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Maggie’s And Then There Were None
- Thread starter Badfinger
- Start date
May that Marine Rest in Peace. I am sorry to hear that he passed. There are very few of the Frozen Chosin left. I am seeing fewer and fewer of the WW2 and Korean vets here at the clinic. I pray it is them just skipping appointments and choosing to stay at home due to protect themselves from the China Flu. Regardless of my personal opinions of the COVID this group of very elderly medically compromised individuals are at the highest risk if they contract it. Good news is some of them have had it, kicked its ass, and are right back to being their stoic, crotchety selves.
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Damn it. Another of our WW2 vets has passed. 98 years old and I have known her since I was young. An Army nurse who served in Europe. She continued in nursing at our local Hospital until it closed. She poked a lot of holes in my ass but always smiled and asked "do you want the round or square needle". I wish I knew more.
Edit to add
I spoke to her daughter this afternoon and she told me that Carol was just out of nursing school when she volunteered and was in Europe from 1943 to 1945. Carol told her daughter that the worst conditions she experienced was during the Battle of the Bulge. Tents with little heat, close to the front line and having the hospital tents strafed by a German plane one day. She was 98 years old and passed due to complications from the Covid virus. Brave woman.
Edit to add
I spoke to her daughter this afternoon and she told me that Carol was just out of nursing school when she volunteered and was in Europe from 1943 to 1945. Carol told her daughter that the worst conditions she experienced was during the Battle of the Bulge. Tents with little heat, close to the front line and having the hospital tents strafed by a German plane one day. She was 98 years old and passed due to complications from the Covid virus. Brave woman.
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Passed in his sleep yesterday.....Would have been 99 Years old in two weeks.
He still lives as my kids will be able to say when they are 98 years old...."I had dinner with a Guadalcanal Marine."
He still lives as my kids will be able to say when they are 98 years old...."I had dinner with a Guadalcanal Marine."
An old pastor told me that when the Germans opened up with their 88's on the first day he lay in a ditch for hours wondering if he would survive. He said that after that nothing worried him too much. I expect that is a story you could hear repeated by a lot of guys.
BG DICARLO Obituary (2021) - Newton, MA - Boston Globe
View BG MARIO DICARLO's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.
www.legacy.com
BG MARIO (MA) DICARLO
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DiCARLO, BG (MA) Mario Of Newton, passed away peacefully at home on December 29th, 2020 just shy of 99th birthday. Husband of the late Gertrude ?Mac' DiCarlo his loving wife of 69 years. Beloved father of James A. DiCarlo and his wife Mary Lou of Littleton and Suzanne M DiCarlo of Newton. Cherished grandfather of 7 and great-grandfather of 15. Uncle to many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews and touched by to many dear friends to count. Mario DiCarlo was born 18 January 1922 and lived in Newton Centre, Massachusetts for most of his life. After graduating from Newton High School, he was employed by Raytheon where he worked on radars. Despite his classification as an essential defense worker, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps in May 1943.
After completing basic training at Paris Island, SC, he was assigned to Camp Lejeune, NC. In April 1944, he arrived in the Pacific Theater and was assigned to the 3rd Defense Battalion as a radar technician on the island of Guadalcanal. DiCarlo was honorably discharged in April 1946.
He then attended the Stockbridge School of the University of Massachusetts on the GI Bill and was awarded an associate's degree. DiCarlo then joined his five brothers and formed the DiCarlo Construction Company that completed hundreds of construction projects in the greater Boston area. Mario was also the owner of a summer theater in Framingham and WHOB radio station in Nashua, NH.
He also had time for volunteer service as a state militia officer. In 1964, he joined the National Lancers, the official state ceremonial cavalry squadron. In 1997, he was promoted to colonel and assumed command of the National Lancers. The Lancers reenact the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes on Patriots Day. Colonel DiCarlo played the role of Paul Revere on several occasions. In 2002, in recognition of his many years of service to the Commonwealth and in making the National Lancers an outstanding unit, he was promoted to the grade of Brigadier General in the Massachusetts Organized Militia.
General DiCarlo was a board members for many years of the Hundred Club, an organization that supports the families of fallen police officers and firefighters. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the Naval Presidential Unit Citation and the Massachusetts Medal of Merit.
Mario exemplified honor, courage and commitment in everything he did. His many achievements are a testament to the incredible work ethic, true moral compass and deep family values that he held so dear. His legacy will live on in all the people he held so warmly under his wings.
A private burial and memorial service has taken place. We look forward to celebrating his life well lived post-covid with a gathering of friends and family. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Massachusetts National Lancers at 3 Welker Way, Bellingham, MA 02019 or The Hundred Club of Mass at 17 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA 02115.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Boston Globe from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10, 2021.
My father passed this am at age 89.
He's on the far right (nearest) SFC, Korea. Pic taken coming home, dated 1953 Chicago.
He qualified expert rifle and was shipped off to Korea. When they found out he could type quite well, he was moved off to a staff role.
Graduated with a PhD law, Ohio State, married 62 yrs. I'm going to miss him, we spent a couple nights a week playing scrabble.
He's on the far right (nearest) SFC, Korea. Pic taken coming home, dated 1953 Chicago.
He qualified expert rifle and was shipped off to Korea. When they found out he could type quite well, he was moved off to a staff role.
Graduated with a PhD law, Ohio State, married 62 yrs. I'm going to miss him, we spent a couple nights a week playing scrabble.
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This thread brought back memories of my grandfather. He served at Bastogne, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944. He later served as a member of the Honor Guard for General Dwight Eisenhower at the United States Forces European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany with the 82nd A/B Division. He was a bad ass that would have whooped me even before he passed at 91. He got his black belt and karate in his late 60s, and was at the gym nearly every day of the week in to his late 80s.
He never talked about his time serving, ever, except once. He and my brother were out driving around and he opened up to my brother about it, he talked for hours and my brother just kept driving while he talked. He recorded it all on his phone, but I didn't get to hear it before his phone broke and lost it forever. I have some pretty cool mementos and great memories from time spent with the man. I have a pretty cool officers dress bayonet [that I was told] he snagged at Kehlsteinhaus.
He never talked about his time serving, ever, except once. He and my brother were out driving around and he opened up to my brother about it, he talked for hours and my brother just kept driving while he talked. He recorded it all on his phone, but I didn't get to hear it before his phone broke and lost it forever. I have some pretty cool mementos and great memories from time spent with the man. I have a pretty cool officers dress bayonet [that I was told] he snagged at Kehlsteinhaus.
Sorry for your loss , hand salute and much respect ...may he Rest In Peace !
I wasn’t military, but the story is pertinent.
There’s a 400lb guy comes into my job bragging about his PTSD from serving, I have quite a bit of experience dealing with guys like that as I used to help a few buddies out when they were going through flashbacks and al(Vietnam and Afghan vets)l. So I start talking to the guy and he’s talking about his service, turns out he was a supply clerk.
On the flip side I’ve met Marcus Luttrell and worked with some guys who’ve really seen some shit. They don’t have to really tell you anything just the look on their faces says a lot, and unlike the clerk they don’t say a lot generally.
My grandfather was US Army, anti-aircraft and infantry, in Germany, WWII. He rarely spoke of things he saw, in combat. Over the years, I picked up that he saw friends die, killed the enemy, helped liberate a concentration camp, among other things he would mention. He did not understand PTSD and would scoff at soldiers that claimed to have it. He knew what shell-shock was, and believed it to be a temporary condition, like having a cold. I think that was a characteristic of his generation. His attitude was that you do what you have to do, regardless of fear, pain, or discomfort. I've never been in combat, so I don't know. He passed away, in 2006, at 94 years old. I was nick-named, after him and miss him terribly.
Powerful thread guys, thanks for sharing. I grew up across the street from a vet who drove Higgins boats in the Pacific and then in Korea. Him and his wife would babysit me sometimes. He took life with a cool calm demeanor, even when dealing with someone else's hyperactive kid. I used to clean up their yard and take out the trash for them. He gave me a pellet rifle and a zippo ("for when I started smoking"). I still have both and wish I could talk to him as a grown man.
I recently found the attached youtube channel and have spent hours listening to WW2 vet stories. It's worth checking out. Thanks again!
I recently found the attached youtube channel and have spent hours listening to WW2 vet stories. It's worth checking out. Thanks again!
My great uncle served in WWII. He will be 102 years old next month. It's a miracle he is still here. He was shot all to hell by a German machine gunner. Hit seven times, he crawled several hundred yards to the cover of an irrigation canal. A local farmer found him the next morning. The cold water probably saved his life by slowing the blood loss. He trained state side as mounted calvary. However, the Army deemed it too expensive and horses as obsolete by the time he shipped out. He's still pissed that he had to walk all over France. He was one of 5 brothers. Four ended up serving. One was my grandfather who ended up serving in Japan after the bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. He died fairly young from lung cancer, have to wonder... Another brother died in France and is buried there. The draft made GI's out of many farm boys. God bless our veterans!
I worked with a nice man, Ed Roarke, who survived the Bataan death march. When he spoke of his time in WWll, I listened in awe. He said the Japanese were brutal and he was beaten and treated horribly by his captors. He talked openly and often about how they were liberated. His brother was Hayden Roarke - Dr. Bellows on I Dream of Jeannie...
My other grandfather used to tell me stories about his neighbor Tom. Tom was drafted and served in WWI. He was a little different. When he returned home to the farm, he built a fort out of rocks on a high ground built partly into the hillside. It had a well inside of it and a steel door with gun slots. Same with the shutters over the windows. It still survives to this day. He didn't trust banks and stored money in Mason jars buried all over. Folks say he only spent money on guns. He had a massive store of ammo. He never went anywhere without his 1911 and usually only after dark. Tom did not have a car. Once, he asked grandpa for a ride to town to see the dentist about a bad tooth. They pulled up in front of the dentist office, Tom pulled his .45 out of his pants and tells Pappy maybe he outta leave it in the car. Pappy says, "Jesus christ, that's the one place a guy needs it!" One of his descendants has that old 1911, he claims Tom brought it back from the war. I was fortunate enough to look it over once. It's serial number 6 hundred something. It's still fully loaded just like Tom left it, only 1 shy from when he shot himself. It's very unfortunate. Back then they didn't speak about the things that happened in war. He was a very joyful, happy young man growing up. That's not what returned home. I have several friends that served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Make sure those that need help get it. Check up on them.
Norwood had a what they called a moderate stroke in late October. Of course that did not keep him from voting in person in November as the news video shows. I will always remember fondly the day I was chosen to go to the airport in Lawton Ok. to pick him up. Truly a Great American
98-year-old veteran casts ballot in Virginia Beach, with a little help
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — 98-year-old WWII and D-Day Veteran Norwood Thomas Jr. made it his mission to make it to the polls Tuesday night. Last week, he suffered a stroke and now must use …
www.wavy.com
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Sixth of June - For Your Consideration Best Documentary Short — Sixth of June Film
Watch "Six of June," an awards contender for Best Documentary Short at the 93rd Academy Awards. Sainte-Mère-Église was ground zero on D-Day. For 75 years, people of all countries, races and faiths have gathered to commemorate those whose sacrifice changed the world. With few veterans left
www.sixofjune.com
Pee Wee Martin Happy Birthday
www.nbcnews.com
Celebrating the ‘greatest generation’: Re-enactment marks 100th birthday of WWII veteran
Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s unit, a part of the regiment famously portrayed in the acclaimed HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers,” first saw action behind enemy lines on D-Day.
www.nbcnews.com
Last surviving marine of the USS Indianapolis dies aged 96
Edgar Harrell, the last surviving Marine from the U.S.S. Indianapolis attack in July 1945 died on Saturday at the age of 96, according to the ship's official Facebook page.
I have one Great Uncle still alive. He will be 91 in September. He's still doing pretty good, runs a dozer to do some things on his property, just recently used a walk behind roto-tiller on his very sizable garden.
He was in the Navy during WW2. He volunteered for every raid he could. His brother was Army and a POW. He took on all those raids, many of which were to liberate POW camps, in search of his brother. He never really says much about what he had to do but he still carries a Browning Hi-Power everywhere he goes and I am quite certain that he is VERY adept with it to this day.
He was in the Navy during WW2. He volunteered for every raid he could. His brother was Army and a POW. He took on all those raids, many of which were to liberate POW camps, in search of his brother. He never really says much about what he had to do but he still carries a Browning Hi-Power everywhere he goes and I am quite certain that he is VERY adept with it to this day.
We lost a dear friend and veteran of WW2.
REV. JAMES L. ROSE
Reverend James Lester Rose, 97, of Piqua joined his Lord and Savior at 9:20 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Jim served with the United States Army during World War II as a B-17 Crew Chief. He attended Vocational School at age 17 in Paintsville, Kentucky and at WPAFB studying aircraft radio and electrical components. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and attended aerial gunnery school. He was among the top ten of six hundred students and was rewarded with a special flight on the B-17. He survived being shot down on his first mission - his damaged aircraft was escorted by Tuskegee Airmen, barely landed in friendly Poland; was picked up by a Russian pilot; and eventually returned to his unit where he continued to serve past war’s end. He was decorated with the American Theatre Medal with 3 stars, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation.
God bless and God's speed Jim!
REV. JAMES L. ROSE
Reverend James Lester Rose, 97, of Piqua joined his Lord and Savior at 9:20 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Jim served with the United States Army during World War II as a B-17 Crew Chief. He attended Vocational School at age 17 in Paintsville, Kentucky and at WPAFB studying aircraft radio and electrical components. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and attended aerial gunnery school. He was among the top ten of six hundred students and was rewarded with a special flight on the B-17. He survived being shot down on his first mission - his damaged aircraft was escorted by Tuskegee Airmen, barely landed in friendly Poland; was picked up by a Russian pilot; and eventually returned to his unit where he continued to serve past war’s end. He was decorated with the American Theatre Medal with 3 stars, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, and Presidential Unit Citation.
God bless and God's speed Jim!
Yep. I was just thinking that most of MY friends are gone and Im just shy of 72.
That was like getting 'woke'.
Interesting this pops up today...
I spent the afternoon at a memorial for my friend Mario that passed in January. WWII USMC vet I met while pulling him over for speeding.
Knew him approx 10 years.
He was the head of Massachusetts organized militia unit The National Lancers.
The Lancers put on a great show of horsemanship and honored their old commander well.
So pissed I forgot my camera.
I spent the afternoon at a memorial for my friend Mario that passed in January. WWII USMC vet I met while pulling him over for speeding.
Knew him approx 10 years.
He was the head of Massachusetts organized militia unit The National Lancers.
The Lancers put on a great show of horsemanship and honored their old commander well.
So pissed I forgot my camera.
- Nov 3, 2010
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Can’t believe I missed this thread. My Gandfather on my moms side was in WW2. I was too young to really get into the weeds with him, but I always seen his Purple Hearts sitting on the tv stand way in the back. My grandmother placed them there and I think they both forgot about them. He was shot twice, but I never knew the details. To be honest, I don’t think any of his kids do either. All I ever seen him do was smoke hand rolled cigarettes on the front porch. Knowing what I know now, I’m not sure I’d be able to actually bring it up if he were still alive. Some things are better left alone, usually the person with the story is the best judge of that I think.
"sadly"....might be a gift depending....
Thats true, like what Russian soldiers did to her at age 11 in "East" Germany, her family's "midnight" run through holes in barbed wire to West. She fasted for 3 days for Hillary not to win...she had her memory then. She still has a copy of the Constitution she received when naturalized in her wallet. Despite being barely alive, in Biden-level throws of dementia, and literally doesn't remember where to defecate, she has enough brain cells left to appreciate that whats going on is disgraceful.
MIL is in same shape but her memories were less traumatic. Tough watching her struggle to understand whats happening.
Your Mom sounds like a tough woman. Sucks she has to suffer a horrible disease that takes the mind while the body is strong. She has been through enough.
This needs to be posted:
Obituary for Edward D. Shames, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2021.
Ed was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 13, 1922, to the late David and Sadie Shames. In August, 1942, Ed was called to duty in World War II. During the war, he was a member of the renowned Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division now known globally as the “Band of Brothers.” Ed was involved in some of the most important battles of the war. He made his first combat jump into Normandy on D-Day as part of Operation Overload. He volunteered for Operation Pegasus and then fought with Easy Company in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne. Ed gained a reputation as a stubborn and very outspoken soldier who demanded the highest of standards from himself and his fellow soldiers. He not only earned the respect of his men, but was recognized by command for outstanding leadership and on June 13, 1944, he received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. This made him the first non-commissioned officer in the Third Battalion to receive a commission in Normandy. In Germany, he was the first member of the 101st to enter Dachau concentration camp, just days after its liberation. When Germany surrendered, Ed and his men of Easy Company entered Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest where Ed managed to acquire a few bottles of cognac, a label indicating they were “for the Fuhrer’s use only.” Later, he would use the cognac to toast his oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah. Ed was the last surviving officer and oldest surviving member of the “Band of Brothers.” On November 6, 2021, the American Veterans Center at its annual Veterans Conference and Honors program gave a final toast to Ed and presented him with the distinguished Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Wings of Valor Award.
After the war, Ed worked for the National Security Agency as an expert on Middle East affairs. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve Division and later retired as a Colonel.
Ed was preceded in death by his devoted and beloved wife, Ida. They had a beautiful and loving marriage for 73 years. They traveled the world together making lifelong friends. Ed is survived by his beloved family: his sons, Steven (Linda) and Douglas (Ilene); his grandchildren, Sarah (Matthew), Samuel (Holly), Aaron (Rachel), and Rebecca (Anthony); and his 12 great-grandchildren.
Obituary for Edward D. Shames, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2021.
Ed was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 13, 1922, to the late David and Sadie Shames. In August, 1942, Ed was called to duty in World War II. During the war, he was a member of the renowned Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division now known globally as the “Band of Brothers.” Ed was involved in some of the most important battles of the war. He made his first combat jump into Normandy on D-Day as part of Operation Overload. He volunteered for Operation Pegasus and then fought with Easy Company in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne. Ed gained a reputation as a stubborn and very outspoken soldier who demanded the highest of standards from himself and his fellow soldiers. He not only earned the respect of his men, but was recognized by command for outstanding leadership and on June 13, 1944, he received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. This made him the first non-commissioned officer in the Third Battalion to receive a commission in Normandy. In Germany, he was the first member of the 101st to enter Dachau concentration camp, just days after its liberation. When Germany surrendered, Ed and his men of Easy Company entered Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest where Ed managed to acquire a few bottles of cognac, a label indicating they were “for the Fuhrer’s use only.” Later, he would use the cognac to toast his oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah. Ed was the last surviving officer and oldest surviving member of the “Band of Brothers.” On November 6, 2021, the American Veterans Center at its annual Veterans Conference and Honors program gave a final toast to Ed and presented him with the distinguished Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Wings of Valor Award.
After the war, Ed worked for the National Security Agency as an expert on Middle East affairs. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve Division and later retired as a Colonel.
Ed was preceded in death by his devoted and beloved wife, Ida. They had a beautiful and loving marriage for 73 years. They traveled the world together making lifelong friends. Ed is survived by his beloved family: his sons, Steven (Linda) and Douglas (Ilene); his grandchildren, Sarah (Matthew), Samuel (Holly), Aaron (Rachel), and Rebecca (Anthony); and his 12 great-grandchildren.
Lt. Col, Robert Chisolm 82nd Airborne WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Wounded in all three wars. Died at 96 years old. He was born June 23,1925. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 -1971. Three awards of the CIB
news.yahoo.com
WWII, Korea, Vietnam veteran retired Lt. Col. Robert E. Chisolm dies at age 96
Retired Lt. Col. Robert E. Chisolm served the nation in three wars; he died Tuesday at the age of 96.
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3 wars, 409 combat missions
RIP, Sir.......
www.nytimes.com
RIP, Sir.......
Charles E. McGee, Honored Tuskegee Airman, Dies at 102
In three wars, he flew a total of 409 combat missions. “We shattered all the myths,” he said of the accomplishments of Black pilots in World War II.
This was a wonderful post and nearly brought a tear to my eye. As well, my grandfather too fought in the Ardens during the Bulge, and throughout France. As a little kid, I would ask him what it was like? He would reply with sullen eyes, and his usual mild mannered tone, "it was a tough time for me, and my friends" His words were simple, but carried immense gravity. In that battle his feet had frozen so bad that Allied doctors wanted to amputate them, however a French doctor intervened, and had a nurse inject saline every hour into them to revive the almost necrotic tissue, the procedure ended up saving my Grandfathers feet. Till the day he died, my Grandfather had to wear wool lined boots during the harsh Montana winters, as the cold was so painful for his feet. I, along with most Americans today could only but dream of matching my Grandfathers integrity and strength. My Grandfather, along with your acquaintance were truly amongst the greatest of generations.
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Heading up to see my grandfather within the next week or so. He's 99, fought with Patton the entire war, then Korea, then 1yr in Nam as he was career. The day he turned 18 he joined. Praying I get many more years with him.
God bless them all!
God bless them all!
MG John K. Singlaub
RIP
en.wikipedia.org
Another Thread in " Bear Pit" by Maggot with a different link. Well done
www.snipershide.com
RIP
John K. Singlaub - Wikipedia
RIP
John Singlaub, American commando and leader, dies at 100 https://www.sandboxx.us › blog › john-singlaub-americ... 2 days ago — Major General (retired) John Singlaub passed away aged 100. A special operations legend, Singlaub fought in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam.
www.snipershide.com
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Since it's back up.
My dad died about 10 years ago, aged 96.
Navy vet, WWII, south Pacific.
Best memory I have is from when I was about 4-5 years old and we were at the beach. He puts me on his shoulders and then swims out past the breakers, around a bit, and then back in.
To this day it still floors me......I mean how ?
I dare anyone to strap 40-50 lbs on their shoulders and go swim about 1/2 mile.
I can't do it and wouldn't even consider trying.
Tough old fucker.
My dad died about 10 years ago, aged 96.
Navy vet, WWII, south Pacific.
Best memory I have is from when I was about 4-5 years old and we were at the beach. He puts me on his shoulders and then swims out past the breakers, around a bit, and then back in.
To this day it still floors me......I mean how ?
I dare anyone to strap 40-50 lbs on their shoulders and go swim about 1/2 mile.
I can't do it and wouldn't even consider trying.
Tough old fucker.
My father was in the navy from 1926 to 1956. I remember my mom helping him pack his sea bag during the Korean War. His brother served in the Army and we were told it was with Merril's Marauders. My Father in Law was in the Marines and was on Okinawa. My mother's brother was in the Navy and didn't come home. He was the Helmsman on a Destroyer off of Okinawa and which was hit by a kamikaze which hit the ship and then parts of it hit the bridge and you know what happened then.
Les Cruise 82nd Airborne
This is a tough one
Dan McBride SGT. F Company 502 PIR 101st Airborne. Normandy, Holland, and The Bulge passed away on Feb.16,2022 at 97 years old. Three Purple Hearts. Truly a Great Man. I will miss him
Dan McBride SGT. F Company 502 PIR 101st Airborne. Normandy, Holland, and The Bulge passed away on Feb.16,2022 at 97 years old. Three Purple Hearts. Truly a Great Man. I will miss him
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Joe Rielly died Feb. 20,2022 at just short of 101 years old
HQ 3rd Batt. 501 PIR 101st Airborne
Normandy, Holland, Bastone, and Germany
A life well done
RIP
HQ 3rd Batt. 501 PIR 101st Airborne
Normandy, Holland, Bastone, and Germany
A life well done
RIP
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Hey, what ship was he on? My pop (dads side) was there too on the SS Santa Fe. He was in some big fights including IWO. He wouldn't talk much about the war for pretty much my whole life, but when I was started in my career and he was about 83 or 84, and my grandma had been gone for several years, he finally started telling me about it.
Just took my 2 boys to see my maternal grandfather Saturday for his birthday, who was a belly gunner in the Air Force the last 1-1/2 of the war. He was just a teen then.... He's 96 now. 2 of the finest men I could ever know.
canman,
Thank you for the post about Mr. Joe Rielly passing on 20-Feb-22.
RIP Mr. Rielly.
ms gamboolgals father, Mr. J.L. Beam was also in HQ 3rd Batt. 501 PIR 101st Airborne !!
Mr. Beam was with the original bunch at Toccoa, GA and was in all of the fights all the way thru the war. He was never wounded
I would spend hours visiting with him about growing up as he was one of 7 children to a Widow of a Sharecropper in East Texas. They were Grapes of Wrath poor.
Flying in to jump at Normandy, Mr. Beam said the sky was lit up by German gunfire and all he wanted was out of the plane.
Mr. Beam said that he had utmost respect for the German Soldiers and that they were excellent soldiers and would kill you in the blink of the eye.
He would not talk of the killing. About the closest he came was to say that he could not explain what happened to him as he could not explain or believe it himself and yet it happened to him.
He did say that he had a pencil shot out of his hand, and that he had all his webbing gear shot off of him.
He also said that the Slave Labor the Germans used for making munitions saved many lives as dud rounds landed by him on several occasions.
He said that at Market Garden there was lots of Brit bodies in the river from upstream where they got shot up by the Germans real bad.
At Bastogne when the weather cleared on Christmas Day (I believe?), he said the American planes was turning the German Tanks over with bombs.
Mr. and Mrs. Beam started taking our son to 101st Reunions when our son, Jeffrey, was about 6 years old and they went to them for the next 7 to 8 years or so. And the old soldiers would treat Jeff like a king and would talk to him for hours. What an experience for our son to meet those men.
Sadly, we lost Mr. Beam in 2008.
I miss him sorely as he was a father to me.
Mr. Beam is pictured in the lower right in the photos of members of the 101st.
The one of him alone is from Nuremberg where he was on Eisenhower's Honor Guard and also he escorted many of the Nazi's to and from the Trials and some of them to the Gallows.
He had 3 brothers in the war. One was in the 10th Mountain and survived the war. Another was in Army in Europe and was shot thru the head and left for dead - but his Lt. liked him and so he had the men to bring John back and put him in the dead pile - but John was alive and lived to be a old man with a glass eye, a bullet in his brain and he married and had a job and family and lived to be a old man. The baby brother was in the Navy and was at Okinawa and some of the other islands and he said the Kamikazes killed many sailors.
I will raise a glass and toast Mr. Joe Rielly, Mr. Beam and all the Veterans of all the wars tonight.
Thank you for the post about Mr. Joe Rielly passing on 20-Feb-22.
RIP Mr. Rielly.
ms gamboolgals father, Mr. J.L. Beam was also in HQ 3rd Batt. 501 PIR 101st Airborne !!
Mr. Beam was with the original bunch at Toccoa, GA and was in all of the fights all the way thru the war. He was never wounded
I would spend hours visiting with him about growing up as he was one of 7 children to a Widow of a Sharecropper in East Texas. They were Grapes of Wrath poor.
Flying in to jump at Normandy, Mr. Beam said the sky was lit up by German gunfire and all he wanted was out of the plane.
Mr. Beam said that he had utmost respect for the German Soldiers and that they were excellent soldiers and would kill you in the blink of the eye.
He would not talk of the killing. About the closest he came was to say that he could not explain what happened to him as he could not explain or believe it himself and yet it happened to him.
He did say that he had a pencil shot out of his hand, and that he had all his webbing gear shot off of him.
He also said that the Slave Labor the Germans used for making munitions saved many lives as dud rounds landed by him on several occasions.
He said that at Market Garden there was lots of Brit bodies in the river from upstream where they got shot up by the Germans real bad.
At Bastogne when the weather cleared on Christmas Day (I believe?), he said the American planes was turning the German Tanks over with bombs.
Mr. and Mrs. Beam started taking our son to 101st Reunions when our son, Jeffrey, was about 6 years old and they went to them for the next 7 to 8 years or so. And the old soldiers would treat Jeff like a king and would talk to him for hours. What an experience for our son to meet those men.
Sadly, we lost Mr. Beam in 2008.
I miss him sorely as he was a father to me.
Mr. Beam is pictured in the lower right in the photos of members of the 101st.
The one of him alone is from Nuremberg where he was on Eisenhower's Honor Guard and also he escorted many of the Nazi's to and from the Trials and some of them to the Gallows.
He had 3 brothers in the war. One was in the 10th Mountain and survived the war. Another was in Army in Europe and was shot thru the head and left for dead - but his Lt. liked him and so he had the men to bring John back and put him in the dead pile - but John was alive and lived to be a old man with a glass eye, a bullet in his brain and he married and had a job and family and lived to be a old man. The baby brother was in the Navy and was at Okinawa and some of the other islands and he said the Kamikazes killed many sailors.
I will raise a glass and toast Mr. Joe Rielly, Mr. Beam and all the Veterans of all the wars tonight.
Woody Williams, last living MOH recipient from WWll has died.........
RIP Marine........
en.wikipedia.org
RIP Marine........
Hershel W. Williams - Wikipedia
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Such bravery, heroism and sacrifice. Few people today can even comprehend the depths of these men's fortitude.
