My Dad was a machinists mate on the USS Maryland in the Pacific.
Posted on 11/11/2004 3:57:16 AM PST by RightOnline
With Jim Robinson's permission (hopefully) and the cooperation of fellow FReepers, I'd like to reprise a "tradition" I began here some years ago on this Forum.
Today is the day that we, as a Nation, specifically set aside to express our thanks to all who have donned a uniform, rendered a salute, said 'good bye' to loved ones to travel to distant lands, and otherwise committed themselves to the defense of the United States of America.
This is your day, FReeper veterans. Whether you served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, or any other of the countless hot-spots around the globe, we salute you and thank you for your willingness to step up. Active duty, Reserves, National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard.....whatever service, no matter when, where, or how long, we thank you.
Check in and accept our salute in return.
Did you see this?
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1276965/posts
Just another Joe
01/80 - 04/87
US Navy active duty
Only served on one ship, CG-31, USS Sterett, homeported out of Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines.
My Dad was a machinists mate on the USS Maryland in the Pacific.
USAF Security Service, Fort Meade, MD (1962 -1966)
I'd also like to thank my dad in heaven for his service, Major-USAF 1958-1972, navigator, B-52, 28th Bomb Sqdn, 19th Bomb Wing, Sac, Robins AFB
Norwich University 1992, 8 years active duty US Army Aviation (Capatain), Bosnia, Macedonia 94 - 97. Currently Captain, Massachusetts National Guard,company commander, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot.
A tribute to my dear Father, (Clarence) who passed away 3/18/04. This ones for you Pop's
Battleship USS Mississippi (BB41) 1944 - 1945
o Supported the Marine Landings on Peleliu
o Supported the liberation of the Philippines and the landings of Macarthur's troops.
o Fought in the battle of Surigao Strait, destroying an approaching line of Japanese battleships who had plans on laying waste of our soldiers ashore. Naval historians would later call this "The greatest Naval Battle in History", but for the Army ashore who could see the ships burning in the night sky, they had no words to explain what they saw, for they knew their worst nightmare was stopped dead in it's tracks by Admiral Oldendorf's old battleships. The men ashore have eternal gratitude to those Sailors and to the 1,100 of them that died out there that night.
The Mississippi was hit by a kamikaze while supporting the landing forces in the Philippines.
o Okinawa - The Mississippi placed 56 direct hits on the "indestructible" Shuri Castle with her 14 inch guns, allowing the Marines to take that important enemy stronghold. Again, the Mississippi was hit by a kamikaze, but even though she received heavy damage and many casualties the Mississippi refused to leave. The soldiers ashore were grateful that Ole Miss stayed on post even with her heavy damage. Her steadfast presence saved many lives on Okinawa.
o After the announced surrender of Japan, the USS Mississippi anchored in Tokyo Bay while the surrender documents were being signed onboard the USS Missouri on September 2nd 1945.
The ship was sold for scrap in 1956, but the men to which she was so good haven't forgotten her. It is recalled by all five of my brothers and sisters, that the first word Dad taught us to spell was M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i., and there is no doubt why.
HAPPY VETERANS DAY
I know this isn't Memorial Day, but I also remember the veterans in my family who came before me...
My dad was a WWII infantry platoon sergeant, who fought from one side of France to the other side of Germany.
I have ancestors who fought in the Civil War (Florida and Georgia infantry regiments) and all three Creek Indian Wars (in both the Alabama Mounted Creek Volunteer Regiment and the hostile 'Red Sticks'). Believe I have an ancestor who served in the Revolutionary War (North Carolina militia) but can't definatively prove the geneology link.
Even my brother, who took a law school deferment in the Vietnam era, but who at least served six months in Military Intelligence following his graduation.
To all who read this: interview the Veteran's in your family, and preserve their stories. Oh how I wish someone in my family had!
USAF :-)
KC-10: 
T-37: 
U S NAVY 1966-70
Good morning from both of us!
Captain, USMC
Enlisted Nov77
Retired Oct98
Adjutant/Personnel Officer
Married to:
Major, USMC
Commissioned Jul82
Retired Jun02
Pilot
Oohrah!
USAF 68-72
mc
I'm thankful for all of our brave military and the freedom we enjoy thanks to their sacrifices!!
SanDiegoDave, USAF 1973-75, NSA 1975-, SanDiegoDave's Oldest Daughter USMC JAG Current, 2nd Daughter USMC Air conrtact, Quant this summer. Err rah!
U.S. Army - 40th Inf. Div. - Korea - 1952-53
USN 61-65
USAF active 1978-1982 Security Police
Bitburg Germany; McChord AFB, Washington
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