[Louie]

My father enlisted after pearl Harbor as a private in the US Army. He was selected for OCS and as a 2nd Lt participated with Patton and Bradley in the North African Invasion Operation Torch. he fought there for a while and then went in under Clarke in the nearly botched Anzio Invasion. He fought his way up the toe of Italy and was nearly Killed at Monte Cassino. He was shot in the arm and received schrapnel to the eye. He healed nicely but lost alot of good friends in Italy. He was given a battlefield propotion to Captain at 20 years of age. One of the youngest in the Army at that time. He was awarded the Bronze Star,2 Purple Hearts, CIB, and Croix De Guerre. He became company commander. He was in the 29th Infantry. Later he was recalled for the Korean conflict and was stationed at Okinawa Japan. He was in the Custer Division Ryukus command. I do not think he saw combat during this period.He was in intelligence at headquarters command and said he often had to assist in interrogations.

My oldest brother flew as a navigator for the Marine Corps during the latter years of Viet Nam. He was only 18 and was accepted because he was brilliant. He flew mostly in C-130's. I do not believe he saw action.

[Gambit]

My Dad was an officer in the RCAF 419 (Moose) squadron for the duration of WW2 in England.

[hworth18]

My dad served with the Marines in the pacific theater in WWII and also fought in Korea,
my Grandfather fought in WWI and I still have the service pistol he carried during that time..

[Kaptin_Kirk]

My dad and three of my uncles fought in NAM.

[Cruver Collecter]

My father did two tours in Vietnam, received Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. We were just glad he came home, sadly though he passed away this last June.

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

My father did two tours in Vietnam, received Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. We were just glad he came home, sadly though he passed away this last June.

Sorry to hear of your loss..
JP

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by flyXwire

You're surrounded by aviators and I envy you, JP! I'm not trying to get personal, but how come you never followed in their footsteps? Just curious....

I do have a career in aviation.
By the way my son is following their footsteps as a military pilot...Which i'm very proud of.
JP

[smartd]

Grandfather served in 4th Lowland (Howitzer) Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, 52nd Division in WW 1
Dad was Chief Petty Officer Royal Navy Reserve in WW II
Mother actually worked in shipyards building an aircraft carrier before my brother came along in 1942.
Father switched to Merchant Navy after war. Ship was in for a re-fit in 1949 and I came on scene some months later..

[mustangdriver]

My father was in the army in Vietnam. A door gunner in Medical huey helicopters "Dust off's" My wife's grandfather was a D-day veteran on the LST in WWII and her Uncle was a B-17 ball turret gunner.

[Old Crow]

My Grandfather served in the U.S. Navy for several years before and during WW2.

He was aboard the Heavy Cruiser USS Astoria (CA-34) when she undertook a lengthy shakedown cruise in 1934. One of the most prized possessions I have is his large, framed certificate commemorating his first crossing of the Equator on July 24, 1934. The Domain of Neptunus Rex advised all "Mermaids, Sea Serpents, Whales, Sharks, Porpoises, Skates, Eels, Suckers, Lobsters, Crabs, Pollywogs and other Living Things of the Sea" of his crossing aboard the Astoria at Latitude 00000 and Longitude 159 deg., 36' min. West, bound for Samoan, Fiji Island and Australian ports, and announced his new status as a "Trusty Shellback".