Great story man, too bad he never got the recognition, but at least he got his son's pride.To My Dad...my hero! He shot down one of the last...if not the last Kamikaze Pilot in WWII but was never officially put in the books. The Destroyer he served on...USS Heermann DD 532 ( Destroyer X ) he was a 20mm gunner on the aft part of the ship where he was strapped in for the entire battles he fought in with two ammo loaders. Hours of shooting with no breaks...not even for a bathroom break and at 18 years his loaders would freeze up from the horrors of battle where'd have to kick them in the butt to get them to engage in loading ammo for him to continue shooting. He would tell me these stories before he passed away in 2004...I miss him every day.
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In addition to this, I'd like to thank you, as you have made a sacrifice that I couldn't. I am honored to call you a brother and a friend.Taking this opportunity to thank all my brothers that served and made the ultimate sacrafice. Also thanking those who served as well...
Thank you brothers