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Walk-On [113]
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Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:16 PM
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and was part of the Class of '44. However, instead of graduating he was rolling his tank onto Omaha beach on D-Day. Sgt. Winfred B. Bierley was in the 2nd Armored Division, "Hell on Wheels". In addition to D-Day he was in the "Battle of the Bulge". He was wounded as his unit pushed into Germany in March 1945. Along with the Purple Heart, his "Victory Medal" included 4 Bronze stars. Like many of his fellow veterans he talked briefly and factually about the war. He mostly spoke about the non-combat events, like the time he went deer-hunting in the Black Forest which was strictly forbidden because someone near the deer might shoot back. He claimed they hung the buck from the tank's gun so it could be dressed. Since most of the men in his unit were "city boys" dad said, he showed them how to dress a deer and they ate venison instead of C-rations as well as traded some of the meat for other goodies. He also talked about scavenging for fresh eggs if they found an abandoned farm. While part of the "Occupation Force" he mentioned various units formed football teams and scheduled games.
We found the Clemson uniform he wore in 1941 and displayed it at his memorial service. He was a member of the Tiger Band and a Mechanical Engineering major. Although he did not graduate, he was a loyal tiger joining IPTAY when it was formed, and remained a member into the 21st Century.
Dad passed Oct. 20, 2019 at the age of 94. Mom passed in 2015, but had they both lived Oct. 23 would have been their 77th anniversary.
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Orange Blooded [4176]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:17 PM
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Sorry for your loss. Thanks for his service! They were the greatest generation!
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Oculus Spirit [91130]
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Condolences ratn65..
Nov 2, 2019, 1:23 PM
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and a crisp Clemson Salute to your DaD.
Mine too was in a tank at Battle of The Bulge as a front machine gunner.
Said they had heat in the winter from the engine while foot soldiers were losing their feet to frost bite And A/C in warm weather, I believe.
My Dad would have been 99 last Sept.
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Walk-On [113]
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Re: Condolences ratn65..
Nov 2, 2019, 1:26 PM
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My dad took me to the movies to see "Fury" when it came out and said it was very accurate in portraying tank warfare.
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1st Rounder [603]
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Re: Condolences ratn65..
Nov 2, 2019, 1:30 PM
[ in reply to Condolences ratn65.. ] |
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Condolences. We must never forget members of the "greatest generation".
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110%er [5203]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:19 PM
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Sorry to hear about your father. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
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110%er [6223]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:31 PM
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We can't thank our vets enough. Prayers for you and your family.
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Hall of Famer [22127]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:38 PM
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Thanks for remembering your Dads and their service to our country. There are not many of us old WW2 kids left.
Message was edited by: Joe21®
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CU Medallion [68166]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:40 PM
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sympathies on your loss. They were all great heroes. My dad never mentioned details. He was a waist gunner on a B-24. I found the mission diary of one of his crew members on line. Not for the squeamish even though I'm sure it was greatly sanitized
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Orange Blooded [3299]
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Re: Lost my dad recently who was a WWII vet
Nov 2, 2019, 1:50 PM
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Sorry for your loss. Salutes to him for his service!
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CU Medallion [58598]
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Condolences to you; I'm sorry for your loss. My Dad
Nov 2, 2019, 1:52 PM
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attended Clemson in 39-40, then joined the army and spent the next a couple of years in England during WW2. Never went back and finished at Clemson, but like your Dad was an IPTAY member and die-hard Clemson fan until his death in 2006. Thank you to your father for his service, and the sense of duty and humility with which he gave it. Truly, "The Greatest Generation".
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Hall of Famer [24635]
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Sorry for your loss...
Nov 2, 2019, 2:04 PM
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Seem like WW2 Vets are shrinking and shrinking...
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CU Medallion [53067]
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Joined: 10/10/11
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Sincerest condolences to you and your family***
Nov 2, 2019, 2:07 PM
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