I was doing some online research about my father's service with the 36th Infantry during WW2 and came upon a neat website..I posted, asking if anybody knew my father. Lo and behold, a fellow answered who is the nephew of my father's best friend, Leslie. I was named after this man (Daddy was hoping for a boy,LOL)..they were at the Rapido River battle, January 20,1944 where the US Army was nearly massacered by the Germans. My father stepped on a land mine, and his best friend scooped him up and carried him to safety all under enemy machine gun fire. While visiting this site, I read a post which suggested that anybody who knows a WW2 vet should sit down with them, tape recorder in hand, and record their experiences. Most of these men and women will not be with us much longer and they have so much history to share! My father died in 1983, so the opportunity is gone.....Please think about this...these folks underwent some hideous times so that our country remained free. I think their personal sacrifices should be shared with children and grandchildren and then have it available to great-grandchildren, etc...most young folks have zero concept of REAL war, and hopefully they never will learn first hand, but perhaps by hearing from the folks who did experience it, we all can learn how truly horrific it is. God bless.

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), August 04, 2001

Answers

I am the granddaughter of a WWII vet. All I know is that he was on Leyte Island in the Philippines. My grandpa is very reluctant to talk to me about any of his experiences. I can understand his hesitation, but I would love to know more about him. I'm wondering if there's any way to find out about my grandpa. I don't know where to start or even where to go. I would just like to know more about him! His name is Daniel O'Connor and I don't expect that he'll be with me much longer. If anyone has heard of him or knew him, please, please respond!

-- Rachael (rlo7vc@umr.edu), September 23, 2002.

I too am the grandaughter of a ww2 vet looking for more information about my grandfather, Who has recently pasted away before i could get any information from him. All i know is his name and birthday do you have any ideas on where i can begin???

-- Tammy (tw13460@yahoo.com), November 14, 2002.

My father is Norman Pelletier from Allagash Maine. My father was in the 3rd, 5th and 9th infantry in from 1942-45. He served in France and Germany, active duty during this period of time. He has asked that any one knowing vets from these divisions,or any vets who read this to email him at Allagashr@aol.com He is now 86 yrs old.. he remembers a buddy, maybe native amer. by the nick name "pepper"

-- Vella Dee (Allagashr@aol.com), March 26, 2003.

Also a grandaughter a WW2 vet served in 135th medical division looking for info regarding why he received 3 bronze stars. His name was Sgt. Frank H Weber served in East Indies, Papuan, New Guinea Thanks too any and all help in this search Ginger

-- Ginger Weber (RhiannonRose8@aol.com), September 23, 2003.

Hello and God bless to all. I m currently doing research on a soilder , who is a vet of WW2. I believe he was a gunner on B24 LiberatersI have several letters and news reports that were sent home post dated 1943. His name was Corporal leo P. Hassett. Any imformation regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated . This brave vet , needs to be forgoten.

-- Ssgt Francis Steven McGorry (fmcgorry03@aol .com), November 20, 2003.