BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

With Father's Day this weekend, I choose to re-post (from OPP) this memory of my Dad. The following is a letter I received from him while on the USS Sanctuary in 1968, just a few days after my arrival in Viet Nam. It remains one of the most memorable in my life. I had not been raised by my Father and, having had spent rare times together, hardly knew him prior to the last 2-3 years of high school. Dad, likely as a result of being a WWII/Korean Vet, was a hard man. Over the years, I had often (in my mind) questioned his thoughts of/for me. This letter went a long way in answering those questions and bolstering confidence in my value and worth to him. It served as an elixir to my heart, mind and soul. It also helped inspire me to never let my children doubt my love and devotion to them.
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Dear Lon,

I got your 1st letter yesterday and answered same a few minutes ago. June then called, read me your letter to Kenny in which you said you were recouping on a hospital ship. I thank God your wounds have had no permanent damaging effects and prayerfully trust that you have a speedy recovery. I called Mike and sent him over to a flag company to get you a Texas flag which we will ship to you today or tomorrow.

As you have already learned...an areal or artillery bombardment is a traumatic and frightening experience, because of the patterns used. The density of coverage and the overwhelming power levied against you and the fact that there is no defense except to just hit the deck, hang on and pray. Having shared the experience many times, I can well understand the natural feelings of fear, frustration and helplessness that one feels. If your recovery is good, I suppose you will be back on the lines within a few weeks. I wish to God you could get a 'survey,' but understand how the machinery operates.

I wrote Don several times to the effect that heroes are made and not born...that, in a sense, every combat veteran is a hero if the word means or connotes a spirit of manliness. The every day life experiences of the foot soldier...not counting the extraordinary situations, require the very best of a man's fibre in strength, will and determination. Unquestionably, you satisfy all of those requirements and will account for yourself in an admirable manner, so...do not undertake to do more than you are directed to do. The Corps is the best judge of where they need you and what you should do in the line of service.

I can visualize the smile fleeting across your face as I write...don't be a foolish volunteer on extraordinary assignments, but I say it nevertheless. ('Skull' knows!) If there is anything we can send you, let us know. Of course, we will all write you often and regularly. June will bake some pogey-bait and cookies for you and ship same.

I bought a 12-gauge pump shotgun...plan to go out when bird-duck season opens...sure wish you were here to go with us, but we will lay our plans accordingly when you get home.

May I say that I am especially proud of you son, and I know that you will continue to manifest the finest traditions of the Corps.

God bless and keep you.

Love, Dad

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

What a wonderful letter. I can see why you cherish it so. I would have loved to have had my Dad live to see me grow into a man and see my children. I envy ALL of you who have had that privilege. IF your Dads are still alive today, please honor them this coming weekend. They won't be here forever. Steve.

Iowa Farmer Loc: Iowa City Iowa

Great letter. My dad was an MP in Korea. He didn't talk about it much, but did relay some stories of life threatening situations, such as night patrols through the countryside in a half track to draw sniper fire, with the tracers flying toward them. I'm glad your Dad was able to support you when you needed it most.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

So your Dad was a grunt too? Ooh Rah! and Semper Fi.

Thanks. To both of ya.

BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Thanks, Spirit. Next time I visit my son in Mather, Ca., I will make a point of getting in touch with you.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Thanks for the warning.

I get down that way occasionally myself. Does your son fish? Some pretty good fishing down that way.

BadFisherman Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Warning, eh We'll be just fine. I'm gregarious and outgoing and pretty much like everybody.

He is my younger son...just turned 43 in April. Fishing, to the best of my memory/knowledge, has never been big with him.

I know he is a gun aficionado and loves to go to the shooting range or out in the Sierras for firing many of 'em. It's been a while, but he also always loved to play frisbee disc golf. Yet, he has a six-yr. old son and a 4-yr. old daughter who might learn to enjoy fishing with him and their mom.

You'll like this: His daughter is named 'Sailor,' in honor of her other grandfather who served in the U.S. Navy and died young. I have grown to appreciate her moniker, as it somehow fits her. Plus, I know how important it is for her Mom to have a walking, talking embodiment of her Dad around.

And, yes...I love my little Sailor and she loves her Marine Grandpa.

Ihntnfsh Loc: Colome, South Dakota

Great letter. I didn’t know my father he divorced my mother when I was five. I knew he served in the navy in WWII. I was layed up in an isolation ward at Camp Zama Japan with a bullet in my hip. When a nurse brought me a phone. It was my dad. I hadn’t heard from him since the divorce. Needless to say I was surprised. To this day I don’t know how he found out I was wounded because even my mother didn’t know. We talked for about a half hour about our military time. After hanging up I never heard from him again. I will always remember our conversation.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

See I said you guys are a SPECIAL bunch!