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Re: We lost 

By: nacl01 in 6TH POPE | Recommend this post (1)
Fri, 08 Dec 23 3:37 PM | 22 view(s)
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Msg. 48119 of 58511
(This msg. is a reply to 48112 by Beldin)

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Thanks to all for their condolences (and stars).

Your father-in-law‘s story is amazing. Glad he made it thru.

My father-in-law didn’t see combat. He joined the navy late in the war and was never deployed over sea. (‘WWII vet’ includes those who served as late as 12/31/1946.) But his brother was seriously injured in Europe (spent a month in the hospital). He would never talk about his experience but, for the next 75 years he went to the basement during thunderstorms.

Yes, those who have served deserve our thanks and respect.

nacl




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The above is a reply to the following message:
Re: We lost
By: Beldin
in 6TH POPE
Fri, 08 Dec 23 5:02 AM
Msg. 48112 of 58511

I am sorry for your loss. That generation is all but gone, now, and the world is worse off for it.

My father-in-law, like yours, fought in WWII. I have great respect for him and the sacrifices he endured. He was a B-17 captain flying out of England starting in 1943 to the end of the war. Let's just say it was amazing that he was able to survive his tour of duty - two of his co-pilots sitting right next to him did not. He was about 10 years older than your father-in-law. He already knew how to fly before the war, so he volunteered for the Air Corps. Like most, he envisioned himself flying fighters, but he was too tall for the more confined cockpits of the fighter planes - so, he ended up piloting a B-17 bomber. Most of his crew members were 18 and 19-year-olds, so they called him "Pops" - 'cuz he was OLD - in his mid-twenties!

My condolences to you and your family, and even though he is not around to hear it, I add my very sincere thanks and gratitude for his service. 


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