Replies: 77
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All-TigerNet [12136]
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WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 7:12 AM
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How many of you had Father's, Uncles, or whomever that served during WWII? I consider that era of patriots to have been one of this countries greatest! I just wonder how much of that war we can cover here on T-net?! Please put relative and where they served. I will start:
Father- Okinawa (pacific theater)
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Heisman Winner [108390]
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Happy 4th all & though my father was 15 when WWII
Jul 4, 2014, 7:31 AM
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ended, he & his friends were set to join on their 16th as so many did during that era.
if they had not decided to deliver then drop the bombs, how many more of our fathers would have seen action in the pacific?
thanks to all who've served!
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Commissioner [942]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 7:34 AM
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Uncle- Philippine jungle disrupting Japanese occupation. Understand was with OSS. West Point Graduate.
Was to be with the first contigent of Americans in Tokyo when war ended but died the day after end of war in a plane crash landing on Okinawa.
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Team Captain [458]
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Father...torpedo factory, Alexandria, VA...
Jul 4, 2014, 7:39 AM
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He had five kids, but his draft number was next to be called when Germany surrendered.
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Mascot [24]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:56 PM
[ in reply to Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day ] |
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My uncle also served in the Philippine jungles with the guerrillas for the duration of the war. He then was sent home and discharged but re-enlisted for all of Korea and tried to go to Vietnam but was turned down. He did serve during the Cuban Missle Crises and the Berlin Wall though.
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CU Medallion [52368]
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Father, who passed away two weeks ago served
Jul 4, 2014, 7:46 AM
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in Italy near the end of the war, his older brother who died on D-Day, two other uncles on my mother's side of the family who served in the Pacific - both of whom died two years ago (one day apart).
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Rock Defender [56]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 7:48 AM
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Dad was a Pearl Harbor Survivor, south pacific and later in Japan
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Athletic Dir [881]
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Re: grandfather - b17 radio and gunner
Jul 4, 2014, 8:19 AM
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European theater.
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Legend [16629]
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Grandfather - Pacific theater
Jul 4, 2014, 8:26 AM
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Veterinary corps
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Orange Blooded [3469]
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Father, North Africa, Italy, France, Germany
Jul 4, 2014, 8:39 AM
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When they invaded southern France the beach he landed on was a nudist beach. He was with an Army Air Corps radar unit so was at least 25 miles behind the front lines, but had a German officer surrender to him (as a Chaplain he was an unarmed non-combatant). The guy wouldn't surrender to an enlisted man and my dad was the only officer he could find. I still have the Walther P38 he surrendered. It has a broken receiver block, and as you would expect of a weapon that had been in combat for 3 years the serial numbers don't match.
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All-TigerNet [13376]
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Grandfather Germany and Italy
Jul 4, 2014, 8:56 AM
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He was a captain the the Army and I unfortunately (or fortunately) wasn't able to learn much about his specific experience. Thus the greatest generation!
He came home and became an architect and designed Little John and many other notable buildings in SC. He is greatly missed and I wish everyday that I still had him here.
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:03 AM
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My father was in the Navy, and drove an LST and delivered troops to Omaha Beach on D-Day. He lost numerous friends that day. He never spoke too much about it though. Now he's gone and I can't talk to him about it. I hate that. He only talked about the funny times in the Navy, and only talked about that day ONCE that I can remember. I miss my dad and wish I could be more like him.
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Connoisseur [385]
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Grandfather- Pacific theatre
Jul 4, 2014, 9:03 AM
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I didn't learn much about his service there as he wouldn't really talk about it but he was a great man.
He came back after the war and got his bachelors and Masters from the University of Vermont in English and taught high school English and worked border patrol at the Canadian border the rest of his life. He also was a high school basketball referee.
A man who had no Clemson ties but once he found out I was going there he learned everything he could about it and started following all Clemson sports to talk to me about it.
As a testament to how wonderful a teacher/man he was there were hundreds of people at his wake to pay tribute to an 86 year old man. I'd say he did something right. I miss him dearly and even thought he has been gone for 7 years I still can't write this without getting teary eyed.
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Hall of Famer [22965]
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good stuff.***
Jul 4, 2014, 12:16 PM
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Varsity [238]
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Two Cousins Gave Their Lives -
Jul 4, 2014, 9:06 AM
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Pvt. Jack Bailey died in the Bataan Death March, Philippine Islands
Lt. Harold Bailey, Bomber Navigator, shot down over France, froze to death trying to walk over The Alps to Spain in the snow. Remains found 8 years after the war.
Jack and Harold, brothers from Lancaster, S. C.
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Walk-On [113]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:27 AM
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Like many Clemson students, my father, Winfred B. Bierley, left school and enlisted after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the 2nd Armored Division (tanks) under Gen. George Patton and Gen. Omar Bradley. He survived, having participated in D-Day plus the Battle of the Bulge. Yes, he has a Purple Heart. Never dwelling on the gory details of his recollections he focused on the small ironies and funny mishaps that occurred.
I only hope that I can be as active when I am 90 years old.
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MVP [531]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:28 AM
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Father ... 8th Army Air Corps ... England ... P51 Pilot ... Piloted one bomber one time, known as Aphrodite 9
Mom's Brother ... Armor/Tanks ... with Patton from Normandy until VE Day
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110%er [6404]
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my great uncle was in the "might eight"
Jul 4, 2014, 9:34 PM
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he was a bombardier in a B-17. who knows, maybe your father was a fighter escort for him! You should read "Masters of the Air" it is mainly just about the bomber boys, but it is a good read. Tom Hanks and speilberg are doing a mini series on it as well
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All-In [49613]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:30 AM
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Dad: severed in Europe and Philippines, purple heart and bronze star earned in a mine field in Belgium.
Uncle: served in Europe, reinforced Bastogne to end Battle of the Bulge
Uncle: Served in Italy and France
Uncle: Merchant Marines, survived torpedoed ship in the North Atlantic.
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Hall of Famer [22965]
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any branch of the family tree
Jul 4, 2014, 12:19 PM
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stretch far enough to include Ernie Pyle??
My Grandfather's infantry unit was also involved in "rescuing" Bastogne--though as we all know, they didn't need rescuing!!
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All-In [49613]
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Naw: Up to this generation...
Jul 4, 2014, 3:01 PM
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...my folks were smart enough to stay out of newspapers!
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110%er [5267]
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Father-in-Law survived Nazi occupation of Italy as a child.*
Jul 4, 2014, 9:34 AM
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nm
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All-Conference [414]
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Granddad served in North Africa and Sicily, Great Uncle KIA
Jul 4, 2014, 9:40 AM
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In France. Tom Brokaw had it right when he said it was the Greatest Generation.
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CU Guru [1639]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:49 AM
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Uncle -Clemson class of 36 -Major in Army signal core -Austrailia in WW11 Brother -Clemson class of 42, Captain in 121 Ifn. Reg., 8th Army WWII -commanding officer was coach Bob Jones. Father - Bn. Sgt. Major -Army WWI
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All-In [27366]
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Father joined at 17 in '44.
Jul 4, 2014, 10:04 AM
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His father in WWI. His grandfather in WBTS. His grandfather in 1812. His father in Revolution.
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All-In [25446]
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As mentioned, Dad was on Okinawa as an artillery
Jul 4, 2014, 10:10 AM
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officer and remained there until the end of the war.
Mother had seven brothers and sisters, and in addition to Dad, there were five brothers and brothers-in-law who served: three army, three navy. Two were in North Africa and Europe, four were in the Pacific.
All survived, living fairly long lives, and rarely discussed their service even among themselves. Each considered it their patriotic duty, and all knew that most all Americans contributed in one way or the other to the war effort.
Lastly, I have long considered it to have been my great fortune to have served in the army with many senior NCO's and Officers, who were veterans of WWII and/or Korea. They were a tough breed, given to no foolishness nor wimpery.
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Amateur [32]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:14 AM
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My Dad(Class of '54) was too young to serve, but served later. His three older brothers, who all went to Clemson did serve. My Uncle Jimmy served in Italy, ending the war as a Major and was awarded the Silver Star. My Uncle David was in the Army Air Corp(Air Force), flying in B-17's & B-24's. Was shot down over Germany on Mother's Day 1944 and was a POW for a year and a day. My Uncle Bob was in the Navy, and served on PT Boats in the Atlantic on anti-sub duty. On my Mom's side, my Uncle Richard was at the US Naval Academy when the war started and was commissioned early and served in the Navy. My Uncle Wallace was a fighter pilot and served in Europe and fought at D-Day. My Uncle Huiet was a Sgt in the Marine Corp in the Pacific. My Uncle Robert served in the Army. I am so grateful for their service. My Dad came from a very close SC family. Several of his cousins also served. I always remember my Great Aunt Nina. She was always such a happy go lucky soul. She had 5 children, 4 daughters and 1 son, Jimmy. He was KIA in September 1944 in France. Years later I discovered she turned to poetry after he died. It was very moving and I can't imagine her pain or sacrifice and of so many others from that time. God Bless All of Them, and God Bless Our Nation!!!
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Oculus Spirit [91418]
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Dad..tank gunner (FR, Belgium's Battle of Bulge, Germany)
Jul 4, 2014, 10:25 AM
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He said he had it made since had heat in the winter & A/C in the Summer. Never talked about it until about age 82.
GoTiGERs!
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Amateur [32]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:33 AM
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Just a follow up post. For those of you who have never heard of Col. Ben Skardon, Clemson Class of 1938 and his Ring Story, go online and check it out. Amazing story!!! He was serving in the Philippines and was a POW of the Japanese, along with other Clemson Grads. A very moving, courageous and true story. He later was a Professor at Clemson, and I had the honor of being in his Public Speaking Class his last semester teaching in 1983. None of us in the class had any idea about his service until the last class. To hear him describe what it means to be an American, what he endured in a POW Camp, what he feels when he sees the flag or hears the National Anthem....there was not a dry eye in the class. He is still going strong at 96 or 97, and lives in Clemson. He gave the eulogy at Banks McFadden's Funeral, Been Grand Marshall of the First Friday Parade, and continues to work hard at veteran's events. A true Patriot, as are his classmates who died to help save his life. Go check it out!!!
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Trainer [42]
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My Dad was in the Navy and stationed at New Caledonia.
Jul 4, 2014, 10:39 AM
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He never talked about the war when I was growing up, but one day when he was older he told me he was stationed there. We were at Patriot's Point and he saw a picture of a ship. He said that was the ship that took him there and that shortly after he was dropped at New Caledonia the ship was torpedoed by the Japanese.
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CU Guru [1250]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:50 AM
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Father and Uncles all Navy men who served in the Pacific.
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Orange Blooded [3226]
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Dad enlisted October, 1942 . . .
Jul 4, 2014, 11:02 AM
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After basic & training, served in Hawaii as radio technician; uncle served there with him (i.e., how Dad eventually met Mom!)
God bless them all!
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Rock Defender [54]
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Re: Dad enlisted October, 1942 . . .
Jul 4, 2014, 11:19 AM
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Man - I gotta quit reading these - I'm at work today and tears and work don't mix.
Makes one proud to be a part of this great nation.
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All-TigerNet [12136]
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Re: Dad enlisted October, 1942 . . .
Jul 4, 2014, 11:52 AM
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Amen, brother, Amen!
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Trainer [26]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 11:14 AM
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My father was in the Seabees in the South Pacific during WWII.
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MVP [548]
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Father-waist gunner B-17. Shot down over Germany (survived)***
Jul 4, 2014, 11:19 AM
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MVP [548]
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Re: Father-waist gunner B-17. Shot down over Germany (survived)***
Jul 4, 2014, 11:23 AM
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Obviously survived, I'm here.
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CU Guru [1250]
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Re: Father-waist gunner B-17. Shot down over Germany (survived)***
Jul 5, 2014, 11:47 AM
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One of my uncles had a brother-in-law who was a B-17 pilot that was also shot down over Germany and survived.
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Legend [16382]
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Dad was a Navy pilot in the Pacific... flew a F6F Hellcat
Jul 4, 2014, 11:40 AM
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off the carrier Belleauwood. Uncle was in the Navy also but worked in Washington. Another uncle had just enlisted in the Navy when the war ended.
He would never talk about any combat he was involved in, or missions. He did, however, show us how they would plot out and graph flight patterns - finding your way back to a carrier was a pretty big deal.
He stayed in the Navy through Korea, then left and went to UNC on the GI bill, then to Georgetown for law.
He didn't flinch when in 1985 he bought a small Dodge pickup truck sporting a Mitsubishi motor. He led a pretty quiet, conservative life for the most part.
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Hall of Famer [22965]
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Grandfather, 2 uncles fought in "the big one"....
Jul 4, 2014, 11:44 AM
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one uncle was in the army and fought in the Italian campaign, one uncle forged my grandparents name on enlistment papers and joined the Navy at the age of 15--he served on a cruiser during the battle of Okinawa (and also in Korea and VietNam). Grandfather was wounded while crossing the Rhine and a German POW for about 6 weeks. Good ole Dad was a Korean War-era vet though he didn't see combat action.
Sadly, with the passing of my Dad last summer, they're now all gone. First Father's Day without a card and phone call.
Message was edited by: tigrjm76®
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Heisman Winner [112335]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 11:52 AM
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Uncle flew bombers in the Pacific, and transports in Korea. Father was was part of DASPO in Vietnam.
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Standout [316]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 11:55 AM
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Grandfather European theater, KIA September 19, 1944. Commanded the 704th Tank destroyer Battalion. (Cubs Paw) Pvt. Jack Bailey died in the Bataan Death March, Philippine Islands. I was lucky enough to meet a large group of survivors from the Bataan Death March. Their wives made very interesting comments saying they had no idea who they had been married to all these years. They had never heard their husbands talk about their war experience.
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CU Guru [1081]
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My dad -- Navy WWII, my mom -- Marine Sgt
Jul 4, 2014, 11:58 AM
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that's how they met
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Hall of Famer [22965]
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Re: My dad -- Navy WWII, my mom -- Marine Sgt
Jul 4, 2014, 12:21 PM
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you're Mom was a sergeant in the Marines??
Holy smoke....lol
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CU Guru [1081]
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Yep she really was! If I knew how to post a pic I would
Jul 4, 2014, 5:41 PM
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and of course you know I'm talking about her service in the MCWR or WAC
Without WWII there is no way my parents would've met.
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Member [22]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 12:00 PM
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Had one uncle that served in Germany with the Big Red One Division and another who was a Marine in the Pacific and was in the first wave to hit the beach at Tarawa.
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Tiger Cub [14]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 12:24 PM
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Father South Pacific (USS Indiana)
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Orange Blooded [3798]
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Grandfather Lt. Col. Albert N. Cameron, Sr.
Jul 4, 2014, 12:44 PM
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Clemson Class of '41
Bn Commander in 141st Inf of the 36th Infantry Division.
Joined unit after DDay and served through end of the war. Saw a lot of combat.
Earned CIB, Bronze Star and numerous other decorations. Served as Seventh Army's investigator for the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials.
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Rookie [13]
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Father and 2 uncles, all Navy, all Pacific theater
Jul 4, 2014, 12:58 PM
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Dad was 32 when he enlisted after Peal Harbor he served on on the USS Antietam, one uncle was at Pearl when it was attacked he was mustering out, he reenlisted after the attack.
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All-In [35206]
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LbB - Bunker Hill
Jul 4, 2014, 12:54 PM
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All-In [25446]
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Correct! I ought to know: I was his Commanding Officer,
Jul 5, 2014, 6:38 AM
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Generally Lightheaded Henry Lee of Virginia....just saying.
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Orange Blooded [3472]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 2:42 PM
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Dad tried to enlist, but was rejected by the Army, Navy and Coast Guard due to previous injury. He was 35 in 1942.
One cousin on his side from NC was KIA on a B-17 bombing mission. An uncle on Mom's side from G'ville served in Europe with the 568th Army Air Corps Anti-Aircraft Division. A cousin on that side from G'ville jumped with the 82nd Airborne - 508th Parachute Infrantry Regiment on D-day, was captured D-day + 2 and spent nine months as a POW in Dresden. Another member of the 508th in another plane whose group fared better with their landing zone was the actor William Windom.
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Hall of Famer [21884]
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Both my grandfathers served
Jul 4, 2014, 2:51 PM
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My PaPa-> Army, was in Germany
My Gramps -> Navy, somewhere in Pacific.
Never discussed war stuff with them. They never brought it up around me and both died when I was young.
~JKB
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CU Medallion [68435]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 3:37 PM
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My dad was on a b 24 flew missions from italy he passed in the 6th. Last year I I'd his crew from training photo and squadron roster and spoke to Co pilot. A great thrill from that project
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Walk-On [102]
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Re: My Dad served in the Army, 78th Division
Jul 4, 2014, 3:56 PM
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was wounded after crossing the Rhine River over the bridge at Remagen. He turns 90 years young in October.
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All-In [25446]
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My first duty station in 1969 was with an Airborne/Mech
Jul 5, 2014, 6:42 AM
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outfit in Mainz, and one of the first trips I took was to the site of the bridge.
I had seen the movie and wanted to view the area around Remagen. It was one of the more interesting stories about the campaign in Europe.
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110%er [6998]
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No WWII vets in family, but...
Jul 4, 2014, 7:39 PM
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Cousin Navy SEAL in Nam Another cousin KIA in Nam Uncle a Navy pilot in Nam Another cousin a POW in Nam (really messed up now) Best friend tank gunner in Desert Storm.
Have a lot of respect for what our servicemen (and women) endure.
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CU Guru [1429]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 7:54 PM
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My dad served during WWII
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110%er [6404]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 9:27 PM
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grandfather: 101st Airborne: Normandy, Holland, Bastogne, and Germany.
He had two brothers who were also in the service. One was killed during the first assault wave off of Omaha beach (29th infantry division), and the other was a Bombardier in a B-17 (8th Air Force) and was part of the raid on Schweinfurt.
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Starter [370]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:00 PM
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Father: North Africa, Sicily, Italy. Served under Patton. Was in Milan and saw Mucilini (sp) drug through the streets.
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All-TigerNet [11934]
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Dad ... B-25 pilot over Burma
Jul 4, 2014, 10:20 PM
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He was only 19 years old when he and his crew left the USA to fly their plane over to Asia via South America, to Ascension Island, to Morocco, to Egypt, to India, to Burma.
I remember that I worried when my 19 year old would borrow my car on a Saturday night. Hard to imagine the maturity it took to be able to do what our WWII vet relatives did at that age.
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Rookie [19]
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Re: Dad ... B-25 pilot over Burma
Jul 4, 2014, 10:36 PM
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Grandfather on USS Arizona during attack on Pearl Harbor, lost a knee cap, yet crawled to a 50 cal. To takedown a Jap bomber. Father did 2 tours in Vietnam as a marine sniper 62 confirmed kills, 2 Purple Hearts, silver star and congressional Medal of Honor for acts of bravery for his efforts at LZ X-RAY, hell of a man! Both were! Thanks to all who serve.
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1st Rounder [638]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:39 PM
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Father-ETO-Battle of the Bulge-Shrapnel in his earlobe and knee-Liberator of Nazi death camps. After the war and before coming home to Greenwood, he became friends with several German families. They were invited to his wedding in 1948. Even tho they had nothing, they invited him into their homes and he told me that at that time he knew the German people would survive because they had hope. He cited that a meager meal with them would typically include a single flower on the table and he thought that small level of spirit indicated their hope for the future. He died on my birthday July 5, 2004....Jaybird4
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All-In [36450]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 4, 2014, 10:46 PM
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Grandfather 1- Italian campaign- battle of Anzio
Grandfather 2- flew in bombers in air raids on Germany.
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All-TigerNet [12136]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 12:42 AM
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It has been my pleasure to read about each one of your relatives and their contribution to our freedom. Brave men and women all who deserve valor and honor from us all. Thank you all for sharing your relatives story and know that I am thankful for each ones sacrifice and have nothing but admiration for them and their service.
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Head Coach [757]
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Great uncle KIA crossing into Germany ...1945***
Jul 5, 2014, 10:33 AM
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Orange Blooded [4770]
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Grandfather served in Europe
Jul 5, 2014, 11:20 AM
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In the post D-Day troops that helped secure the continent. He was mostly in Germany, spent a little bit of time (mostly R&R I think) in France. My other grandfather was nearly 40 by that time and too old to serve.
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All-Conference [432]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 11:48 AM
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My father-in-law (Clemson class of '34), still alive at 101 yrs old. Infantryman who served in the European theater during WWII, and later in Korea. Between WWII and Korea, he did a stint teaching ROTC at Clemson.
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Letterman [287]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 11:54 AM
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Father-deceased-Marine Dog--Guam(Pacific)
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110%er [5137]
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Father - Anguar & Peleliu, Uncle - Battle of the Bulge***
Jul 5, 2014, 2:53 PM
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Orange Blooded [3257]
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Dad - North Africa, Sicily, Italy......Uncle - Europe***
Jul 5, 2014, 3:16 PM
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Orange Blooded [2579]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 4:53 PM
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Thanks to all of you guys for sharing your stories. That was truly "The Greatest Generation." We are very fortunate to have people with that much love for their country back then.
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CU Guru [1825]
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Dad served on the USS Flaherty in the Atlantic
Jul 5, 2014, 5:22 PM
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The task force captured the U-505. It's on display in a Chicago museum. Four of his brothers also served.
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110%er [7010]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 5:28 PM
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Father: North Africa, Sicily, England, France, Central Europe, Belgium, Ardennes, Germany. Class of 1941
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110%er [7010]
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Cousin flew B-24's
Jul 5, 2014, 5:43 PM
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from England in 1944. May 1944 they were hit, he wounded seriously, lost an engine. the crew patched him up, and he was able to fly the plane to Norway and be interred for about 10 months. he passed about 3 months ago. Google "Frank Leon Foy" from Gastonia. you'll find the story.
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CU Guru [1400]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 7:56 PM
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Grandfather on Dad's side - Artillery unit in Europe. Reached Belgium as a unit just before the Battle of the Bulge. I can remember as a kid when I would stay over there sometimes finding him under the bed if a severe thunderstorm rolled in after he went to sleep. He wouldn't remember getting down there.
Grandfather on Mom's side - Military Policeman who spent WWII in Australia.
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All-TigerNet [10787]
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Re: WWII question on a Patriotic Day
Jul 5, 2014, 10:35 PM
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uncle-battle of the bulge-tank commander.
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Orange Blooded [4079]
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Grandpa-Navy. Pacific***
Jul 5, 2014, 10:40 PM
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