Many veterans return with scars – both physical and mental – that last long after their service. That’s the story we heard from Lennard Harten, who was injured on board a U.S. Navy ship during World War II.

As we continue our series “RI Veterans’ Voices,” Harten tells the story of his harrowing escape from the burning ship, for which he received a Purple Heart just this year.

And a warning to listeners, this story contains a graphic description of wartime that may be disturbing, especially for younger listeners.   

Navy veteran Lennard Harten describes how he was injured during WWII, and what it was like returning home afterward.

Lennard Harten is 91-years-old. He spoke with Public Radio’s Katherine Doherty at the Veteran’s Medical Center in Woonsocket.  

You can find more of the stories from our series “RI Veterans’ Voices” here.

And our thanks to the Providence VA and Winfield Danielson, III for helping us connect with the veterans in this series.