Special signing session with author Andrew Biggio and four WWII veterans
Saturday, 20 September 2025 at 11:30 a.m. till 1:00 PM
On Saturday, 20 September, we are honoured to welcome author Andrew Biggio, known for his book The Rifle, for a special signing session at our museum. Andrew returns to the Netherlands and will be accompanied by four American WWII veterans.
The signing session is included in your museum visit; a valid admission ticket is required.
The veterans:
Gene Metcalf
Gene Metcalf served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden. On 17 September 1944, he jumped near Groesbeek when his aircraft came under fire from German anti-aircraft guns. He was the last to leave the plane. Later that day, during a battle, he was knocked unconscious and left for dead by his comrades. He survived but was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in several POW camps, where he even attempted an escape. For his bravery, he was awarded the Military Order of William in 2019, the highest military honour of the Netherlands.
Frank Stellar
Frank Stellar began his service in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943. Initially trained as a cook, he was reassigned to the 6th Army’s 36th Division, also known as the “Texas Army,” when more infantrymen were needed upon his arrival in England. In this role, he was involved in the construction of an airstrip in France.
Russel Sattazahn
Russel Sattazahn served in the 18th Infantry Regiment of the 1st Infantry Division. As a replacement rifleman, he joined the fighting in Germany from January 1945, including the Battle for the Bridge at Remagen. During an attack on the German village of Uckerath, he was severely wounded by an artillery shell. Due to the ongoing combat, he could only be evacuated the following day. For his courage and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Lester Schrenk
Lester Schrenk served as a ball turret gunner in a B-17 bomber with the U.S. Army Air Forces. On his tenth mission in 1944, his aircraft was attacked and shot down. After bailing out, his parachute initially failed to open properly, but he managed to fix it and landed in enemy territory, where he was immediately captured by German forces. He endured severe hardships in several POW camps and survived a long, gruelling death march. Years later, he even became friends with the German pilot who had shot down his plane.
