John Middaugh and Henry “Bill” Warner are U.S. Army buddies from the Vietnam War. They formed a strong bond in the trenches overseas. Now half a world away and half a century later they still support each other.
Middaugh’s help goes above and beyond the call of duty: Last week he gave Warner one of his kidneys. “He had my back many times,” said Middaugh of his friend. “So this is payback time.”
The two emerged from the Vietnam jungles with memories and wounds—both won Purple Hearts. They’ve kept in touch all these years through weddings, children, jobs, and retirement.
When Warner’s kidneys failed after heart bypass surgery last year, none of his relatives’ kidneys were compatible. Middaugh didn’t hesitate to offer one of his. “He would do the same for me,” he says. Middaugh’s kidney worked.
Warner remains hospitalized in good condition. Middaugh is out of the hospital and happy about his decision.
“It’s not very often, in the course of one’s life where you can donate a gift of life to someone,” Middaugh.
