WW2 Hero.

Armistead · 05-29-14, 02:29 PM

I took my stepmother to the Dr. today for lab work. I was sitting in the lab waiting room and started talking to an older gentleman. He was upset about no energy, several medical issues. He finally told me he was 91. I'm a history lover, so of course I asked if he served in WW2. He did! He flew Hellcat fighters for the Navy. I spent almost 40 minutes listening to his amazing stories, being shot up by a Zero and crash landing on a carrier deck, meeting his wife at Guam. Also, during the Japanese surrender he was flying above the ceremony as guard. I told him I would gladly help him on his home repairs at no charge for a few days and gave him my number. I don't think he'll call, but I hope he does....

Kapt Z · 05-29-14, 03:29 PM

Good for you for striking up a conversation. How many people would have just sat there absorbed in their smart phone. That generation is passing us by and so many experiences, so many stories, so much 'living' history is lost with each death.

My wife's late grandmother lived through the 'Blitz' in London as a teenager. Oh, the stories she would tell! Now I kick myself for never getting around to video taping her telling them.

razark · 05-29-14, 03:39 PM

Sounds like a wonderful experience. Before too long, there won't be any left who can tell these stories, so I'm glad that you and he had a chance to share his memories.

merc4ulfate · 05-29-14, 03:42 PM

This past week I talked to a former PBM pilot who flew patrols over the south china sea, an infantryman who served in the recaputure of the Philipines and jumper from the 101 Airbourne who were nickednamed *rakkasan* by the Koreans(falling down umbrella men) known as the Angels from Hell.

I love to hear any stories they may share.

Jimbuna · 05-29-14, 03:46 PM

Very lucky...tis many a year since I've met or spoken to a WWII vet

u crank · 05-29-14, 03:59 PM

Nice going Armistead. Hopefully you'll get to talk to him again.

05-29-14, 02:29 PM	#1
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	WW2 Hero. I took my stepmother to the Dr. today for lab work. I was sitting in the lab waiting room and started talking to an older gentleman. He was upset about no energy, several medical issues. He finally told me he was 91. I'm a history lover, so of course I asked if he served in WW2. He did! He flew Hellcat fighters for the Navy. I spent almost 40 minutes listening to his amazing stories, being shot up by a Zero and crash landing on a carrier deck, meeting his wife at Guam. Also, during the Japanese surrender he was flying above the ceremony as guard. I told him I would gladly help him on his home repairs at no charge for a few days and gave him my number. I don't think he'll call, but I hope he does.... __________________ You see my dog don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it.

05-29-14, 03:29 PM	#2
Kapt Z Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ...somewhere in the swamps of Jersey. Posts: 909 Downloads: 157 Uploads: 0	Good for you for striking up a conversation. How many people would have just sat there absorbed in their smart phone. That generation is passing us by and so many experiences, so many stories, so much 'living' history is lost with each death. My wife's late grandmother lived through the 'Blitz' in London as a teenager. Oh, the stories she would tell! Now I kick myself for never getting around to video taping her telling them. __________________ ...I fought in many guises, many names, but always me. Patton

05-29-14, 03:39 PM	#3
razark Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,731 Downloads: 393 Uploads: 12	Sounds like a wonderful experience. Before too long, there won't be any left who can tell these stories, so I'm glad that you and he had a chance to share his memories. __________________ "Never ask a World War II history buff for a 'final solution' to your problem!"

05-29-14, 03:42 PM	#4
merc4ulfate DILLIGAF Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: florida Posts: 2,058 Downloads: 210 Uploads: 0	This past week I talked to a former PBM pilot who flew patrols over the south china sea, an infantryman who served in the recaputure of the Philipines and jumper from the 101 Airbourne who were nickednamed rakkasan by the Koreans(falling down umbrella men) known as the Angels from Hell. I love to hear any stories they may share. __________________ Self-education is, I firmly believe, the only kind of education there is. ~Isaac Asimov~ Mercfulfate 将補日本帝國海軍

05-29-14, 03:46 PM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,539 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Very lucky...tis many a year since I've met or spoken to a WWII vet __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

05-29-14, 03:59 PM	#6
u crank Old enough to know better Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Prince Edward Island Posts: 11,745 Downloads: 136 Uploads: 0	Nice going Armistead. Hopefully you'll get to talk to him again. __________________ “Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” ― Arthur C. Clarke