Passing of a neighbor

Today we had visitation of a neighbor of mine. He was 76 and I've lived in this rural area 26 years so I knew him long time. He was a marine but until I read the obit and saw the pics did not know he was a lance corporal and celebrated sharp shooter. Sure we liked guns but he never shared his talent, including all the medals I saw today or anything from the past. He farmed , we played with our 8n's drank some beer. His wife said he never talked about the accomplishments in the service. I viewed a book from long ago in San Diego stationed there with lots of pics of him shooting. He was a marine no doubt about it if you knew him but humble as well. Rip Bill

you described typical heroes , That Really are GREAT AMERICANS... this country was blessed with a lot of them , who baptized their shed blood all over the planet... Dad never wanted to talk about his life in the south pacific taking island by island in amphibious tank,.. what they endured and survived marked them all the days of their life, my Parents were married in Nov . 45 ,their wedding pix shows Dad has his right arm in a sling , I recall a 4th of july family celebration ,when dad and his brothers, cousins had a little too much to drink , theywere all up in the barn , and aunt Elsies husband, in tears, started telling and sobbing about his war dramas , and how he still sees their dying faces in his mind,. Dad and uncle Bill was one of those that told him to keep it in , and not to talk about it ,,if you do , it revives and keeps those memories alive .. . that was back in the late 60s ...veitnam was in full swing . and Elsie's son was over there..And My cousin did come back ... today there are older guys around me that went to 'nam ..,I remember they left as a hi -school kid , and came back very different,, quietly , I used to worry if I would be able to serve and survive , after I would graduate hi -school in 1975, I was sure to go military ,, but it ended , and I met a great gal ,drove nails , truks, tractors,cows , and hogs, and made money ,, thanx to those guys that served , and Dad ,, Lets All remember VETERANS DAY

While attending my Uncles funeral, I concluded that he was probably the greatest man I ever had the opportunity to know. He was a Marine and was almost killed by a grenade in Korea's Chosen Basin Battle.
He still had some shrapnel in his arm. My Aunt said that she did not know why he had three welders, but he did. People in their neighborhood did not throw any thing away until Uncle Gerald declared it to far gone. He offered some ice fishing equipment to me but I turned it down because I have not gone in years. I wish now that I had accepted it just because it was his.
SDE

And to add the Vietnam traveling wall is in our area through Veterans Day. I've seen it and found a cousins name on it. Weather folks say nice forecast I hope lots come out to visit and show respect this weekend. Bless all of you who served.

I served 20 years. The high light of my career was serving as an instructor teaching young newly commissioned officers tank tactics! that's really about all I brag about! I was a great job and I think I got to leave my mark right there, at least for the next 20 years or so! I don't talk about the other stuff at all!

Sorry for the loss of a friend. I just found out today that a long time family friend, god parent to one of my kids has passed. I know just how you feel.

Rick

My dad passed about 2 weeks ago and I knew he was in the army. He never talked about being in the service to us kids. The only thing he said was they brought this new tank to his squad once and they told him it couldn't get stuck
, he said 2 hours later they had it stuck and took 3 days to dig it out.

I'm moved by what I've read above! Thank you all and God bless you all! I'm almost 72, still a Marine, a Vietnam vet, and mad as H*ll that troops are being sent to Africa!

My road must have a jinx. Over half the residents in the past 37 years have gone on to greener pastures, both shes and hes. One that used to really tease me when I moved out here was a B24 pilot in the S. Pacific and his younger brother a sergeant in the infantry serving in Italy for the same war. I did my time and made it back after 9 years. Had to make a decision as the next enlistment meant you were over the hill and were going to be a lifer. I got out and one of the best things I ever did; just in time.

Paralyzed Vets of America, 7 Mill Brook Rd.,Wilton NH. 03086-9576 is my favorite charity and has been since 1995. If you need one this one can't be beat. Look em up as they have one heck of a program for the cause.

Mark