His life is the stuff of legends; his story, told around the world.

Now it’s time for the late Joseph R. Beyrle’s war artifacts to make the trip overseas — poignant, personal reminders of the unique spot Muskegon’s best-known World War II veteran holds in history.

Beyrle, who was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division’s Screaming Eagles, is thought to be the only American soldier to fight with both the U.S. and Soviet armies during World War II.

On Thursday, a retrospective of his life — a traveling exhibit called “Jumpin’ Joe Beyrle: A Hero for Two Nations” — will open at the Russian State Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The exhibit is timed to coincide with Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day celebration Feb. 23, honoring that country’s war veterans.

Source & Full Story