Kudos to History Channel

[Vlane]

There was a thread recently on how the programming on the HC had been a joke lately, I completely agreed. The last few days they've been showing WWII in HD and I must say, thank you History Channel! I haven't got the chance to watch a whole lot of it but what I have seen I have not been disappointed.

Watching this show lets one gently scratch the surface of the trials and ugliness of war many of us will hopefully never have to understand. Thank you to all who had to experience war first hand in order to preserve our nation's and others' freedoms.

[Splitlip]

Yeah. I've been watching. I think the average age of the combatants was something like 19. They all look to be 40. Until you see them in the hospitals. Then they appear to be 13.

The greatest generation. When we honk at and flip off the dottering grandpa on the road, or the old lady at the grocery checkout, let's remember he or she might have piloted a B-17, drove a tank, slugged ashore in Europe or the Pacific, was a WASP, or nurse on the front, or a Hollocost survivor.

And let's not forget Rosy the Riveter and the children who gave up their metal toys as part of the recycling war effort.

I watched, last night I think, the liberation of the camps. Horror to think that supposedly civilized "westerners" committed that kind of genocide. I have friends who's parents survived the camps. They were children who had no childhood, lost their parents and siblings to unspeakable atrocities and have not slept soundly since.

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

Yeah. I've been watching. I think the average age of the combatants was something like 19. They all look to be 40. Until you see them in the hospitals. Then they appear to be 13.

The greatest generation. When we honk at and flip off the dottering grandpa on the road, or the old lady at the grocery checkout, let's remember he or she might have piloted a B-17, drove a tank, slugged ashore in Europe or the Pacific, was a WASP, or nurse on the front, or a Hollocost survivor.

And let's not forget Rosy the Riveter and the children who gave up their metal toys as part of the recycling war effort.

I watched, last night I think, the liberation of the camps. Horror to think that supposedly civilized "westerners" committed that kind of genocide. I have friends who's parents survived the camps. They were children who had no childhood, lost their parents and siblings to unspeakable atrocities and have not slept soundly since.

Speaking of Rosy the Riverter, I've met her! Had the opporunity and glad I did. Nice gal!

I've met a good number of them and the fact that I served and spent time in a combat zone seemed to light a kindred spirit that enabled them to share stories with me that they normally didn't. I am proud to say I've met 8 WWII Silver star recipients as well as 10 Bronze, A Distinguished Service Cross recipient and 2 (!!!) Medal of Honor recipients.

Some of the stories told definitely bring a shiver to my spine.

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

Speaking of Rosy the Riverter, I've met her! Had the opporunity and glad I did. Nice gal!

I've met a good number of them and the fact that I served and spent time in a combat zone seemed to light a kindred spirit that enabled them to share stories with me that they normally didn't. I am proud to say I've met 8 WWII Silver star recipients as well as 10 Bronze, A Distinguished Service Cross recipient and 2 (!!!) Medal of Honor recipients.

Some of the stories told definitely bring a shiver to my spine.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to to spell the names so cannot google the links, but I have one neighbor who was a Ranger at Normandy and another who flew with the 8th Air Force. Both are "published".

The Normandy guy, recieved several bronze stars, a silver or more and a DS Cross I think. I do remember 5 Purple Hearts. I have seen the commendations. He has a plate in his head. He is at he VA now, after spending so many years volunteering there.

[blue37]

Fantastic program with great interviews from the few living survivors. The color and H/D really showed the gruesomeness of war.

[scubastud]

All I can say is the programming at the History Channel reads Scubatoys Forum and wisened up!
Yes I have been watchig this series too. This is what I expect from them horray us!

[navyhmc]

Personally, I find my self very humbled by this generation. I've "Been There" yet don't feel that I am even close to worthy when compared to the WWII vets.

[tfd86]

I get ya Navy, when I was in I even felt that today's Army had quite a few comforts thhat our predecessors did not. Mostly through technology, Comm, Clothing, and weaponry. But it must have been something to not have big brother taping every interrogation and firefight.