Tribute to those who died... (1 Viewer)

[Peter Reuss]

With Memorial Day right around the corner here in the US, I thought it would be appropriate to begin a thread to remember our friends and relatives who died fighting for freedom.

I know many of us have been touched in some way by war. Please share those you know.

Charles Dodd (my grandfather), US Army, killed in France within 2 weeks of his arrival. He did not live to see my mother born.

 

[Louis Badolato]

My Uncles Joseph (tail gunner) and John (navigator) Amana, died in B17's over Europe during WWII.

 

[seargent major shut up]

my uncle price jones died in a pow camp in japan

 

[Leadmen]

I had three uncles wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.

This is my Godfather who was wounded in Italy with the Texas National Guard Division. The 36th "T" patches fought in the disaster of crossing the Rapido River where he was wounded and later wounded in the BOB. The Division had members from Texas and Chicago. They loved their General Fred Walker but hated General Mark Clark who commanded the 5th Army and did not heed warnings of Panzer Divisions dug in across the river.

Picture of me with him before he went to Italy.

Also the boy next door to us and the boy across the street from us were killed in the same week during the Korean battles of Heartbreak Ridge. Leadmen

 

[Cardigan600]

Yo Troopers, yes from UK/Ireland not lets forget all those brave young men from the USA who died trying to make the world a better place to live in. God Bless them all.
Bernard.

"LEST WE FORGET".

 

[vandilay]

Here is part of the poem 'for the fallen' which is often used at anzac
services in this neck of the woods which seems apropriate.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Almost five years now-

""NARRATIVE JUSTIFICATION, SOLDIER'S MEDAL, STAFF SERGEANT ANDREW R. POKORNY" Staff Sergeant Pokorny has proven himself through exceptionally meritorious service while serving as a Bradley Linebacker Commander and squad leader. The consumate professional, Staff Sergeant Pokorny's service was always in keeping with the highest standards of the NCO Corps. His personal commitment to his soldier's welfare and training has significantly enhanced the abilities of his squad, platoon and battery. His leadership and previous wartime experience has been instrumental in keeping his soldiers motivated, disciplined and well trained. Since arriving in theater, Staff Sergeant Pokorny has consistantly demonstrated his ability to lead and perform under intense pressure. He consistently placed the needs of his troops and the platoon above his own. On 13 June 2003 Staff Sergeant Pokorny made the ultimate sacrifice and he did so willingly and without hesitation. During a patrol in Western Iraq, Staff Sergeant Pokorny was preparing to lead his squad on a dismounted mission for which he volunteered. Enroute to this mission the M113 APC he was riding in broke track and skidded off the road and down an embankment. During the roll one of Staff Sergeant Pokorny's soldiers, Private First Class Funderburk, was nearly thrown from the vehicle. Staff Sergeant Pokorny was able to grab Private First Class Funderburk and keep him from exiting the vehicle but was not able to brace himself for impact. Staff Sergeant Pokorny continued to keep Private First Class Funderburk in his grasp shielding him from the crushing roll of the armored personnel carrier. SSG Pokorny was found with his arms and upper torso on top of PFC Funderburk. SSG Pokorny's death was a result of crushing wounds; however, PFC Funderburk escaped with less severe and non-life threatening injuries. Without SSG Pokorny grabbing PFC Funderburk as he was thrown into midair, PFC Funderburk would have been ejected directly into the path of the rolling vehicle. In this final act as a member of 2nd Platoon "Mavericks", SSG Pokorny was able to give his life for the life of his soldier."

 

[Louis Badolato]

Wow Chris, your friend was a hero of the highest order! If you ever make it to the museum, please bring me his photo. I would be honored to add his photo to the other heroes I have on display (my uncles, Paul Tibbets, the crew of the Memphis Belle, Wild Bill Guarnierre).

 

[Currahee Chris]

Louis-

thank you for your very very kind words- he was a great man and I miss him. I think about him everyday and no doubt will continue to. I wished I could have taken one last run with him- he always, even as a smoker, blew my doors off- anyway, every year on June 13th, I run 3-4 miles for him. When I am finished, I find a place to sit and reflect and think about him. I hope the weather holds- last year was a beautiful morning and I was the only one out with the birds out near one of our beautiful Central Pa farms.

 

[Peter Reuss]

With many new people on the forum in the past few years, it's appropriate to bump this thread and allow other names to be added as a way of honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

 

[bromhead]

2nd Bn 18th Inf,Recon pltn, 2July 1966,
James B Bartlett
David E Herbert ,,,, About 70 kia in COs A,B and C,twice that wounded.
Paul Lefave
Linwood Krug ,,,, The battle of Sok Trang ,little known outside of First
Russell J Peek ,,,, Division History including the Dept of the Army.
James E Joseph
Twice that wounded

 

[Currahee Chris]

2nd Bn 18th Inf,Recon pltn, 2July 1966,
James B Bartlett
David E Herbert ,,,, About 70 kia in COs A,B and C,twice that wounded.
Paul Lefave
Linwood Krug ,,,, The battle of Sok Trang ,little known outside of First
Russell J Peek ,,,, Division History including the Dept of the Army.
James E Joseph
Twice that wounded

Gone but NEVER FORGOTTEN my friend.

Ever.

 

[jac28]

My father's first cousin, Willard J. "Joe" Clouse died on June 7, 1944 in Normandy.. He was a glider pilot.

Jim

 

[bromhead]

Lt Ronald Glen Perryman,,oct 1966

 

[Currahee Chris]

Lt Ronald Glen Perryman,,oct 1966

Sorry to see your "list" as extensive as it is. I'm thinking you've seen way more than your fair share of sad times and grief. Gotta imagine you value friends, family and life in general far more than the average person here in the States. May they all Rest in Peace.

Here's to the BRO!!
CC