My father was a highly decorated soldier. Never having gone further than eighth grade, speaking very little English (French Acadian) he bravely led his troop. He was awarded the following: Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon with bronze arrowhead, Bronze Star and the Silver Star for "Gallantry In Action". My dad's unit was the first to land on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
This is a tribute to my dad. Not only did he serve as an Army sergeant in the Pacific Theater at the age of 18. He returned home to Portland only to enlist in the U.S. Navy and shipped out again to the Pacific for the Korean conflict. I am very proud of my dad. He continues to make me proud even today. Last year (2004) at the age of 83, dad traveled from Portland on his own to meet comrades in Warrick, Rhode Island and made the trek to Washington, D.C. for the WWII memorial services. In my eyes he is a true Maine hero.
This is a tribute to all the members of Stephens High School in Rumford, that served in the military. I am proud to have served with such an honorable group.
He survived being in a Japanese concentration camp for 3 ? years. He could only eat baby food for a long time after coming home. He loved his country and was proud to be an American.
He was a great man!
For all that you endured in a War without thanks. You are courageous and strong and I appreciate your journey back from that experience. I love you!
My son Chris is not only defending the right to vote for the people of the United States, he is also working for democracy in Iraq. I am proud of him and all of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to improve a country thousands of miles away. My son has learned a lot from the Iraqi people and has matured beyond his 21 years. His family prays for his safe return as well as the safe return of all of his fellow soldiers in the 133rd Maine National Guard. We are proud of all of you.
I vote in honor of my dad, who raised me to honor and respect my country, our flag, our god, and the values for which they all stand on. To appreciate the freedoms he fought for in WWII. In the 1940s, he stood on the deck of a ship and faced the enemy as a Gunners mate during the Island Hopping Campaign and the invasion of Japan. He experienced the terrors of war and against those who would love to steal our freedoms and sense of safety.
Chester graduated with 26 of us from Woodstock High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Marines shortly after graduation and was killed in Vietnam in the early part of 1967. He is sadly missed at every class reunion.
Thank you for serving aboard a US Navy mine sweeper, and thank you for being a great dad.
