I lost my Dad on March1, 2021, and it's been hard to deal with. He served for freedom in the 9th Division, and was wounded by a M42 nest the afternoon before St. Lo fell. He was put back into his front-line unit at the start of our offensive part of the Bulge, and fought until the surrender.
I was all but fatally injured as a child, and my Dad was my buddy and caretaker, as he had his own injuries and his PTSD to deal with, so we really relied on each other, shooting and hunting for fun and to rehabilitate my body. He got me started in competitive shooting as a Junior member, and i really took to it. It's hard to think of the sacrifices of his generation, and how those lessons are all but lost now to the younger generations. He was 96 years old at his passing, and he is certainly missed.
I share this small story, but it is but a scratch on the surface. The 9th Division octofoil under my moniker is in honor of my Dad, and I use it proudly there.
Thank you. Say a prayer for him in thanks for his life.
Bob