Passing of a Hero

[GoldenRivet]

Today, Sunday, the 18th of January 2009, at approximately 8:20 am my Grandfather passed away at the age of 89.

Aside from being my personal hero, he was a hero of the second world war serving under Patton. He was a participant in every major campaign between Normandy and the Occupation of Germany.

A coal miner and heavy truck driver during the pre-war years, he enlisted into the United States Army on December 8th 1941 and became a sharp shooter with the rank of Corporal.

After the war years he settled down in Indiana, married and eventually moved his 3 sons and 3 daughters to Eastern Kentucky on a quiet little farm house just outside the town of Harlan.

His legacy is his massive family. Between his six children he has scores of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His life epitomizes the story of a World War II Infantryman who served his time in hell, and spent the rest of his life seeking peace with all around him.

Today i have lost a Grandfather, a hero and a friend, but i am eternally grateful for the times I had with him in my 29 years - and I will do my best to honor him throughout the rest of my life.

Rest in peace Grandpa.

I love you.

[nikimcbee]

GR, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.:cry: Your family will be in our prayers.

[Digital_Trucker]

May peace be with him. My condolences to you and your family, and my thanks for his service to us all.

[TarJak]

Sad news indeed. Give him the send off he deserves and keep your chin up.

[magic452]

Very sorry to hear of the loss of yet another of the GREATEST GENERATION and your personal loss as well.
There are so few left that each one who passes to his reward is a loss for all of us.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Magic452

[Task Force]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather. I know how it feels. My last grandfather died in February 08, he served in the Korean war. If i remember it correctly, he was gonna turn 67 in later that month.

[bookworm_020]

Sad to hear of your loss:cry: My last Grandfather passed away in 2000. He missed the worse of the fighting, but lost a lot of good mates. Just like yours he lived a quiet life devoted to his family.

[HunterICX]

May he rest in peace ~Salute~

HunterICX

[Dowly]

So sorry to hear that. :-?

RIP

[GoldenRivet]

thanks for the kind words, our flight departs in a few hours.

better get moving.

back in a few days.

[Oberon]

Take care mate, he's with his other squaddies that have gone ahead of him now, having one heck of a time I'd say :up:
He has my salute as a great man and hero. :yep:

[ReallyDedPoet]

My condolences GR.


RDP

[AVGWarhawk]

Sorry to hear that GR. Sounds like your Grandfather took life by the horns and had a very busy ride. The best part is you were able to be a part of his life and learn from his life experiences. May he rest in peace.

[Schroeder]

Sorry to hear that. :cry:
May he rest in peace.

[Enigma]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

You can be grateful for the time you had with him! Both of my Grandfathers are WWII vets with amazing stories to tell, yet I heard few of them and understood less, as they both passed when I was still a kid. You are fortunate to have had time as an adult with him!

[Sailor Steve]

Sounds like quite a life. I'm glad you got to know him and hear his stories.

[UnderseaLcpl]

I'm terribly sorry for your loss but it's good to know that he lived well.

[mr chris]

Very sorry to hear of your Family's loss GR.
May your Grandfather Rest In Peace.
It is thanks to people like him we have the freedoms we take for granted today.

[Tchocky]

A life worth celebrating, indeed.
My condolences.

[Stealth Hunter]

My sincere condolences to you and yours.:cry:

[heartc]

My condolences.

[Ishmael]

My condolences to you on your loss. For your grandpa, here's my favorite Bill Mauldin cartoon:

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/865/maul49rz9.jpg

The caption reads:

Them buttons wuz shot off when we TOOK this town.

[Jimbuna]

Very sorry but I've just read this mate....please accept my belated condolences.

I'm sure he is now in good company amongst those friends of his with whom he fought alongside to help give us the freedom we all enjoy today.

[kurtz]

My condolences, it's good you got to hear his stories, his was one of the great generations.

[GoldenRivet]

Thank you all for the replies. im finally back home after a long week

There was no cell phone service where he lived, and he had no internet. Basically his little town has changed almost none since the 30's ;)

so this is the first chance i have had at a reply in a few days.

He had a great military funeral, very touching and beautiful ceremony.

I tried to be brave for him, but i just couldn't hold it in any longer once the first volley of the 21 gun salute was fired.