[Mama_Bear]

If it's okay, I'd like to personally thank some special veterans who are dear to my heart:

My husband: Navy
My son: Navy, Gulf War
My father: Navy, WWII
My father-in-law: Navy, WWII/Vietnam
Three brothers-in-law: All Navy
Two nephews: One Army and one Navy (scubachick's husband)

I wish so much that my two dads could be here today to see this thread and know how much their service is appreciated. There were many years when I think they were never thanked for what they did for America.

[Mama_Bear]

Like most of our veterans, my father-in-law didn't talk much about the war. It wasn't until after his passing that my husband found this commendation and learned a bit about what his dad did in the Navy.

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The Commander Amphibious Forces,
United States Pacific Fleet, commends
ENSIGN C**** D***** K******,
UNITED STATES NAVY

For service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:

“For excellent service in the line of his profession as a Boat Group Officer of a United States ship, from April 16 to April 20, 1945, during the amphibious assault on Ie Shima. By cool, collected and capable direction, he repeatedly led various landing craft through difficult navigational hazards to and from the beaches in the face of enemy sniper and machine gun fire. Through his initiative, energy and devotion to the duty under adverse conditions, he contributed materially to the success of the assault operation. His conduct gives evidence of his great value to the naval service.”

R. K. Turner
Admiral, U. S. Navy

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I hope you all will indulge me this vanity post. My husband and I are very proud of his father.

[Billie]

I'm so glad you posted your family of veterans - the Navy has played a very important part in your life - is it a coincidence that both sides (yours and JK's) are NAVY?!