I thorougly enjoyed reading this, but I don’t know how a 5’7” 120 or so pounds soaking wet would stand up in a fight. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t enjoy the hell out of it though. :)
(IF it makes you two gentlemen feel any better, I’m 27)
As Twain coined, and I’m sure Patton himself would have vigorously said to you...
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Just gotta be able to shoot. There were plenty of 5’7” heroes in Americas wars.
This is a timely thread for me to read, in fact, I may use some quotes from this.
I have been, the past couple of days, working on a column about a fishing buddy who died Memorial Day, a WWII hero, Silver Star recipient and 81st Wildcat Division (U.S. Army) sharpshooter, who stormed Angaur Island as part of Operation Stalemate II, a pivotal (sp), but lesser known, battle in WWII.
I usually can knock out a column in 30 minutes (I don’t write for military journals, but hunting/fishing publications), but this one is tough, because it is personal, about someone I loved. Also I have to connect the topic (fishing/hunting) with a LOT of history. I have NEVER had such difficulty writing something as I have this, because there are SO many stories of honor and bravery, it’s so hard to put any of them away and move on.
And, I have been reading more than writing. I have had an extensive lesson in WWII history the past few days.
I am astounded at the men who faced such odds, both those who did and didn’t return home. GOP _Raider, there are endless stories of the ordinary, 5’7” (and shorter, like my friend) men who left their homes a child, really, and showed such courage, became heros not by choice, but because they had no choice.
Outstanding read, pissant, and thanks so much for posting this.
To top it off, I’m a “chick,” and have been known to cry during a “Bonanza” episode, so imagine trying to write about experiences I can’t fanthom, and doing it through a stream of tears, especially when I think about the sweet little man I used to fish with climbing through a jungle dodging bullets.
Thanks again pissant.