When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, my Grandpa was like many eligible young men at the time. He rushed to join the navy and help the United States to exact revenge for the lives lost and fight for the safety of the American people and those he loved. From the small town of Silver Lake, he soon embarked on an adventure at sea that put him in the direct line of battle.
Throughout his life he was proud of his service and often regaled the family with colorful stories of life aboard ship. The men aboard the USS Borie DD-704 met every year after the war until death claimed them to remember. They were the greatest bunch of people…and through these reunions and my grandparents I had the pleasure of meeting some great people including impressive figures such as Commander Noah Adair who led the ship and its crew during World War 2.
My Grandpa was a baker aboard ship and proudly kept the notes and cookbook telling exactly how many ingredients he needed to prepare pies, cakes, and breads for hundreds of men. His animated tales of life at sea and the kamikaze which hit the ship on August 9, 1945 causing extensive damage and loss of life became the stuff of family legend and lore. I remember him always saying that the day the ship was hit was the day when the war became all to real. A lot of dirty skivvies went flying overboard ship that day, his included. I believe I would have filled my pants too if I were placed in similar circumstances.
His time aboard ship led him to participate in the invasion of Iwo Jima and the raids on Tokyo and Okinawa. He also was extremely pleased to tell anyone within earshot that he had crossed the equator aboard ship. Unlike many who never came home, he lived to tell the first hand tales of World War 2, return stateside, and marry my Grandma.
It is because of men and women like him who felt the fire in their hearts to serve that we enjoy the freedoms we do today. It is because of their selfless sacrifices that we can enjoy life as we know it and live without fear. G0d bless our troops!! Until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.
It's always amazing to me how many very young men (and women) have served. One day, they're barely considered adults (and many weren't--my dad lied abut his age to join the service and back then, they didn't seem to question those boys who claimed to be men), and the next, they're off fighting a war. Talk about a quick growing-up!
Mary, it was fun to attend the reunions. I went to the ones my grandparents hosted here in town. Many of the people that came were good friends of my Grandparents and they would visit often at their house and I also got a chance to know them there too. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!
Word Nerd, it is absolutely amazing to me too. I can't imagine traveling half way around the world at 18 and being on a ship that was bombed or being shot at! Holy hell, it really makes you stop and think!! Thanks for stopping in to read and comment.
Oh my, Kathy, this was certainly a beautiful post!!! It's so amazing when you think about all those young people that gave so much for our country. So very much!!! Thanks for sharing.
My husband's Dad was a World War I veteran. He joined when he was only 17 years old and served in Germany. His two sons also served. The older one in Korea and my husband during the Vietnam crisis although he was never deployed there, just earlier in France.
I honor all who served in the military to pay for the freedom we enjoy in America! Thanks again for sharing, Kathy.
Betty, thank you for stopping in to read my soldier boy post about my Grandpa! I am so pleased you enjoyed it. I enjoyed hearing about all the veterans in your family.
Joyce, without people like him willing to sacrifice themselves I can't imagine what kind of world we would live in today. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!!!
Laura, it was a cool little book. It really was simply a small brown loose leaf binder with hand written recipes inside. I remember cakes and pies having unG0dly amounts of eggs and flour. It was staggering!!! All he did was bake and cook aboard ship unless they were in battle, then all the ship mates had a battle station. Unfortunately the men were forced to man those stations many times. Thanks for stopping in to read and comment. I am so pleased you enjoyed it!!
My Grandpa was a baker aboard ship and proudly kept the notes and cookbook telling exactly how many ingredients he needed to prepare pies, cakes, and breads for hundreds of men. His animated tales of life at sea and the kamikaze which hit the ship on August 9, 1945 causing extensive damage and loss of life became the stuff of family legend and lore. I remember him always saying that the day the ship was hit was the day when the war became all to real. A lot of dirty skivvies went flying overboard ship that day, his included. I believe I would have filled my pants too if I were placed in similar circumstances.
Beautiful post Kathy!! I bet is was great sharing in all of these reunions with him. Love the old pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's always amazing to me how many very young men (and women) have served. One day, they're barely considered adults (and many weren't--my dad lied abut his age to join the service and back then, they didn't seem to question those boys who claimed to be men), and the next, they're off fighting a war. Talk about a quick growing-up!
ReplyDeleteMary, it was fun to attend the reunions. I went to the ones my grandparents hosted here in town. Many of the people that came were good friends of my Grandparents and they would visit often at their house and I also got a chance to know them there too. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!
ReplyDeleteWord Nerd, it is absolutely amazing to me too. I can't imagine traveling half way around the world at 18 and being on a ship that was bombed or being shot at! Holy hell, it really makes you stop and think!! Thanks for stopping in to read and comment.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Kathy, this was certainly a beautiful post!!! It's so amazing when you think about all those young people that gave so much for our country. So very much!!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy husband's Dad was a World War I veteran. He joined when he was only 17 years old and served in Germany. His two sons also served. The older one in Korea and my husband during the Vietnam crisis although he was never deployed there, just earlier in France.
I honor all who served in the military to pay for the freedom we enjoy in America! Thanks again for sharing, Kathy.
Betty, thank you for stopping in to read my soldier boy post about my Grandpa! I am so pleased you enjoyed it. I enjoyed hearing about all the veterans in your family.
ReplyDeleteThank the lord for people like your grandfather.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Joyce, without people like him willing to sacrifice themselves I can't imagine what kind of world we would live in today. Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!!!
ReplyDeleteMy gratitude and respect to your Grandpa and my thanks to you for sharing his story.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully told.
God bless your Grandpa. You may thank him for me too.
ReplyDeleteJo, thank you for stopping by to read and comment. I am so pleased you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteDarlene, if I could I would. He passed away in 2006. Thank you for stopping in to read and comment on my story. I am so pleased you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. What a great man. How cool it would be to see that cook book.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this incredible story! My Dad was the "local barber" aboard his ship in WWII. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and tribute to your Grandfather!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Jenn
Laura, it was a cool little book. It really was simply a small brown loose leaf binder with hand written recipes inside. I remember cakes and pies having unG0dly amounts of eggs and flour. It was staggering!!! All he did was bake and cook aboard ship unless they were in battle, then all the ship mates had a battle station. Unfortunately the men were forced to man those stations many times. Thanks for stopping in to read and comment. I am so pleased you enjoyed it!!
ReplyDeleteBeachlover, how very cool that your Dad kept the boys looking good!! Thanks for stopping by to read and share in your comments!!
ReplyDeleteJenn, I am so pleased you enjoyed my post!! Thank you for stopping by to read and comment!
ReplyDelete