My father fought on Okinawa, and that marked him for life. He strongly supported a strong military, saying that strength deters aggression. He died at 51, & I do miss him
still. Thanks again for your shining tribute to those who fought to save the world.
Jim, my grandfather was at Okinawa. He was a Navy Seabee and probably would've had many things in common with your father. God bless his memory and his service to the country. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Thank you for your story of your grandad. My daddy was a Marine infantryman. Often he was called to headquarters to read topographical maps since he was a geology student. Once he prevented an officer from leading troops into lethal Japanese defenses by reminding him that his planned attack route would lead his troops into a ravine covered with Japanese machine gun and mortar nests. Daddy said that was the best thing he ever did in the war.
Thanks. He was also on Pelileu which had rugged defenses. The book “With The Old Breed” describes that campaign in detail. Did your grandad ever talk to you about his service on Okinawa? The SeaBees were very important in the Pacific war!
No, he did not bring home any souvenirs, and did not brag about the Japanese soldiers he had killed. He wanted to forget about the war. He never talked about it much at all. What a burden he carried. Thus I really appreciate what you have written about those regular guys who saved civilization in WW2.
Thank you for greeting a new morning with a new essay. Your amazing story telling of everyday Americans under extraordinary circumstances is appreciated. It is important to continue reminding people what the Greatest Generation accomplished & at what cost.
Wonderful coverage of our greatest generation. Thank you!
I appreciate this, thank you for reading, Jim.
Thanks Jenna, for the reminder of a debt it's too easy to forget.
I think it's the least I can do and wholly inadequate compared to what is owed. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Wow! You’ve done it again. Congratulations.
I fell short of what it should be.
My father fought on Okinawa, and that marked him for life. He strongly supported a strong military, saying that strength deters aggression. He died at 51, & I do miss him
still. Thanks again for your shining tribute to those who fought to save the world.
Jim, my grandfather was at Okinawa. He was a Navy Seabee and probably would've had many things in common with your father. God bless his memory and his service to the country. Thank you for sharing him with me.
Thank you for your story of your grandad. My daddy was a Marine infantryman. Often he was called to headquarters to read topographical maps since he was a geology student. Once he prevented an officer from leading troops into lethal Japanese defenses by reminding him that his planned attack route would lead his troops into a ravine covered with Japanese machine gun and mortar nests. Daddy said that was the best thing he ever did in the war.
A hero! I’d say that’s a doggone good thing to be proud of. A fine Marine.
Thanks. He was also on Pelileu which had rugged defenses. The book “With The Old Breed” describes that campaign in detail. Did your grandad ever talk to you about his service on Okinawa? The SeaBees were very important in the Pacific war!
That’s amazing! Pelileu was infamous. No, my grandfather never did speak of it with me. I think like many of his generation.
No, he did not bring home any souvenirs, and did not brag about the Japanese soldiers he had killed. He wanted to forget about the war. He never talked about it much at all. What a burden he carried. Thus I really appreciate what you have written about those regular guys who saved civilization in WW2.
Jenna,
Thank you for greeting a new morning with a new essay. Your amazing story telling of everyday Americans under extraordinary circumstances is appreciated. It is important to continue reminding people what the Greatest Generation accomplished & at what cost.
I fell short of what these men are owed. It's the smallest token I could offer. Thank you, as always, for your time and generous words.
It''s difficult to type through the tears.
Thank you for reading, Al. I wish I could tell every man's story.
In a way, you have.
What a compelling essay!!! Thanks for writing it...
Thank you for the kind words, as always.
Beautifully written.
This one was a humbling journey. Thank you.
That was a beautiful essay. Well done👏