92-year-old veteran attacked trying to protect flags

KAUFMAN, Texas (KTRK) -- A 92-year-old veteran in Texas was injured after he said he confronted someone trying to take down the flag outside his house.

World War II veteran Howard Banks is legally blind, but his memory is sharp.

"I was a gunner," Banks told KTVT.

On July 11, the day before his birthday, the Marine heard someone outside pulling his American flag down, so he went out to investigate.

"I walked out, hanging onto the railing and stepped down. That must have startled them," Banks said.

Banks said the first time this happened, which was about a year ago, someone shredded his American flag and ripped his Marine flag. He was determined not to let that happen again.

"They could see me. I couldn't see them. I turned and looked in the other direction, and about then 'wham.' They knocked me down," he said.

Whoever did it took off. Neighbors rushed to help Banks.

"My knee is a little twisted. On this forearm, it's kind of sore and rough," Banks said.

Banks didn't hear who attacked him so he doesn't know if it is a man or a woman.

Meanwhile, family, neighbors and police are keeping a close watch on Banks and his flags.

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