Posted on 05/06/2015 12:42:42 AM PDT by Sivad
When I was a kid I thought it would be cool to learn just how many Japanese my dad had killed during the War so I just asked him. He never had a problem telling me about his WWII experiences as a 11th AB paratrooper. But this time he sternly declined to answer. He was always proud of his military service but considered killing other people a necessary evil not something to flaunt. While helping to liberate Manila he received a wound to the top of his head which required a titanium plate to help mend. He lived over 70 years past that event and, boy, what a life he lived! He was a Missouri born common sense man who built his own house and earned a PhD just to show the blowhards working in the California Dept of Education that their big degrees weren't so hard to get. He could quickly field dress an elk and recite obscure 19th Century poetry. When I was six I was his pheasant hunting dog when a real dog was unavailable. At 7 he provided me with a 20 gauge and one shell. I still love hunting although wild birds are almost a thing of the past in Northern California. Teaching high school agriculture in the 60s was an all male proposition. There were more than a few tough farm boys who learned the hard way not to challenge a 5'5" former airborne regimental champion boxer.
In the 70s this same man helped coach California's first female state FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) president in public speaking and helped her to become the first female National FFA president.
The man did not suffer fools but he could find a job that a poor rural teen could do to earn money to purchase a new pair of Levis and boots back in the 50s and 60s. And you never heard about it until the kid grew up and told you what he thought of your dad and why.
He died tonight. He joined my mom, his wife of 64 years. Among the last of a one of a kind breed. Thanks, Dad. And, thanks FReepers.
What a great eulogy. Sorry for you loss, but sounds like a life well lived.
A great tribute to what sounds like a wonderful father. So sorry for your loss.
I reckon the Good Lord let him hear me.
Prayers for your Dad and his loved ones.
You have my condolences and may your dad RIP.
You are proud of your dad, that’s easy to see even in this short writing.
He sounds like he was a good man and a good father.....and a patriot. I think I would have liked him.
You sound strong, your dad would have wanted that, but these times can have their tough moments. The good memories help and when you miss him the most, look into his children’s eyes - he’s right there.
Stay strong and God bless you and your loved ones.
May your father rest in peace.
You mentioned that your dad liked poems. This is one that I read as I placed my mothers ashes to sea. My son will read it to my family as he places my ashes to sea.
A Parable of Immortality, by Henry Van Dyke
“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, “There she goes!”
Gone where? Gone from my sight … that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There she goes! there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”
Your father raised you well. This is beautiful. Your folks must be beaming.
Prayed for you and your family’s comforting.
SALUTE
Some leave a legacy their children proudly strive to match — you have a proudly demanding and honorable challenge!!
You are blessed and so was he. Those with WWII fathers are always humbled by their sacrifice.
I am so sorry for your loss, Sivad. Prayers for you and your family. Your Dad sounds wonderful and a very inspirational person. Although his presence will be a loss to you.. his legacy in you is solid. God Bless and (((hugs))) Mom
Dad came from a long line of NC tobacco farmers, in the same county since the 1720’s. Joined the Army in 1941 to avoid the draft. He was a medic in the 13th Infantry. Met my Mom while on maneuvers in TN. Fought from Normandy to the German surrender, came home and went to work at MCAS Cherry Point. Retired in 73. His big joy was fishing, from the boat or the surf. Best times were in the beach buggy and on the water. I believe he and Mom are up there wetting a hook with the great fisher of men. He never talked much about the war until in his later years.
He was and is still my hero.
R.I.P. American Hero.
Yes, we will remember. God rest his soul.
Prayers Up!
Sivad, it must said of your dear father, that when America is in peril “Where do we get such men?”.
Men of honor, courage and valor.
Yet they come back from the battlefield, having saved the world, and pour themselves into their family and communities to enrich them.
Your dad would say that he was no hero, that he was only doing his job, like millions of others who answered the call.
Well, he is your hero, and by extension, ours as well.
Celebrate his life and do not be sad. His was a long life, well lived, well loved and well remembered, and there is no higher achievement for mortal man on this earth than that.
God bless you and your loved ones at this time. Thanks for sharing your dad’s story.
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