Introduction
April 15, 1912, was a tragic day when the Titanic ship sank in the Atlantic Ocean after colliding with an iceberg. However, amidst this tragedy emerged stories of immense courage and bravery. One such story is that of Andy Fitzgerald, a man who survived the sinking and went on to live an extraordinary life. Andy Fitzgerald’s life and legacy remain an inspiration and a reminder of the power of human resilience and bravery. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the heroic story of Andy Fitzgerald and uncover some lesser-known aspects of his life and legacy.
The Sinking of Titanic
On the night of April 14th, the Titanic met with an unfortunate fate when it collided with an iceberg that caused it to start sinking. The thought of surviving such a tragedy seemed next to impossible. However, against all odds, Andy Fitzgerald came out alive due to his sheer courage and quick thinking.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Heroic Act
Andy Fitzgerald was one of the few people who could find a spot on a lifeboat. However, he got off the lifeboat and helped another man, Tim O’Brien, find a place on it. In doing so, he gave up his spot, not knowing whether he would have to jump into the icy water to save himself.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Legacy
Andy Fitzgerald’s legacy isn’t just about his heroic act on that fateful night. After the Titanic sinking, he went on to live a long and fulfilling life, which was full of achievements and accomplishments. He served in World War I, became a police officer, and later went on to become a harbor pilot.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Family
Andy Fitzgerald’s family, too, is an inspiration in itself. His wife, Mary, lived to be 101 years old. Both his sons, Fred and William, served in World War II. William was a prisoner of war for 17 months and returned to America, focusing on furthering his education and earning multiple degrees.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Awards and Recognitions
Andy Fitzgerald’s heroism didn’t go unnoticed. In 1935, he was presented with an award by President Franklin D. Roosevelt himself. Andy was awarded the United States Gold Lifesaving Medal, which is the highest honor that the US government can give to a civilian.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Final Years
Andy Fitzgerald’s final years were marked by a tragedy of another kind. He lost his son, William, and his wife, Mary, in a short span of time. Andy’s health also started to deteriorate, and he passed away on March 20, 1960, at the age of 74.
Andy Fitzgerald’s Legacy Today
Andy Fitzgerald’s legacy continues to inspire millions of people worldwide, serving as a reminder of the power of human resilience, courage, and determination. His heroic act on that fateful night and his later accomplishments in life stand as a testament to his unflinching determination to overcome any obstacle that life threw his way.
Conclusion
The story of Andy Fitzgerald is an incredible tale of courage, resilience, and determination. It is a testament to the fact that even under the most challenging circumstances, the human spirit can rise to the occasion, and people can perform acts of unbelievable heroism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What did Andy Fitzgerald do on the night of Titanic’s sinking?
Andy Fitzgerald got off a lifeboat and helped another man, Tim O’Brien, find a place on it. In doing so, he gave up his spot, not knowing whether he would have to jump into the icy water to save himself.
Q2. What was Andy Fitzgerald’s legacy?
Andy Fitzgerald is an inspiration for millions of people worldwide, serving as a reminder of the power of human resilience, courage, and determination.
Q3. What was Andy Fitzgerald awarded?
Andy Fitzgerald was awarded the United States Gold Lifesaving Medal, the highest honor that the US government can give to a civilian.
Q4. What happened to Andy Fitzgerald’s family after his death?
Andy Fitzgerald’s wife, Mary, and son, William, had passed away a few years before his death. His son, Fred, had a long and fulfilling life.
Q5. When did Andy Fitzgerald pass away?
Andy Fitzgerald passed away on March 20, 1960, at the age of 74.