I just put this on here as a reminder that these gentlemen are becoming a very rare blessing available to us. Tonight my wife and I decided to use this gift card for an Olive Garden that we won in a drawing last Christmas. While we were sitting there eating I noticed an elderly couple sitting near us. The gentleman was wearing a shirt that was depicting a WWII ship. When they brought me the bill I put the gift card in the folder but then pulled it back out and told my wife I needed to ask someone something. I went over to the table and asked this elderly gentleman if he was a WWII vet and he said yes he was. I asked him if he had served on the ship on his shirt and he said yes he had and that he had just attended a reunion for that ship. I thanked him for his service, handed him the gift card and asked him if he would please accept it as a very humble thank you for his service. He thanked me in return and proceeded to show me the front of his shirt where there was a picture of an explosion on the ship. He told me that the ship had been struck by a kamikaze plane and that 95 sailors were killed in the strike and many others burned and wounded. He said that this year would be the last reunion since there were only 14 left to attend this year. I told him I was glad he he had survived that strike and he said he was too. I do not mention this seeking credit for my action in any way because it was truly very trivial. I mention it as a reminder to all to cherish the opportunity to do a small favor or pay some recognition to those to whom we owe so much. These are the men who cut the locks off the concentration camps, gave everything they had for us and our freedom and they are becoming a rare commodity.
WWII Vets
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I just put this on here as a reminder that these gentlemen are becoming a very rare blessing available to us. Tonight my wife and I decided to use this gift card for an Olive Garden that we won in a drawing last Christmas. While we were sitting there eating I noticed an elderly couple sitting near us. The gentleman was wearing a shirt that was depicting a WWII ship. When they brought me the bill I put the gift card in the folder but then pulled it back out and told my wife I needed to ask someone something. I went over to the table and asked this elderly gentleman if he was a WWII vet and he said yes he was. I asked him if he had served on the ship on his shirt and he said yes he had and that he had just attended a reunion for that ship. I thanked him for his service, handed him the gift card and asked him if he would please accept it as a very humble thank you for his service. He thanked me in return and proceeded to show me the front of his shirt where there was a picture of an explosion on the ship. He told me that the ship had been struck by a kamikaze plane and that 95 sailors were killed in the strike and many others burned and wounded. He said that this year would be the last reunion since there were only 14 left to attend this year. I told him I was glad he he had survived that strike and he said he was too. I do not mention this seeking credit for my action in any way because it was truly very trivial. I mention it as a reminder to all to cherish the opportunity to do a small favor or pay some recognition to those to whom we owe so much. These are the men who cut the locks off the concentration camps, gave everything they had for us and our freedom and they are becoming a rare commodity.
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1,545 Posts
Very well Said.
They are called the "Greatest Generation" for good reason.
They've seen more real problems than we can even imagine.
They are called the "Greatest Generation" for good reason.
They've seen more real problems than we can even imagine.
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1,030 Posts
Amen !!!!
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4,478 Posts
Bill, on behalf of my father who served in Europe during WW2, I thank you for doing what you did. My father was already in the service when we declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939 and remained in the service until retiring as a Captain in 1953.
It would sure be nice if we could all do something similar on a regular basis, not necessarily just once a year on November 11th.
I believe the picture below is from a Canadian Military Cemetary, probably in Belgium.
LEST WE FORGET
![Image]()
It would sure be nice if we could all do something similar on a regular basis, not necessarily just once a year on November 11th.
I believe the picture below is from a Canadian Military Cemetary, probably in Belgium.
LEST WE FORGET
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1,920 Posts
Now that is what I call showing respect Bill. Good on you!
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2,601 Posts
Thanks Bill, my dad is 91 and served both in the Army/Air Corp and then the Air Force in the European theater. He has great stories to tell and worked on the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Just before he retired he was involved in the installation of the Titan II's that were surrounding Tucson Az when Davis Monthan AFB was the SAC headquarters. Talk about advances in knowledge....
Thank you for what you did. You make me proud.
Mike
Just before he retired he was involved in the installation of the Titan II's that were surrounding Tucson Az when Davis Monthan AFB was the SAC headquarters. Talk about advances in knowledge....
Thank you for what you did. You make me proud.
Mike
I've never really had the opportunity to talk to WWII Veterans. I've talked to several that were over in Vietnam.
The only one from WWII I've talked to was my Grandpa. He was in the Air Corps from 1942 (I think) to 1946. I did get to hear a few stories. But I really can't remember a lot of them now. I got to read some of his citations, and various paper work from when he was in the service.
I sure wish I would have talked to him more. He died in 2002 when I was 12. But I guess that's how things happen.
The only one from WWII I've talked to was my Grandpa. He was in the Air Corps from 1942 (I think) to 1946. I did get to hear a few stories. But I really can't remember a lot of them now. I got to read some of his citations, and various paper work from when he was in the service.
I sure wish I would have talked to him more. He died in 2002 when I was 12. But I guess that's how things happen.
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12,343 Posts
The only 2 in my family are now gone, my Dad and my uncle (Mom's older brother). My other uncle (Mom's younger brother), who was a Korean vet, is now gone also.
My Dad was in the Navy, but I don't have a clue what he did. He NEVER spoke of it. He died of cancer (45yrs) right after I got home from Nam and got out of the Army. I'm thinking that my Dad, like so many others with hard memories, just didn't want to be reminded so he never told me of his experiences.
My Mom's older brother, on the other hand, was a B17 pilot. Ocassionally, he had some pretty good stories to tell. He never lost a plane nor a crew member, but on two different flights he lost one engine and then on another flight he had lost 2 engines. The flight with 2 engines out was tough to get lined up with the runway because both engines (right side)were out on the same side. He said both he and the co-pilot were both HARD on the left rudder pedal. On the first approach, they just could not get lined up. He had enough fuel for one go around, so circled to the right, got it lined up and got in safely.
For those of you who enjoy watching old WWII aviation videos, keep in mind that when you see a B17 or B24 (both are 4 engine bombers) going down, there are also 10 souls going down with it. So if 10 planes are lost on a mission, 100 souls were also lost (if none got out). Today, all crewmembers of combat aircraft have ejection seats.
Our highest tech bomber today is the B-2 (stealth bomber). One was just recently lost on takeoff at Guam (moisture in the computer). Both crew members ejected.
Our Nam vets are also getting up in age today also. I'm 65.
And never minimize the contribution and sacrifices of our most recent vets.
ABSOLUTELY REGARDLESS OF YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION, YOUR VIEW POINTS OF OUR GLOBAL CONFLICTS AND INVOLVEMENTS, those decisions ARE NOT made by the troops on the front lines!!!!!!!!!! So, whether you do or do not agree with our policies and involvement----------------------DON'T CONDEMN THE TROOPS!!!!!!!!!! GIVE THEM THE RESPECT AND RECOGNITION FOR THEIR SACRIFICES THAT THEY DESERVE!!!!!!!!!!!
And for those of you who have maligned our vets------------------you know who I'm talking to! If the shoe fits, wear it!
To this day, even at my age, if I EVER come face to face with any contemporaries who maligned, spit on or were abusive to Nam vets-----------------God help them--------------and me, because we're both going to need it. They're going to need medical help, I'm going to need a good attorney!
It will be a day to rejoice when people like Jane Fonda stop breathing!
My Dad was in the Navy, but I don't have a clue what he did. He NEVER spoke of it. He died of cancer (45yrs) right after I got home from Nam and got out of the Army. I'm thinking that my Dad, like so many others with hard memories, just didn't want to be reminded so he never told me of his experiences.
My Mom's older brother, on the other hand, was a B17 pilot. Ocassionally, he had some pretty good stories to tell. He never lost a plane nor a crew member, but on two different flights he lost one engine and then on another flight he had lost 2 engines. The flight with 2 engines out was tough to get lined up with the runway because both engines (right side)were out on the same side. He said both he and the co-pilot were both HARD on the left rudder pedal. On the first approach, they just could not get lined up. He had enough fuel for one go around, so circled to the right, got it lined up and got in safely.
For those of you who enjoy watching old WWII aviation videos, keep in mind that when you see a B17 or B24 (both are 4 engine bombers) going down, there are also 10 souls going down with it. So if 10 planes are lost on a mission, 100 souls were also lost (if none got out). Today, all crewmembers of combat aircraft have ejection seats.
Our highest tech bomber today is the B-2 (stealth bomber). One was just recently lost on takeoff at Guam (moisture in the computer). Both crew members ejected.
Our Nam vets are also getting up in age today also. I'm 65.
And never minimize the contribution and sacrifices of our most recent vets.
ABSOLUTELY REGARDLESS OF YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION, YOUR VIEW POINTS OF OUR GLOBAL CONFLICTS AND INVOLVEMENTS, those decisions ARE NOT made by the troops on the front lines!!!!!!!!!! So, whether you do or do not agree with our policies and involvement----------------------DON'T CONDEMN THE TROOPS!!!!!!!!!! GIVE THEM THE RESPECT AND RECOGNITION FOR THEIR SACRIFICES THAT THEY DESERVE!!!!!!!!!!!
And for those of you who have maligned our vets------------------you know who I'm talking to! If the shoe fits, wear it!
To this day, even at my age, if I EVER come face to face with any contemporaries who maligned, spit on or were abusive to Nam vets-----------------God help them--------------and me, because we're both going to need it. They're going to need medical help, I'm going to need a good attorney!
It will be a day to rejoice when people like Jane Fonda stop breathing!
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5,395 Posts
Never met my dad and know very little about him. I do have all his military information and his accomodations.
He trained as a Marine fighter pilot but left the to go to the Army Air Corps. as a Bomber Pilot when they were going through them at such a high rate.
After Participating in the Raids over Germany and the war In Europe ended he went back to the Marines and resumed flying fighters in the Pacific.
He Made it through WWII surviving being shot down once in a B-17 and twice in a Corsair.
His career continued into the Korean War where days before I was born he was shot down over North Korea and confimed dead by his wingman. His body was never recovered.
His Brothers all served in WWII all in Bombers. Ironicly all of their wives were working at Boeing building B-17's.
I salute all those that served in WWII. Thank you for your service.
I go down to the VFW and visit with the guys once a week. Most of these guys I have known since I was a little kid. There are very few WWII Vets left coming in there now. Seems every week they are talking of another one passing during the past week. They will lift a glass to their fallen Brother-In-Arms and then joke that the war couldn't get them but time will.
We must not forget, the Korean War Vets are following quickly behind the WWII Vets. Very few of them around anymore also as most are well into their 70's.
He trained as a Marine fighter pilot but left the to go to the Army Air Corps. as a Bomber Pilot when they were going through them at such a high rate.
After Participating in the Raids over Germany and the war In Europe ended he went back to the Marines and resumed flying fighters in the Pacific.
He Made it through WWII surviving being shot down once in a B-17 and twice in a Corsair.
His career continued into the Korean War where days before I was born he was shot down over North Korea and confimed dead by his wingman. His body was never recovered.
His Brothers all served in WWII all in Bombers. Ironicly all of their wives were working at Boeing building B-17's.
I salute all those that served in WWII. Thank you for your service.
I go down to the VFW and visit with the guys once a week. Most of these guys I have known since I was a little kid. There are very few WWII Vets left coming in there now. Seems every week they are talking of another one passing during the past week. They will lift a glass to their fallen Brother-In-Arms and then joke that the war couldn't get them but time will.
We must not forget, the Korean War Vets are following quickly behind the WWII Vets. Very few of them around anymore also as most are well into their 70's.
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12,343 Posts
Many of you know that I'm working with a volunteer group to restore, AND FLY, a WWII era A-26 bomber.
The leader of our group (to whom the plane is assigned by the Commemorative Air Force) is a WWII veteran B-25 and B-29 pilot. After WWII, he continued to fly and ultimately was a B-52 wing commander (flew missions over Nam) and retired in 76 as a full colonel.
Without question, he is one of the greatest men I've ever been associated with. I wish all of you could meet him. I've never asked his age, but for sure he's around 80 and very spry and fully alert. It's incredible that he still has such a driving force to keep us motivated on this restoration.
If any of you should ever care to meet him, we have our weekly breakfast meeting in the restaurant at Wiley Post airport in Okla City every Sat at 8:30am before we go work on the plane.
The leader of our group (to whom the plane is assigned by the Commemorative Air Force) is a WWII veteran B-25 and B-29 pilot. After WWII, he continued to fly and ultimately was a B-52 wing commander (flew missions over Nam) and retired in 76 as a full colonel.
Without question, he is one of the greatest men I've ever been associated with. I wish all of you could meet him. I've never asked his age, but for sure he's around 80 and very spry and fully alert. It's incredible that he still has such a driving force to keep us motivated on this restoration.
If any of you should ever care to meet him, we have our weekly breakfast meeting in the restaurant at Wiley Post airport in Okla City every Sat at 8:30am before we go work on the plane.
I lost my Dad on 2001, a combat Veteran in France.
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1,647 Posts
Bill, just a few brief comments about your actions. What you did for that couple spoke volumes about the kind of man and person you are. I'm new to this site but staring at 60 in a few months. All too often, we fail to realize that we are sitting here able to share our ideas and thoughts on what has become much more than a hobby, almost a way of life, and doing so because someone before us gave their life or was willing to so we would have the freedoms we have. With so much anti-american sentiment, and some right here within our borders, it's rare and refreshing to hear or see something done right. Your unselfishness just reinforces that car nuts have the biggest hearts of all, whether helping another car nut, or in your case helping a great vet. For sharing your story with us, I thank you:thumbsup:
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2,021 Posts
Lost another one this past week,,my uncle,,fathers brother.Served in europe ,army.What amazes me at the funeral was a picture video of his life and there was a lot of ww2 pics of him.Come to find out he was in 5 major battles including the landing in Normandy,and the battle of the bulge.He was awarded the purple heart and many other commendations which he refused to take.Was the best sharpshooter in his division,,and never even spoke of his experiences.All this came about as my aunt was goin through some papers and found his discharge papers and the information was listed on the documents.At the graveside ceremony his coffin was draped in th AMERICAN FLAG,with 2 army personel at attention and 2 personel fired a salute into the air.Then taps was played,,I never seen this in person before and it touched me very deeply.I could not hold back the tears ,,and I still get teary eyed as I type this.My dad is still here and says he would also like this when his time comes,served in the navy.Imagine what there eyes have seen ....and the courage it took to do their job for their country..God bless the ones that are still here.
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4,713 Posts
Wow- I just read through this whole thread... Whenever I see an older vet around, (restaurant, grocery store, etc.) wearing their shirt or hat, I have to go shake their hand. The 'greatest generation' is right....
I went to the Normandy beaches and cemetery about 18 months ago... Extremely moving.
I went to the Normandy beaches and cemetery about 18 months ago... Extremely moving.
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1,494 Posts
I work for the local phone company and my job sometimes affords me the opportunity to meet some very interesting people. One day I was dispatched to a house on a case of trouble which I very quickly repaired. I talked to the customer who turned out to be a 89 year old WWII vet who was on a B29 that was hit by flak. He told me that he was taught to hold on to the side gun if the plane was hit so he wouldnt get blown out. He has hit in the stomach and he made it to the hospital where he met his wife (A nurse) who I also met. They couldn't have been nicer and more interesting. I wish I would have had time to talk more with him and his wife as they seemed to be 2 of the most interesting people I had ever met. I am also a Army vet but I felt very humbled by him and his wife and I thanked them both profusely. Very cool.
Dave
Dave
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