Remembering a Remarkable Life
WWII Veteran and Big Band Musician, Vincent Shank Passes Away at 106
by Bob Maxwell
In a story that spans generations and reflects the resilience of the human spirit, 1st Lt. Vincent Shank, a former B-17 bombardier, and a passionate big band musician, left an indelible mark on both the wartime era and the world of music. On December 11, at the age of 106, Shank peacefully passed away in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy of courage, musical talent, and a life well-lived.
Born into a world just beginning to recover from the devastation of World War I, Vincent Shank would eventually play an unexpected and pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of mid-20th century America. Shank’s journey began as a B-17 bombardier in World War II, where he served his country valiantly in the Army Air Corps. His plane was tragically shot down over Sicily, leading to his capture and subsequent 22-month internment as a prisoner of war. Despite the hardships he endured, Shank’s spirit remained unbroken, and he even managed to foster camaraderie by forming a band within the confines of the camp.
Nancy Shank, Vince’s daughter, said she was able to connect with him about that time of his life after finding a diary he wrote that started on the first day of his imprisonment.
“It was pretty emotional,” she said of reading her father’s words. Nancy Shank said her father was one of about 10,000 prisoners at one of his prisoner of war camps that was meant to house between 2,000 and 3,000 people. She said her father started a band within the camp and played taps when a man was killed trying to escape.
I remember a story that Vincent shared with me during one of our interviews. On his 32nd mission over Sicily, Vincent’s B-17 was shot down. He along with only 3 of his crew members were able to escape and parachute down. As he was getting closer to the ground, he could see and hear women and children yelling and screaming franticly, with dogs barking. Shortly thereafter, Vincent landed on a table that contained all the baked goods that the village women had been working on all day. Vincent said, “the women were hitting me with sticks, rocks, and whatever they could find”. “The Germans arrived quickly and took me off to a prison camp and I’m glad they did because I was afraid of those women”.
Following the war, Shank’s musical talents became his compass in navigating a life filled with rhythm and harmony. Armed with a degree in music education, he embraced the world of big band music and embarked on a journey that would see him gracing stages across the country. His instrument of choice, the trumpet, became an extension of his soul, a conduit for his passion that resonated with audiences far and wide.
Las Vegas became the canvas upon which Shank painted his musical legacy. In 1951, he joined the Ted Fiorito Band and soon found himself ensconced in the vibrant big band scene of the city that never sleeps. It was here that he met his wife, Dorothy, a fellow musician whose voice complemented his trumpet beautifully.
Their harmonious partnership extended beyond the stage, and together, they built a life defined by their shared love for music and each other.
Over the course of three decades, Shank’s trumpet notes echoed through the halls of iconic Las Vegas Strip hotels, including the Sands, El Rancho, the Silver Slipper, and the Dunes. His melodies danced alongside the glitz and glamour, captivating audiences, and leaving an indelible impression on the city’s entertainment landscape. In 1981, he retired from his musical career, but his passion for life remained steadfast.
Shank’s adventurous spirit took him to the picturesque landscapes of Hawaii, where he and Dorothy nurtured a beautiful garden and embraced the serenity of island life. Their bond remained strong until her passing in 2002. In 2004, Shank found love again, remarrying and continuing to cherish life’s fleeting moments.
A man of boundless energy, Shank defied age and conventional norms. He became an avid runner and even ran his first marathon at the remarkable age of 80 in Honolulu, embodying his relentless determination and zest for life.
In a world that often grows divided, Shank remained a beacon of positivity. Described by his daughter, Nancy Shank, as full of joy and always ready to help others, he consistently radiated warmth and kindness. Despite his wartime hardships, he carried no bitterness, speaking only words of empathy and encouragement.
Shank’s journey came full circle in 2020 when he was honored with a socially distant drive-thru parade on his 104th birthday. His remarkable life was recognized by none other than Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak, who bestowed upon him a proclamation for his contributions to both his nation and the world of music.
As we bid farewell to Vincent Shank, we celebrate the legacy of a man who faced adversity with courage, shared his passion with the world, and left an indelible imprint on the hearts of those he touched. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, the universal language of music, and the enduring impact one individual can have on history.
Rest in Peace Hero and enjoy playing your trumpet on the Heaven’s biggest stage.
This article is based on video interviews and meetings between Bob Maxwell and Vincent Shank.
“I love this guy, he is a True Hero”.
Bob Maxwell
