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Post by Z-73 on May 30, 2016 9:08:11 GMT -5
"Thank You" just does not seem a sufficient message to all of the men and women who died in the service of the United States so that we may enjoy the great liberties insured by our Constitution and the fanciful ones such as posting on message boards like this one.
Fortunately for me, my Dad returned from his WWII service and lived until 2003 (died too early at 78), so today is not for him. But it is a reminder that people in my generation either have lost or will shortly lose their loved ones who served in our last World War. I may not agree with Tom Brokaw on much, but I do agree that our WWII vets are "The Greatest Generation".
So, I thank all those, from The Revolution to Iraq/Afghanistan, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I may live in the freedom I enjoy today. God Bless You.
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Post by Cjb on May 30, 2016 13:13:36 GMT -5
My dad too survived his WWII service, but things could have easily been different. Below is an account of how he earned his Purple Heart, 19 years old, serving in the Mediterranean on PT 218. Though he dodged the German's in 1944, he couldn't dodge cancer and died at a young age (48) in 1973. Those who gave the ultimate sacrifice are the reason why every American should be obligated to vote, not doing so is an insult to their memory. "During Operation Dragoon (the Invasion of Southern France), U.S. PT boats of MTB Squadron 15 were in use as a screen against attack by enemy craft. For several boats fuel was running low and their tanker was still at the dock due to a mechanical breakdown. Conducting operations and running low on fuel not only did they have to search for the enemy, they also had to search for fuel, the lack of fuel would cost the U.S. two P.T. boats and one man.
At 1945 hrs on August 16, 1944 USS PT-202 and USS PT-218 were directed to refuel from an unknown tanker located somewhere in the assault area, vague orders, but they left Baie de Briande and headed toward the assault area. While en route USS PT-207 passed close by and informed them that a tanker, the Empire Damsel, was in the CAMEL assault area in the Gulf of Fréjus.
They proceeded through the Gulf and at about 2050 hrs PT-202 (leading) hit a mine a mile or two off St. Aygulf, France. The stern was blown off and everything from the after engineroom bulkhead back was gone. Several men were blown overboard and the boat was sinking. Lt (j.g.) Wesley J. H. Gallagher, USNR, commanding officer of PT-202 had signals sent requesting assistance for his men. If it were not bad enough to be sinking in a minefield, an air raid was in progress overhead. The anti-aircraft fire being put up by the assault ships a few miles away, was coming down around the two PT boats. Fortunately it appears none of the men were injured by the falling shot.
Lt. Robert A. Dearth, USNR, commanding PT-218 maneuvered his boat into the minefield and rescued the men in the water, then turned toward PT-202. Before he reached the stricken craft his boat ran afoul of a mine, the explosion of which blew off his stern. Several men on PT-218 were wounded, but all would survive.
The two crews were now in rubber liferafts with no help coming, but they were close to shore. The secret papers from PT-202 were dropped into the water less than a mile off shore because it was unknown if this area had been taken or if the Germans were still in control. The radar and IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) units on the boats were supposed to be destroyed so they would not fall into enemy hands. There were self-destruct mechanisms for both of these units, but they were not used. It was thought by the commanders that as the boats were sinking quickly in deep enough water that there was no possibility that the Germans would recover them.
When all the survivors were together a muster roll was taken, it was found that one man from PT-202 was missing, a search that was made did not find him and he was presumed lost. The men made their way to shore and landed about 15 minutes after midnight. After crossing a barbed wire barricade a small cottage was found and the survivors remained hidden their until daylight. In the morning a U.S. Army patrol was found, the wounded were removed to aid stations and the remaining men made their way back to their base."
www.maritimequest.com/daily_event_archive/2012/08_aug/16_pt202_pt218.htm |
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Post by Super on May 30, 2016 13:31:38 GMT -5
My dad was stationed in Japan immediately after Nagasaki and refused to speak about the horrors he saw. He died from cancer at age 31, leaving behind a 29 year old widow with 5 kids.
I choose to recognize today as a humble day of remembrance for those who gave their lives in all wars, defending all of us, respecting their commander-in-chief as part of the chain of command. I particularly want to acknowledge my friends and comrades who gave their lives in Viet Nam. I was fortunate not to be one of them.
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Post by oldtimer on May 30, 2016 17:45:15 GMT -5
Super....Sorry for the error...What comes out after pushing the quote button can make things confusing...I thought the quote a little strong as opposed to your usual rational postings...OT
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Post by oldtimer on May 30, 2016 18:05:49 GMT -5
SUPER......Sad and tragic story...Did your family investigate or ever find any connection between his Cancer death at such an early age and any proximity to Nagasaki's radiation....??
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Post by chelseadal on May 30, 2016 20:05:25 GMT -5
Super....Sorry for the error...What comes out after pushing the quote button can make things confusing...I thought the quote a little strong as opposed to your usual rational postings...OT All Wars, respecting our Commander and Chief. Yes it was very rational Super! |
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Post by hawaii bill on Jun 7, 2016 14:49:45 GMT -5
My Dad turned 18 in March of 1945. He was stationed in Monterrey, California where he served in the Navy. He made a couple of trips to China to bring home troops once the war was over. He had to guard a prisoner once, the only time he held a loaded rifle outside of any basic navy training. Sadly, he died at age 75 of a heart attack. I still miss him.
Unfortunately for me, when I turned 18 our country was involved in no armed conflict. I did register with selective service and we didn't enter into any wars until I was 30. So, alas I missed a chance to be a decent human being and fight in a war.
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Post by oldtimer on Jun 7, 2016 16:56:36 GMT -5
''I do understand, however, why you are what you are--believe me.'' quote Super
Super.....I have always considered you one of the most rational liberals...But I have discovered what I was wary of, that you to has been subject to a point of intolerance of views that are alien to your leftest leanings...I now realize that my postings have reached a point where they have reached a point where they have struct a sore point and become grating...
Sorry, but I will continue to post as my will and brain command...and I will also try to understand and combat those that I consider opposite my values...or have you been taught to also silence ''Freedom of speech''
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Post by oldtimer on Jun 8, 2016 9:58:22 GMT -5
Unfortunately for me, when I turned 18 our country was involved in no armed conflict. I did register with selective service and we didn't enter into any wars until I was 30. So, alas I missed a chance to be a decent human being and fight in a war.[/quote CTbill A strange post indeed.... IMO......There is no doubt in my mind that is a sarcastic attempt from a man who in some deranged way is attempting to give a back handed slap at those who served...That last line ''So, alas I missed a chance to be a decent human being and fight in a war'' I consider it a insult to every serviceman especially those that are buried in a grave thousand of miles from home..... ''Have you no shame'' or should I even ask......OT  |
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Post by hawaii bill on Jun 8, 2016 15:11:45 GMT -5
Unfortunately for me, when I turned 18 our country was involved in no armed conflict. I did register with selective service and we didn't enter into any wars until I was 30. So, alas I missed a chance to be a decent human being and fight in a war.[/quote CTbill A strange post indeed.... IMO......There is no doubt in my mind that is a sarcastic attempt from a man who in some deranged way is attempting to give a back handed slap at those who served...That last line ''So, alas I missed a chance to be a decent human being and fight in a war'' I consider it a insult to every serviceman especially those that are buried in a grave thousand of miles from home..... ''Have you no shame'' or should I even ask......OT No its a forward handed slap at your insults to my generation. |
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Post by chelseadal on Jun 8, 2016 16:38:31 GMT -5
To which he is famous!
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Post by Super on Jun 8, 2016 18:36:40 GMT -5
''I do understand, however, why you are what you are--believe me.'' quote Super Super.....I have always considered you one of the most rational liberals...But I have discovered what I was wary of, that you to has been subject to a point of intolerance of views that are alien to your leftest leanings...I now realize that my postings have reached a point where they have reached a point where they have struct a sore point and become grating... Sorry, but I will continue to post as my will and brain command...and I will also try to understand and combat those that I consider opposite my values...or have you been taught to also silence ''Freedom of speech'' No response. |
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