I love all of your blogs, but this one really struck home. So beautifully written. I feel the same when we spend time in Brittany and Normandy - regaining some pride for our country. Thank you.
Fascinating and moving to read this. The bravery it must have taken to fly night after night across the channel, trying to evade German fire, with the responsibility of delivering resistance fighters and supplies, and then getting back to base safely.
I'm glad your dad did his job and survived, to marry your mother and raise a family.
You are spot on about how much the French appreciate Americans even today because of what young men like your dad did. This year we went through quite a few villages where they had put up an expo at the mairie about the village's liberation 80 years ago, and often there was a photo of smiling children with American GIs. This was just after the Germans left, killing resistants and ordinary civilians and burning buildings as they went. Your dad and guys like him are one of the main reasons we Americans get such a warm welcome in France.
A fascinating story, you are the son of a true hero - and this would make a great novel or film script if you're so inclined - I know you have the writing talent for it !
This is a very interesting piece, Don. It's funny how much we skip along in life and miss asking about the big story until we suddenly realize that "big story" was one that we would love to know and cherish. You are fortunate you were able to research so much of your Dad's service and story. Thanks for sharing!
Great story Don. At the same age as your dad was when he was flying over Nazi-controlled Europe, we were in college reading novels and trying to meet young women. The cousin of Carolyn's mom was also a tailgunner in WW II.He was killed on a mission over the Ploetsi oil fields in Romania.
Well, some of us were in college... Lots of Vietnam War vets were not so fortunate, for the most part. But, yeah, I can't imagine the fright I'd feel in the tail of a B-24.
Thanks for sharing this personal story. Generally knew things like Carpetbaggers were happening in WWII, but the connection to your Dad was very moving and well-told.
What a wonderful recounting of your father's WWII efforts as well as musings and what constitutes and inspires patriotism/love of country. I have always been drawn to history-- and particularly interested in WWII. My father served during the Korean War, so I had no family history of European or Pacific theaters during WWII. Just loved this.
The Americans finally joining the Second World War after the bombing of Pearl Harbour made the difference to the outcome of this terrible war. Had the Japanese not attacked the USA, Roosevelt may have remained steadfast in his resolution not to get involved, allowing that Hitler may very well have taken over Europe! The Allies (English, Canadian, Australians, New Zealanders, etc.) fought bravely for many years before Pearl Harbour occurred. Many young men died in muddy, cold, trenches in these battles.
My father was an RCAF pilot during WWII, my grandfather was a ship’s surgeon with the British Royal Navy during WWI. It was volunteer, not conscription.
There were many heroes from many countries that France honours today - having been twice occupied by Germans. Americans were not the sole saviours.
Love this so much, and it’s thanks to men such as your father that allowed my mom to survive, grow up and live the life she did. As a family, we will be eternally grateful to all these men that helped to liberate France, and you can be very proud of him. ❤️
This is a beautiful piece of writing, Don. To think you're dad was just 19 when he started service - god, the courage! And, wow, he had had a great smile.
I love all of your blogs, but this one really struck home. So beautifully written. I feel the same when we spend time in Brittany and Normandy - regaining some pride for our country. Thank you.
Fascinating and moving to read this. The bravery it must have taken to fly night after night across the channel, trying to evade German fire, with the responsibility of delivering resistance fighters and supplies, and then getting back to base safely.
I'm glad your dad did his job and survived, to marry your mother and raise a family.
You are spot on about how much the French appreciate Americans even today because of what young men like your dad did. This year we went through quite a few villages where they had put up an expo at the mairie about the village's liberation 80 years ago, and often there was a photo of smiling children with American GIs. This was just after the Germans left, killing resistants and ordinary civilians and burning buildings as they went. Your dad and guys like him are one of the main reasons we Americans get such a warm welcome in France.
A fascinating story, you are the son of a true hero - and this would make a great novel or film script if you're so inclined - I know you have the writing talent for it !
Thanks!
This is a very interesting piece, Don. It's funny how much we skip along in life and miss asking about the big story until we suddenly realize that "big story" was one that we would love to know and cherish. You are fortunate you were able to research so much of your Dad's service and story. Thanks for sharing!
Great story Don. At the same age as your dad was when he was flying over Nazi-controlled Europe, we were in college reading novels and trying to meet young women. The cousin of Carolyn's mom was also a tailgunner in WW II.He was killed on a mission over the Ploetsi oil fields in Romania.
Well, some of us were in college... Lots of Vietnam War vets were not so fortunate, for the most part. But, yeah, I can't imagine the fright I'd feel in the tail of a B-24.
Thanks for sharing this personal story. Generally knew things like Carpetbaggers were happening in WWII, but the connection to your Dad was very moving and well-told.
What a wonderful recounting of your father's WWII efforts as well as musings and what constitutes and inspires patriotism/love of country. I have always been drawn to history-- and particularly interested in WWII. My father served during the Korean War, so I had no family history of European or Pacific theaters during WWII. Just loved this.
What an uplifting, inspirational article. Thank you!
The Americans finally joining the Second World War after the bombing of Pearl Harbour made the difference to the outcome of this terrible war. Had the Japanese not attacked the USA, Roosevelt may have remained steadfast in his resolution not to get involved, allowing that Hitler may very well have taken over Europe! The Allies (English, Canadian, Australians, New Zealanders, etc.) fought bravely for many years before Pearl Harbour occurred. Many young men died in muddy, cold, trenches in these battles.
My father was an RCAF pilot during WWII, my grandfather was a ship’s surgeon with the British Royal Navy during WWI. It was volunteer, not conscription.
There were many heroes from many countries that France honours today - having been twice occupied by Germans. Americans were not the sole saviours.
Love this so much, and it’s thanks to men such as your father that allowed my mom to survive, grow up and live the life she did. As a family, we will be eternally grateful to all these men that helped to liberate France, and you can be very proud of him. ❤️
This is a beautiful piece of writing, Don. To think you're dad was just 19 when he started service - god, the courage! And, wow, he had had a great smile.
Thanks - I remember it as a mischevious smile!
This is beautiful Don. Really well written. Thank you for sharing.
Amazing stories and a wonderful tribute to your Dad. Goosebumps.
Beautiful
Wow Don what an amazing story! Thank you for sharing
Great story.