My four Great Uncles were in WWII. My Grandfather, the youngest, got the job of staying home and tending the cows. However, one of my great uncles (according to the stories*) was at Pearl Harbor during the attack, and actually drove a jeep across Hickam Field during the strafing. He was later taken prisoner by the Japs, and survived a multi-month death-march. I believe he passed away just last year, and was laid to rest in Arlington.
*This reminds me, I really need to check in with the family historian and see if these stories have been recorded/verified. I certainly hope so, since two other of my great uncles, + plus my grandfather, are still alive I believe. A pretty long-lived bunch of folks, who've passed down some good genes.
I also heard, like some of you have mentioned, that they didn't like to talk about their experiences much. Which is a real shame.
*This reminds me, I really need to check in with the family historian and see if these stories have been recorded/verified. I certainly hope so, since two other of my great uncles, + plus my grandfather, are still alive I believe. A pretty long-lived bunch of folks, who've passed down some good genes.
I also heard, like some of you have mentioned, that they didn't like to talk about their experiences much. Which is a real shame.