Posted on 11/19/2013 3:48:35 PM PST by DFG
The crew of the USS Dewey have honored the dying wish of a Pearl Harbor survivor by allowing him on board the latest version of the destroyer he served on in the Second World War.
Electrician’s Mate Second Bud Cloud was due to begin hospice care, when his friend Jennie Haskamp reached out to the Dewey's crew and asked if he could see the ship in San Diego.
But when they arrived at the dock, the sailors carried the 90-year-old veteran on board and attentively listened as he shared his memories from the war.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Green grass and high tides forever, Mate.
Your post brought the tears. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this. It is a wonderful story. Tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.
I love the men of this country, for the most part they are incredible.
I came very close to joining the Navy when I was a younger man. Had the physical and was ready to go. I can’t remember why I didn’t go through with it. I just changed my mind, I guess.
I’ve regretted that decision ever since.
Just a guess, betcha there was a girl involved. Maybe not, but often, young men make crazy decisions because of it.
When I die, the only things that will haunt me are the things "I SHOULDA, COULDA, WOULDA have done."
Every man has his demons, you are NOT alone.
would be proud toserve with him on that fine ship,
may GOD bless him.
God Bless the crew of the Dewey for making the final days of Electrician’s Mate Second Bud Cloud’s final days so special too him. May he Rest in Peace.
I’ve said this before here but after more than 6000 flight hours and 22 years in the Navy, when I read stuff like this I just become a blubbering mess. God bless you Bud. Fair winds and following seas Shipmate.
CoM, yeah, it's a Navy thing. Meaning no disrespect to anyone, servicemember or civilian, but it's you and the scrap of humanity crowded on a ship versus something whose awesomeness is exceeded only by space, and by God. A storm at sea is a life-changing experience.
EM2 Bud Cloud, fair winds and following seas.
Blurry screen strikes again..my father served aboard the Dewey during WW2 in the South Pacific...God Bless
I should subscribe to the daily mail.
How does one get a message to the crew of the “USS Dewey”?
They made my day for having demonstrated moral courage in the finest traditions of the United States Navy having paid respects in such exemplary fashion to Mr. Cloud. Thank you to all who participated.
They are only a few young people but they gave me hope today. I hope this is held up as an example of honorable consideration to the heroes of a previous generation.
I’m in the mood for anything positive. Thank you “USS Dewey”.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the second link in the story
http://idrivewarships.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/a-sailors-dying-wish/
Wonderful.
The Watch
Aye mates, for many years
This Sailor
has stood the watch.
While many of us lay about our bunks at night...
This Sailor
stood the watch.
While others of us were attending schools...
This Sailor stood the watch.
And yes, even before many of us were born...
This Sailor stood the watch.
While others of us were with their loved ones...
This Sailor stood the watch.
As our families
watched the storm clouds of war,
brewing on the horizons of history...
This Shipmate
stood the watch.
Even though he saw his family ashore, often
needing his guidance, he knew he must stay...
Because he had the watch.
Today, we are here to say
“Shipmate, the watch stands relieved”
We now have the watch
Gotta wonder why we are reading this from the Daily Mail rather than a US outlet. Then again, not that much wonder to it...
Go in peace Mr. Cloud and thank you for my freedom.
Thank you for posting this article.
RIP Mr. Cloud.
Our eyes are all clouded here at the ranch.
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