My father served during WWII with the 15th Air Force as the radio operator on a B-17. They were often supported during their missions by the 332 Fighter Group, which was staffed by pilots from Tuskegee. Dad talked about the service, but rarely about the war.
A good friend of his was one of the survivors of the Bataan Death March. He could never forgive the Japanese for his war time experiences. He also had an intense dislike for turnips. Seems that was only source of food for years while he was held captive.
One summer evening, my grandfather, a WWI vet, was sitting on the front porch. A few neighbors came by and he offered them a beer. Soon they began to talk about their war experiences. It turned out that these families had been in the death camps. They were sent there after the fall of Poland. I was very young and just sat and listened for hours.
Ken Burns did a marvelous job. I did not get to see every segment, but have every intention of purchasing the DVDs.
Pete
