He was there 1960-1964. I pushed him a couple times and was offered vague responses. The only thing I know is that although he loves his animals, pets are pampered, is that he got the creepy crawlies with my pet rat in college. Guess he was in hiding in a dark space and sometimes when he went to pick up the "phone" it was not infact a phone, but a large rat.
WW, My brother did three tours over there. He wouldn't say a "WORD" about it and he would actually get PI$$ED if you pushed the issue. Some things are best left alone!
My dad is the same way... '66-'68 & then a few months in the U.S., out by early '69- don't know when he even went in, I guess '65? Think he was drafted. He was in Fire Control and all I've ever heard was he did the maths for 105 howitzer trajectories. One year, I accidentally came across a commendation on the coat closet top shelf. It was for my dad directing a barrage on a town of suspected VC - over 200 wiped out. I can understand why he doesn't talk about his time over there. I'm thankful for and proud of all of our armed service members, past and present!
There is no way to even discuss about taking another humans life unless you are completely "ICE" cold and have no conscience. My belief is that anyone with a heart lives with that daily; With that said, I have been in a couple of positions where it "almost" became necessary, especially down during the Katrina Hurricane, you react to the/a situation then you think…… you do your job and what was your duty, nobody told you there would be feelings involved, right or wrong!
My junior high teacher (who later taught with me, is my neighbor and a dear friend) seldom mentions his time in 'Nam. I know he was with a group that took huge casualties-he is one of only 2-3 that made it out with no physical injuries. He does not say much, and I don't ask.
Most people who have seen anything usually has no need to bring back the memories, most are "NOT" pleasant.
My Dad is the same. I know he was a Mechanic on the Tanks and Big Boy toys. I don't even know the years, I know that Dad and Mom was dating during those years. But Dad doesn't talk much about it, except very small talk about guns and equipment. So I leave it at that.
Spoke with a WWII vet years ago before he passed (obviously) and he told me a story that he hadn't ever shared with his family. I know this since I spoke with one daughter afterwards and she was never aware of it. Now, one thing that happened this past weekend still jerks my chain a bit. Saw a WWII veteran ball cap on an elderly man while in a food store. I would put his age at maybe mid-70's. Asked 99 how old she thought the guy was, and she offered probably 70. Do the math....just doesn't add up. Not even close.
WWII vets are the reason we aren't speaking german or japanese. My Dad did not tell "battle" stories either. His brother told a couple to me. Uncle is still alive..born in late 19-teens..already had his 99th.
No, it doesn't. I speak German by choice because of my heritage. I'm grateful for our soldiers that fought against the Nazis and Japanese so that it was a choice for me to speak German as a second language. I can't even imagine the ordeals that soldiers went through. More importantly, I don't think the soldiers want to relive it by talking about it.
Most people who have been in traumatic situations don't want to dig up old memories long since surpressed. For those who never been there, will never fully understand.
Local news interviewed a WWII vet this evening and when the story started I told the wife that he really looked good for his age because he would have to be at least 90. We were stunned when they said he was 90 years old... this guy is 100. he was on our local new a few months ago. http://www.wearecentralpa.com/news/world-war-ii-veteran-looks-back-on-100-years
Thank you for the advice, I won't ask him again. I was scolded for looking in his bureau as a small child finding and playing with bullets I found in there. I also remember seeing some emblems/medals (I don't remember what they looked like). I asked him about them 40 years later, he said he does not know what happened to them (it came up because I was telling him about freebies honoring vets on Veteran's Day). Those old clues with what you said makes alot of sense. I always assumed his extreme compassion for children and animals was from his upbringing, his parents were WONDERFUL people. It appears there is more to the story than even his admiral upbringing. Somehow your response also might explain his insomnia and not being able to sit with his back to a door anywhere, at restaurants, home, parties, etc. Whatever happened, I wish to be there and comfort him, but it appears he has left it behind. I will not open old wounds.
Yes, My Father-in law is 89 and he was a kid when he went in! you figure, from 1941 to now is already 74 years.
I hope that is is just a case of me being wrong to judge age and that the fellow looked really good for his age!