Stories from WW2

theoddz · 05-13-2010, 08:26 AM

This is a wonderful recording of a lecture given by Eugene Sledge, who is portrayed in "The Pacific". In this interview, he talks about "The Old Breed". This is what we Marines call the Marines who fought in WW2. By the way, I love hearing Eugene Sledge's Southern drawl. It makes me feel like I'm back home in Savannah, GA.

As I listened to this, my thoughts went back to Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, who fought with the 1st Marine Division during the War in The Pacific, specifically at the battle of Iwo Jima. Sgt.Maj. Tucker was a patient of mine, last November, at the VA hospital where I work. He retired after 28 years and an illustrious career. He is one of the many heroes I've had the distinct honor of caring for, in my career working for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Sgt.Maj. had everyone baffled, because at 84 years old, and with multiple serious medical problems going on, he refused to give up. Being a Marine myself, I knew why he didn't. As I watch The Pacific, and the battles portrayed in that miniseries (Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Iwo Jima and Okinawa...Tarawa was another horrific battle, though not portrayed in the miniseries), I know why "Top" didn't give up. He'd faced death before and just didn't give up.

Anyway, I want to post this for Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, as he now stands his watch on the streets of Heaven. This is for you, Top, so that others will know just what it took, and what kind of men and women won this war. Heroes all.

Semper Fi,
~Theo~

Jet · 05-13-2010, 09:00 AM

Very moving, Theo. Great post!!

Ten-hut!
*Saluting Sgt. Maj. Tucker in memoriam, sir!*

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoddz

This is a wonderful recording of a lecture given by Eugene Sledge, who is portrayed in "The Pacific". In this interview, he talks about "The Old Breed". This is what we Marines call the Marines who fought in WW2. By the way, I love hearing Eugene Sledge's Southern drawl. It makes me feel like I'm back home in Savannah, GA.

As I listened to this, my thoughts went back to Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, who fought with the 1st Marine Division during the War in The Pacific, specifically at the battle of Iwo Jima. Sgt.Maj. Tucker was a patient of mine, last November, at the VA hospital where I work. He retired after 28 years and an illustrious career. He is one of the many heroes I've had the distinct honor of caring for, in my career working for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Sgt.Maj. had everyone baffled, because at 84 years old, and with multiple serious medical problems going on, he refused to give up. Being a Marine myself, I knew why he didn't. As I watch The Pacific, and the battles portrayed in that miniseries (Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Iwo Jima and Okinawa...Tarawa was another horrific battle, though not portrayed in the miniseries), I know why "Top" didn't give up. He'd faced death before and just didn't give up.

Anyway, I want to post this for Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, as he now stands his watch on the streets of Heaven. This is for you, Top, so that others will know just what it took, and what kind of men and women won this war. Heroes all.

Semper Fi,
~Theo~

cinderella · 05-13-2010, 10:18 AM

I love this thread. Thanks for creating it Jet. However, as a reminder, I'd like to say that we do have a Classic Movie thread where we can discuss film, actors, anecdotes, behind-the-scene stuff to our hearts content. Let's keep this thread focused on what it was intended - WWII.

Jet, thanks for the art, it's awesome. I know how hard you work on it, and I for one appreciate your efforts.

Theo thanks for your great post.

Jet · 05-14-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderella

I love this thread. Thanks for creating it Jet. However, as a reminder, I'd like to say that we do have a Classic Movie thread where we can discuss film, actors, anecdotes, behind-the-scene stuff to our hearts content. Let's keep this thread focused on what it was intended - WWII.

Jet, thanks for the art, it's awesome. I know how hard you work on it, and I for one appreciate your efforts.

Theo thanks for your great post.

Thanks Carmen,
I wish I could take credit, but Andrew is who started the thread.
Thanks again.

cinderella · 05-28-2010, 11:23 AM

I just saw this!! Andrew, my apologies. But my sincere thanks for having created this thread. It was very thoughtful of you, and I for one appreciate it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jet

Thanks Carmen,
I wish I could take credit, but Andrew is who started the thread.
Thanks again.

05-13-2010, 08:26 AM	#1
theoddz Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Cranky Old Poop Preferred Pronoun?: Mr. Beast Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,538 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 11,112 Thanked 9,926 Times in 2,510 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	This is a wonderful recording of a lecture given by Eugene Sledge, who is portrayed in "The Pacific". In this interview, he talks about "The Old Breed". This is what we Marines call the Marines who fought in WW2. By the way, I love hearing Eugene Sledge's Southern drawl. It makes me feel like I'm back home in Savannah, GA. As I listened to this, my thoughts went back to Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, who fought with the 1st Marine Division during the War in The Pacific, specifically at the battle of Iwo Jima. Sgt.Maj. Tucker was a patient of mine, last November, at the VA hospital where I work. He retired after 28 years and an illustrious career. He is one of the many heroes I've had the distinct honor of caring for, in my career working for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Sgt.Maj. had everyone baffled, because at 84 years old, and with multiple serious medical problems going on, he refused to give up. Being a Marine myself, I knew why he didn't. As I watch The Pacific, and the battles portrayed in that miniseries (Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Iwo Jima and Okinawa...Tarawa was another horrific battle, though not portrayed in the miniseries), I know why "Top" didn't give up. He'd faced death before and just didn't give up. Anyway, I want to post this for Sgt.Maj. Leo Tucker, as he now stands his watch on the streets of Heaven. This is for you, Top, so that others will know just what it took, and what kind of men and women won this war. Heroes all. Semper Fi, *~Theo~* __________________ *"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."* -- J. R. R. Tolkien

05-13-2010, 10:18 AM	#3
cinderella Member How Do You Identify?: Pinky's mommy :) Preferred Pronoun?: Su Majestad Relationship Status: Happy with my puppy Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pocono Mtns., Pa. Posts: 1,238 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4 Thanked 1,501 Times in 638 Posts Rep Power: 14266108	I love this thread. Thanks for creating it Jet. However, as a reminder, I'd like to say that we do have a Classic Movie thread where we can discuss film, actors, anecdotes, behind-the-scene stuff to our hearts content. Let's keep this thread focused on what it was intended - WWII. Jet, thanks for the art, it's awesome. I know how hard you work on it, and I for one appreciate your efforts. Theo thanks for your great post. __________________ Who needs reality when you have Turner Classic Movies!! The is an organ of fire.

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