My grandfather went into the Military during WWII. He was a member of the 96th Infantry Signal corp Company C. He served in the Southern Phillipines and Rykus islands, earning a Good Conduct Medal, Phillipino Liberation Ribbon with Two Stars, A Bronze Arrowhead, American Defense Ribbon and an Asiatic Pacific Ribbon.
My grandfather was without a doubt my HERO, his inspiration has helped guide me and shape me into the man I am now.
Grandpa never really talked much of the war to anyone, but he would on occasion tell me of his travels to the Japanese held islands that he traveled to on the US Army's dime.
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On one occasion Grandpa told me of a friend, DoHan, who saved him from being bit by a cobra that was wrapped around his boots.
Another story was about him clearing out tunnels and he had to kill a Japanese Officer, taking his sword and flag that was traded for whiskey because Grandpa didn't feel as if he would live to get home, I never believed that story about the flag until after he died, I found photos of him holding a sword and flag.
As life progressed I aimed my life at helping others and didn't realize what the brotherhood was that grandpa always spoke of as in his fellow soldiers, I ended up working as a Deputy Sheriff and soon realized what brotherhood meant after racing into a structure fire to save an elderly woman along side a fellow officer.
Grandpa was a lineman during his war time exploits, and every once in a while he would speak of his buddies. He would then stop with tears in his eyes, get out of his chair and walk away, I don't know what he saw there, but after the Joplin tornado of May 22 2011, I have a slight idea after being in the debris field for several weeks with a rescue unit in which I am a LT.
I know the men in the military of WW2 saw and did a lot, and to me They are all HEROs. I only wish my Grandfather had told me more, or should I say I wish I would have listened more.
I dedicate this to all Vets of WW2: It is because of them that I try to be the best man, father and husband that I can be.
God bless.
Jason Denno, Deadeye grandson
