Originally posted by F1Bomber
Widewing
I shoudl really change "you dont have the right" to "you have the freedom of speech to say what you want" but it doesnt make it moral to anounce that the "pilots fought stupidly" when the only information your going on is an after action report. Though you have a higher level of military achievements from myself. Myself being a computer science student and only flying aces high for fun, but i love reading history and talking to wwii vets.
eg.
Its like me saying if you have an accendent or some military action and died. Jumping on the message board and saying that you did your job stupidly, not exploiting the prinicple of safe landing, taking off, ejecting, combat, ect.... This all going on some after action report by the U.S Navy. Wouldnt you like to tell me wrong, but you cannot because your dead.
The whole situation changes once you are in the picture and at the location making the life spliting logic!
P.S.
I dont mean to insult anyone by this post, Widewing has a much greator achievements in the U.S Navy than what i could ever achieve. Just pointing out the lack of thought and feelings given to the pilots family and friends, who payed the greatest price.
My "achievements" were nothing more than any number of ordinary guys did in the course of doing their duty.
I can certainly appreciate the loss of any man in combat, but let's not get all teary eyed about it. Millions died during WWII. Still millions more survived. That's the risk every man or woman takes when they put on their nation's uniform. We salute the dead, pat the survivors on the back telling them "well done" and wish them a happy life. Then we get on with our own life, thanking God for the sacrifices of those gone before us, and well aware that, but for the grace of God.....
I, for one, don't hold those who died in any higher esteem than the men who stood right alongside them, but lived. Sure, one paid a higher price, but they both put themselves in harm's way. They both took the same risk. It's not whether they live or die that earns respect, just showing up was sufficient for that.
Honor the veterans, both living and dead. Eventually, every one of them will be borne to their resting place under their nation's flag.
My regards,
Widewing