JayC78
User
Sophomore
| Posts: 102 |   |
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Re:U.S Military - 2007/08/21 09:47
Forrest,
Thanks for brining this up. As one of the "notch" kids, my birthday fell after the draft ended, and before the registration began for 18 year olds. At the time, it seemed like the thing to do to go on to college and not into the service. I was very fortunate to have the choice, thanks to many who did serve. I still appreciate it, but often wonder what I missed by not serving.
In a small way, I'm trying to repay some who did serve, and interestingly, through reunions and websites.
My dad served on the USS Sheridan APA-51, an attack transport ship, in the Pacific in WWII. They carried troops to battles, retrieved survivors and casualties, dodged submarine attacks and kamikazes, and finally cruised into Tokyo harbor to witness the signing of the surrender. Almost all of them under 25 years old, many under 20. Amazing.
His shipmates dispersed after the war, and had practically no contact with each other until about 8 years ago, when, through the internet, a couple of them started tracking down others. They have been having annual reunions since then, across the country - San Francisco, Charleston, Las Vegas, Mobile, Pensacola, and last month in Chicago. It is so cool to go and see them. Many bring their families, including grandkids and greatgrandkids, and the kids are all so proud of their granddaddys.
We've set up a simple website for them, with information about the shipmates and their journeys, and they are just so grateful, it is very humbling. I continually get emails from family members who find the site and want to know more about what their father did, or talk to someone who knew him during the war. Take a look sometime - USS Sheridan
Sorry to say the site is not updated recently, as I'VE BEEN TOO BUSY BEING ADDICTED HERE!!
And again, thank you to every one of you who has served.
Jay Clingman
Class of '78
Jay Clingman
Class of '78 |
