TOP CHARACTER STRENGTHS

BRAVERY - HUMILITY - KINDNESS

Warner Blakeslee, according to my grandmother, was a fun-loving and passionate young man.  He volunteered to join the Army after the U.S. declared war on Japan. He wanted to serve like his father did during WWI. Warner was a leader, kind and humble. He was part of the combined assault of the 5th and 8th armies that liberated Rome two days before D-Day, and helped push forward toward the Alps. He lost his life in a firefight during Operation Olive, and is buried in the Florence American Cemetery in Florence, Italy.

Character Strength Story:

BRAVERY: My grandmother often spoke of the bravery of her brother. When they were younger, he would always defend the weak and made certain bullies at school never threatened his friends and neighbors.  It was his love of country and community that helped him overcome fears of war.

—Submitted by Lawrance, Surviving Grandson