Saturday, March 7, 2009

1917-2009

After 91 years and a long battle with congestive heart failure, my grandpa died this morning at 6:00 in the hospital he has been in for the last week. It was not a shock but still shook us up pretty good.

I thought I would share a letter of commendation he received in 1943 while serving his country in WWII. I have left the names and numbers out.

The Commander __ Amphibious Force takes pleasure in commending (my grandpa) for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

"For outstanding courage and devotion to duty on 29 November 1943, as a member of Boat Pool __. The mission assigned to the Boat Pool on that date was the evacuation of a Marine battalion from an area some miles behind enemy lines. Despite determined and persistent attacks by enemy machine gun, mortar, and heavy artillery fire the mission was successfully accomplished without loss of personnel or boats. (my grandpa) throughout displayed a high degree of skill, courage and determination, and his performance of duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy.

My grandpa carried this in his wallet everyday of his civilian life and until Veteran's Day last year I didn't know a thing about it and either did my dad. I guess that shows his character.

Though he was a hard guy to take at times he will be missed by his family.

Until we meet again, here's to you grandpa.
Photobucket

© 2009 Wicked Pickles-Homefront Lines

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Sweetie, I am soooo sorry.

((((hugs))))

Unschoolers Rock the Campground said...

I'm so sorry.
What a great tribute that picture is!
You're in my thoughts.

me said...

My heart goes out to you. I lost my grandfather just one month after Kiddo was born so Kiddo never had the opportunity to sit on Grampa's knee and have him read 100s of books day after day like he did to me. In fact, it wasnt until Grampa's memorial service that we discovered Grampa never read to the other grandchildren - they didn't have the time. And they didn't know the stories of the brave Canadian soldier who stormed the beaches of Normandy and entered the concentration camps to help the survivors onto trains and trucks to a better life. Because they never took the time. And when he was gone, they were asking me. I am glad I listened because now, I have those stories to tell my son.

Scribbit said...

Oh I'm so very sorry! He sounds like he was a wonderful man.

Danielle said...

I am so sorry, Honey. I know how much he meant to you! My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Give your Mom my respects as well. Love you.