Our military dad

[100cccer]

Dave's and my father were like a number of others who served in World War II, somewhat reluctant to talk about their combat ordeals, probably figuring they'd be seen as weak or complaining. They were a strong generation of heroes who witnessed a lot, but didn't let it show that it bothered them. I was too young when my father passed away to fully appreciate his stories...unless asked, he didn't share his experiences.

I'd like to dedicate my ride to the memory of our father who served in the peace-time Marines (Drill Instructor), Navy (cook) and WWII Seabees. One story he told, was from when he was about to be shipped out from Midway Island. He and a buddy had been saving a bottle of Jack Daniels for the occasion and were drinking it as they tended a smoldering fire of tree stumps at the end of a runway.

Then at 0430, all hell broke loose as Japanese dive bombers dropped their loads on the barracks and oil tanks. Dad helped put out the fires in the barracks and was later awarded a bravery commendation.

So, Dad...O-W...Fritz...whatever you like to be called up there, this one's for you. Cheers!

[brooksie]

I never could imagine Dad as a Marine DI. I can't remember what the platoon had done, but he would chuckle about the time he had them march back and forth through a huge mud puddle for several hours. Maybe that is I didn't cause him much grief.

The other story was about them being out on bivouac and living off the land. He had left them for whatever reason and came back to find that they had killed a poor farmer's cow. They had to come up with money out of their own pocket and then apologize to the farmer for their stupidity. I thought they were resourceful, but I never said it to Dad.

[100cccer]

Never heard about the cow!

[rikkijustmike]

When swapping "sea stories" with WWII and Vietnam vets, I always feel a little childish. I feel like we are letting ourselves get watered down by concentrating on stupid things like "right" and "left", gay or not gay, mustard or mayo. All those teenagers in those conflicts were AMERICANS (okay, maybe some were just Texans ).

In all seriousness, I hope that at least some of us hold on to that fighting spirit that we should have learned from our fathers and grandfathers. They were warriors... and they don't make 'em like that much anymore.

Thanks for sharing.