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When I first came to Germany, I did a few famil flights to gain my German pilot´s license and so flew with German flight instructors in any number of small West German airfields. Over and over again I heard stories about how they had shot down Spitfires, were in mini submarines, the Ardennes etc. etc. And they were all younger than me (I was eight when the war ended). In Italy, it was stories of guerilla bravery. And they were even younger! The genuine article hardly ever talks.
True, getting an old digger to open up, is like trying to prise money from a scots purse.
(Come to think of it, I don't say much either, unless I'm with mates from the same era ......and then it's only about the good times.)
One war story I have heard that I believe. I was talking to and old gent who I deliverd prescriptions to who had recently lost his wife and had no children so he liked to chat. We were talking about history and somehow military service came up. He asked if I had a few minutes and I did . I followed him to his storage room and he opened a locker and removed several Japanese items (what I now know to be a type 38 rifle, a flag,Nambu pistol,silk map, and holster and a Officers sword ). He also showed me a scar on is leg he said was made with the sword. No gory details or embelished heroics. I found out several years later after his death from his nephew that he was a Raider in the Pacific. His story, true or not helped inspire my intrest in milsurps. I have found memories of him.
To clarify gents, he didn't pour his heart out to me. Not at all. He saw me in my uniform as I was checking out his table. We started talking Navy and I asked when and where he served. He spoke very vaguely and said he had been all over the place. His son chimed in and spilled the beans about him being a UDT. He was very humble about it. He asked where I had been and when I mentioned my time in England he pulled out the No.5 and told me what I told you all.
I understand the skeptics and I've heard some whoopers out there too. I work for the VA and regularly spend a lot of time around guys who would have you think they won the war all by themselves ; ) My BS meter is pretty well tuned. But as I said, I really didn't feel like this fella was making it up. Usually guys at gun shows lie to sell a gun. This gun wasn't even for sale. He was liquidating his collection and decided to hold onto it for sentimental reasons. I came back to drop off some Navy swag from the recruiter's table (stickers, pens, a hat etc) and then passed by a last time to say goodbye. The last time he told me that he decided that he wanted to sell his gun to me. If memory serves me right he wouldn't take more than $200 for it. I understand the skepticism and I certainly don't fault anyone for it (you can take off your helmet now : )
$200 is an incredible bargain. The rifle looks an excellent early example with a lovely finish - maybe it goes without saying, but I suggest don't clean or re-finish any part of it. Nice jungle sling, too.
I believe I have a pretty well tuned one as well which was supported somewhat with my little story being backed up by fellows nephew. Guess he could have won the stuff in a poker game but I do not believe it.Quote:
Originally Posted by nhetzer
My dad was in the PTO Okinawa etc.. ,Pharmasist Mate. Must have been pretty traumatic. He never shared any details. May God bless them all.
Hooked on...:
I agree. I think sometimes the average Joe may see a little old man an forget that he was once a brave young man who was often put into extraordinary situations. They don't call them the greatest generation for nothing. Thanks for sharing your story as well.
As I mentioned before, I work for the Veteran's Administration. While I meet many, many vets, I meet their families even more often as I am a representative for one of our National Cemeteries. Part of my job is to research their records to ensure proper information is put upon the headstone. Rank, branch of service, war periods in which they served as well as any decorations. I can't tell you how many times I've blown families away when I show them what the inscription on the headstone will be and they see "Silver Star" or "Purple Heart". One family believed a particular gentleman was a supply clerk all through WWII. Turns out he was a highly decorated member of the Airborne from D-Day all the way to his last station being Berlin. His wife didn't even know (second wife).
Sorry or the lengthy post but I just wanted to illustrate how so many people forget that so very many if these men are heroes, and not just a sweet old man who drinks coffee up at the local diner all day.
My dads favorite activity in his later years was to drink coffee at the local diner. Actually it was not a diner but the local KFC a buddy of his owned. Thank you for your service and continued service to our veterans.:thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by nhetzer
I always make it a point to shake their hands and thank them for their service (I've gotten my 10 and 8 year old nephews in the habit of doing the same). I appreciate the kind words regarding my own service and my continued service is an honor and a privilege. The guys that carried these wonderful milsurps we collect are a big part of what makes them so amazing. We can't go back and time and see occupied France or truly experience what a vision D-Day must have looked like with the sheer number of ships and planes, but we can experience living, tangible history through the weapons and gear they carried. And good story every now and then from one of the fellows that used them really helps bring them back to life.
As an aside from down memory lane what is the serial number of the wee beasty?