Met him at the Dayton air show several years ago. First class gentleman. Had it not been for his actions I might not be here today. He did what he did to end the war quicker and saved thousands of lives by his actions. He is a hero in my book.
My father went in December 8, joined the marines, and went across the Pacific, island by islands. Twice wounded and managed to return to duty. He and many others were preparing to invade the homeland islands of Japan. Resistance would have been dogged and the loss of another million plus Japanese and at least 200,000 GI's was expected. The government ordered the body bags for what the expected in GI losses and we used them for 40 years.
I am ashamed that he felt he had to choose not to have a grave site so others against his actions could not have a place to rally. He should be in Arlington. He is a hero in my book and should be accorded the honor he deserves. Not as a rally point for people who would be speaking German or some other language had not several million men like him done their duty and sacrificed their time, blood and bodies for our benefit. Thanks to all the WWII GI's thanks to a great American.
