A Heart Wrenching Moment with WW II/Korean War Vet (Navy, Marines)

[T-310]

I had the deepest pleasure to chat with a 95 year old veteran of WWII and Korea. It was a moving experience, one that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

He served in the Navy during those times and was once stationed on the USS Alaska during WW2 passing powder from the magazine to a 5" gun mount. He asked had I served and I related that I too had served in the Navy as a QM in submarines but had served on the USS Missouri during DS. I also mentioned that I was stationed out of Pearl Harbor.

His clear blue eyes grew haunted and he said he was also at Pearl Harbor and that he was there on Dec 7. I asked if he had returned there and he said he would never go back. I asked why and his eyes grew fiery and said he would never pay $25 to visit a ship on which he had tried to rescue trapped shipmates.

I was astonished and asked where he heard of that. He said he was told that to take a boat out to the Arizona cost $25. I remember during the Clinton years he had made mention of privatizing the boat runs to the Arizona. The CNO had grown indignant and confronted Clinton since the Arizona is still a commissioned ship in the US Navy and he would be damned if some vendor would charge money to take people out to what the Navy considers hallowed ground. The Navy runs the motor whaleboats and takes visitors out the ship and no charge is ever assessed and will continue to do so.

I mentioned this to the gentleman and his gaze grew distant. He said in a near whisper "I go to sleep and I hear their voices, their screams, every night. I am partially deaf now but I hear their calls for help very clearly. And there was nothing I could do." A lady who was nearby heard this and said "Oh my God" and started sobbing quietly. I was moved to tears.

For over 70 years, he endured this personal torment, hearing the calls and screams. To this day he tries to assuage his personal grief by helping veterans of todays battles and to help them cope with their physical and mental injuries.

I grasped his hand and said, "You have to go back. You have helped others, now help yourself. You have to go back." He said he would and then indicated he couldn't talk anymore.

I watched a brave man, his back straight, unbowed by years trying to come to terms with his grief. Hopefully he will find peace for the remainder of his years.

[jeffdoorgunner]

Originally Posted by T-310

I had the deepest pleasure to chat with a 95 year old veteran of WWII and Korea. It was a moving experience, one that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

He served in the Navy during those times and was once stationed on the USS Alaska during WW2 passing powder from the magazine to a 5" gun mount. He asked had I served and I related that I too had served in the Navy as a QM in submarines but had served on the USS Missouri during DS. I also mentioned that I was stationed out of Pearl Harbor.

His clear blue eyes grew haunted and he said he was also at Pearl Harbor and that he was there on Dec 7. I asked if he had returned there and he said he would never go back. I asked why and his eyes grew fiery and said he would never pay $25 to visit a ship on which he had tried to rescue trapped shipmates.

I was astonished and asked where he heard of that. He said he was told that to take a boat out to the Arizona cost $25. I remember during the Clinton years he had made mention of privatizing the boat runs to the Arizona. The CNO had grown indignant and confronted Clinton since the Arizona is still a commissioned ship in the US Navy and he would be damned if some vendor would charge money to take people out to what the Navy considers hallowed ground. The Navy runs the motor whaleboats and takes visitors out the ship and no charge is ever assessed and will continue to do so.

I mentioned this to the gentleman and his gaze grew distant. He said in a near whisper "I go to sleep and I hear their voices, their screams, every night. I am partially deaf now but I hear their calls for help very clearly. And there was nothing I could do." A lady who was nearby heard this and said "Oh my God" and started sobbing quietly. I was moved to tears.

For over 70 years, he endured this personal torment, hearing the calls and screams. To this day he tries to assuage his personal grief by helping veterans of todays battles and to help them cope with their physical and mental injuries.

I grasped his hand and said, "You have to go back. You have helped others, now help yourself. You have to go back." He said he would and then indicated he couldn't talk anymore.

I watched a brave man, his back straight, unbowed by years trying to come to terms with his grief. Hopefully he will find peace for the remainder of his years.

very moving account. I too hope he finds peace...........

[joe from dayton]

Thanks for sharing.

[missesthebeaches]

Thank you, T-310, for sharing such a moving story. Unless one has served, one cannot know what Soldiers, Sailors, Marines or Airmen went through during their time at war or battle. Many, as the Sailor in this story, are still living in their private hell. Many don't talk about it, not because they don't want you to know but, because they will never forget. With all my heart I hope this Veteran and all who have fought find peace within so their hearts will heal. Just sign me.....

An always indebted, always grateful, always faithful supporter of our Nation's Armed Forces, past, present, and future!

[DauntlessDan]

Ahh those days. Used to, until very recently, work for the Department of Veteran's Affairs and saw the old WWII and Korean War vets all of the time. LOVED to hear their stories of days past. Once I found out where/when they served I used to start asking questions about life back then, in and out of the military. They were all too happy to entertain me with their tales. Better than reading a history book. Thank you WWII and Korean vets. Am going to miss that very, very much......