local
World War II veteran survives Hill Country floods with wife, dog and flag
By Patty Santos, Santiago Esparza at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
A 99-year-old World War II veteran is retelling how he survived the Fourth of July floods. David Stearns went to the highest spot that he and his wife could reach. He used an American flag outside their home for cover. Stearns told KSAT that he was in bed when the storm hit. “I’m lying in bed, an...
Key takeaway “First I thought, ‘Oh, man, now I’ve got to clean the floors again,’ because I just thought it was a little water on the floor,” O’Connor said.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The remarkable story of David Stearns and his wife Joan O'Connor surviving the Fourth of July floods in the Hill Country has brought attention to the resilience of Terrell Hills residents in the face of natural disasters. As the community continues to rebuild and recover, it's clear that the bonds between neighbors have been strengthened by the experience. The fact that family, neighbors, and nonprofits were able to work together to help the couple return home within six months is a testament to the area's strong sense of community. The incident also highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and response in the region, particularly in areas prone to flooding. As Terrell Hills looks to the future, it's likely that residents will be advocating for increased measures to mitigate the effects of flooding and support those affected by these events. The Stearns' story will likely remain a powerful symbol of community spirit in the area.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more Terrell Hills News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 99-year-old World War II veteran is retelling how he survived the Fourth of July floods. David Stearns went to the highest spot that he and his wife could reach. He used an American flag outside their home for cover. Stearns told KSAT that he was in bed when the storm hit. “I’m lying in bed, an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Patty Santos, Santiago Esparza at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter