Peter:
First off, I along with all the forum members are sad to hear of your loss and wish you the best in dealing with it. It has been 15 years since my grandfather passed and I have found I continue to miss him more and more as my hair starts to gray. Fortunately for me, I was able to know him- I know you are strong in your faith and, like me believe he is in a far better place. Again, sincerest condolences for all your loss.
I was in southern Florida a couple weeks ago and went to visit my Grandfathers grave. His wife is buried with him. It's strange to go there now as there are scores of gravestones following behind him- when we buried him in 1994, he was out there on his own- he's with his brothers now.
When Saving Private Ryan came out, I think it properly kicked this country in the rear to start learning more about our grandparents and what they were really about. I know I went on a frenzied tear to learn about my grandfather- his combat record spanned the ETO in WW2, a tour in Korea and two in Nam. I was always told as a boy to not ask him about war and his experiences. It was a tough call by my dad as we all sort of wanted to know but he was wracked with alcoholism no doubt brought on by the stresses of intense combat (he was a combat medic). No sense in adding to his misery.
I think I have pieced together my grandfather and his past. Those black and white pictures and yellowing ribbons are proudly regaining their color. When I stood next to his grave a couple weeks ago, it was nice to feel like I was closer to him. I would strongly advise that you capture as much information as possible before you go see him at Epinal.
Couple suggestions if I may, though I am sure you have probably already consider these:
1.) There are "professional" record searchers who can assist in these tasks- google "recovering war records" or what not and I am sure you will get some info.
2.) Our own Major Dad (DMNamiot
) has some connections that might be of assistance in this endeavor- pm him. I know Louis Badolato had two uncles who made the ultimate sacrifice- Louis may be able to provide some insight as well.
3.) Consider posting something in the World War 2 magazine- I have heard of some nice connections made with vets through that publication. The 44th division probably has a veterans association as well.
4.) Consider contacting someone in Epinal (if possible) what I understand, the French have done a nice job of preserving some information on servicemen buried there- perhaps that may lead somewhere.
This is a road that will never end- there is always some more information to gather and it is extremely rewarding- I found out that before my granddad left to Europe, he married a woman six days before he left- it was annulled sometime thereafter- none of his kids were aware of this (he actually told me and my wife this the last time I saw him). I am currently trying to piece together my greatgrandfathers involvement in WW1!! That has been very trying as I am getting information in English, French and Italian!! (He was from Calabria Italy). It has been immense fun though.
Best wishes and keep us apprised as to how it goes,
Chris
