War Hero Visits Airport
By Nico Melendez, Office of Strategic Communications/Public Affairs
Ed "Doc" Pepping (seated), a World War II hero, with Sacramento officers who are also part of the Honor Guard. From left, TSOs Chris Abundo, Antoya Perkins, Cushiya Yehuda, Ed Pepping, JoAnne Bergeron, Rafael Ayala and Supervisory TSO Colby Matte. Photo by Anna Peralta
Security officers at Sacramento (Calif.) International Airport rolled out the red carpet and the Honor Guard last week as they hosted a hero of World War II.
Ed "Doc" Pepping, who served as a medic and jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944, with the 101st Airborne Division, flew into the airport while traveling to a local fundraiser. His story was made famous in the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers." He received the Bronze Star for his bravery under fire while attempting to rescue a "brother" on June 7, 1944, one day after D-Day.
"It's not every day when an American War hero flies into our airport," said FSD Ron Pelayo, a former Marine. "As they say, if you love your freedom, thank a veteran. Thanking a WWII veteran means even more."
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