My grandson — historian in diapers

[been there]

I have a grandson who should have been 40 by now, but stalled around until I became senile. This kid drives me nuts with questions. How many Germans did you shoot grandpa? Why do they call it "The Bulge?" Howcum the name of your Company is Charlie — who was Charlie? Did you get a lot of medals? You mean you got a Purple Heart for that? Did you really wash underwear in your helmet?

Of his better questions, I can't remember enough to shut him up. I know we had a Bazooka man, but to save my life I don't know how it worked. If I needed a hole in a Panther, I yelled, "Get the preacher up here." Edwin was a conscientious objector who told us we were all going to hell. He would fire the stove pipe with his eyes shut and hit a butterfly.

We had a couple, three guys who favored the BAR, I could hardly lift it so I stuck to the M1. Of course, I had no idea how many bullets were in a BAR clip, why should I know that?. No, I didn't know how many bullets are in a bandoleer either. No, I can't remember how many clips were in my gun belt. Yes, I know I carried a million bandoleers all over France, Belgium, and Germany — but why would I count the bullets, they were free.

I have an incomplete list of 647 names and addresses of the men who were in C Company at one time or another. Nosey wanted to know how many of them were in the company at one time. We had 3 platoons in the company, I told him. He was insatiable, how many men in a platoon, he asked? 5 squads I answered. The boy was like a pit bull, "Don't you know how many men there are a company grandpa?y. Listen carefully, there are 3 companies in a battalion, don't you get it — I'm tired of explaining that there are 3 battalions in a regiment. Be quiet, grandpa needs a nap.

Grandpa, do you know how many of those men on your list came from Texas? For crying out loud, who cares — we're from Connecticut.

If there's anyone out there reading this, I'd love to get my hands on the 2rd or 3rd Armored Divisions' "Table of Organization" for future questions. If there's an old BAR or Bazooka guy out there, please let me know let me know your email address for the kid.

[Donnie]

He is just curious, i wish i had listened to my grandad. What unit were you in?

Donnie

[Slipdigit]

Bear with him, in years to come, his grandchildren will be pestering him to talk about you, their hero.

Years ago, I sat down several times with a video recorder and talked to my grandfather at length about his whole life. We got three tapes full, 6 hours, of him telling me and my future grandchildren about himself. Two hours of the tape is on his war experience. I did the same for my grandmother, I just wished that I had had the opportunity to talk with my the other grandparents who had already died. Those tapes are gold to me.

Yes, your grandson wants to know about the things he thinks made you a hero, such the painful memories of lives you may have cut short or how the weapons worked, but be sure and tell him about the normal everyday parts of being a soldier or wondering how the family was doingback home, so he won't forget the soldier in his own life that may be overseas and is waiting for that letter or package. Tell him funny stories about things that happened to let him know that you were just a good man doing good things under terrible circumstances.

Get yourself a tape recorder and keep it by you and as you think of things, record them. When your grandson is older, he'll love you for giving him memories of you that are worth saving.

I appreciate what you did and I am teaching my daugters to have the same attitude about veterans. I appreciate the hardships and difficult things you may have had to do but I am most thankful that you gave time out of your life and that is your most precious commodity.

Hello been there. I know your grandson is driving you nuts, but like Slip and Donnie have said, have patience he is still young. He will learn. Record all of your memories, the tape-recorder/dictaphone are invalaubale. Talk and talk to him, and tell him everything.
I wish my grandfather had talked, there is so much we need to know now but we cannot find it.
And we'll do what we can to find you the info you need.

[CTNana]

Hi
As a fellow grandparent I detect a note of irony in your post!!!!

I echo the sentiments expressed by all, regarding the getting and recording of information. Too many of us spend the rest of our lives regretting the absence of those conversations.

Best wishes to you and your Grandson

CTNana

[Owen]

No, I didn't know how many bullets are in a bandoleer either. No, I can't remember how many clips were in my gun belt. Yes, I know I carried a million bandoleers all over France, Belgium, and Germany — but why would I count the bullets, they were free.

Hmmmmmm,
Sorry "been there" but surely as a trained soldier it was your job to know.
You life and your squad members lives depended on knowing your kit inside and out.
If you didn't know that does say much for your training.
So what unit were you with?

the BAR, I could hardly lift it

Really, you couldn't lift one of those?
Around 16 lb are you sure?

[Donnie]

Come on Owen it was 60 years ago. And anyway i dont think he's walting, i mean if thats what your trying to imply.

Donnie

[Owen]

If I'm wrong I humbly apologise.

[marcus69x]

Hi Been there. I think I can understand where you're coming from. You must get sick of repeating things and explaining things. But at least he wants to know. There are plenty of kids out there who couldn't give a toss. At least he'll be keeping your memories alive after you've gone.

You should buy him the World at War box set. That should shut him up for a while.

P.s. Thanx for you're service and please do tell us more about your experiences.

many thanx
marcus

[marcus69x]

P.s. You should have your user name in purple (for vets). Maybe one of the Mods can arrange this.