What branch of the military did you serve or support?
Jul 9, 2020 14:43:05 #
Robert J Samples wrote:
FinFisherman: Good Job, Sailor! I was fresh back... (show quote)
As a reward when I was in Ohio in the Reserves we got to fly on Reserve Airforces C119 the only plane at the time couldn't theoretically fly. On that flight to FL I learned why you dont eat yellow snow. Relief tubes down the stantions you had to keep kicking to keep the flow going.
Jul 9, 2020 15:18:38 #
I forgot (not hard these days LOL) that after getting out in 1960, I joined the reserves from 1960-62 while I was going to college to complete my obligation to my country sooner, earn a little bit to help with college costs and I taught Electronics to those in that discipline at our station.
Jul 9, 2020 15:29:21 #
Jul 9, 2020 16:20:10 #
FinFisherman wrote:
As a reward when I was in Ohio in the Reserves we ... (show quote)
Fin when i was stationed at Hurlburt field we had a few of those C 119's in the 70's. Correct me if i am wrong wasn't their nickname The Flying Boxcar or Coffin?
Jul 9, 2020 16:22:46 #
Jul 9, 2020 16:27:57 #
plumbob wrote:
Fin when i was stationed at Hurlburt field we had a few of those C 119's in the 70's. Correct me if i am wrong wasn't their nickname The Flying Boxcar or Coffin?
Yes flying boxcars. They didn't have anything in the back. And the back of the plane lowered so paratroopers could jump out and they could dump jeeps too.
Jul 9, 2020 17:08:37 #
FinFisherman wrote:
Yes flying boxcars. They didn't have anything in the back. And the back of the plane lowered so paratroopers could jump out and they could dump jeeps too.
Cool, Thanks Fin, just your mentioning of them i can see them on the flight line just outside our prop shop at the time. C 123 were my favorites. Knew them like the back of my hand.
Jul 9, 2020 17:10:09 #
threeCs
Loc: Allen Texas
I will expand on my military service a little from what I first posted. I found out in the middle of December 1951 that I would be drafted into the Marines in March of 1952. I went to the Air Force recruiter and put a big sob story on him. I knew that I was not tough enough to make a Marine. He had a six month waiting list and I had three months. He finally agreed to give me a physical and aptitude test and then we would talk. After that he told me if I was the first in line after the Christmas break on December 26 1951 ( had previously giving year as 1952, close but not quite), he would see that I went to the Air Force. I was first in line on the 26th.
I wanted to be a aircraft and engine mechanic but they had other ideas. They said my math skills would make electronic easy for me and they had a shortage. Went to Biloxi, Keesler Air Base for training for thirteen months basic electronic and radar maintenance finished school in February 1952 and reported to Camp Kilmer for oversea station. Graduation class ahead of me had gone to Korea and the class behind me also went to Korea. I was lucky and drew a Germany assignment.
When I landed in Germany I had 33 months left on my active four year commitment. In 1954 I met my future wife. Her Mother owned an cafe and I love to eat. It takes a lot of paper word for military to marry a foreign national. I requested a three month extension but was denied, but they offered me a 15 month extension to make me 48 months in Germany. I did not really have any choice if I wanted to get married. We finally got approval on Nov 5 1956 and were married on November 10 1956. Rotated to the States in March 1657 and separated from active duty.
I made the final rank of S Sgt. and was with a mobile unit. Twenty three enlisted men and six officers. We were a bomb scoring unit. Had only 45 minutes break thing down and be on the road. I was always stationed on a nearby Army base instead of Air Force base. We were known as the bus driver by the army personnel.
Our Organization chart showed a M/Sgt as being in charge of Radar and Radio but I served as leader from A/1C until I was released from active service.
Wife and I will celebrate our 64th anniversary this coming November 10
I wanted to be a aircraft and engine mechanic but they had other ideas. They said my math skills would make electronic easy for me and they had a shortage. Went to Biloxi, Keesler Air Base for training for thirteen months basic electronic and radar maintenance finished school in February 1952 and reported to Camp Kilmer for oversea station. Graduation class ahead of me had gone to Korea and the class behind me also went to Korea. I was lucky and drew a Germany assignment.
When I landed in Germany I had 33 months left on my active four year commitment. In 1954 I met my future wife. Her Mother owned an cafe and I love to eat. It takes a lot of paper word for military to marry a foreign national. I requested a three month extension but was denied, but they offered me a 15 month extension to make me 48 months in Germany. I did not really have any choice if I wanted to get married. We finally got approval on Nov 5 1956 and were married on November 10 1956. Rotated to the States in March 1657 and separated from active duty.
I made the final rank of S Sgt. and was with a mobile unit. Twenty three enlisted men and six officers. We were a bomb scoring unit. Had only 45 minutes break thing down and be on the road. I was always stationed on a nearby Army base instead of Air Force base. We were known as the bus driver by the army personnel.
Our Organization chart showed a M/Sgt as being in charge of Radar and Radio but I served as leader from A/1C until I was released from active service.
Wife and I will celebrate our 64th anniversary this coming November 10
Jul 9, 2020 17:15:01 #
threeCs wrote:
I will expand on my military service a little from... (show quote)
Interesting write up 3 C's. Awesome way to meet the wife and coming up on 64 that is a true accomplishment. Nice going You two.
Jul 9, 2020 17:47:10 #
Jul 9, 2020 18:46:38 #
ThreeCs: We all did what we had to do. From about 4 or 5 all I ever wanted to do was fly in the Air Force, or Army Air Corps, earlier.
When I finally got there, it was discovered I had a scar on the lens of my left eye and was disqualified for flight while in Air Force ROTC. Later, on active duty, I was told by a flight surgeon that on average i did have 20/20 vision but the Air Force didn 't need pilots, they didn't even need officers!
So I took the deal of 6 months training and 7 1/2 years active reserves. Not 2 or 3 years later, another member of my training class went back on active duty, took flying trainng and flew for 8 to 10 years. It was too late for me. Just Sayin...:RJS
When I finally got there, it was discovered I had a scar on the lens of my left eye and was disqualified for flight while in Air Force ROTC. Later, on active duty, I was told by a flight surgeon that on average i did have 20/20 vision but the Air Force didn 't need pilots, they didn't even need officers!
So I took the deal of 6 months training and 7 1/2 years active reserves. Not 2 or 3 years later, another member of my training class went back on active duty, took flying trainng and flew for 8 to 10 years. It was too late for me. Just Sayin...:RJS
Jul 9, 2020 19:25:40 #
plumbob wrote:
Iowa Thank you for your respect and admiration for all that served. I know there are many out there that backed the services, it's special to hear it that folks did have our backs here at home.
If you would like to add your dad to the list please post his branch and years.
If you would like to add your dad to the list please post his branch and years.
Dad was inducted Nov 13 1950. I don't know where he had basic training. Ordinance school in Aberdeen MD Jan. to June '51 for auto engine rebuild. At some point, I know he couldn't get along with his C/O, and ended up 560th MP company APO 973. Served in Korea, told stories about guns held to his head breaking up bar fights. Also was on night patrols in a half track to draw fire from snipers and take them out. He was discharged Nov. 10 1952 as a Corporal with 3 bronze service stars. He passed away Feb of 2019. Been going through his things, and came across this information.
Jul 9, 2020 23:10:44 #
plumbob wrote:
Would you like to mention what branch of the military and when you served?
Many of us have kept in touch with other service members in one form or another. Therefore, I am going to keep a tally of what branch and service time and post it at a later time. You just may see that someone served at the same time and branch as you.
If you were unable to serve in the respect of wearing a uniform, but yet served with support please let us know.
plumbob USAF 69 -73
Many of us have kept in touch with other service members in one form or another. Therefore, I am going to keep a tally of what branch and service time and post it at a later time. You just may see that someone served at the same time and branch as you.
If you were unable to serve in the respect of wearing a uniform, but yet served with support please let us know.
plumbob USAF 69 -73
U S Coast Guard, Boatswainsmate 1st class
‘68-78
Jul 9, 2020 23:48:55 #
Larry M wrote:
We went to Great Lakes about the same time. We started at Camp Moffett then moved into the brand new barracks.
I joined in June 1963.
I joined at 17 also, just to get away from where I was living.
I joined in June 1963.
I joined at 17 also, just to get away from where I was living.
Did you have to have both parents signatures to join? The signature thing caused problems with my parents. Mom was alright with it but Dad didn't want to sign. Don't know why and never did find out. The only letter I ever received from my father came thru the Red cross when my maternial great grand father died. He was one of my best teachers, how to fish, how to hunt, how to chase girls! And not to shoot ducks from under a hay trailer with a 10 gage shoot gun. I thought I was deaf for a week! That was a life time lesson I won't forget!
Jul 10, 2020 02:31:01 #
No. I was originally drafted by the Army but joined the CG with my youngest by. He had to have moms signature. I was born in Toledo, O. I see you were born in Ohio!
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