I lost a cousin and a couple of friends in Viet Nam. I had another cousin who survived POW mistreatment.
My dad was too young for WWII, but 3 of his brothers fought. On June 6, 1944 his brother Guadalupe Gonzalez was at Omaha Beach! He received 2 Purple Hearts later in the war.
My Mom's only brother fought in WWII. My wife's dad, and 3 of his brothers also fought in WWII, one of the brothers was wounded, and confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life.
Everyone of these soldiers were South Texas, Mexican Americans and were treated as second class citizens at home. The local restaurants would not allow them inside, even while they were in full uniform, they had to eat out back.
They carried a lot, and it did not deter their fighting spirit.
Nice story Matt.
I lost a cousin and a couple of friends in Viet Nam. I had another cousin who survived POW mistreatment.
My dad was too young for WWII, but 3 of his brothers fought. On June 6, 1944 his brother Guadalupe Gonzalez was at Omaha Beach! He received 2 Purple Hearts later in the war.
My Mom's only brother fought in WWII. My wife's dad, and 3 of his brothers also fought in WWII, one of the brothers was wounded, and confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life.
Everyone of these soldiers were South Texas, Mexican Americans and were treated as second class citizens at home. The local restaurants would not allow them inside, even while they were in full uniform, they had to eat out back.
They carried a lot, and it did not deter their fighting spirit.
Thanks so much for sharing Butch! And thanks so much to your family for their services and their sacrifices.
I had an uncle who was killed in Vietnam. Unlucky draw number after college. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23378016/alex-victor-vardy
I have no memory of him. But my share of his life insurance policy paid for my first year of college. I named my boy Victor after him.
Wow. I'm sorry for your family's loss. And its touching that his sacrifice changed your life and you've honored his legacy.
Nice piece!
Thanks Nick! That's a great compliment coming from a great writer such as yourself!