The acclaimed NFL QB,  Aaron Rodgers‘ family lineage has a very endearing legacy. In particular, Edward Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers’ paternal grandfather, has etched his life into the history books. Providing his heroic service during World War II as a B-24 pilot, Aaron Rodgers’ grandfather was a highly respected and decorated war veteran.

Serving as a combat pilot in the US Army Air Force against Nazi Germany during WWII, Edward made an impressive record of 43 successful missions. However, he was also exposed to dangerous, life-threatening missions. During Patrick’s Day in 1944, his B-24 bomber faced heavy damage. But this did not deter the spirit of Edward, managing to fly the bullet-ridden aircraft back to its base in Italy. It was truly a marvelous feat that he managed to achieve.

Talking about his experiences, Edward, however, also shed light on the psychological impact of the missions. Describing it as “the loneliest feeling in the world,” he also unveiled the truth behind the role of being a war veteran. His ordeals were prolonged due to various attacks during his missions.

When his B-24 bomber was shot down, the enemy forces captured him. Being taken in as a prisoner of war (POW) for nine months, he was subjected to various hardships. Wartime captives were beaten ruthlessly, being subjected to brutal conditions. Edward has made countless sacrifices for his country, and his grandson Aaron Rodgers has always been very proud of him.

Aaron Rodgers reflects on his grandfather’s war heroism

Talking about it, the New York Jets QB reflected that he never had the opportunity to form an intellectual bonding connection with his grandfather. Edward died in 1996 when Aaron Rodgers was only 13 years old. Aaron added, “I never really got a chance to spend time with him on an intellectual level when I would have been able to understand the gravity of the stories he told or the sacrifices he and others had made while they served.”

Even during interviews, Aaron has recounted his grandfather’s countless heroisms, as he sought to liberate the French and the Polish people in Europe. One of the chapters of Aaron Rodgers’ upcoming biography, Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, by Ian O’Connor, will focus on his granddad, Edward Rodgers.

As revealed during his interview on WFAN’s morning show, it will feature Edward’s testimony before a war crimes tribunal. Aaron added, “I got to learn stuff about my grandfather like where he was living,” with these testimonials, including details like his grandfather attended the University of Texas at Austin.

Stating the dynamics of the authenticity of the legends of his grandfather, he added, “There’s stories in there that I’m sure are true, there’s stories that are exaggerated over time. There’s stories that are perspectively true to people.” Edward’s story is a compelling part of Aaron’s forthcoming biography, as he continues to pay reverence to Edward’s legacy.