Local legend Bert Bank passes away

[Silverback]

TUSCALOOSA -- Retired Major Bert Bank, one of the state's most prominent figures as a radio pioneer, state senator and civic leader, died Monday night in Tuscaloosa. He was 94.

Bank was a survivor of the Bataan Death March and 33 months captivity in a Japanese Prison Camp in the Philippines in 1942-45 during World War II.

"Bert Bank was a great American war hero, a dedicated servant to his country and state, and a loyal fan and friend of the University of Alabama," Alabama Director of Athletics Mal Moore said. "Few individuals have had the impact on the University like Bert. He knew every football coach, dating back to Wallace Wade, on a first name basis. He saw the first game ever played in Denny Stadium.

"His heroism during the Bataan Death March has been documented in books and movies. Not only has this country, state and University lost a magnificent leader but I've personally lost a close friend. My thoughts are with the entire Bank family during their time of mourning and I want to thank them for letting them share Bert with us for so many years."

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[Silverback]

Another great patriot lost! I speak to this generation every chance I get!

[Jim]

We have lost a giant, Dan. GODSPEED!

[Rangerguru]

R.I.P. to a true Warrior.

[Bravo57]

R.I.P. Sir

~S~

[Caruthers]

Willy Carl Raphelt...........my 7th grade teacher, RIP, lived through and with him....(Mr. Rahphelt had no hair on his entire body because of what the Japs tested on him-)......we live in better times because of men of their caliber and character.