When almost all of the personnel of the 32nd, including all the pilots, were killed, steps were taken immediately to rebuild this squadron. I, along with eight other pilots, onboard the Trumbull, were to become part of the replacements to the squadron of the unfortunate pilots who had perished in the explosion of the Paul Hamilton. This was still unknown to anyone aboard the Trumbull as we broke away from the convoy and headed toward Oran where would leave (our) ship.
Other eyewitness reports say that the ship sunk and was out of sight in 30 seconds. Did the Germans have spectacular aim? They didn't need to. The other cargo on that ship, aside from the very precious cargo of so many well-trained fathers, sons and brothers, was 7000 tons of explosives and munitions. Classifying the information meant that the brass who made the decision to mix men and munitions did not have to face the bereaved families to explain.
It was the largest loss of life on a WWII Liberty Ship.
But it didn't include my dad, and we've all been grateful to a pretty, young gal named Johnnie -- especially mom!
Ralph married Mohena Belle, Aug. 1948. Together for 57 years.
(Image by Photo courtesy Ralph Butler.) Details DMCA
POSTSCRIPT - FREE STUFF FOR VETS!
As in previous years, free food or meals for vets and active duty service members as well as other free items and services are being offered nationwide on Veteran's Day. I always drive Dad around to participate in some of these, and as a WW2 vet he is usually treated quite royally, especially by the other veterans!
Some food establishments offer a free appetizer and/or drink, others offer full meals, some require the purchase of another meal, some have special hours. Olive Garden even offers a 10% discount to family members accompanying the vet who gets a free meal. Always call ahead to verify participation and/or check websites or Facebook pages for details to ensure that your local franchise is offering the special deal. Bring a military ID or proof of service or dress in uniform.
All federal park entrance fees are waived. Free entrance to many state and local parks and recreation and some historical sites are also available. Check ahead for details.
Great Clips, some Sport Clips locations, and some other barber shops are offering free haircuts.
Nearly 2000 establishments are offering free car washes. These are listed by state here. Grease Monkey is offering free oil changes. Food Lion, Harris Teeters, Walgreens and JC Penneys have also announced discounts. Check with your local businesses for details.
This is a partial list of food establishments offering free food items or full meals for vets:
Applebee's, Bar Louie, Bob Evans, Boston Market,, California Pizza Kitchen, Carrabba's, Champps Americana, Charlie Brown's Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Chili's, Coffee Beanery, Denny's, Einstein Begels, Famous Daves, Fatz Eatz and Drinkz, Friendly's, Golden Corral, Hooter's, Hoss Family Steak & Sea House, Krispy Kreme, Little Caesars Pizza, Lone Star Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Max & Erma's, McCormick & Schmick's, Menchie's, Noah's Bagels, O'Charley's, Olive Garden, On the Border, Orange Leaf at the Banks, Outback Steakhouse, Paciugo Gelato Caffe, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Sheetz, Shoney's, Sizzler, Soup Plantation, Spaghetti Warehouse, Starbucks (company-owned stores only), Sweet Tomatoes, T.G.I Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Land & Cattle, Tim Hortons, Travel Centers of America, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Twin Peaks, Uno's.
More info here, or google "Veterans Day free." Bon appetite!
Other eyewitness reports say that the ship sunk and was out of sight in 30 seconds. Did the Germans have spectacular aim? They didn't need to. The other cargo on that ship, aside from the very precious cargo of so many well-trained fathers, sons and brothers, was 7000 tons of explosives and munitions. Classifying the information meant that the brass who made the decision to mix men and munitions did not have to face the bereaved families to explain.
It was the largest loss of life on a WWII Liberty Ship.
But it didn't include my dad, and we've all been grateful to a pretty, young gal named Johnnie -- especially mom!
Ralph married Mohena Belle, Aug. 1948. Together for 57 years.
(Image by Photo courtesy Ralph Butler.) Details DMCA
POSTSCRIPT - FREE STUFF FOR VETS!
As in previous years, free food or meals for vets and active duty service members as well as other free items and services are being offered nationwide on Veteran's Day. I always drive Dad around to participate in some of these, and as a WW2 vet he is usually treated quite royally, especially by the other veterans!
Some food establishments offer a free appetizer and/or drink, others offer full meals, some require the purchase of another meal, some have special hours. Olive Garden even offers a 10% discount to family members accompanying the vet who gets a free meal. Always call ahead to verify participation and/or check websites or Facebook pages for details to ensure that your local franchise is offering the special deal. Bring a military ID or proof of service or dress in uniform.
All federal park entrance fees are waived. Free entrance to many state and local parks and recreation and some historical sites are also available. Check ahead for details.
Great Clips, some Sport Clips locations, and some other barber shops are offering free haircuts.
Nearly 2000 establishments are offering free car washes. These are listed by state here. Grease Monkey is offering free oil changes. Food Lion, Harris Teeters, Walgreens and JC Penneys have also announced discounts. Check with your local businesses for details.
This is a partial list of food establishments offering free food items or full meals for vets:
Applebee's, Bar Louie, Bob Evans, Boston Market,, California Pizza Kitchen, Carrabba's, Champps Americana, Charlie Brown's Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Chili's, Coffee Beanery, Denny's, Einstein Begels, Famous Daves, Fatz Eatz and Drinkz, Friendly's, Golden Corral, Hooter's, Hoss Family Steak & Sea House, Krispy Kreme, Little Caesars Pizza, Lone Star Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Max & Erma's, McCormick & Schmick's, Menchie's, Noah's Bagels, O'Charley's, Olive Garden, On the Border, Orange Leaf at the Banks, Outback Steakhouse, Paciugo Gelato Caffe, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Sheetz, Shoney's, Sizzler, Soup Plantation, Spaghetti Warehouse, Starbucks (company-owned stores only), Sweet Tomatoes, T.G.I Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Land & Cattle, Tim Hortons, Travel Centers of America, Tucanos Brazilian Grill, Twin Peaks, Uno's.
More info here, or google "Veterans Day free." Bon appetite!
Added Nov 11, 2015:
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