[Katoolie]

Dad was at Guadalcanal with the 1st Mar D.

He graduated HS in 1938. Joined the Corps in 39. Hitchhiked to Savannah to join up.

He never talked much about it when I was growing up. It was only when I became his caregiver in the last 5 years of his life that he opened up a little.

I then found out from other relatives that he was considered a war hero in the family.

One thing I found out was that when the Jap Navy shelled Henderson field that a 14 inch shell landed next to his fox hole and it was a dud.

Thank God! Otherwise, I would not be here.

In 43 he was returned stateside to train new recruits and married my Mom who he met on a train years earlier when he was traveling to the west coast to ship out.

I think he was slated for the invasion of Japan when the A bomb ended the war.

Simper Fi! DaddyO

A great man,a great athlete, Top Sgt Marine and a great father.

[rolling_stone]

My dad was US Navy voluntarily attached to the 1st Marines on Guadalcanal at the ripe old age of 18, He never talked about the War till the last few days of his life. When he finally did, I realized he had his reasons, war is hell. God Bless all our military and the job they did and are doing. I am almost glad he and Mom passed away a couple of years ago before they could see what our Nation is coming to. I hate to see their efforts betrayed.