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D-Day

Discussion in 'Off Topic [BG]' started by zon6c-f, Jun 6, 2019.

  1. Jun 6, 2019 #1
    zon6c-f

    zon6c-f

    Jun 9, 2007
    Metro Atlanta, Ga.
    Today @ 7:am my dad arrived on his sector of Omaha Beach Normandy as part of “Big Red 1” First Infantry.

    He was the only surviving BAR man in the initial invasion .

    Although he received (2) Purple Heart medals and Bronze Star he was always returned to the front to fight all the way to Berlin .

    He passed away in 1986.....

    Just wanted to say Thanks Dad!
     
    Qlanq, gln1955, MattZilla and 14 others like this.
  2. Jun 6, 2019 #2
    Bassguy61

    Bassguy61

    Feb 28, 2008
    Pearl, MS
    Much gratitude and respect to your father for his service! Part of a very special generation that I don't know that we'll see one like again. They answered the call, and made it possible for us to enjoy the lives we have today. I can waste a few minutes here because of men like him. ;)

    On a side note... He was the BAR man? That was one vital piece of hardware that day based on the things I've heard and read.
     
    zon6c-f likes this.
  3. Jun 6, 2019 #3
    zon6c-f

    zon6c-f

    Jun 9, 2007
    Metro Atlanta, Ga.
    Thanks Bassguy61 !

    Yes BAR Team Leader which is why although he received (2) “ Go Home” wounds : Sniper to left arm and later machine gun to right leg. Leg was saved; patched up and returned to Front.

    You could always see shadows of shrapnel embedded in his back too.

    He entered as a tea totaller and returned drinking cussing and smoking

    Somewhere I have his steel plated bible
    .. with a nice “ dent “ in it.

    Although afterward he wasn’t much for attending church; he taught me while we were fishing that we we were still in the Almighty's presence !

    I have his Kbar knife which cleaned many fish in my youth
     
    Datsgor likes this.
  4. Jun 6, 2019 #4
    shadowtippy

    shadowtippy

    Mar 13, 2009
    Lake Charles, La.
    I knew a man that had been a BAR man in the Pacific in WWII. He said when they got supplies he would get as much ammo as he thought he could carry and then get a little more.
     
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  5. Jun 6, 2019 #5
    zon6c-f

    zon6c-f

    Jun 9, 2007
    Metro Atlanta, Ga.
    Didn’t know until years after his death that when enemy was award of BAR that All Fire was directed toward him ...

    Funny... and thankfully he Never taught me hate ....
     
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  6. Jun 6, 2019 #6
    Bassguy61

    Bassguy61

    Feb 28, 2008
    Pearl, MS
    I can imagine... That BAR was one one of the few individual weapons that could really "reach out and touch someone". I surely would not have wanted to be on the wrong end of that barrel.

    Kudos to your dad for being able to go through all that and not letting anger/hate take root!!
     
    shadowtippy and zon6c-f like this.
  7. Jun 6, 2021 #7
    zon6c-f

    zon6c-f

    Jun 9, 2007
    Metro Atlanta, Ga.
    Fast forward 2021

    D-Day 2021

    not a word mentioned on network news

    Sad state of affairs when D-Day doesn’t get a news mention

    OUR Flag is hung….
     
    ajkula66 and Datsgor like this.
  8. Jun 6, 2021 #8
    GregC

    GregC Questlove, Black Thought, Hamilton Gold Supporting Member

    Jan 19, 2007
    NC
    zon6c-f likes this.