KAUFMAN, Texas – A World War II veteran is recovering after he said someone attacked him while stealing an American flag from his home in Kaufman in North Texas.
Howard Banks, 92, served in the U.S. Marines.
He said on July 11, the day before his birthday, he heard someone outside his house trying to pull his American flag down.
Banks went to investigate.
"They couldn't see me. I couldn't see them. I turned and looked in the other direction, and about then, wham! They knocked me down," Banks said.
Neighbors rushed out to help Banks. The veteran said his knee is a little twisted and he suffered some bumps and bruises.
Banks said this isn't the first time this has happened. About a year ago, someone shredded his American flag and ripped his Marine flag. He was determined not to let it happen again.
"I think we all had that same feeling, that that flag was our identity. We were Americans," Banks said.
Family, neighbors and police are keeping a close eye on the World War II veteran and his flags.
