Garry,

Thank you very much for sharing your dad's recording with us. I was unable to listen on Veteran's Day so the podcast availability is greatly appreciated. The some of the others, I have uncovered some of my father's papers and pictures from his time spent in the Philippines during WW II when he's no longer here to explain them. How blessed you are to have these memories in his own words and voice. My father didn't share much of his experiences, however my father-in-law did tell us some stories about his time on an LST. I agree with brichter, this should be a Veterans Day tradition. Thanks again.

Fran   Chicago  

Garry:

I had heard much about this recording over the past few days and just had to make time to listen to it.  I am so glad I did. To this day it still amazes me that those who saw so much, endured so much and sacrificed so much during WWII chose to silence their experiences when they retunred home to their loved ones and families.  My dad was the same way.

My dad and hero was part of the Anzio Beach Head campaign.  What little I knew about this starting at a young age was not from him but from what I learned in school or read about.  Just my reading of what these brave men and women endoured brought tears to my eyes even at an early age. The casualties they endoured and pain they suffered can only be imagined.  And yes, these soldiers were even scared. 

Several years ago my father passed from Alzheimers.  He was 84.  As an only child I was the one that had to handle all of closing out of their lives here on earth with going through all of their possesions and selling their property.  During this I found a box in the attic that contained the most precious possesion I now have.  It included pictures from overseas, love letters to my mom and a little box that contained a bronze star that I knew nothing about.  My dad never talked about it.  I even have the the original paper from the commanding officer that came with it.  It is now displayed in my home.

Thanks dad.