Met a Vet last night..

[turboford]

I got to meet my wives grandfather about a yr before he passed. He was a Sherman tank commander in WWII. He never talked about the war with anyone in his family until I came along. I guess he was just comfortable talking to another service member. We talked all weekend long about his war time experience. My wife and her grandmother just listened and took notes the whole time. It was a true blessing.

[Treasure Chest]

I got to meet my wives grandfather about a yr before he passed. He was a Sherman tank commander in WWII. He never talked about the war with anyone in his family until I came along. I guess he was just comfortable talking to another service member. We talked all weekend long about his war time experience. My wife and her grandmother just listened and took notes the whole time. It was a true blessing.

I really wish I'd either taken notes, or just turned on a tape recorder and let it go, when my grandfather finally started talking about his life. It's one of the few regrets I have in life.

[Frank]

As a favor to a friend, I replaced a fuel pump on an elderly man's Ranger. He sat out in the carport and filled my head with the most awesome stories. Must have taken me 3 hours to change that pump just from being so enthralled.

My father in law would tell me stories about Korea. The ones he wouldn't tell his family. He had to fight with his bayonet at one point. He was a sniper in 1st Calvary.

[Forever_frost]

I know I love swapping war stories with my brothers. They are the only ones that understand and the only ones who won't judge what we did from the prism of civilization

[ceyko]

he only talks about the widely known things. ("When i was in the navy, we didn't have cell phones and email. We had letters and that was it.") I just want to say, "Come on Gramps, talk about the cool shit!"

I know you were just making a post. However, it would not be considered "cool shit" to him.

[davbrucas]

Talking about the "cool shit" makes him relive moments he would rather forget. When you watch one of your best friends die in combat, it's not something you like to replay in your head.

[Forever_frost]

Talking about the "cool shit" makes him relive moments he would rather forget. When you watch one of your best friends die in combat, it's not something you like to replay in your head.

This. I talk about the fun things, never the details

[davbrucas]

This. I talk about the fun things, never the details

Yup...many people want to know details of my past, but I just tell them that some things should just stay buried.

[BULLET_DRIVER]

Theres a WWII vet that goes to our local vfw for lunch daily. He just turned 98 3 weeks ago and he is still goin like he just retired. He has told tons of stories but the one that sticks out the most is where he stormed the beeches of normandy. He comes in daily with his daughter in law for a couple of drafts and some lunch. Then she takes him home so he doesnt have to drive. About an hour later he is back for some more beers and time with the guys.

[Treasure Chest]

Talking about the "cool shit" makes him relive moments he would rather forget. When you watch one of your best friends die in combat, it's not something you like to replay in your head.

I can't imagine the horrors that anyone in combat has seen or making the decisions they had to make. My grandpa and his brother were 16 when they enlisted.
The only time my grandfather ever spoke about the war was when he explained why my uncle received two purple hearts, and the conversation was short, sweet, and to the point. When I asked about his service, he told me that what he saw in Germany was none of my damn business and I should cherish my innocence.
I will intently listen to any stories a vet is willing to share, but I do not ask questions.

[davbrucas]

Soldiers that have been in combat feel less of a person by discussing details of lives they have taken...disrespects the dead, so to speak.

There is a reason General Sherman said "War is Hell."

[Treasure Chest]

Soldiers that have been in combat feel less of a person by discussing details of lives they have taken...disrespects the dead, so to speak.

There is a reason General Sherman said "War is Hell."

I never looked at it from that aspect, but it makes a lot of sense.

One of the interesting things about the USS New Orleans reunions, was when they first started doing the yearly reunions, the stories were pretty basic, not much more than what is available in the history books. But as the years went by as there were so many less attendees, they really started sharing the more difficult memories with the kids and grandkids that were coming every year. What I've always thought of as history is their life story.

I can't imagine being 16,17,18 and being in their shoes. It gave me more of an understanding of what my grandfather meant about cherishing my innocence.

[Forever_frost]

Soldiers that have been in combat feel less of a person by discussing details of lives they have taken...disrespects the dead, so to speak.

There is a reason General Sherman said "War is Hell."

I've met some 'vets' who are more than willing to explain, in detail, their war experience but when questioned they lack some very basic knowledge of being in the military. Has led me to believe that if you are willing to talk in detail about taking a life, you either were never there or something is VERY wrong with you.

However, I do know a lot of us who will tell hours of stories about just about anything BUT that.

[billybob81]

I love listening to my grandpa tell me stories about his experience. He is an 88 year old WWII and Korea veteran. He was a Captain in the USMC. He has always told me how he learned how precious life is after seeing numerous young men killed while fighting. I have sat and listened for hours to his stories, although I sure there are MANY things that he won't bring up. He always wears a Marines hat, and just about everywhere we go, someone will come up to him and thank him for his service, or another marine will come up to him and start talking. It gives me faith that there are still some good and greatful people left in this world who understand the sacrifices that this generation of people have made. He will be 89 in July and is in awesome health. Hell, he still lives independently and walks 2 miles every morning. I am lucky to still have him in my life, and live just a mile down the road from him.

[davbrucas]

I've met some 'vets' who are more than willing to explain, in detail, their war experience but when questioned they lack some very basic knowledge of being in the military. Has led me to believe that if you are willing to talk in detail about taking a life, you either were never there or something is VERY wrong with you.

However, I do know a lot of us who will tell hours of stories about just about anything BUT that.

I hear ya man.