To my grandfathers, who both fought in World War II and survived to return home and raise families.
Grandpa T was drafted by the army. He served under General Patton. He rarely talked about the war, but he did give some editorial comments when we watched the George C. Scott movie on television. Yes, he said, Patton really did stand in the open and fire his handgun at that German plane. At the time, every man under his command was hoping the crazy bastard would be shot.
Grandpa W joined the navy when he was 17 (with parental permission). He served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters. He felt better about himself and his life during the war than at any time after his homecoming. His ship was later decommissioned and sunk during an atomic test in the Pacific, which seemed like a metaphor for his troubled life.
Rest in peace.
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2 comments:
Since I'm a bit older than you, both my father and father-in-law served in the big war..my dad in the Army (like your Grandpa, helping Patton win) and my wife's dad served in the Air Force, and was a member of the ground crew that prepped the Enola Gay for the Hiroshima run. I'm so glad that younger people like you are aware of their grandpa's service, and salute it with such obvious love and pride.
I am also proud of my siblings' service (one stateside during peacetime and one currently in Iraq--I hope she comes home safely and one day enjoys the status of veteran).
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