Why this FSO is special to me.....

[jarbo]

My grandfather flew in WWII in VMF 124



Here is a citation for his air medal



Before he passed away, all we knew was that he flew corsairs in the war. Nothing else.

My aunt found a box with this stuff and passed it to me. 

I found this pic on the web, I think he is far left middle row.



Jarbo

[texastc316]

 
Just read a book about Marine avaition during the war, mentioned vmf 124 alot.


my grandfather was in WWII also, flew C47s in the 9th AF. Thought DDay was a milk run until they landed and saw half the rudder shot away.

[Sled]

Good stuff jarbo, thanks for sharing it.

 

[haasehole]

 

[SmokinLoon]

   

I understand fully.  I mentioned my grandfather and his B24's participation up and down the "slot" the original Bougainville thread.  Good to know others are paying attention to their family's history.    

   

[nikomon]

  and I have to sit in the tower and CIC   

  Brother and good luck in the air.

[Hajo]

Jarbo fantastic stuff.

[Sloehand]

I've mentioned before that my father flew in B-29's over the Hump and over Japan as a Central Fire Control Engineer.  While he told some stories occaisonally to the family, it wasn't until after he passed that we learned far more about what he went through, which was pretty amazing stuff.

My point is, has anyone noticed how often you hear that a WWII vet didn't talk much about his experiences during the war?  How often is it that the family doesn't know the extraordinary feats, experiences and courage of those who fought that war until after they've gone?

I'm just wondering why is that?  Can anyone speculate a good reason?  Or am I incorrect in my observation?

[SmokinLoon]

I've mentioned before that my father flew in B-29's over the Hump and over Japan as a Central Fire Control Engineer.  While he told some stories occaisonally to the family, it wasn't until after he passed that we learned far more about what he went through, which was pretty amazing stuff.

My point is, has anyone noticed how often you hear that a WWII vet didn't talk much about his experiences during the war?  How often is it that the family doesn't know the extraordinary feats, experiences and courage of those who fought that war until after they've gone?

I'm just wondering why is that?  Can anyone speculate a good reason?  Or am I incorrect in my observation?

Reason being is that they didnt get the media attention as "heroes" back then, they just did what they had to do.  They didnt seek out the movie deals, the book deals, or any publicity.  They were a part of a unit and they did their job within that unit.  They just did what they had to do.  Plus, while those of us who didnt have to experience warfare have a certain desire to exeprience it... of those who experienced it, many wish they could forget it.  It wasnt fun.  Both of my grandfathers would speak of the basics, but rarely spoke of the negatives.  Same goes for my father who served in Vietnam and he had it easy (he was USAF "remf").

[Squire]

Good read, appreciate the post.

[HighTone]

<S>

[RMrider]

Very nice!

 

[4XTCH]

I've mentioned before that my father flew in B-29's over the Hump and over Japan as a Central Fire Control Engineer.  While he told some stories occaisonally to the family, it wasn't until after he passed that we learned far more about what he went through, which was pretty amazing stuff.

My point is, has anyone noticed how often you hear that a WWII vet didn't talk much about his experiences during the war?  How often is it that the family doesn't know the extraordinary feats, experiences and courage of those who fought that war until after they've gone?

I'm just wondering why is that?  Can anyone speculate a good reason?  Or am I incorrect in my observation?

A good read is "Flags of our Fathers"

If you ever wanted to know why so many of them DIDN'T or WOULDN'T talk, this will explain a lot.


4XTCH

[branch37]

is the movie Flags of our Fathers as good as the book???......i have seen the movie and i didnt know there was a book....i may have to read it

[lowZX14]

The book is much better than the movie which was great.  If you read it, you also need to pick up "Flyboys:  A True Story of Courage" also by James Bradley.  It gives you a wonderful perspective of the flying and incidents over Chichi Jima to include the story of a downed and rescued pilot named Lt. George H. W. Bush.  It also speaks of some of the war crimes committed by the Japanese which were absolutely terrible.