My Dad didn’t talk much about his service during the Korean War. Mom said that he would wake up at night screaming that “They’re in the trenches!” and grabbing for his carbine. He was just a green farm kid from Minnesota, but he became a Sergeant and a leader. His best friend was killed because of a foolish decision made by higher-ups who weren’t at their unit’s location. He became a lifelong advocate for people to do the right thing.
He did complain about the treatment he received from the VA. He had seen how inattention could get people killed. He thought his leukemia had returned, so he went to the VA clinic to get tested. They tested him, but wouldn’t give him the results. I guess that was their punishment for him for daring to complain.
He died of leukemia. A green farm kid from Minnesota who thought he was going to Germany with the Army and didn’t even know where Korea was. Just a GI. A dogface that the VA treated like a dog, so they could hand each other bonuses.
I like to think that he’s in heaven with his buddy that was killed. I found a photo album with some photos of him in Korea during the war. He never showed it to me while he was alive. He was a good-looking rascal with a glint in his eye. I guess all Soldiers are when they’re twenty. I became a Soldier because I wanted to be like my Pop.
Goddamn the VA.
I can tell you loved your Dad very much. Your post brought tears to my eyes.
I had a Dad much like yours who had similar experiences. I miss him.