Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Dec. 7, 1941

I agree. I met 2 of my best riding buddies here. Angelis, and Donnie.

It amazes me Dwight, where you come up with all these facts and figures. I grew up close to Pittsburgh and never knew that about their steel production.

By the way I'm sorry about your friend and colleague. Your right.. that is way to young to pass. My heart goes out to his family.
Paul

Thanks Paul.

Carl was a one hell of a guy. He'd come across at first meet as this big tough dude, but the S.O.B. had a heart o' gold, and had a very sly sense of humor.

Alot of conjecture as to the truth of how america was dragged into that war. The actual minute by minute of what was actually happening and "who" knew what was coming on dec 7th. What was done to cover up the knowledge of what was about to happen. I have to agree with PipeDr wholeheartedly. Every word of it.

jerry

Yes the conspirisy theroy is out there that FDR and the big brass at the Pentagon new the attack was coming. But did not warn Pearl because if the Japs called off the attack there woukld be no excuse for the US to enter the war.
Strange coincedence that the US air craft carriers were at sea durring the attack. Dumb luck or ordered out to spare them?

Before I put my mouth in my foot about conspirey theory's,I must re read a book called'The Paladin'by Brian Garfield,Churchhill new about the 7th and stopped a dutch ships broadcast so as to bring America into the war,he new England couldn't win without help from the Collonies so he used every aspect available and so they won,but did they?

These days, I only worry about black helicopters. Ok, dark green ones too.

I got a chance to visit Pearl Harbor back in October. It was fascinating stuff. Viewing it in person and driving around the Island from the Waikikee beach area around to leeward and up to the Northern shore and then back through the pass where the big Dole Pineapple plantation is was an eye opener. Once the Japanese crossed feet dry it was a virtual dead on flight towards the Harbor from Schofield Barracks to Pearl. Once there all those sitting duck battleships off Ford Island...well its easy to see just how much of a turkey shoot it was for them.

We were damn lucky the carriers were out to sea. If those carriers had been in we would have been some time longer before we'd have been ready to take the fight to them.

If any of you get a chance to visit Oahu do not miss Pearl Harbor as part of your visit.

The WW2 Memorial in Washington DC is a great stop as well.

The only thought that crossed my mind more than a few times once standing on the memorial over the sunken Arizona and looking down at the oil still leaking from her innards where the tombs of all those sailors lay....is why the heck the current generation of Americans failed to take the Sept 11th 01 attack by Ragheads as seriously.

I simply shrugged to myself and realized with a sudden clarity that my fathers generation of Americans were and are indeed "The Greatest Generation" Those of us who inherited what they earned in WW2 are overall a poor lot when compared to them. We lack the metal and the steel of that generation. The postwar luxury and easy way of life that these new generations of Americans inherited has made us soft and easy targets for any miscreant abhorrent towel head who simply realizes just how soft we are overall. We do have some who will fight. We have some who will. Some still give all. Not trying to start anything here but that the way it struck me.

Heres to no more Pearls or Sept 11th. A pox on the muslim world. I'll raise my glass to those who have given all in this fight as I remember their forebears.

Whiskey for my men and beer for my horses!

I just got back from my Grandpa's funeral last night. He was buried December 7th. I had the privilege and honor to share his eulogy. My Grandpa was 95 and lived along and good life.

He was a Navy Hospital Corpsman during World War II, stationed on Okinawa as best I know because he never really talked about it. Like most the Vets of that war, he kept much of his war stuff to himself. In fact, I didn't know he was a Corpsman (Pharmacistmate in those days) until I told him I was joining the Navy and was trying to become a Corpsman but the Navy wanted me to be an Aviation guy, said I wasn't strong enough in math to be a Corpsman. He gave me his "Handbook Of The Hospital Corps" for something to study. I did study and got a waiver to become a Corpsman. I followed in my Grandpa's and many others in the proud tradition as a Corpsman.

That simple act of allowing me to use that book, though of questionable academic benefit, motivated me and inspired me to excel, and I did. I have remained in the field these past 30 years and currently as a Flight Paramedic. Amazing the affect a simple gesture can have on a young man and his future and the lives that inevitably have been touched by my career because of his gesture.

My Grandpa's life was touched by that war. He was a member of that "Greatest Generation" and now is a member of those who have gone on ahead of those who remain from those days. He holds and honor and uniqueness in that he and the Doctor he worked with cared for the last official fatality of World War II.

My family gave me the Folded American Flag that was presented, his helmet and "Sailors Hat" and his field surgical kit all of which he had kept these many years and no one knew about. I was, and I am honored to have received these things. I am grateful to those who have gone on, and those who remain yet, for their sacrifice and dedication when called upon in their day and to those as well who serve today.

Sorry for the loss of your grandpa, Ed. He sounded like a great man and passed on some compassion, for people who need help, to his grandson.

Paul