(rubbersidedown @ Nov. 11 2006,17:28) I'll take this oportunity to say thanks,to my Dad especially.
34 years of military service.
2 wars. (WWII,Korea).
Theaters of service:France,Germany,Italy,Holland,Far East,Korea.
12 decorations.
2 year stint as a paratrooper...oldest man(38 years old) to ever get his jump wings.
He crashed the very first Harley Davidson ever brought to Europe to be used as messanger bike between the lines.(WWII) A little too fearless I guess. Broke his wrist,etc. hahahaha.
He was a Corporal more times than can be counted.Sgt-Cpl-Sgt-Cpl-....... he was a bit of a Mean Ol' Bastid. hahahaha.
At 64 years old he had a quadruple bypass (open heart surgery) he walked home from the hopital a few days later,he said..."Thanks for the tune-up".
For a year or so he had to carry his guts around in a plastic bag tied to his waist. I remember him telling me he was close to checking himself out of the game at that point.
At 75 years old he had some pain in his ankle so he went to the doctor. They found 3 peices of shrapnel from the war. He said he thought he remembered the day,he felt some pain and warmth in his boot. It was freezing cold out and his blood warmed his foot so he ignored the pain. Finally,we guess,after a few days knee deep in shid and battles,he had a chance to remove his boots.He didn't want to leave his men (his brother was in the same unit) so he never got treated.He just let the wounds close over.
He died at 80. He was telling my brother a joke over coffee at the kitchen table. He dropped to the floor and died.
His mother died when he was 5. He was sent to live with a nasty grandmother. He left home at 12 and travelled across Canada during the Great Depression jumping onto railway cars for transportation.When he was old enough he joined the army. In those days the world feared only a few militaries.Canada was one of those countries.Those ol' Canadian boys were fearless.
He was tuff as nails. I have a ton of stories but I wont bore you.
Just wanted to say thanks to those who have done us proud. All the Vets.
Thanks guys.
Thanks DaD. RIP. I love ya. Andy.