[Nando Aqui]

Hello,

I am working on project involving the M1 Garand rifle and its role in the European theater during WWII, and wondered if there were any veterans here who would be willing to contact me, preferably by e-mail, but U.S. mail would be fine as well.

I can assure you that what I am after is very simple and would require but a few minutes.

Thank you!

Alex

[swingcatt]

Alex, unfortunatly there are fewer and fewer of the "Greatest Generation" everyday. I have lost three WW2 Vets that were very close to me in the past 2 years. One was a Infantryman in Europe, one was a AAF Radioman (gradnfathers) and the last was a tank commander in Africa (neighbor). I still have access to a Signal Corps Tech that served in Europe (wives grandfather) and a Marine that served in the Pacific (friends dad). Neither are "on the email" though, so are there any questions I can ask them for you?

SC

[Bostonterrier97]

My Great Uncle Afred passed away 3 weeks ago, he used to be a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator during WWII.

[MarkDido]

>>My Great Uncle Afred passed away 3 weeks ago, he used to be a tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator during WWII<<

Hey Boston,

My father-in-law flew B-24's in Europe as a radioman and attends the Bomb Group reunion every year. Amazingly, 7 out of the 10 members of his crew are still alive and still make the reunion!

[cratz2]

Last one in our fairly extended family passed away in 1996 - the wife's grandfather, a mechanic in the Navy in the Pacific. Every one of my grandmother's brothers was overseas somewhere during the war as was her husband. Six of 'em (plus her husband)... they could have been the Ryan brothers times one and a half!

Luckily every one of them made it back but most received a purple heart. They were Tennessee boys raised by killing their dinner and all signed up to go kill some Germans or Japs, politically correct or not... we like to think they served us well. ;)

[Ian Sean]

My dad was infantry in Korea, carried the Garand through that hell, used it on the Army shooting team in the early 60's as well. Does this help or is your question WW2 specific?

[BenW]

My dad and uncle are both WW2 vets. Unfortunately they were in the German military, so the only info they could provide you was what it was like looking down the wrong end of a Garand barrel.:D

[Nando Aqui]

I'll be more specific:

I would really appreciate if a WWII veteran could write a few words to my grandson Kyle, who is 12 years old, and has become quite a WWII historian. Kyle has the highest admiration for those who fought in WWII.

Kyle's dad, my son Derek, just spent seven months in the Middle East with Iraqi Freedom. He is a CW3 in the Army, and a BlackHawk pilot. He also spent seven months in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a US Marine. Derek is stationed in Germany, and has taken his family to many historical places throughout Europe.

Kyle has been reading books about WWII since he was nine years old. Last year, he wrote a poem in honor of those who fight for freedom, and was inspired while visiting the Luxembourg National Cemetery and Memorial. (I will post Kyle's poem in the General forum.)

Kyle hopes to some day be an astronaut and then a General (!) He recently won a leadership award, and I would like to further encourage him.

For Kyle's 13th birthday, I plan to give him an original M1 Garand (already located one), and together with the rifle, I would like to give him the subject note. I know that Kyle would be thrilled and very motivated by such a note from a WWII veteran.


That's all - -

Alex

[GLOCKT]

I'd like to change the subject matter and Salute all the WWII vets we see daily and hear from ocassionally here.
I know HollyWood makes these battles more glorified or Politically correct,but from the moveis and the books I've read from 1 (peace-time 1980-1984)vet to another a Grand Salute!

[euclid]

EVERYONE should visit and read to info from this site:
Veteran's History Project (http://www.loc.gov/folklife/vets/about.html) .

It explains how one may record and preserve the living history of those that fought for our freedom in WWII or any other war, for that matter. A friend and I have recorded video and audio interviews from:

B17 waist gunner
B24 waist gunner
rifleman from the European theatre
P-51 fighter ace (flew with Yeager)

These guys actually THANKED US for conducting the interview because they felt like their story was going to die with them. We let them know, very quickly, that it is US that thanks THEM for their service.

Finally, we send all of our interviews to the Library of Congress so future generations can view them for research.

In 10 years they will all be gone and we are the last generation that lived and breathed with them so we owe it to them and to ourselves to get off our collective ??? and document and preserve their contribution to this thing we call "history".

Offically off soapbox.

[Kaylee]

given that the conversation has drifted rather quickly from the M1 in particular to WWII vets in general, I'm moving this over to General Discussion. You'll prolly get more traffic that way anyhow.

And everyone.... say another "thank you" to your relations and buddies from another kid for me, eh? :)


-K

and PS.. anyone who wants to start a thread over in Rifle Country on the M1 in the European Theater, feel free. (hint hint)

[resmeth]

I am an immigrant from England. My Grandfathers fought in the big one, and many great uncles died. Thank god for them and all those who fought for what is right. You will be eternally in our prayers. Never forget what these fearsome men fought for, it is still in peril today.

Molon Labe

[telewinz]

I'd luv to hear some of the stories you could repeat from your father and uncle.

[12.7x99mm]

I have one uncle left, hes 77 and not getting any younger. Whats the national average on WWII vets that pass away everyday? I know its a large number.

[280PLUS]

:(

previously posted but my great uncle fought the japs in new guinea and never talked about it to anyone. he's gone now, too.

the best thing your son could do is visit the local senior centers and homes, thats where youll find a few of them.

and most would enjoy the company...

m

[dinosaur]

I just found out that the local tailor is a WWII Vet. His only action was on D Day when his tank destroyer was blown up and he got burned over most of his body.

He turns 77 this month and he looks no more than a very fit 60. He has his own business and works at it full time. He`s a little guy but if you look at him closely, he`s in better shape than men half his age. He reminds me physically of when I was 25. :what:

These guys deserve our utmost respect. So do the people who lived through that era and thought nothing of the sacrifices they made. Try doing that today with the whiners we have. :barf:

[Monte Harrison]

For Kyle's 13th birthday, I plan to give him an original M1 Garand (already located one), and together with the rifle, I would like to give him the subject note. I know that Kyle would be thrilled and very motivated by such a note from a WWII veteran.Nando, that is great! :) If someone did that for me, even today at 39 years old, I would be beyond thrilled!

[Nando Aqui]

Monte -
I know what you mean. I would have given ANYTHING myself to have received anything like that when I was that age.

Until not that long ago I still had several friends who had served in WWII. Just recently, one of my closest friends, from my R/C club, a WWII Army Air Corps fighter pilot, passed away. My first boss was a WWII Army vet; one of my good friends at work had been a US Marine serving in Europe, and two of my wife's uncles served in WWII. But now... they are all gone... and it is very sad.

I would give anything to be able to have Kyle spend even a few minutes with a WWII vet, but my son Derek (Kyle's dad) is stationed in Germany... perhaps some day - but it'll have to be soon...

For now, the best I am able to do is to try to get a few words in writing and an autograph for Kyle from a WWII patriot. This will live and be cherished forever.

Alex

[Ed Straker]

Be sure to add one of those posters that says, 'The M-1 Does MY Talking!'

My dad commanded a boat in the Normandy invasion, could have told you what a German 88 could do. He passed away in '86; Said precious little about the war.

[Ed Straker]

Oh - Here's another WWII story. Knew a Marine who fought in the Pacific. Told stories about sharing his sleeping bag with snakes, not voluntarily, because they were attracted to one's body heat.
Anyway, he owned a gun shop, and one day the conversation turned to the then impending 'assault weapon' ban. He told me that with those 1903 Springfields, 'We assaulted the HELL out of them!'

[Bowlcut]

If my step grandfather was a little better health wise Id get him to write something but hes spending 3 days a week in dialissis(?spelling). Great old man. Want to say he was in the navy in WWII.. Hes like 86 now or something. A hoot to be around, great sense of humor even being as sick as he has been.

Wish I had some stories from my grandfather but he died when i was like 8 or such. All we have left is a few items that dad got away from my grand mother. She had Parkingtons disease, and sold some of his stuff cause she thought she needed money. But cant blame her for it it was her mind leaving her. Right now one of my most treasured items I have is a picture of my grandfather with 2 of his friends in his Army uniform infront of the great piramid during his tour in the middle east. We have a german stilleto that he got off someone somewhere thats about all I know from that. Im about to go home and get his favorite winchester .22lr bolt action rifle and possibly the ithica 20 guage feather light pump shotgun since dad says i would enjoy them and he doesnt shoot them.

Hard to see some of these guys going now...so much could be learned from them

[winwun]

Nando, my regular Thursday shooting buddy is on the VFW Honor Guard, and I will ask him tomorrow if he knows anyone who could fill your requirements.

[Nando Aqui]

Winwun - that would be greatly appreciated!

Ed - the poster is a very good idea; I'll try to find one.

Alex

[Leatherneck]

NandoHe is a CW3 in the Army, and a BlackHawk pilot. He also spent seven months in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a US Marine. I'm so sorry about your son's demotion.:D

Only kidding, Nando--I just HAD to say that! BTW, my son-in-law is a W2 Blackhawk pilot, presently serving unaccompanied in Korea. We do get into a few Army/Marine discussions.

TC
TFL Survivor

[Nando Aqui]

Leatherneck -

I appreciate what you mean. Both my sons were Marines for about eight years. They wanted to become pilots, but waited too long to make that decision. So Alex Jr. went to the Air Force where he now is a Captain, but still didn't become a pilot. And Derek went to the Army, where he did become a pilot. That was after the '91 Gulf War. As a Marine, though, Derek became an Air Traffic Controller and then Radar Operator, which helped him later on when he became a pilot.

Both are very glad to have started in the Marines, and the training they got there has carried on and will carry on through the rest of their lives. And it shows.

By the way, Derek just returned home after seven months in Kuwait and Iraq. Thank God!

Alex

[TheLastBoyScout]

My grampa was infantry, but he said he mainly used a carbine or a BAR.

[Quantrill]

cratz2,
I think you meant, Sullivan brothers rather than Ryan. No mind though, we all knew who you mean. Quantrill

[TimH]

I can't help but get a little chocked up when I read about WWII vets..... Any vets for that matter.

[winwun]

Nando, I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you with some information on what you were looking for, but you know how it is when you try to depend on people who are, perhaps, a bit less than totally dependable.

My buddy, in the VFW Honor Guard in Loudon County, Tennessee got me a couple of names of guys who, according to Jim, used the M-1 under hostile conditions in WWII.

I have plenty of trigger time on the M-1, but none in combat.
I still remember the S/N of the one issued me in basic training at Ft. Jackson in 1949. #522098.

Now if I could only remember my wife's birthday and our anniversary . . .

[BigG]

My dad was an infantryman in the 36th Division. Since he was a good sized farm boy he was stuck with the BAR and usually had to pack the bazooka. Spent Christmas in foxhole, fought hand to hand, went to church with Germans - yes, the stories about them stacking arms and going to church sitting on separate sides are true. Wounded, Purple Heart, Honorable Discharge.

His assessment of the guns available to the infantry: BAR phenomenally accurate; M1 Rifle, excellent; M1 Carbine, cute but a pissant cartridge, basically ineffective; 45 Auto, excellent; Thompson, impressive but failure prone; Browning 30 machine guns, slow. German machine guns, fast, portable. Browning 50 MG, impressive. German 88 impressive. US 75mm pretty weak compared to the 88; US grenade, excellent; German grenade, ineffective.

[jsalcedo]

I recently had the opprotunity to meet General Homer Smith
He is a WWII vet and served during the Vietnam war.
He is 85 years old is still active in veterans causes.

These guys won't be around much longer and I think we need to
appreciate them while we can

[Nando Aqui]

Winwun

Thanks - I'll do my best to get in touch with them.


Alex

P.S. To everyone, just out of curiosity:
Have you ever tried "searching" for a telephone number, including area code, using google? Try several...

[BowStreetRunner]

Nando,
you have got to be the coolest grandpa ever!
back in the day I was a big WW2 historian....since I still remember much of it I guess I still am......I have spent a lot of time studying Civil War and Rev War though too
I regret not asking my Dad's father more about WW2, he was a medic/MP in Europe (he passed away a few years ago) and my Mom's pappy was the driver for the commander of the 69th inf div.....I have talked to him about some things though, and he is still with us, but does not talk about the war much
Safe Shooting
BSR

[moa]

I have noticed that many WWII combat vets discuss the war very little, if at all.

I had three uncles in the 29th ID, 116th Regiment, that were the D-Day landings at Omaha beach 06/06/44. One was in the first wave (infantry), the second in the third wave (infantry/MP) and the third was a cook (formerly combat engineer) who came in later. I do not recall any of them speaking much about the war, even when asked. One uncle was highly decorated for killing and capturing quite a few Germans.

The one who was a cook got captured by the Waffen SS during the Battle of Bulge, which was the biggest battle in US military history. 600,000 US troops fought for about a month against 250,000 Germans. The Americans sustained 77,000 casualties. The German POW camp experience apparently was quite bad for my uncle.

The 29th ID, a National Guard division (60% NG), had the second highest casualty rate in the European theater with 211% casualties.

I have a cousin who was a tailgunner in a B17 and was shot down over Schweinfurt, Germany in 1943.
He parachuted out and was almost lynched by German civilains. He was saved at the last moment by the Luftwaffe Field Police. He spent two and half years in a German POW camp.

My father was in a Merchant Marine and served as quartermaster and ship's gun crew on Liberty ships. He saw quite bit of action in the Atlantic and Mediterranean and told me about his experience with the German submarine wolfpacks, Stuka dive bombers, exploding ammo ships, flaming tankers and the rest of it.

I am of an age growing up when it seemed just about everybody (actually 16,000,000) served during WWII, and later Korea. I am a Vietnam War era Army vet and survivor of a 19 month beer party in Germany.

[BigG]

survivor of a 19 month beer party in Germany That resembles my own army service quite closely. :D

[CleverNickname]

Both of my grandpas served. My paternal grandfather served in the Navy as a anti-aircraft gunner on a cruiser, my maternal grandfather as a cook in the Merchant Marine. One of my most prized possessions is a book (about 100 pages long) that my paternal grandfather wrote about his time in the service. I wish I could get my other grandpa to write something similar. I've heard stories firsthand from him, though.