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Post by soretoe on Oct 12, 2013 0:02:03 GMT -1
I have one living relative on my dads side of things. It is his younger brother and he is 90 years old . He served in the Army during WWII. He was part of a unit called Merrills Marauders. They marched into Burma 900 strong. They went through pure hell as they attacked a crack Japanese division ( the 14th Division ). These guys went with out food and supplies on the way in to keep from giving their position away. Once in actual battle they subsisted on "K" rations that were 3,300 calories each meal. But there was nothing filling about the meals and they were always hungry. They fought with pure courage and guts. They suffered 250 casualties (death) as they killed over 2,000 Japanese soldiers. This unit fought so well that every member of the unit was awarded a Bronze Star. My uncle never actually received his medals. Next Friday I will fly to Boston, where he lives. Saturday, with his son and daughters present, I'm going to give this hero his long over due medals.
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Post by buzzbuster on Oct 12, 2013 2:34:03 GMT -1
That will be a very rewarding to be able to do that for this well deserved hero. I know his family will be overwhelmed with pride and finally he will receive his just medals. I hope for a good trip for you Soretoe and God Bless.
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Post by afveteran on Oct 12, 2013 18:57:27 GMT -1
As a fellow war veteran myself of a later generation, I salute your Uncle and God Bless him in all he went through for his country and for the young people here these type of men are the true heroes of this country. Thank you for sharing this story Soretoe, nice to hear good things in these trying times.
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Post by leapnlineman on Oct 12, 2013 18:59:09 GMT -1
Lou, how proud you must be to have an uncle that served with such a distinguished unit. If I remember my history correctly Merrill's Marauders was an all volunteer unit. I can only imagine how honored you will feel to present him with his well deserved and much past due Bronze Star.
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ProMo
Executive Member
Posts: 1,971
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Post by ProMo on Oct 15, 2013 12:24:04 GMT -1
Bless you Lou, and Thank him and bless him for all of us. It would be an honor just to shake this man's hand
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Post by rodmaker on Oct 15, 2013 14:18:23 GMT -1
Bless him and family.
My dad was also in the Pacific campaign, Marines, and was wounded on Saipan. Purple heart.
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Post by Bob Smith (Porko) on Oct 15, 2013 16:18:30 GMT -1
That is awesome, Lou!! How did you manage to acquire those medals for him? My hat is tipped to you for the effort you put into setting things right! Thank you, Lou.
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Post by soretoe on Oct 17, 2013 20:30:42 GMT -1
That is awesome, Lou!! How did you manage to acquire those medals for him? My hat is tipped to you for the effort you put into setting things right! Thank you, Lou. You can buy all but the top two medals through catalogs or surplus stores. If you can wait three months DOD will supply them. |
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