’re willing to work,” he said.

Babcock, 95, is the uncle of LWE teacher Paul Babcock, who helped land him as a guest speaker.

“I love to have him because 1,200 World War II vets are dying everyday,” Paul Babcock said. “There’s no telling how much longer we will have this ‘living history.’”

Photo courtesy Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210