John Dietsch wasn't scared – then or now. While working in the engine room of World War II Allied warships in the North Atlantic, he faced the threat of Nazi mines, warships and U-boats.

"You would hear the guns go off above us. You could feel it all around you," said the 84-year-old.

"There really wasn't time to be scared."

It was the same on Thursday afternoon, when a gunman stormed into a Royal Canadian Legion in Scarborough, demanding thousands in poppy donations. Dietsch and three others had just finished counting through $10,000 at Oakridge Legion, Branch 73, near Danforth and Warden Aves.

"At first, I didn't see the gun. I said, `What are you doing here?' He said he wanted all the bills," said Dietsch. "But nobody was going to get that money we had worked so hard to collect. It's for the veterans and the widows and the community."

When the gunman lunged for the cash, Dietsch grabbed his arm, pushing away the gun. They struggled and Dietsch fell to the floor. The startled attacker, who looked to be in his 20s, ran to the door empty-handed.

Legion volunteer Earl Gray, 64, followed and tackled the gunman outside the accounting room. Gray pinned him to the floor briefly, but the man escaped out a side door.

It had happened in minutes, just after noon. After the robbery attempt, Gray and a few others took the money to the bank. Dietsch got back to sorting the poppy boxes.

By 2 p.m., news of the troubling attack began to spread. Throngs of media found the veteran quietly nursing a bottle of beer at the back of the Legion's basement bar.

"Looking back, it was probably a stupid thing to do," said Dietsch, fidgeting with his 60th anniversary Legion membership ring.

Police encouraged Dietsch, who hurt his elbow, to go to a doctor.

"No, no, no. It was just a little scratch," he said.

Gray, who chased the gunman down the street and then attempted to track him by car, called his friend a "brave man" and a hero.

"I'm just really thankful that no one was hurt," said Gray, whose bravery was also praised.

Pat Shone, 65, who runs the poppy drive at Branch 73, was also in the room.

"I was very surprised," he said. "I think it's just disgusting. What kind of a person would do such a thing?

"This is money for war veterans and widows. And not just from previous wars, the veterans and widows of today's wars."

Police are looking for a black man, who was wearing a dark toque and clothing and stands about 5-foot-10. Const. Tony Vella said Dietsch should be commended for his efforts, but cautioned others about taking similar action.

"It's a difficult situation. We want to thank him for getting involved. What we recommend for people, if you feel comfortable intervening, if you feel physically comfortable, take action," he said. "You have to be cautious. You may be jeopardizing your life in some situations."

But this was not the first time Dietsch has put his life in danger.

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Back in 1943, during the height of the Battle of the Atlantic, the 18-year-old from Scarborough signed up with Royal Canadian Navy. He spent the next three years on minesweepers in the North Atlantic, shuttling supply ships on Allied convoys. It was one of the most dangerous details in World War II.

Like many vets, Dietsch struggled to find a job after the war. Eventually, he started working at a Toronto hotel. Dietsch and his wife of nearly 40 years live near the east-end Legion. They have five daughters and half a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He spends much of his time volunteering. Last year, Dietsch took a lead role in poppy collection. His branch raised about $35,000.