Veteran Dies Replacing Flag on Memorial Day

James Catron, 83, died of natural causes, strapped to his TV tower
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 2, 2011 9:46 AM CDT
Veteran Dies Replacing Flag on Memorial Day
Ohio firefighters returned to Catron's home to replace the American flag that day.   (Shutterstock)

A Korean War veteran from Ohio died on Memorial Day while trying to replace a weathered American flag on his 20-foot TV tower. An autopsy showed that James Catron died of natural causes; the 83-year-old had a history of heart trouble, according to a local newspaper. A neighbor saw Catron, who was safely belted to the tower, slumped over atop the tower and called 911. Catron was brought down by fire department paramedics. Ohio firefighters with a ladder truck returned later on Memorial Day to replace the flag. (More Memorial Day stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X