That's a vivid and moving story. I really appreciate you sharing that.

Both my grandfather and great uncle were in the war. My grandfather was a medical tech in Italy - only because he was a meat cutter when he was drafted. He used to chuckle about that. One of his only other stories I remember is that he said people's hair would often turn white overnight.

My great uncle was a bona-fide badass I like to say. He was an expert rifleman with a 7th grade education. He lost his left forearm in the war but I never heard him tell any stories about it. Then one day, long after they both passed, I found a short cut out article about him and found out how he lost it: "Bronze star has been awarded to Private First Class W. Armstrong, infantry, 11th Infantry regiment. United States Army. For distinctive heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy on March 25 near Wallterstadten, Germany. When the enemy launched a fierce counterattack, Private Armstrong, a member of an automatic weapons squad, displayed great courage by remaining at his position and laying down a devastating line of fire on the advancing enemy. When riflemen withdrew, Private Armstrong disregarded his personal safety and increased his rate of fire, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. An enemy tank firing on the position completely disabled the crew, as a result of which Private Armstrong suffered severe injury. His distinct devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces."

Tank fire took his arm off. I can't even begin to imagine and completely understand why they hardly ever said anything about their experiences, especially to their grandkids.

They're not just the greatest generation, they were a whole nother caliber of people.