Conversation with a WWII Veteran

[Marcus]

Early this morning, having coffee with my 97 year old Uncle, Veteran of WWII, I asked him to relate a story of how he entered the service:
"Early on Sunday morning, I walked down to the local gas station and joined the other regulars on the bench out front - we could watch the town go by and just talk. After a bit, a friend came by in a Ford Coupe, and we decided to go to the Bloody Bucket (a local hangout several miles away). When we arrived, everyone was crowded around a small Sears and Roebuck Silvertone radio - we asked what was going on, and was informed that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I looked at my friend, asked, "Where is Pearl Harbor?" He replied, "I don't know, but I think it is in Florida." Two days later, my friend and I decided to enlist together and serve at the same duty station. We went to the recruiting station, and that was the last we saw of each other until we were discharged at the end of the war!"
My Uncle served as a Navigator and Radio Operator, and flew the "Hump" in the CBI Theater........an incredible legacy!
As we all remember that "Day that shall live in infamy" - talk to a veteran and tell him / her how grateful you are for their sacrifices. I ask you this: Enjoying your freedom?? Thank a Vet!

[4t7heaven]

Originally Posted by Marcus

Early this morning, having coffee with my 97 year old Uncle, Veteran of WWII, I asked him to relate a story of how he entered the service:
"Early on Sunday morning, I walked down to the local gas station and joined the other regulars on the bench out front - we could watch the town go by and just talk. After a bit, a friend came by in a Ford Coupe, and we decided to go to the Bloody Bucket (a local hangout several miles away). When we arrived, everyone was crowded around a small Sears and Roebuck Silvertone radio - we asked what was going on, and was informed that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I looked at my friend, asked, "Where is Pearl Harbor?" He replied, "I don't know, but I think it is in Florida." Two days later, my friend and I decided to enlist together and serve at the same duty station. We went to the recruiting station, and that was the last we saw of each other until we were discharged at the end of the war!"
My Uncle served as a Navigator and Radio Operator, and flew the "Hump" in the CBI Theater........an incredible legacy!
As we all remember that "Day that shall live in infamy" - talk to a veteran and tell him / her how grateful you are for their sacrifices. I ask you this: Enjoying your freedom?? Thank a Vet!

Great story. Thanks for posting I am the only one on my block that put out a flag today. Makes you sort of sad.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by 4t7heaven

Great story. Thanks for posting I am the only one on my block that put out a flag today. Makes you sort of sad.

Same with our block, but ours is out in all it's glory. USA, USA, USA! DD

[RalphM]

Mine flies every day for all those who served!

Interesting my I phone has all kinds of days marked, some of which I had no idea what they were till someone told me, but today is not marked as “ Pearl Harbor Day”.

But my DAV calendar damn sure has it on there!

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by RalphM

Mine flies every day for all those who served!

Interesting my I phone has all kinds of days marked, but today is not marked as “ Pearl Harbor Day”.

That's 'cuz most of these folks wouldn't have a clue what "Pearl Harbor Day" is in the first place! DD

[dumb person]

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Last old man i took to the R.S.A. (Returned Services Assosiation) was 97, i don't think he likes me but he likes my old car.
He saw a japanese car & mumbled something about how much he doesn't love 'the japs'.
He's got a lot of fight in him for a man that really can't walk anymore.
Too bad they outlawed most of the history in my country and replaced it with mandatory "Hate yourself" stuff.

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

The most true thing i have seen today

[JSeery]

"Day that shall live in infamy" didn't last to long for a lot of people. I'm starting to notice the same with 911 and it's much more recent. Seem many have very short memories and to the young generation it is not taught or given any importance. Shame, but the way it is. And my flag flies every day, but then I love history. All history including vehicles!

[chiefdave]

Make sure that the National Ensign is at half mast today. IAW public law 103-308 the president is required to issue a proclamation requesting flags be lowered, unlike his predecessor our setting president has done so. Did mine then went to the American Legion Post to do the same. Only saw one other that was properly displayed.

[19Fordy]

V8: Sadly, you are so correct. When I was teaching high school the students didn't remember Dec. 7 but, they did remember April 21st, National Weed Day.

[RalphM]

WAIT! There’s a national weed day? And all this time I haven’t been celebrating it! I feel so left out.

Coop man,
That is so true!
I sit in the lunch room at work, and everyone is glued to their phones.
What ever happened to conversation?

[DavidG]

I had a cousin who was on a mine sweeper in Pearl Harbor that day (and survived that day and the war) and another who flew the hump in the CBI theater (and survived along with recurring malaria issues). Without a doubt, the greatest generation.

[50fordcoupeman]

Originally Posted by DavidG

I had a cousin who was on a mine sweeper in Pearl Harbor that day (and survived that day and the war) and another who flew the hump in the CBI theater (and survived along with recurring malaria issues). Without a doubt, the greatest generation.

Yes the greatest generation. My uncles brother was on a ship in Pearl that was bombed. He survived the entire war. My father-in-law was a carrier Hellcat pilot in the south Pacific theater. Shot down twice but also survived the war. I salute all that have ever served in all conflicts!!

[JWL]

My Daddy was in the Army Air Force when I was born in 1942. By the time I was old enough to learn about WWII it was difficult to get much out of Dad in answer to any questions me or my brother would pose. Later, when I was in the Army, Daddy would tell me "the first few years are hardest". And then smile.

America was blessed to have such wonderful men and women available to save our country and several other countries. I wish I would have better expressed my appreciation to my Dad before he died.

[flatford8]

Originally Posted by JWL

My Daddy was in the Army Air Force when I was born in 1942. By the time I was old enough to learn about WWII it was difficult to get much out of Dad in answer to any questions me or my brother would pose. Later, when I was in the Army, Daddy would tell me "the first few years are hardest". And then smile.

America was blessed to have such wonderful men and women available to save our country and several other countries. I wish I would have better expressed my appreciation to my Dad before he died.

Well said!!.....I feel the same.....Mark

[Marcus]

Barnstuf: we all honor you, Sir! Your contributions to our country and way of life can never be repaid!! And you are correct: Uncle John said it was probably around noon or so when they went to the Bloody Bucket ( and I should have explained it was a "honky-tonk" ).
Charlie NY (and anyone else interested): my new email is [email protected].

[al's28/33]

They were brave men who served their duty out of respect for a just cause. God Bless them.

[5lugnuts]

Hey19Fordy, I taught high school until 2004. I had a friend that was chairman of the history dept. and a WWII buff. I asked him how long they spent teaching about WWII. He said less than two weeks, but he did a little more. But then, that was NY. A few friends and I sent a WWII Vet to Washington to see the WWII Memorial a couple of years ago. His daughter accompanied him. He is still alive at 95.

[Marcus]

DavidG: any chance your cousin was in the 1340th ATC?? Uncle John was primarily in Kunming, China (primary duty station), and flew in and out regularly. If so, I wonder if their paths ever crossed.
Chief Dave: Thank you for that timely reminder! Mine flies 24/7 (and is properly illuminated at night). Lowered the Ensign to half-staff at dawn.......and I'll bet no one even noticed, with exception of Uncle John and my wife, who served 21 years in the US Army, retiring as a Major. She and I were (and am) proud soldiers, but the Greatest Generation stands as the example by which we measure ......
1940: As the retired Director of the Eighth Judicial District Drug Court, I can attest to the accuracy of your statement!
RalphM: You will much better enjoy a cup of hot chocolate - at least that won't impair your cognitive abilities!

[DavidG]

Marcus,

Please ask your Uncle John if his paths ever crossed those of Al Kiraly. The odds are long and I don't recall Cousin Al's unit plus I think he was stationed on the India side of the mountains.

[flatford8]

My dad served thru-out the war. He was in Africa and parts of Europe but he wouldn’t talk about it much.....at a young age I learned not to ask.... Mark