World War II vet returns war souvenir, and more

World War II vet returns war souvenir

A World War II veteran from St. Paul, Minn., has returned a Japanese sword he took as a war souvenir almost seven decades ago to the grandson of its original owner. Orval Amdahl, 94, brought the ceremonial sword home from Japan after occupying the bombed city of Nagasaki in 1945. He kept it in good condition until deciding last year to return it to its rightful owner. Last week, he handed it over to Tadahiro Motomura, who flew to the U.S. for a formal ceremony. “I had it for 68 years,” said the veteran. “I hope he has it for 68 years.”

Armless man learns to cycle on redesigned bike

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A Pittsburgh man born without arms has learned to ride a bicycle, after a local bike builder made him a unique customized model. Michael Trimble, 27, carries out most tasks using just his feet and was determined to find a way to learn to ride a bicycle. Michael Brown, owner of Maestro Frameworks, replaced a bicycle’s handlebars with a long, curved pipe that Trimble can steer with his left stump. After a wobbly start, Trimble now gets around town on two wheels. “It never even crossed my mind that it could not be done,” said Brown. “Mike was so happy.”

Fast-food worker stands up to a thief

A fast-food worker has become a national hero after refusing to serve a woman who stole a blind customer’s $20 bill. After spotting the woman pick up a bill dropped by a blind man in a Hopkins, Minn., Dairy Queen, Joey Prusak, 19, told her to return it or leave. After the woman stormed out, Prusak took $20 from his own pocket and gave it to the victim. The Good Samaritan’s story soon went viral, and this week he received a congratulatory phone call from Dairy Queen’s owner, Warren Buffett. “I was just doing what I thought was right,” said Prusak.