My uncle Jim, along with his brothers Charles, Joseph, and George, served gallantly in Europe in World War II. Uncle Jim was killed at Anzio. Uncle Charlie fought at the Battle of the Bulge, Uncle Joe was captured, and Uncle George served as a staff driver in Italy. I could not be more proud of my heritage.
My father enlisted in the Army in 1917 and was trained in chemical warfare. According to his medals he fought 5 battles in France as part of the original "Hellfire Boys". The First Gas Regiment. He was injured by German Mustard gas in March of 1918 and in 2003 he was awarded his purple heart. As the war came to and end and he returned home to Rockland, jobs were scarce. My father went back and enlisted and served 2 more years in the Navy. My father Went to meet God after many years of suffering with just one lung. The Mustard Gas got the other one.
Jimmy when you were in Nam there was not a day that you were not in my thoughts. When I heard you were home it was up until then the happiest day in my life.
I am proud of my father?s contribution in WWII Pacific Realm, a Tech 5 and Sports writer for Stars and Stripes. He, like so many of his era were men of integrity, family first and sacrifice and held to his religious faith fiercely. He was a man of strong opinion.
To My father: who taught me the meaning of being a patriot and whom I miss dearly. He was my best friend and my hero.
Jim served in the China, Burma, India theater throughout most of the war. He returned home with severe bouts of maleria but eventually recovered. I remember him as a hero of my childhood and a great friend.
Dad entered as a volunteer army recruit March 20, 1941, was discharged September 20, 1945. Overseas, April 1943, came back September 1945. In Combat on Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte, Okinawa, Marshall Island, Kwalalein, and the Philippines.
My father, James H. Young fought in the Korean War. He was injured there and suffered throughout the rest of his life. He was always proud of his service to his country and would have gone again in an instant if they asked him. He was passionate about flying the Stars and Stripes and was known to let others know the right way to respect our flag. Up until his death, he never changed his support of our country and freedoms. Fittingly, he passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2000.
Even though my grandfather has suffered in a war, he still believes to live life to the fullest and protects his family.
Served during Vietnam, Desert Storm and Noble Eagle and retired as Master Chief Petty Officer with 31 years of service.
