Albert DeSotell was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. He worked in his father's sheet metal business before World War II. He was trained in chemical warfare in Alabama before departing on the Queen Mary for Central Europe. Albert served in Scotland, France, England, Germany and Luxemburg. He was able to meet up with his brother, Eugene (also in the Army) in Belgium before they were sent home. Albert often reminisces of the wonderful sight of the Statue of Liberty upon his return. After World War II, Albert worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in Aurora, Illinois. At the time of this posting (September 2010) Albert is in good health at 93 years old.