My parents

[sakorick]

My Mother enlisted in the US Army in 1942 after graduating from college and earning her nurse's degree. She was assigned to the 48th Station Hospital and wound up on Guadalcanal in late 1943. She was in charge of the night shift on the Surgical Ward and in Feb 1944, a young Lieutenant Richard Scruggs, Aircraft Commander of B25J, 34381 was shot up over Rabaul and flew to Guadacanal in accordance with SOP for a gear up, flap up single engine landing. His bomber with no radios, no hydraulics and two shot up crewman including my dad, was luckily intercepted by a flight of 4 USMC A4 Corsairs who escorted him to the Canal. After the landing on the old Japanese dirt runway dad is smiling until someone told him he was bleeding from his L. ear. He was admitted to the hospital and his night nurse was my mother. They were Married on Guadalcanal in Dec, 1944 and I was born on Dec 29, 1945. If you are wondering how mom got a wedding dress, the nurses made it by hand from their own precious linen personal belongings.They are buried at Ft Logan National cemetery in Englewood, Colorado.

Postscript. My Father was awarded the DFC and my mother was awarded a SW Asia Campaign ribbon for 32 months of combat duty working a 12 hour shift, 7 days a week and was given a 5 day pass in March, 1945 where mom and dad enjoyed their honeymoon in New Zealand. God bless the greatest generation of Americans.

Dad told me he carried a Remington 1911 and here is the pic minutes after his crash landing. Regards, Rick.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Duane Hansen]

Great story and pictures, thanks for sharing them with us.

[frankderrico]

Thanks Rick.....Frank

[Scott Gahimer]

Great to hear the story about your mom & dad's service. Thanks. BTW, sounds like you've got a birtday coming up. Happy Birthday and thanks for your service, too!

[mike radford]

Great story and thanks for sharing. Nurses made an incrediable contribution and put in long hours. I am not sure that they have gotten the credit they deserve. Thanks for the service of your family and hope you have a wonderful birthday. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.

[A square 10]

thats a great story to hear , i burried mom last year and a couple weeks , married rantoul illinios in 44 , but im five years younger , they were the greatest generation in all they gave , all they gave up , and all they achieved , we can only hope to live up to the legacy , but we can remember

[CJS57]

What a wonderful story! Thanks!