In memorium: Hugh O'Brien

[jchrisobrien]

My grandfather was on the beach at Normandy. He rode in one of those little landing boats, spray drenching him. He ran out of those boats into a hail of machine gun fire. While crawling up the beach, he took a bullet through his arm, which continued to hit his best friend in the face. "Right between the eyes" he said.

It was the first and only story he told me about his time in World War II. It smacks a bit of the apocryphal, but you don't question your grandfather about a story like that. Well, I didn't at least.

It's only fitting on this Memorial Da to remember those who gave their lives in the service. Politics aside, they made a sacrifice that most of us are unwilling to do. Maybe the times were clearer then, it doesn't matter. My time for service is past. I can hope that my children won't have to make that choice. But if they do, I'll honor them the same was as I did my grandfather.

Thank you, Grandpa.

Comments

[sbazzy.livejournal.com]

my grandpa was at Normandy too. unfortunately, during the time when he still had the mental clarity to be able to possibly talk about it, i was too young to appreciate this fact and bother asking about it. i definitely regret this, and somehow doubt he ever talked to my mother or my aunt about it.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

I only remember talking to him about it when I was younger, I asked once or twice but stopped because it made him very sad. He did show me the pistol her used during the war. It's the only time I've seen anyone in my family with a gun.

[feather-brain70.livejournal.com]

My grandfather who past away several years ago was a "Tin Can" sailor serving in the North Atlantic Fleet and in the Med from 42-44 and the Pacific from 44-45. (USS Wainwright and USS Soley) He never told stories about his time in the service. My Popy (who I saw today) was a supply officer and the only story I hear from that time was how he met my Nana (that and that he got to play baseball with Satchel Page in some minor league time near South Bend). Both kept/keep that part of their lives private. I track down the history of the boats so I have some idea of what happened to one and I got to tell the other that I love him today.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

One of the shared themes with relatives and the war is their reluctance to talk about it. If their experiences are anything like that shown in Band of Brothers, I can understand their reluctance.

[talesinsdaughtr.livejournal.com]

My grandfather came up through Southern France. He wouldn't talk about it. I think it's great that you got to learn your grandfather's story.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

if he came through southern France, he was probably involved in a lot of major battles. There's a message here about people who've lived through wars, and the price they pay for serving. I wonder how their experiences differ from those soldiers fighting in Iraq today, and if they will be as reluctant to talk about their time in the desert.

[captain-grim.livejournal.com]

Mine was a mortarman with the 101st at Normandy. I wish I knew more about it...he died shortly after I was born. Memorial Day makes me wistful for that reason.