As the community turns its thoughts to service men and women who offered up the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, Eagle Community Television shares the story of a heroic survivor.

Earl “Michael” Schaeffer, 92, sat down recently with Mike Cooper to share tales from his time in the military — focusing on the Dec. 7, 1941, attack at Pearl Harbor. Schaeffer was stationed at the U.S. naval base that morning, and wound up being aboard one of the two planes still able to fly after the attack.

Schaeffer is a decorated war hero, who flew as a radioman and gunner on 92 combat missions. He is the recipient of a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster and Airman’s Medal. He also served on Midway Island, Guadalcanal and the Solomons — some of the most important arenas in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Schaeffer, a Pennsylvania native who now lives in Hays, and Cooper discuss the experiences of World War II, including many harrowing, near-death experiences.

Watch this special Community Connection episode here: