WT Forums

disclaimer: I'm 13 soldiers into a 12 pack and have switched to whiskey:

My grandfather died today at the age of 89. A soft spoken Irish American Hero who flew 30 missions with the 389th BG, Hethel, England in '43-'44 over Holland, Romania, Germany as the flight engineer/top turret gunner in a B-24. S/Sgt USAAC distinguished member of the original \"Lucky Bastards.\" 25 missions was the go-home ticket, but for reasons he never divulged, he flew 30. A humble and modest man he was. I verged on prying the info out of him on many occasion, but I never got it. I did, however, get many a hair raising story out of him about hung ordanance, flak damage, soiled underwear, collisions in the clouds, and frozen oxygen masks. Along with my Dad, I'll be writing the eulogy to be delivered on 07Mar07. My pen is sharp and tight. What words can honor such a man? They'll come, I'm sure.

Cheers/Sliante to all who have gone and go today.

We've lost another good one.

Parro, I'm not good at such things so all I can say is let the words come from your heart. Don't try to just tell what he did for his country but, what he meant to you and how he affected your life...that is just as important as his service.

Sorry for your, and the country's lost....

A great respect to your grandfather. I live in a country were he did one or more missions. And flying above the Netherlands in those days....respect!!

_________________
73-1664

_________________
\"Those who hammer their guns into plows
will plow for those who do not.\"
- Thomas Jefferson

Goose

As I see it he was the type of American that did what he thought needed to be done not for glory, medals he did not want recognition for deeds done. In my eyes I see a man that loved his country enough to put his own life on hold to do the right thing nothing more nothing less I would have to say to be layed to rest under the flag of the country he defended would say it all. Your Grandfather and all like him will be missed.

Like Dutchy said : Thank you old friend.

May your last flight be peaceful.

_________________
\"I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives\"