THAT GOLD STAR
In 1932 it was Welty, then in 1940 it was Paden, then it was 7 Dec 1941 and within a very few days, everyone that could was on active duty.
Then in 1942, word spread quickly in the small town of 400, that Tommy Wright's Son, McClelland (Clell) was reported missing in action.
It's OK Mama, he's only missin in action." - That's what the Telegram said. Then in a few days, two nice looking young officers in their Air Corps Pink & Green Uniforms showed up with some papers to sign. He was no longer just MIA. A young man of 12 should not be seen crying, so I went out to the barn and hid behind some hay bales. Then someone sent us a "Gold Star" to put on the window.
Later, the other brother was a B-17 Pilot and the losses were very heavy. Hoping and against hope not to get another Gold Star, we gathered around the Philco Radio to listened to the losses, which were many. The other Brother was Navy and in the Asian war zone. Coincident with turning 18, and the start of the Korean conflict, I could not have not gone.
It was 1945 when all the heroes came limping back and as I wide-eyed, listened to their stories, I was jealous. In 1950, coincident with turning 18, and the start of the Korean conflict, I jumped up and said "OBOY", now I get to go, I'm going to join the Air Force".
Mama said; "I don't you to go Son. I don't want you to fly in the airplanes. But Mama, I'm going to join the Ground Air Force. They got a ground Air Force? Yes Mama, that's what I'm gonna do, join the Ground Air Force. Well..., OK, then.
In the years following retirement from said Ground Air Force, "Gold Stars" seem to be an ongoing event. As I set in my Recliner, and see the reports of another loss, I envision a couple of young officers walking up to some parents door with papers to sign and, while I don't exactly lose it at age 88, I simply get up and go out and find some more hay bales to hide behind...
When my day ends and it's time for 'Lights Out", I have UTUBE take me to Arlington where I can hear TAPS and be reminded of those who bore the scars and paid the price to keep us FREE.
Their moto: AIM HIGH; ARMY STRONG; NON SIBI SED PATRIAE; SEMPER FIDELIS; SEMER PARATIUS; ALWAY THERE, ALWAYS READY. God Bless You All. Donal
Then in 1942, word spread quickly in the small town of 400, that Tommy Wright's Son, McClelland (Clell) was reported missing in action.
It's OK Mama, he's only missin in action." - That's what the Telegram said. Then in a few days, two nice looking young officers in their Air Corps Pink & Green Uniforms showed up with some papers to sign. He was no longer just MIA. A young man of 12 should not be seen crying, so I went out to the barn and hid behind some hay bales. Then someone sent us a "Gold Star" to put on the window.
Later, the other brother was a B-17 Pilot and the losses were very heavy. Hoping and against hope not to get another Gold Star, we gathered around the Philco Radio to listened to the losses, which were many. The other Brother was Navy and in the Asian war zone. Coincident with turning 18, and the start of the Korean conflict, I could not have not gone.
It was 1945 when all the heroes came limping back and as I wide-eyed, listened to their stories, I was jealous. In 1950, coincident with turning 18, and the start of the Korean conflict, I jumped up and said "OBOY", now I get to go, I'm going to join the Air Force".
Mama said; "I don't you to go Son. I don't want you to fly in the airplanes. But Mama, I'm going to join the Ground Air Force. They got a ground Air Force? Yes Mama, that's what I'm gonna do, join the Ground Air Force. Well..., OK, then.
In the years following retirement from said Ground Air Force, "Gold Stars" seem to be an ongoing event. As I set in my Recliner, and see the reports of another loss, I envision a couple of young officers walking up to some parents door with papers to sign and, while I don't exactly lose it at age 88, I simply get up and go out and find some more hay bales to hide behind...
When my day ends and it's time for 'Lights Out", I have UTUBE take me to Arlington where I can hear TAPS and be reminded of those who bore the scars and paid the price to keep us FREE.
Their moto: AIM HIGH; ARMY STRONG; NON SIBI SED PATRIAE; SEMPER FIDELIS; SEMER PARATIUS; ALWAY THERE, ALWAYS READY. God Bless You All. Donal
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