What war period did your father serve during and did he enjoy talking about his service?

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:00:17 -0400

My father served in the Korean War, but never wanted to talk about it - not until I was 20 years into my career. Then, all of a sudden about 15 years ago, he told story after story - and many were quite entertaining! I'm curious if it there is a relation to this behaviour and the war periods?

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made Jun 9 at 2015 4:07 PM

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:07:53 -0400

My grandfather didn't talk about his experience until after I graduated basic training and then he amazed me with his stories from WWII.

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jun 9 at 2015 4:10 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:10:06 -0400

My father was a Marine who fought in the Pacific during WWII. He rarely spoke about it and then only about landing on Iwo Jima.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 9 at 2015 4:20 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:20:31 -0400

My father was in the National Guard, but this was before Vietnam heated up and I don't think he was ever called up...but I guess it must have put a bug in my ear?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 4:21 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:21:45 -0400

Desert Storm, and OIF, and OEF. He doesnt talk about it, just as much because he can't talk much about it, as he doesnt like to. What he can tell us, he tells little of, and we dont push him. But he cant tell us much.

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made Jun 9 at 2015 4:35 PM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:35:07 -0400

My dad was in for Bosnia and Somalia. He never talks about what he did or the war, all he ever talks about from his military days are the funny stories like the pranks his friend and him pulled on each other and other people.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 9 at 2015 4:39 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:39:02 -0400

My father served in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat with the 25th Infantry Division. Unfortunately, he had a nervous breakdown after his 9 weeks in Battle Creek Michigan at the VA Hospital. That's what they called it then! He finally after all these years was able to talked about what happened that day. Here is what he told me: "I was just a PFC at the time and we were all dug in that night in our foxholes, it was cold and there was about a foot of ice and snow on the ground. We had gunnysacks over our combat over boots and several pairs of socks to keep our feet warm. We had seen action the night before and we took a lot of heavy fire and shelling. I was tasked with search and recovery of bodies that next morning. I made it about 15 feet from foxhole when I stepped on a "Bouncing Betty" and then I woke up on a transport plane headed for Japan! I was in country for 6 months caring a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle) the preferred crew served weapon of the time. I woke many a night talking out loud that I couldn't find a soldier's body part. That wasn't my first assignment to recovery lost soldiers, but it was my last for that war!" He told this to me on his 84th Birthday, just this May 2015. Hope you didn't mind me sharing his story!

That's a great statute at the Korean War Monumnet in Washington, DC of what my Dad was carrying - the BAR!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 9 at 2015 4:46 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:46:36 -0400

My father served during WWII, and also did not talk about it other then to say that boot camp was brutal.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jun 9 at 2015 4:50 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:50:07 -0400

Korean conflict but we never spoke about it.

Did not grow up with him around after I was 10 so the opertunity never really came up
He passed away just a few weeks after I finished OUST and went to Germany.

He knew I joined the Army but we never got to speak about our service nor did he get to see me serve throughout my career.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Jun 9 at 2015 5:05 PM

SGT John Wesley — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:05:57 -0400

My Father served in Vietnam and did 2 tours over there.

He did not talk about his time over there as he lost his best childhood friend over there. They enlisted together and pretty much went everywhere together.

He's just recently talked to me about funny stories, but nothing serious.

Response by SSG Lisa Rendina made Jun 9 at 2015 5:21 PM

SSG Lisa Rendina — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:21:07 -0400

Vietnam. He never talks about his time in the service.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 5:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:30:17 -0400

Korean War.
He didn't talk much about it.

Response by CPL Zachariah Chitwood made Jun 9 at 2015 5:31 PM

CPL Zachariah Chitwood — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:31:26 -0400

From what I know about him, he would have served during Panama, Grenada and Desert Storm. He was dishonorably discharged for punching an officer after completing BUD/S, or so I am told.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 9 at 2015 5:46 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:46:59 -0400

My father and all of my uncles served in WWII. My father rarely spoke of his service until the last year of his life. I learned more about Dad in that year than I had known the rest of my life.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 9 at 2015 5:53 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:53:50 -0400

Vietnam era, 1959-1962, US Navy, served on USS Greenwich Bay (AVP-41) a Small Seaplane Tender. He loved telling sea stories.

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Jun 9 at 2015 6:03 PM

CPL Eric Allen — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:03:10 -0400

My father was a jar head and served in Vietnam did get to meet or know anything about what he did or didn't do

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 9 at 2015 6:35 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:35:32 -0400

My Dad was horse cavalry prior to WWII, He fought in the Pacific in WWII as amphibious tanker. He retired as a CW4 in 74 a month after I was commissioned.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Jun 9 at 2015 7:22 PM

BG David Fleming III — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:22:58 -0400

Korean War! As others have already said, he didn't talk about it much!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Jun 9 at 2015 7:22 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:22:59 -0400

Vietnam War - Let's just say some of what he did didn't come out until he had grandsons to tell about it. My mom had no idea that we was actually in country as much as he was. PH Ledet Retired. Stationed on the Valley Forge at the time.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 9 at 2015 7:53 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:53:21 -0400

My father was in the AF during the 70's.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 9 at 2015 7:53 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:53:44 -0400

He was in the Reserves but not deployed during Vietnam. I get my share of AT stories!

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jun 9 at 2015 7:56 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 19:56:03 -0400

The end of WWII. To the best of my knowledge, he never spoke of it.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jun 9 at 2015 8:00 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:00:01 -0400

My father never really talked about his time in the Navy. But then he never really talked about anything. I am not 100% convinced he served at all. My grandfather however loved to talk about his time in the Army Air Corps. He served as a navigator on a bomber during WWII. He was one of those people who could tell a story that would draw you in. You still listened, even if you had heard the story multiple times.

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Jun 9 at 2015 9:14 PM

MAJ Bill Maynard — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:14:08 -0400

My father served in the USNR in the late 50s- early 60s. He liked to talk about his service. He did not go to combat, but sailed through a hurricane in the North Atlantic and was (like everyone else) placed on high alert for the Cuban Missle Crisis. Of course, that crisis was resolved without the massive call up that was planed. He enjoyed the Navy and spoke fondly of all the various duties and rigors of sea life, even if it was for only a few weeks at a time.

Back then, there was no USERRA. He planned on reenlisting, but his employer frowned upon his absences for Annual Training, etc. He was pressured not to reenlist to protect his job. Glad to see we have made some improvement in that area.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 9 at 2015 11:42 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:42:40 -0400

CMSgt Mark Schubert, my father served during WWII in the U.S. Navy from 1JUL43 to 26JUN46. When he was released from active duty he was a Lieutenant (junior grade).
My father told me all about his time in the service to include tracing his route to the South Pacific and back. He took many photos and he gave me his service file. He's still alive, but at the age of 93, he really doesn't remember much about his time in the service any longer. Fortunately, I questioned him and interviewed him many times. As a result, I was able to faithfully capture his time in the service which I've placed on Together We Served.
In the photo, my father is standing in front of the forward Welin davit on the starboard side of USS LST-78, where he served as the engineering officer.

Response by CPL Corey Aldridge made Jun 10 at 2015 1:37 AM

CPL Corey Aldridge — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 01:37:44 -0400

Both Korea and Vietnam and it was not until recently that we really talked about his experiences

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jun 10 at 2015 2:18 AM

SPC William Weedman — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 02:18:53 -0400

Dad served in the Navy 1961-1963, and his ship USS Ingraham (DD-694) was deployed to the blockade for the Cuban Missile Crisis. He told me about chasing a sub across the Atlantic that they never knew if it was friend or foe, they lost it in the Azores. He told everyone the funny stories about shore leave and places he visited. After I enlisted he told me about the brief marriage he had due to loneliness and some of the scrapes he got in to including a Captain's Mast (Article 15) for insubordination. It seems Ensigns do not like frozen beef thrown at them when they are micromanaging their sailors...

Response by SGT David D. made Jun 10 at 2015 3:22 AM

SGT David D. — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 03:22:32 -0400

My Father did not serve in the armed forces, he did serve in the Merchant Marine during both the Korean war and the Vietnam war, I do not believe he left the U.S coastal waters during the Korean war, because he worked on coastal tugs, but during the Vietnam he made at least one trip hauling beans bullets.
My Step-Father served in the 2nd Armor Div. during the Korean war, they were stationed in the town of Baumholder in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate West Germany, Thirty years later, give or take, I was assigned to A CO. 8th CAB, 8th INF DIV stationed in the town of Bad Kreunach also in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate West Germany, about forty miles east of Baumholder.

Nether one said much about their experiences, although they both expressed dismay when I was recalled to active duty during Desert Storm, they both felt I had already did my duty. but I volunteered to go anyway.....Just to be clear I never left CONUS, but I did volunteer, and I have copy of my movement orders....they were canceled

Response by SGT Toby Vado made Jun 10 at 2015 7:24 AM

SGT Toby Vado — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 07:24:57 -0400

Vietnam but wouldn't talk about it until after I went to Iraq.

Response by PO2 Barry Baker made Jun 10 at 2015 8:03 AM

PO2 Barry Baker — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 08:03:17 -0400

My Father did not serve. First he was born in 1940. He always said that he wanted to serve but got in too much trouble in the late 50's with the law. (no prison though)

Anyways. I always thought he was full of it until I was later shown the pictures of my Father with tears in his eyes when I graduated boot camp.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Jun 10 at 2015 9:13 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:13:57 -0400

Army Korea never spoke of it while i was young. past away when i was young.

Response by SGT William Howell made Jun 10 at 2015 9:22 AM

SGT William Howell — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:22:26 -0400

My Father served during Vietnam, but was stationed in Germany. When I was at TAD at Fort Knox my father drove down to see me. I actually stayed in the same barracks that he went to boot camp in.

Both of my Grandfathers were in WW2. One was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked and the other was sitting in a boat when they dropped the bombs on Japan. I never heard stories until I had joined the service. I don't think I would have understood them until I had a little time under my belt.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jun 10 at 2015 9:41 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:41:39 -0400

My step dad USAF no conflicts
My real dad USMC Vietnam never talked about it other than I hope I never have to kill.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 10 at 2015 9:42 AM

SGT Rick Ash — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 09:42:23 -0400

Dad didn't get to go, he was employed by a Defense Prime Contractor but my wife's father was an artillery "loader" of some of the BIG cannons. Actually had one foot with broken bones that healed wrong because of the heat of battle. Never did get to find out what ship he was on. Most importantly, they both served.
NOTE: Dad & a great friend of his got called in one night for an emergency. They painted an X-15 (inert) which hangs to this day in the main lobby of the Smithsonian Museum for Space & Aircraft. I have seen it every year when we do our annual D.C. trip.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jun 10 at 2015 11:12 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:12:15 -0400

My dad was in the Army between Korea and Vietnam (1950's sometime). I know he was stationed at Ft Ord, CA. I know that at one point, a military movie was being filmed there (d&c, marching, etc) and he was not allowed to participate because he could never remember his Left from Right..... He got to stay back in the office. He did a 2 year tour, think he was released early for returning to college. He volunteered before his draft number came up. Other then that, he has never really talked about his Army days. Not sure if this is because he didn't enjoy it, wasn't proud of it, doesn't have "stories"....not a clue. I am quite sure that, for him, this was a tiny insignificant blip on his life story.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 10 at 2015 11:15 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:15:59 -0400

My Dad was born in 1907 so he was 34 in 1941. A bit old for Basic Training.
He was a Design Engineer with Chrysler Proving Grounds at the time and went to Washington and met with with the Navy Department to see about a SeeBee commission. They told him what he was doing was vital to the war effort and told him to go home and keep it up.
He later was one of the Design Leads for this little item you might recognize...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 11:32 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:32:54 -0400

My grandfather served during WWI as a Combat Engineer. I had no idea he had any type of military service. It was not until I was stationed in Korea and came home on mid tour leave that actually sit down and talked a little bit about it but not much. When he spoke about it all he said was 2 years, 2 months and 2 weeks. I did not understand it then but I do now. It was not until he passed some years ago that my grandmother had his picture and mine side by side on her dresser in front of the mirror and I asked was that daddy and she replied that is why you were so special to him and I. It still shakes me to this day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2015 12:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:26:54 -0400

My father is a Vietnam vet and has only talked of a few experiences. Still tough for him. Especially now as a retiree with all that free time on his hands.

Response by SSG Mike L made Jun 10 at 2015 5:11 PM

SSG Mike L — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:11:38 -0400

my father served during WW I I .....he was a nazi hunter behind lines and learned the language and different dialects to do his job ....he never spoke of his job or the things he had seen and done ....he stayed in until after Korea and went to national guard to end his military service. ...when I went into the military and was sent to fight he sat me down and explained to me the things that I would see and have to do. ....it's the only time he spoke in great detail about it and has never again. ...my father and like every other veteran gave there souls for this country and believes with every ounce of his being in it .....Thank Dad , I love you

Response by SP5 R D Barnett made Jun 10 at 2015 5:46 PM

SP5 R D Barnett — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:46:12 -0400

My father served in WWll,Army--my Mother served in WWll,Air Force, they told as much as i wanted to hear.

Response by PFC James Franklin made Jun 10 at 2015 9:50 PM

PFC James Franklin — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:50:22 -0400

Enlisted in '88, but he was active until '92 when he got out. He always talks about his three years in Germany, but occasionally he'll chime in with something from Iraq while he was Guard.

Response by SCPO Aurora Ruckman, MBA, CPhT made Jun 10 at 2015 10:16 PM

SCPO Aurora Ruckman, MBA, CPhT — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 22:16:48 -0400

My father served in Vietnam. He never spoke of his time there, even after I was deployed to Iraq; he still didn't talk about Vietnam

Response by PO3 Chooee Lee made Jun 11 at 2015 6:15 AM

PO3 Chooee Lee — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 06:15:41 -0400

WWII, Killed flying "The Hump" 8/7/1945 MIA for 28 years, remains finally found in the jungle. Buried in Arlington.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 11 at 2015 6:24 AM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 06:24:56 -0400

My Dad, LTC David Arnold (Infantry) (Retired) served in WW2, MAG Greece after the war, and in the occupation of Germany and Japan, from 1941 to 1961. He was in the 10th Mt. Division in WW2 and a few years after. He was the Recon Platoon Leader for the 87th Mt. Infantry all thru WW2. He turned down promotions to Captain to stay with the recon platoon because he liked it and the Regiment's commander liked him there. Once when I was young, about 10, and was looking at his war recon tools, brass knuckles, knife, I asked him, did you really use these? He gently said, what do you think? I knew the answer. In my youth, it was hard to reconcile the loving father I knew with the steely eyed warrior that I knew he once was.

In the picture he is on the island of Kiska. The 87th went there to chase off the Japanese, but the Japanese had left secretly before the 87th got there. Later the 87th went to Italy and were in the 10th when they broke the German lines in the Apennine Mountains. Dad and the men of the 87th earned a Pacific and a European campaign medal.

Many years after he retired in 1961, we had a conversation. He said that Infantry branch called him prior to his retirement and asked if he would go to a place called Viet Nam to run MAG Viet Nam. They offered him promotion to O-6 and command. Thinking O-6 was one of the greatest goals in life, I asked him why he did not take it. He said something like, there are more important things in life and that he wanted to settle down and raise a family. I'm so glad he did.

Response by SGT Lyndell Jay Parks made Jun 11 at 2015 12:52 PM

SGT Lyndell Jay Parks — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:52:01 -0400

my father was flat footed and was refused enlistment 2 times....... but he would have been Vietnam era

Response by SSG Jeff Binkiewicz made Jun 11 at 2015 4:04 PM

SSG Jeff Binkiewicz — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:04:10 -0400

VIETNAM - NEVER MINDED SPEAKING ABOUT IT.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2015 4:13 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:13:39 -0400

My father served in Vietnam, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. He never spoke about his deployments to me growing up but after I joined we constantly talk about the military overall.

Response by SGT Jason Weisbrich made Jun 11 at 2015 11:20 PM

SGT Jason Weisbrich — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 23:20:11 -0400

My father was a Vietnam veteran, and I heard very little until I signed on with the Army and was deploying to Iraq. Dads always protect their kids from the dirty side of life as long as they can.....

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jun 12 at 2015 3:36 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 03:36:17 -0400

My Dad graduated HS in June of 1942, turned 18 November 1942, shipped off to basic January 1943.

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Jun 14 at 2015 12:16 PM

SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 12:16:19 -0400

My father was in Vietnam 68-69 with the 101st ABN. Didnt say much till after I came home from Desert Storm, then it was comparing notes with him and another vet who did the jump with the 173rd ABN BDE while on leave after I got back.
Interestingly neither one of us say much about either war now.
We both retired though. Me from active and my father from Guard/Reserves. War experience didnt stop us from continuing on.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Jun 15 at 2015 12:55 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:55:15 -0400

My old man did 2 tours in Nam, the only thing he has ever told me was that getting out of the Army was the worst thing he ever did.

My mom told me he used to wake up screaming and choking her for years after he got back.

I joined the Army to understand why someone would say what he did yet woke up night after night and doing the things he was doing.

15 years in I understand that but he has never mentioned much of anything about actual combat experiences. The only thing he ever told me was that some LTs never came back from patrol.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Jun 16 at 2015 9:57 PM

SSG Jason Neumann — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 21:57:55 -0400

Father was in the service during the early 70's who was stationed in Germany as a mechanic. His father served in WWII (I have his uniform) with E co 502 INF jumping into Normandy as an Infantryman who also had an additional skill, spoke German fluently. Father didn't talk much except for the drinking and partying; didn't speak much about his father since he passed away when my father was young.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2015 6:53 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 18:53:16 -0400

Vietnam. my Father never spoke of his experiences during Vietnam until I returned for my second tour in Afghanistan. He surprised me by being at my welcome home ceremony, & said "I was never greeted home, & will never let you experiance that feeling of emptiness."

Response by SFC John Trujillo made Jun 18 at 2015 7:59 PM

SFC John Trujillo — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 19:59:47 -0400

I always got to jump on Menton Day because my dad was stationed in Canada during Vietnam.

Response by Cpl John M Dutrow made Jun 18 at 2015 9:14 PM

Cpl John M Dutrow — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 21:14:17 -0400

Dad Navy Ww2 mom Army WW2 .I was home for 20 years before my dad showed me his purple heart lets that was when I was 42 years old Mom never said anything.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 19 at 2015 10:21 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 10:21:09 -0400

My father served during Korean and Vietnam wars. He went in Navy and came out Air Force some 20+ years later. He did some secret squirrel stuff and a lot of that was classified so only a couple of good stories. He rarely talks about any of his combat experiences however he has told me a couple of good ones - A couple of F-4's were scrambled out of Alaska to intercept a boogie, one of our SR-71's. It was having an engine problem which was common. As the F-4's were approaching the pilot of the SR-71 gets the engine to fire up and goes full throttle. At the time the F-4 was our fastest plane and it was smoked by the SR-71. As one of the pilots was convinced he had just seen a UFO my father had to debrief the F-4 pilots as to what really happened and that mums the word. My wife's father also served in WWII. I never got to meet him. However him and all four of his brothers signed up - out of the 5, 4 came home. They never talk about any of the military service ever.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2015 7:38 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 07:38:46 -0400

Helo pilot in Vietnam. After he came back from his second tour he opted to move to CA rather than come back to his family so I didn't see him much. When, I did he never spoke of the war. To be fair, he didn't say much when I was around so I suspect he was ashamed at having walked out on his responsibilities.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jun 26 at 2015 7:44 AM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 07:44:05 -0400

From Vietnam to 28 years of faithful service.

One story we talked about the attempted rescue of the Iran hostages.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 2:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:39:20 -0400

My father never served. My grandfather was in the Army Air Corp and later USAF from 1941-1963 until he retired. He never talked about it and took his experiences to the grave. He passed in 2001 and was the biggest role in my life and my inspiration for joining up.

Response by SPC Anne Miller made Jul 6 at 2015 8:47 AM

SPC Anne Miller — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 08:47:47 -0400

My father served post WWII in Aschaffenburg, Germany. Because it was not actually wartime, he has a sense of not having really served where all his brothers were actually in active combat both in WWII and Korea.

Response by SPC George Adkins made Jul 6 at 2015 7:49 PM

SPC George Adkins — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 19:49:33 -0400

My Father didn't serve. being born in 43 put him in between conflicts for the most part. having a high draft number due to marrying and having children early played a role as well. A total of 5 of my Great Uncles were lost during WWII on my dad's side. I am sure that played a role in his not volunteering. On my Mom's side, two of her brothers served (USMC and Navy.) Her father (my Grandfather) served twice in the Army (beginning in 1929 and again in 42.) He holds the distinction of being the only person I've ever known to be thrown out of Army twice (first time, too young, 2nd time for being too old.)
My wife's family (all of Mexican descent) have served almost universally. My FIL was drafted into the Army during Vietnam. His BiLs (my wife's uncles) all served in the Army as volunteers including one as a POW.

Response by CPL Joseph Montgonery made Jan 11 at 2016 5:52 PM

CPL Joseph Montgonery — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 17:52:49 -0500

My father did 3 tours in Vietnam between 1966 and 1972. He never talked about his time in until we were both members of the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) He talked a little about his experiences but most he was mum on the subject. I watched him break down watching "We Were Solders". He silently bore his burden until the day he passed away in 2011. Yet he used those experiences to help other vets who were having a hard time dealing day to day. As a service officer who had degrees in psychology, sociology, and human resource development after he retired he used his experiences positively. I recognized PTSD and he periodic had flashbacks. (Like when we were standing in the dining room while Heartbreak Ridge was playing on tv. When Clint Eastwood find off the AK47 we. Otherwise immediately dropped and we tastes laughing as we looked at each other under the dining room tale on the floor. I guess you could say that although he never talked about it much at all we both knew what the other went through.
When he passed away at the hospital my mother and I saw this look of total terror come over his face as he laid in ICU. I immediately knew what was happening as I had seen the look before. I turned to my mother and said that he lived through the horror of Vietnam and he didn't need to do so again. She just nodded her he and yes you're right it's time. Being a military wife and I a military son we knew what dad would have wanted and it was up to us to fulfill his wishes. As I informed the rest of the family my mother informed the staff that it was one to pull the plug and let him go.
He touched many many lives and his strength flows still but the silent warrior I will always remember because he bore that burden with strength and honor because his country had required it of him. RIP 1ST BILLY MONTGOMERY 2011. Vietnam 66-67, 68-69, 70-71

Response by PO2 John Crutchfield made Jan 28 at 2016 4:16 PM

PO2 John Crutchfield — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:16:23 -0500

My father was a combat pilot in the Pacific during WWII. Served with the 345th Bomb Group. He never really talked about individual missions or personal things, but did talk strategy/ideas. However, he did talk about his time at Kelly Field and Altus, OK.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 28 at 2016 4:44 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:44:25 -0500

CMSgt Mark Schubert The Korean War - not after many years did he really every speak to me about it. He told me to keep mouth shut when I went to Basic Training. First time I listened to him after turning 15 years of age! He was wounded and suffered from PTSD his entire life and he is still here today at the age of 85. He will talk to me about it now, but can't remember anything about that day they were on patrol in the dead of winter and stepped on a bouncing betty landmine. He just remembers waking up on a transport plane headed for Japan and getting another shot of morphine. He also remembers getting busted from Corporal back to PFC for sneaking off base to go downtown to a bar prior to getting wounded. He talked about it after the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam and how when they went into villages they didn't have correspondences and they will level a village with crew served weapons before entering because the civilians were killing Americans.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jan 29 at 2016 1:44 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:44:24 -0500

My father served in WW2 as a cook in a tank outfit he always felt sorry he did not go overseas as the war ended before his unit was called up. I was very surprised how proud he was of me when I came back from Vietnam.

Response by PO3 Chooee Lee made Feb 4 at 2016 3:25 PM

PO3 Chooee Lee — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:25:05 -0500

My dad was a Flight Engineer on a B24 in the CBI during WWII. His plane was lost on his second mission 08/07/1945. The plane and remains of three of the crew were found in the jungle in 1973. They are buried in a common grave in Arlington.

Response by MSG James Crowell made Mar 18 at 2016 7:37 PM

MSG James Crowell — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 19:37:49 -0400

my dad was a West Point Grad in the summer of 1950 he was station in Korea a week before the war started by a week end he was a Maj the second highest ranking person in his Ret at the time he retired out of the Army with the Rank of Col (P)

Response by CPL Joseph Montgonery made Mar 24 at 2016 9:47 PM

CPL Joseph Montgonery — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 21:47:44 -0400

My father served from 1956-76with 3 combattours tovietnam. A combat engineer reserved I. Could try from 65-66 68-69, and 71-72. He never talked about his time that much but silently and efficiently went about helping other vets as a service officer with the DAV. With a Bs I ychology and a master's I human resources development be tirelessly helped vets u til nisdeath at 71 in 2011. I followed his lead as a service officer, unit commander, and state commander of the national order of Trench rats. His quiet service guides me in what I do today.

Response by PFC Barry Parker made Sep 15 at 2016 2:58 PM

PFC Barry Parker — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 14:58:13 -0400

My dad's father was born in 1890 he served in WWI and WWII. He played a pretty big roll in the start of the Army Air Corp. My twin uncles on my father's side both served in the Army in Korea as Engineers. My father served in the Air Force as Camera Maintenance for 3 or 4 tours in Vietnam. My uncle on my mother's side served as an Electrician in the Navy during the first Gulf War. I enlisted in the Army in

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 21 at 2016 5:41 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 17:41:51 -0400

My father was an Army Air Corps pilot during WWII. I have no idea what his rank was or where he served or what he flew. He was never willing to talk about any of it. My step dad was a Coast Guard BM1 during WWII although during the war they were attached to the Navy. Her never wanted to talk about the war either. I know that he served in Europe, N. Africa, Iceland and off the US coast. I only know that because I read some of his paperwork after he died and he had a little box full of medals and ribbons. All of my uncles served in WWII and one was an Army Warrant Officer who was killed in Europe. I have no other information about any of them either. My uncle's death was why my mother and grandmother were so against me being in the military. Most of my parents generation from our small town served but none wanted to talk about it. Most acted like it never happened. While not actually in the military my mother was an Army civilian who worked at the San Jacinto Ordinance Depot outside of Houston.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 21 at 2016 9:31 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 21:31:38 -0400

WWII my dad was a cook in some armor outfit that never went overseas,he did relate some stories about how he tried to make the meals in his mess hall the best he could with what they gave him to work with,always admired him he did not have to enlist too old with all kinds of dependents immigrant family,said he owed it to the Country those depression people had the right way of looking at things I think.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 22 at 2016 1:16 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 13:16:18 -0400

My father never got to serve. After the U.S. entered WWII, he went to join but they turned him down. He was farming, milking cows. They told him he was needed there instead. I did have family who was in the Battle of the Bulge. It was great talking to him, especially after I did a Battle Staff Ride to the Battle site. We talk for some time about his tour there. Later his daughter talked to me and said it was one of the only times he ever talked about his service, when we talked.

Response by PO2 Donald Walsh made Apr 25 at 2017 7:16 PM

PO2 Donald Walsh — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 19:16:51 -0400

My father served aboard the USS Maury DD-401, as forward AA Gunner in the battle of Midway during WWII. His recollections of this battle were horrific and haunting for him. Two recollections I remember are: He remembered the rough seas during the battle and the bow of the ship dipping below the water where there were many navy men scattered in lifeboats. He recalled attempting to rescue a man in a boat during one of his ships bow's dip into the water but missed and the ship crushed the man and his lifeboat. His second recollection during this battle was himself being hit by debris from the tail of a Kamikaze plane shot down in its dive toward his ship. I wish I had the opportunity to hear more of his stories but at the time I got to visit with him he had suffered a debilitating stroke which made it even more difficult for him to talk about his experience.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 21 at 2019 11:27 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Tue, 21 May 2019 23:27:58 -0400

My father was a draftee in Ww2. Bombardier. Came out a drunk. As soon as my mom got pregnant from me and my brother he was gone. Come to find out my brother is my half brother. I only met him once. Santa Monica pier. When I was 8. Bottom line you can pick your friends but not your family.

Response by PO1 Richard Nyberg made May 22 at 2019 12:45 PM

PO1 Richard Nyberg — Wed, 22 May 2019 12:45:41 -0400

My Dad served at the end of WW2 and was in the Occupation force in Germany, served through the Korean War but never went and served into the Beginning of the Vietnam War and retired in 1967 while I was in Vietnam

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made May 22 at 2019 4:19 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Wed, 22 May 2019 16:19:16 -0400

My Dad was in WWII in the Marines. He was with the 2ed Raider Bn. He did not talk much but if the old B&W movie Gung Ho was on TV he would stay up all night to watch it and point out thing that where not exactly right. He was on the Argonaut for their 1st raid. Here is the sub coming into Pearl Harbor after the raid.