C
Camster
One that comes to mind is actor Charles Durning.Landed on 6/6,machine gunned several days later(still has a bullet in his hip) and a survivor of the Malmady massacre.
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Faulkner
Member
Didn't realize he was a veteran.
It has been my expearance that you can't tell a book by it's cover. Look around you the next time you go out in public. Many of those old men, now with a shuffling step, a cane or walker, are the same ones who helped save the world 65-70 years ago.
They stormed the beaches or dropped in by air in many foreign lands. We are losing them at a rate of more than 1,200 a day.
My Father is one of them. His step is slowed at 88+ years, but not shuffling yet. Still works 40 hours a week in the same industry he has been in for almost 70 years.
Also don't forget the women who served or contributed to the war effort. I met an elderly man at a Civil War living history event and we started to discuss military matters. It turned out this old, slight man was part of the Dutch underground during WWII. He pointed out his wife who was 20-30 yards away talking to someone else. He said she was a sniper in the underground and had a knack for picking off enemy officers. So you never know. She looked like everyone's grandmother.
LTC
They stormed the beaches or dropped in by air in many foreign lands. We are losing them at a rate of more than 1,200 a day.
My Father is one of them. His step is slowed at 88+ years, but not shuffling yet. Still works 40 hours a week in the same industry he has been in for almost 70 years.
Also don't forget the women who served or contributed to the war effort. I met an elderly man at a Civil War living history event and we started to discuss military matters. It turned out this old, slight man was part of the Dutch underground during WWII. He pointed out his wife who was 20-30 yards away talking to someone else. He said she was a sniper in the underground and had a knack for picking off enemy officers. So you never know. She looked like everyone's grandmother.
LTC
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riverman1
Member
I was at a Bullseye match on Saturday and we observed a minute of silence to honor those that served, so bravely, on D-Day, as well as, before and after.
We had a couple of Korean Vets present, but sadly, no WWII Vets were able to attend.
We are fast approching the time when there will be no one left that remembers the sacrifices that were made, on that day, to secure the freedom that we enjoy today.
Chris
We had a couple of Korean Vets present, but sadly, no WWII Vets were able to attend.
We are fast approching the time when there will be no one left that remembers the sacrifices that were made, on that day, to secure the freedom that we enjoy today.
Chris
Gutpile Charlie
US Veteran
I was at the National Biplane Fly-In on Saturday and was enjoying the sights and sounds when I heard some one, from the rear, call my name. I turned around and didn't immediately see anyone that I recognized, but then I did.
Two ladies were pushing an elderly gentlemn around in a wheel chair...he then, with much difficulty, he waved at me. Then, and only then did I recognize this great gentleman.
This fellow was an old, WWII Marine aviator that fought in the last sea battles of WWII in the Pacific and then went on to fly close air support, off a carrier, in Korea.
During his flying days, he flew F3F biplane fighters, SB2C Helldivers, F4U Corsairs and then latter F9F Panther jets.
During my youth this fellow was the typical young and strapping "ex" Marine. (Yes I know, just like when you are a priest, their is no such thing as "ex", but I'll use the term here just for illustrative purposes. )
This guy was my hero. I used to go flying with him. He taught me many things that your garden variety flight instructor just wouldn't touch, (if you know what I mean?)
As he sat there in that wheel chair I was deeply saddened by what I saw. I had not run into him in public for probably a year and I was wondering how he was doing....well...time was taking it's toll and I was glad I saw him...at least one more time.
The two gals that were accompaning him were his twin daughters, that when I met he and his wife over fifty years ago, were still "in the hanger". Mom and dad were both in their thirities and full of life.
Now my friend is in his twilight days. He was always a "cut up" and never would let you forget he was a Marine aviator. As I stood next to him, a group of T6s were makinging a high speed, low level, (and noisey) pass. He just grinned from ear to ear. I think he recognized that maybe that was going to be the last time he heard that sound. It was a very sad moment.
Then a group a biplanes made a low, formation fly by. He grinned and critiqued the formation as only an old Marine pilot could do.
Finally, I just had to say my good byes and move on before emotion overcame me. He was a man, that was one of the best pilots I have ever known, watching this fly by, and I just just afraid, that one way or the other, this was going to be the last time he would see this.
These guys fought, were injured and died for us. They are so under appreciated now.
Bless'm all!
Two ladies were pushing an elderly gentlemn around in a wheel chair...he then, with much difficulty, he waved at me. Then, and only then did I recognize this great gentleman.
This fellow was an old, WWII Marine aviator that fought in the last sea battles of WWII in the Pacific and then went on to fly close air support, off a carrier, in Korea.
During his flying days, he flew F3F biplane fighters, SB2C Helldivers, F4U Corsairs and then latter F9F Panther jets.
During my youth this fellow was the typical young and strapping "ex" Marine. (Yes I know, just like when you are a priest, their is no such thing as "ex", but I'll use the term here just for illustrative purposes. )
This guy was my hero. I used to go flying with him. He taught me many things that your garden variety flight instructor just wouldn't touch, (if you know what I mean?)
As he sat there in that wheel chair I was deeply saddened by what I saw. I had not run into him in public for probably a year and I was wondering how he was doing....well...time was taking it's toll and I was glad I saw him...at least one more time.
The two gals that were accompaning him were his twin daughters, that when I met he and his wife over fifty years ago, were still "in the hanger". Mom and dad were both in their thirities and full of life.
Now my friend is in his twilight days. He was always a "cut up" and never would let you forget he was a Marine aviator. As I stood next to him, a group of T6s were makinging a high speed, low level, (and noisey) pass. He just grinned from ear to ear. I think he recognized that maybe that was going to be the last time he heard that sound. It was a very sad moment.
Then a group a biplanes made a low, formation fly by. He grinned and critiqued the formation as only an old Marine pilot could do.
Finally, I just had to say my good byes and move on before emotion overcame me. He was a man, that was one of the best pilots I have ever known, watching this fly by, and I just just afraid, that one way or the other, this was going to be the last time he would see this.
These guys fought, were injured and died for us. They are so under appreciated now.
Bless'm all!
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