A hero's grandson reporting for basic training

Hello. As the title of this thread suggests, I am a grandson of the Greatest Generation. My Grandfather was a United States Marine who fought the Japanese during the Second World War. Sadly, he passed away from lung cancer a few years back in October of 2004 when I was only sixteen, and I will never have another chance in this life to hear about the bad old days from the man who's fighting red blood runs through my veins. It is my hope that I will be able to find out more about my Grandfather's service for this great country from the fine folks of this fantastic website, as he was never one to talk about the horrors of war and my knowledge of his involvement is extremely limited. Even at his funeral, the pomp and circumstance was held back per his wishes, aside from the flag on his casket (and I'm honored to have carried that flag-draped casket to its final resting place). I can remember small anecdotes about what he did in his downtime, but he never really dwelled on the war, and I didn't have the interest that I know have. I'm also interested in getting a start in militaria and am hoping that the collectors in these parts will be able to help me get on my way with advice and perhaps even a few sales. Sadly, my Grandparents passed away within six months of each other and there was quite a mess to deal with. I am unsure of where his medals and pictures ended up, but I'm currently trying to track them down.

It's good to be here.

 

welcome aboard mate
a fine and interesting here there will be someone that may help you out
in your quest ... best krieg

 

Welcome to the forum ,I hope you will track the medals down

 

Hi Nathan -- Welcome to this forum! You will find that this is a great place to hang out and learn so jump right in! I wish you good fortune in trying to track down your Grandfather's medals. I know how difficult it is to realize that you have lost such things.

Cheers!

 

Howdy and welcome to the forum. Glad to have you here. Sorry about the loss of your grandfather. You will see that many of us here went through the same loss. Plenty of fine folks here. Enjoy your stay and happy posting.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

Allow me too to welcome you to this great forum. You are in very good company! I truly appreciate that your love of your grandfather and this nation has crystallized in your new interest in his military service in WWII. Best of luck in tracking down his military ribbons and medals.

Have you entered a SF-180 to get started? It is a request for Military Service Records. You may find a copy at:

http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf

For information on the form, etc go to Military Personnel Records, SF-180

Best regards,
- JR

 

Welcome!
Keep us posted on your findings!

 

welcome