When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, my Grandpa was like many eligible young men at the time. He rushed to join the navy and help the United States to exact revenge for the lives lost and fight for the safety of the American people and those he loved. From the small town of Silver Lake, he soon embarked on an adventure at sea that put him in the direct line of battle.
Throughout his life he was proud of his service and often regaled the family with colorful stories of life aboard ship. The men aboard the USS Borie DD-704 met every year after the war until death claimed them to remember. They were the greatest bunch of people…and through these reunions and my grandparents I had the pleasure of meeting some great people including impressive figures such as Commander Noah Adair who led the ship and its crew during World War 2.
My Grandpa was a baker aboard ship and proudly kept the notes and cookbook telling exactly how many ingredients he needed to prepare pies, cakes, and breads for hundreds of men. His animated tales of life at sea and the kamikaze which hit the ship on August 9, 1945 causing extensive damage and loss of life became the stuff of family legend and lore. I remember him always saying that the day the ship was hit was the day when the war became all to real. A lot of dirty skivvies went flying overboard ship that day, his included. I believe I would have filled my pants too if I were placed in similar circumstances.
His time aboard ship led him to participate in the invasion of Iwo Jima and the raids on Tokyo and Okinawa. He also was extremely pleased to tell anyone within earshot that he had crossed the equator aboard ship. Unlike many who never came home, he lived to tell the first hand tales of World War 2, return stateside, and marry my Grandma.
It is because of men and women like him who felt the fire in their hearts to serve that we enjoy the freedoms we do today. It is because of their selfless sacrifices that we can enjoy life as we know it and live without fear. G0d bless our troops!! Until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.
My Grandpa was a baker aboard ship and proudly kept the notes and cookbook telling exactly how many ingredients he needed to prepare pies, cakes, and breads for hundreds of men. His animated tales of life at sea and the kamikaze which hit the ship on August 9, 1945 causing extensive damage and loss of life became the stuff of family legend and lore. I remember him always saying that the day the ship was hit was the day when the war became all to real. A lot of dirty skivvies went flying overboard ship that day, his included. I believe I would have filled my pants too if I were placed in similar circumstances.
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