Posted on 05/02/2010 5:16:46 PM PDT by 999replies
Fellow FReepers, I have just been told that my Grandpa is breathing his last breaths on this Earth. Everyone must pass, but what makes this one tough is that he was my own personal WWII hero. His name is John and on his first bomber mission over Germany in WWII, he was shot down and was a POW in Stalag 17B for the rest of the war. He had one of his hands smashed by a German rifle butt, he had some teeth kicked out by German Army boots, and he suffered severe frost bite on his lower legs. He was an easy target because he was 6'3". His job was being a gunner on a B-17. He lived a good Catholic life with no complaints.
May God hold you all in the Hollow of His Hand.
Well done. Very well done, sir.
Prayers for an American Hero.
The Greatest Generation deserves a rest.
Prayer said. God bless him for his service.
Pray the Pater Noster for John ...
You, your grandfather and family are in my prayers. Know that along with prayers, there is gratitude for this hero giving so much for our freedom.
My prayers for this American hero, for his family and for the great country that he served.
Praying for your grandfather — and for you. May your family find peace, and may he know that his nation is indeed grateful for his service...
Many prayers for your wonderful grandfather.
Please say the Divine Mercy prayers and Novena. I’m trying to start that in my Parish for the dying. In any case, I’m sorry about him, we’re slowly losing that great generation but I am grateful for them. My father-in-law also served in WW2 and died two years ago.
My condolences.
Prayers up for you and family and for the peaceful repose of your grandpa’s soul.
My uncle was on the Bataan death march and in Japanese POW work camps (coal mines mostly) in Korea and Manchuria. Has never talked about it much, but we will occassionly get some interesting stories (like when we found out he knew some Mandarin Chinese, which was learned from Chinese POW’s/slave laborers at these places).
Ordinary men, from solid backgrounds, who were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Boggles the mind.
God bless your Grandfather.
His race is run, and he has acquitted himself well. My prayers and gratitude are with John and your family.
Prayers up for your Grandpa and his loved ones.
Oh Sweetie......we will pray for all of your family. I’m so very sorry...
keep your family in my prayers as you mourn his passing. lost my grandfather WWII vet in 1995. Lost my father - in-law in 2008 at the age of 96, as he served in WWII on Germany’s side and spent the war in a Soviet Gulag after the Battle Of stalingrad in Siberia, not released until 1947.
He will be met by good company when he departs.
Heroic service. Blessings.
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