As some of you know my grandpa died about a week and a half ago, He was a veteran of WWII. We just got this letter in the mail and it really made me think, so for all you vets and pro-military, pro-americans, read on. I will rewrite it best as I can read it:
Since I find it impossible to attend this memorial service for my friend and Army buddy, I wanted his family to know that you have lost a truly dedicated combat veteran from WWII in the services of our country in the south pacific for about 40 months.
Tom and i with many other Cleveland boys went to Camp Shelby, Miss. in early February, 1941. We were shipped overseas in early 1942 as members of the 140th F.R.B. 37th infantry division from the state of Ohio. We would land on the Fiji Islands in early 1942 to stop the Jap advance toward New Zealand and Australia. When we went into combat it was on the islands of Guadal Canal, Russel Islands, New Georgia, Bougainville, and on the original beach head of Lazon, Phillipine Islands on Jan 9th, 1945. Tom had some harrowing experiences on New Georgia when he and part of his forward liason group were caught in a Jap campsite for 3 days and hiding under a hole under a large fallen tree until the Japs moved on.
I thought you, his family should know these things sice Tom's daughter Sally indicated to me that you did not know of his bravery under fire. We will be sending Sally some pictures and have taken steps to let Tom's friends know if his death.
Unfortunately we are a vanishing breed with great love of our country but are unable to truly show the respect we have for one of our own."
Since I find it impossible to attend this memorial service for my friend and Army buddy, I wanted his family to know that you have lost a truly dedicated combat veteran from WWII in the services of our country in the south pacific for about 40 months.
Tom and i with many other Cleveland boys went to Camp Shelby, Miss. in early February, 1941. We were shipped overseas in early 1942 as members of the 140th F.R.B. 37th infantry division from the state of Ohio. We would land on the Fiji Islands in early 1942 to stop the Jap advance toward New Zealand and Australia. When we went into combat it was on the islands of Guadal Canal, Russel Islands, New Georgia, Bougainville, and on the original beach head of Lazon, Phillipine Islands on Jan 9th, 1945. Tom had some harrowing experiences on New Georgia when he and part of his forward liason group were caught in a Jap campsite for 3 days and hiding under a hole under a large fallen tree until the Japs moved on.
I thought you, his family should know these things sice Tom's daughter Sally indicated to me that you did not know of his bravery under fire. We will be sending Sally some pictures and have taken steps to let Tom's friends know if his death.
Unfortunately we are a vanishing breed with great love of our country but are unable to truly show the respect we have for one of our own."