A Few of FR's Finest..Every Day..02-6,7-07..WW2: The War, The Era, The Monument, The FReeper Vets

February 6, 2007 | Dolly Howard

[DollyCali]

wow, 13 cousins who served! a great family of patriots! God Bless the memory of your dad for those who treasured his life!

[Warrior_Queen]

Thanks for the post Dolly, You're awesome and so is this thread!! Thanks also to our Fearless FReepers who gave me a good life in a Free country. I'm sad to say that my father and uncles served in WWII but I never thanked them. They didn't talk about their service much and I was too young and stupid to ask. They're all gone now, and I found out too late about their suffering and sacrifices.

My father was the youngest son and he enlisted at age 17. Since his brothers, my uncles, all saw combat the Army gave him an assignment as a clerk with the 523 Army Air Corps.


On my mother's side, her oldest brother Pat was a tank driver in Patton's 3rd Army. Her other brother, Uncle Joe, joined up with his best friend Frank on the buddy system and saw heavy fighting together. They were in the Battle of the Bulge, Frank got hit and died in Uncle Joe's arms. Uncle Joe never got over it and always kept a photo of Frank with him. Frank is laid to rest in Luxembourg:
**
Frank J. Chmura

ID: 33432841
Entered the Service From: Pennsylvania
Rank: Private First Class

Service: U.S. Army, 328th Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division

Died: Sunday, December 31, 1944
Buried at: Luxembourg American Cemetery
Location: Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Plot: B Row: 7 Grave: 54

Awards: Purple Heart
**
Sometime in the 1970s Uncle Joe went back to Europe and had his photo taken at the cemetery holding onto Frank's headstone. My cousin told me this story after Uncle Joe died, and also that she kept her promise to have a Cross of Lorain burried with Uncle Joe. I was awestruck hearing how these men in my family, who always seemed like just regular guys, endured so much pain, sacrificed so much, and then never acted like it was a big deal, left this world and I knew almost nothing of their bravery. It's in their honor that I got involved in HonorFlight.org;
I'm blessed to have the chance to say Thank You and make up in a small way for the chances I missed with my own family.
I strongly encourage people to help out this very worthy organization!!

[Grammy]

I think these men just set their minds to the fact that this project was secret, and that was it. Even when we told my FIL that books had been published and it was all in the open he wouldn't say a word. The sad part is I don't know what they did, other than in general terms.

My FIL was a ceramic engineer, and I believe was in NY doing research, perhaps with GE. I think his research was in how to keep glass bonded with wires even when the temperature differences wanted to make them separate.

My step dad was in telecommunications his whole career (started with Western Electric and at the end it was AT&T) so I don't have a clue what he did. I only know he was in New Mexico for a long period of time, and had a PO box for mail and got to call his wife at a specific time every week. That I know because his brother told us.

I wish they would have told us so we could have some history recorded. Even if they hadn't told us the work they were doing, at least they could have told us the conditions they lived in and the mood of the country then.

[Kitty Mittens]

Awesome Thread, Dolly! My Heart is Thankful to Everyone who has Sacrificed So Much for our Country.

[La Enchiladita]

That is now my favorite rose!! Thank you, Gracie.

[DollyCali]

Hi darlin!

aren't the roses beautiful?

I never really had a favorite rose but found myself drawn to those with some orange, & with the different textures.

[Temple Owl]

Terrific Dolly! Thank you.

[DollyCali]

oh my what a touching story about your Uncle Joe and his good friend Frank. my eyes teared up reading it & especially about the holding onto Franks gravestone when he visited again the area. If I ever get there (and I hope to) I will go to the grave & take the pix. This thread is for such remembrances & to keep those special people who would otherwise slip into obscurity as a real life person with real life stories.

It is such a shame that the love/friendship men share has to be vulgarized much too often with the liberal mindset.

I am sure your uncle felt part of his life slip away along with Franks. When you truly connect with someone you do merge in a way with mind, energy vitality etc..

thanks for sharing & glad you enjoyed the thread. I will FReepmail or email you later with some "thoughts" along the way.

Right now I need to do some "chores" here & catch a little sleep if possible, as I was up until about 5 last night & got up about 9 this AM

[DollyCali]

Thank you

any war stories on your end?

[DollyCali]

Thanks Kitty.. I agree. we take all for granted.. even those of us who CLAIM TO "GET IT" we truly cant even begin to grasp all the sacrifices the men & women have given over the years.

[potlatch]

Oh, thank you so much for pinging me to this LJ! You know how I love Yorkies. What a wonderful story and photo!

[DollyCali]

Thanks for the "wee hour" bumps.

so do you have some relatives with "stories" of WW2?

[DollyCali]

FReeper Heart of Georgia” buried her dad yesterday. He was a WW2 vet & she asked me to put something in regarding him. Here is the thread where she posted re: his passing & I have lifted various things from this thread for her tribute to him. He was her “dad” but he was more importantly her “hero”



My dad is Tech. Sgt. Burlin Ray Delaney,
July 12, 1927 --- February 1, 2007.

In looking through Dad’s military papers, I came across his discharge papers from the Army and Air Force. He served in the Army for two years, then transferred to the Air Force, where he served for the next 20 years. Anyway, I was reading the back of his Army discharge papers and couldn’t help but notice his accomplishments - in two short years of service:

33. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS
EAME Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star; Good Conduct Ribbon.



Also found this letter and wanted to share it with you. I'm sure all of the brave men and women received this letter, but I treasure it because it's from the White House, signed by the president in blue ink, paying tribute to those who deserved so much more.


(The seal of the President of the United States of America at center)

STAFF SERGEANT DELANEY

To you who answered the call of your country and served in its Armed Forces to bring about the total defeat of the enemy, I extend the heartfelt thanks of a grateful Nation. As one of the Nation’s finest, you undertook the most severe task one can be called upon to perform. Because you demonstrated the fortitude, resourcefulness and calm judgment necessary to carry out the task, we now look to you for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace.

Harry S. Truman
THE WHITE HOUSE



The service is behind us --- it was a wonderful tribute to a man so deserving, who is loved by everyone who knew him. The flag covering my dad was a beautiful reminder to me of the great sacrifice our heros make every day. We sang all the verses to "Amazing Grace" (a cappella), and since George Beverly Shea was my dad's favorite gospel singer, a recording of "I'd Rather Have Jesus" was played.

The minister spoke of Dad's life, and he read out of the New Testament that Dad carried with him during the wars. My dad gave me that little Bible when I was around 10 years old. He told me he had read it through, and that it was what kept him. On the inside back cover, he's written just like this:

P.F.C. HOWARD O. ROYAL
LIVED IN SYCALAUGA
ALABAMA

He was in the foxhole when his buddy was killed. He made some sort of a ring out something of his. My mom says it was his mess kit, but I don't remember what Dad said about it. Anyway, with all the moving around you have to do in military life, the ring was lost.

The minister also spoke of the foundations of this country, laid by our forefathers, of Judeo-Christian beliefs, and that they shouldn't be taken lightly.

Below are the lyrics to a song that my dear friend Kay sang just as beautifully as Janet Paschal does it:


Another Soldier's Coming Home,
written/composed by Janet Paschal

His back is bent and weary
His voice is tired and low
His sword is worn from battle
And his steps have gotten slow
But he used to walk on water
Or it seemed that way to me
I know he moved some mountains
And never left his knees

Chorus
Strike up the band
Assemble the choir
Another soldier's coming home
Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long
He'll battle no more
But he's won his wars
Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more
Sing a welcome song
Another soldier's coming home

Verse 2
He faced the winds of sorrow
But his heart knew no retreat
He walked in narrow places
Knowing Christ knew no defeat
But now his steps turn homeward
So much closer to the prize
He's sounding kind of homesick
And there's a longing in his eyes.

Chorus
Strike up the band
Assemble the choir
Another soldier's coming home
Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long
He'll battle no more
But he's won his wars
Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more
Sing a welcome song
Another soldier's coming home…


My dad will be cremated today, and interment will be at the new National Cemetary in Canton, Georgia. Dad will receive full military honors there on Wednesday, February 7, at 1100.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers for strength, your encouragement, and especially for the honor you've shown my dad. God bless you all.

Heart of Georgia

[Molly Pitcher]

Most excellent Dolly! Thanks for doing this. I so appreciate all this generation did for us, & just hope that we don't mess up what we've inherited.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Can anyone recommend a good all round book on WW2?

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Thank you, Mayor.

[DollyCali]

May God protect your precious ones...

Our Dear Father, creator and Lord of great love - we ask that you keep the men and women of our military in Your protective care. May the families be immersed with peace and comfort as they proudly know their loved ones are serving for the things that are dear to all of us. AMEN



Following are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to

Billie; Dutchess; DollyCali;
The Mayor; GodBlessUSA; Aquamarine

jackv...............................Son gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey.........................cousin mystery-ak...........son, husband Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew Diver Dave........niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..........................son weldgophardline.................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.......cousin WaterDragon............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law kimmie7......................brother LadyX (RIP)..............grandson fawn796......................nephew ValerieUSA..................2 sons Lakeside......................2 sons LakeLady....................nephew Spruce......................daughter Bykrbayb..........................son Leofl.................................son chena...............................son Hope and Glory..................son TheMayor...............friends'son Doug from Upland.......soninlaw homeschoolmama........nephew ariamne...................2 cousins mhking.........................cousin 911angelady.................2 sons Consort.................2 daughters Consort...................son-in-law gonzo...................friend's son Jen's Mom.................daughter Meg33......................grandson cookcounty......................son JFC............................nephew visualops......................cousin auboy..........................cousin painter........................nephew jrushing.............................son LoneRedRanger...brother-in-law Ladysmith.nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend MontanaCowgirlCop......brother nelibeli........................nephew Misty4jc.....................husband Colorado Slim..............nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews ProudAFDad......................son Alouette.............................son Katydidnt...........................son Zechariah_8_13....brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.............cousin PreviouslyA-Lurker........brother sheeza.......................husband kemathen7..................husband Q6-God..................twin brother Q6-God....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne..........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut...................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish........................active duty ODC-GIRL................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty veeceeque................active duty JRios1968................active duty NoLongerFreeState...active duty CMS........................active duty AlaskaErik...............active duty JemiansTerror...........active duty tongue-tied ..............active duty txradioguy................active duty OhioWfan................................son

ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew ak_daddoo........................nephew Dubya............................nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son Armymarinemom................3 sons american_ranger.....................son Himyar....................................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin boxerblues........................2 sons the piper..............................son Tiffee4Bob......................boyfriend TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son SilentServiceCPOWife........husband DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law Skimask.....................................son Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy........2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson Socratic.............................nephew freema.......................nephew, son Azbushgal..............................son kimmykay.................................son NavySEAL F-16........................son repubmom...............................son wolfcreek..........................daughter JesseJane ...........................cousin Roses0508..............................son pmmd81..................................son SoldiersPrayingMom.................son WakeUpandVote..................brother Skyraider.................................son CyberAnt...........................nephew mrs tiggywinkle...................cousin Nadine...............................nephew U S Army EOD.................daughter thehumanlynx...........brother-in-law Earthdweller......................nephew Scubachick.......................husband ChairmanDec19thSociety ..brotherinlaw Anthem............................2 cousins meanie monster .........family friend PragmaticWarrior..........2 nephews Sageb1...........................3 cousins JulieRNR21.........friend's grandson SuzyQue...mom,2 sons,3 brothers weeder1...........................nephew IndyPendance..daughter,soninlaw fatima.....................granddaughter Lori from Long Island....soninlaw monkeyface...................grandson redhead...................grandnephew gonzo............................soninlaw varina davis...................grandson Rivendell.......................daughter W.W.Smith...........................son vigilante2.....son, adopted soldier NavySEAL F-16....................son Jaxter...........................son-in-law USMCWife6869..............husband AgThorn & Lily4Jesus.............son 2ndDivisionVet..........brotherinlaw 2ndDivVet.....former stepdaughter GrandEagle........................friend DebWisconsin.................nephew Anne of DC............niece’s, husband

[DollyCali]

Can anyone recommend a good all round book on WW2?

maybe LS can help

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Thank you for the ping.

[La Enchiladita]

Yes, dear Dollykins. I also like roses with an apricot or peachy hue....ooooohhhhh......

Let's see, you might like Arizona Sunset. Can't post photos from here, maybe later.

The new Laura Bush rose is an orange-y color, I think.

Later, gals. Work is nutsy.