I can just imagine how proud your Dad was of you, I would be.

I got your book COMES A SOLDIER’S WHISPER through the local library. They had to order it for me. It was recommended by Kevin Brooks author of “Glider Infantryman” about Don Rich my best Buddy that just passed away May 1st. Don mentioned me often in his book. Just finished reading “No Silent Night” by Leo Barron, and it is about the 502, 401, 463 and others in the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve in 1944 and a day that was OUTSTANDING. If you haven’t read it, it would give you an insight of some of the combat your Dad endured. We had our share defending Marvie the SE part of the perimiter.

I was the second youngest of five brothers that served, four in combat and three in Europe. I saw one brother in combat and one in the hospital after being wounded a few miles from me in the bulge. Much luck on the book and in your life. Good to hear you say such nice things about your Dad. He was a GREAT man.

My girlfriend during the war, now my wife of 67 years was like your Mom. She wouldn’t get married before I shipped out because she was only 16 and would not be able to go to school if she were married. She wrote me every day and worked three jobs. We were married three months after I got home. They kept me in to transfer to the 82nd to make the Victory Parade in NYC Jan. 12, 1946.

We lost our oldest son, Jack on June 24, 1993 the worst day of my life. But before he passed, I took him to Holland and Bastogne. He died in our arms 8 months later. One of the last things he said to us was that he loved us and the trip to Holland was the best thing that ever happened for him. It was a relief for me because I would not answer many of his questions about the war. I was wrong to do that. When he was hospitalized in Holland, they took wonderful care of him.