A Living History Lesson: Sixth Graders Meet World War II Veteran Lt. Roland Martin

It’s not every day elementary school students get the opportunity to meet a World War II veteran and hear his story firsthand. But on Thursday, November 5, a classroom full of sixth graders at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Seaside had just that experience when they welcomed 103-year-old Lt. Roland Martin.

Lt. Martin served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II after volunteering for pilot training. In 1943, he was deployed to England as one of the youngest bomber pilots, where he was assigned to the B-17 Flying Fortress named Iron Maiden.

Students in Ms. Martha Henry’s class got a glimpse into history as they watched archival footage of Lt. Martin’s aircraft, which was part of the 525th Bombardment Squadron. Their curiosity led to a wide range of questions, from how he trained to become a pilot to what his favorite food was while serving overseas.

But the conversation also took students into some of the most challenging moments of Lt. Martin’s life.

During a bombing mission over Germany, his aircraft was among approximately 60 planes lost on a day remembered as “Black Thursday,” when hundreds of airmen were killed, injured,or reported missing.

When students asked what that experience was like, Lt. Martin shared how he relied on his training and confidence to glide the damaged aircraft to the ground after its engines stopped working, saving the lives of his crew.

After landing, Lt. Martin and his crew spent approximately two weeks on the run, attempting to avoid capture by German forces. Eventually discovered, they were taken prisoner and sent to a German prisoner-of-war camp.

Lt. Martin spent 20 months as a prisoner of war, losing approximately 70 pounds while surviving on a diet of bread and water. He was eventually rescued and transported to a camp in France before returning home in 1945.

Throughout the visit, Lt. Martin was joined by his friend, Mr. Rose, who helped share memories and stories from his remarkable journey as an airman.

The students also made the visit personal by creating birthday cards for Lt. Martin, who celebrated his 103rd birthday this year. They thanked him for his service and listened closely as he shared words of wisdom about determination, self-confidence, and perseverance.

For Ms. Henry’s sixth graders, it was more than a history lesson. It was an opportunity to connect with someone who lived through the events they have read about in textbooks and to learn firsthand about the courage, resilience, and determination it takes to overcome life's greatest challenges.