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Pearl Harbor Day - A salute to the fallen!

Trauma1

Trauma1

Legend
Hey guys. I've always been kind of a WW2 history buff since I was a kid, and both of my grandfathers served during WW2. One fought in france; the other in italy. Thankfully, both made it back from the war to tell their tale. Let's just say as a kid I had some pretty amazing memorabilia from the war.

My wife and I went to Hawai'i for our honeymoon, and you can guess that Pearl Harbor in Oahu was once place I wanted to spend time at. It was truly an amazing experience. Everything from the bullet holes that still exist in some of the structural landmarks; to the actual monuments themselves. I took a ton of video when I was there; especially at the USS Arizona memorial.

Anyway, I feel that often this day passes without notice to many people; when it really should. I wanted to take the time to salute all of those that were involved and/or fell on that terrible day 68 years ago (12/7/1941), and for what they did for this country. This surprise attack facilitated the United States entry into WW2; as well as propagate the industrial giant that is/was the United States Of America. We came together united as a country, and in the end we won the war.


In the words of the Japanese Admiral Yamamoto following the attack on Pearl Harbor: "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.".....He couldn't have been more right.


USA! USA! USA! USA!

:usa:
 
I still wear the silicone armband I bought when I visited the arizona memorial. In its own way standing there was more moving to me than the birth of my children, because you can feel how that one moment changed the entire course of the future.

The french would be speaking German today otherwise :D
 
I visited in 2001. The board on the wall where the add the names of the survivors as they pass is very touching. In 2001, I think there was only one remaining survivor.
 
EasyEJL said:
I still wear the silicone armband I bought when I visited the arizona memorial. In its own way standing there was more moving to me than the birth of my children, because you can feel how that one moment changed the entire course of the future.

The french would be speaking German today otherwise :D
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My grandfather used to say that all the time, lol. That era of warfare was so unbelievably interesting; back when radar was still in its infancy, and accurate intelligence of the enemy position was spotty at best.

There was an awesome documentary on the history channel last week in regard to the early development of "stealth" technology. The germans had a project for an aircraft in development using it discovered at the conclusion of the war. I believe 1 or 2 of these planes were actually built.

They tested this developmental plane against what would have been the equivalent of the english radar systems of the time period over the english channel (which were the best of that era) against a typical german fighter at that time period (say a Messerschmitt BF-109). They looked at what the detection times were by the radar system; even when the luftwaffe used evasive techniques (typically flying very low over the english channel to limit radar detection).

I believe that they discovered a typical german plane was easily detected 8-10 minutes out from the english coast; this new plane was able to get within 2 minutes of the english coast before being detected on radar. There is no way in hell you'd be able to scramble planes to intercept within that time frame.

Imagine if they had been able to develop them earlier in the war?; in mass quantity. They had major issues with fuel and pilots at the end, but it's crazy to think about. Not to mention the MANY other weapons, aircraft, and vehicles that almost came about.
 
There is so much in that war that could have gone so differently had just small things been done slightly differently. Heck had america gotten involved early on it would have never gone on as long as it did.
 
Consider what would have occurred if the weather were different at one of the normandy beach landings. Let alone if all the beach landings failed at the moment they began to land...
 
EasyEJL said:
There is so much in that war that could have gone so differently had just small things been done slightly differently. Heck had america gotten involved early on it would have never gone on as long as it did.
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True. Some of the developments that almost came-to-be are scary to think about, and very possibly could have changed the outcome of the war.
 
Great thread T.

Funny how you post a respect thread for WWII vets... then someone in another thread is calling a WWII metal of honor recipient an "Old Codger" because he refuses to let his HOA dictate how he flys his American flag.

Respect to the dwindling number of these great Hero's today and all past. We are on the cusp of losing all first hand reality of the great war.
 
theyoungblood said:
Consider what would have occurred if the weather were different at one of the normandy beach landings. Let alone if all the beach landings failed at the moment they began to land...
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Exactly. What if operation "Market Garden" had been successful and the allies had secured clear route into germany?; so much for the germans in holland being nothing but old men and/or young children...
 
Thanks T for posting this up. This day Really hits home with me.
My Father passed away on this day in 1979. RIP Dad.

I want to thank all the veterans who fought in this war. Prayers go out to the all the veterans and their families. Without them, we might be speaking a different language or living a not so free life.

My grandpa fought in that war. Served in the Navy. We lost him in 2007. He seen some pretty bad ****, he really didnt talk about it much. I would get tidbits here and there, then it would upset him and he would clam up. I respected him and never pressed the issue.

He did state to me that Saving Private Ryan was about as accurate as any movie could tell.

He actually survived from a sinking ship( cant recollect which boat at the moment, will have talk to mom). I know that he was one of a handful to survive and watched many of his friends get pulled under by sharks or just plain drown. They were out at sea for bit before help came. I know the survivors of that particular vessel all got tattoos and pierced one of their ears in memory of the day. I think less than 20 of them lived(dont quote me on that).

He also drove the U-boats that dumped the kids off to fight. He said just like in the movie the guns would shred these kids to pieces before they made it to shore, sometimes even before they got off the boats. When he told that story, storytime was over.

RIP G-PA

My other grandpa served in the Army. We lost him in 1986. He got the million dollar wound in WW2, shrapnel in the buttocks. He built bridges and what not, drove the big heavy equipment.

He did manage to get the Bronze Star(Act of bravery in combat, imminent danger pay) and Purple Heart, I remember those medals, granny would pull them out and show us every so often. I think he saved some lives, he never bragged on it , really never said much about it. He stated that if he deserved that medal, so did alot of other soldiers.

RIP G-PA


Brave dudes. Mad Respect and Love for them both.

Tip my hat to all the veterans of that war, thank you for your bravery and service.
 
Kristofer68SS said:
Thanks T for posting this up. Really hits home with me.
My Father passed away on this day in 1979.

I want to thank all the veterans who fought in this war. Prayers go out to the all the veterans and their families. Without them, we might be speaking a different language or living a not so free life.

My grandpa fought in that war. Served in the Navy. We lost him in 2007. He seen some pretty bad ****, he really didnt talk about it much. I would get tidbits here and there, then it would upset him and he would clam up. I respected him and never pressed the issue.

He did state to me that Saving Private Ryan was about as accurate as any movie could tell.

He actually survived from a sinking ship( cant recollect which boat at the moment, will have talk to mom). I know that he was one of a handful to survive and watched many of his friends get pulled under by sharks or just plain drown. They were out at sea for bit before help came. I know the survivors of that particular vessel all got tattoos and pierced one of their ears in memory of the day. I think less than 20 of them lived(dont quote me on that).

He also drove the U-boats that dumped the kids off to fight. He said just like in the movie the guns would shred these kids to pieces before they made it to shore, sometimes even before they got off the boats. When he told that story, storytime was over.

RIP G-PA

My other grandpa served in the Army. We lost him in 1986. He got the million dollar wound in WW2, shrapnel in the buttocks. He built bridges and what not, drove the big heavy equipment.

He did manage to get the Bronze Star(Act of bravery in combat, imminent danger pay) and Purple Heart, I remember those medals, granny would pull them out and show us every so often. I think he saved some lives, he never bragged on it , really never said much about it. He stated that if he deserved that medal, so did alot of other soldiers.

RIP G-PA


Brave dudes. Mad Respect and Love for them both.

:( RIP Dad
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Much respect indeed, Kris. My dad's father wouldn't talk about it too much. He was the radioman in an infantry unit in the army. Every now and then he'll tell a story, but often won't elaborate. He refused to watch saving private ryan stating: "From what I've seen in the previews, it looks too real to want to remember some of those horrors."

My mom's dad was a machine gunner (M1919 Browning .30 cal) in an infantry unit in the army. He was involved in the battle of Monte Cassino. He will often tell stories in more detail, and more of them. I remember when I was a teenager asking him about them. He told me numerous times the soldier directly to his right or left was KIA during fire fights. Some of the details of the stories are down-right chilling. Both of my grandfathers to this day despise germans; no doubt the direct result of what they saw and endured.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of our veterans; past and present.
 
Trauma1 said:
Much respect indeed, Kris. My dad's father wouldn't talk about it too much. He was the radioman in an infantry unit in the army. Every now and then he'll tell a story, but often won't elaborate. He refused to watch saving private ryan stating: "From what I've seen in the previews, it looks too real to want to remember some of those horrors."

My mom's dad was a machine gunner (M1919 Browning .30 cal) in an infantry unit in the army. He was involved in the battle of Monte Cassino. He will often tell stories in more detail, and more of them. I remember when I was a teenager asking him about them. He told me numerous times the soldier directly to his right or left was KIA during fire fights. Some of the details of the stories are down-right chilling. Both of my grandfathers to this day despise germans; no doubt the direct result of what they saw and endured.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of our veterans; past and present.
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Thanks for your personal story T. Personal stories are the best.

I hope more guys share their WW2 family history in this thread.

I can only imagine what some of them guys went through. Straight up hell.

I agree, respect for all veterans, past and present.
 
Kristofer68SS said:
Thanks T for posting this up. This day Really hits home with me.
My Father passed away on this day in 1979. RIP Dad.

I want to thank all the veterans who fought in this war. Prayers go out to the all the veterans and their families. Without them, we might be speaking a different language or living a not so free life.

My grandpa fought in that war. Served in the Navy. We lost him in 2007. He seen some pretty bad ****, he really didnt talk about it much. I would get tidbits here and there, then it would upset him and he would clam up. I respected him and never pressed the issue.

He did state to me that Saving Private Ryan was about as accurate as any movie could tell.

He actually survived from a sinking ship( cant recollect which boat at the moment, will have talk to mom). I know that he was one of a handful to survive and watched many of his friends get pulled under by sharks or just plain drown. They were out at sea for bit before help came. I know the survivors of that particular vessel all got tattoos and pierced one of their ears in memory of the day. I think less than 20 of them lived(dont quote me on that).

He also drove the U-boats that dumped the kids off to fight. He said just like in the movie the guns would shred these kids to pieces before they made it to shore, sometimes even before they got off the boats. When he told that story, storytime was over.

RIP G-PA

My other grandpa served in the Army. We lost him in 1986. He got the million dollar wound in WW2, shrapnel in the buttocks. He built bridges and what not, drove the big heavy equipment.

He did manage to get the Bronze Star(Act of bravery in combat, imminent danger pay) and Purple Heart, I remember those medals, granny would pull them out and show us every so often. I think he saved some lives, he never bragged on it , really never said much about it. He stated that if he deserved that medal, so did alot of other soldiers.

RIP G-PA


Brave dudes. Mad Respect and Love for them both.

Tip my hat to all the veterans of that war, thank you for your bravery and service.
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These are the great things we are on the cusp of losing. The WWII generation that fought in the great war is very much aged and we are on the cusp of losing all these great stories of what history has yet to tell us. Much respect for your family and the burden they carried for the rest of us today. It is easy to argue and debate in society today and forget about the things that truely makes America great, the things an entire generation fought to protect.

The day may have ended, but the memory will live on.
 
DAdams91982 said:
These are the great things we are on the cusp of losing. The WWII generation that fought in the great war is very much aged and we are on the cusp of losing all these great stories of what history has yet to tell us. Much respect for your family and the burden they carried for the rest of us today. It is easy to argue and debate in society today and forget about the things that truely makes America great, the things an entire generation fought to protect.

The day may have ended, but the memory will live on.
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Yes sir you are correct. Reps on recharge BTW.

Thank you for the kind words D, they are appreciated.

I know there are alot more stories on this board, lets hear more of these brave men that keep us free.

All we can do is pass it on and try to teach respect.
 
Paying my respects to those brave american souls that died on December 7th, 1941. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten!















-John
 
In late! great thread John, and im touched by all of your storys.

My brother had the chance last year to go out to the Arizona, they say it is still leaking oil to this day; and its the souls crying out for help for those who where less fortunate and where trapped on board. theres so many historical land marks that have lost there importance with society these days It feels. But from what i was told , my brother said the navy still acts as it happen yesterday down there when your on the tour; truly outstanding!
 
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