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Pesky1

(89 posts)
Mon May 25, 2026, 03:09 PM 13 hrs ago

Salute to sevaral family vets

My father was a gunnery officer on board the cruiser U.S.S. Reno in WWII. The ship participated in the Leyte Gulf battle in the Philippines, deemed the largest sea battle in history. The Japanese Navy was essentially broken in this battle. Shortly thereafter, the Reno was torpedoed in the San Bernadino Straights but remained afloat after being tied to a sea going tug because of the danger of the ship rolling over. Dad survived and was decorated for actions helping to save the ship.

One uncle was a B-24 pilot flying missions into Germany from England and took part in one of the massive Ploesti raids against German oil sources. He was shot down over occupied Holland and was later spirited back to England by the Dutch underground.

Another uncle was a materials officer at the Normandy landing and went across France with Patton's army.

What was notable about all three? They never mentioned how we "kicked butt" or bragged about how tough they were. They all joined understanding that there was dangerous job, and rarely talked about it afterwards.

They would have HATED Hegseth.

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Salute to sevaral family vets (Original Post) Pesky1 13 hrs ago OP
They had an important job to do and they did it. Irish_Dem 13 hrs ago #1

Irish_Dem

(82,481 posts)
1. They had an important job to do and they did it.
Mon May 25, 2026, 03:13 PM
13 hrs ago

Saving our country and democracy, our freedom.

They didn't want praise, or adulation.
They didn't talk tough or constantly go on about what great and strong men they were.

They came back home, got married, raised their families quietly and humbly.

They knew they saved the world, but they didn't want to talk about it.

Thanks for posting.

Yes all the WWII vets would be disgusted with Trump and Hegseth.

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