G-man left Sep 12 2010

[mrgoodtude]

My G-pa aka JD MURRAY left the building on the 12th of this month....RIP grandpa
Most don't know who he is and to be honest when I went to know and care for him neither did I....
Being his grandson was a small honor as I was privileged to only know "I was a grandfather while being a grandfather myself".
Whilst being a caregiver I discovered a box of medals he never told me about including a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, Bronze Arrowhead, Medal of Honor and a Good conduct Medal...
He was very modest.
Intrigued I dug deeper to know this Hero and family member that took me to a rifle range at the age of 14 to learn how to shoot a target at 500 yards with a M14.
This is what I found..
Hickman KY is where G-dad was birthed.
He joined the National Guard at 16 as a Calvary man where he served 4 honorable years till he was inducted into the US Army for service as a Sergeant in WW2.
He became a paratrooper jumping in combat zones three times with the last being in the liberation of the Philippines Landing "Topside on the island of Corregidor" where he earned his Purple heart described as a scratch on his arm for taking an island that Mac Arthur deemed important to the Americans.
More important to Mac Arthur I am sure.
corregidor.org - Corregidor, 503, Heritage Batallion.
G-Man said his proudest day was the raising of the flag of the United States Of America and the opportunity to meet the greatest man of all men.
I never understood the sacrifice of "The greatest generation ever" nor did I understand the relevance of such however I have to say I have been privileged to be associated with the best man I have ever known...
Love you G-man...
Thanks all that took time to look....Tude
Grandad - Picayou

 

[mrgoodtude]

BTW
Those of you that don't know this 90 year old guy fell doing chin ups last year and that was the beginning of the end, I came off the road to care for him with the caring and understanding of our fleet owners Dwayne and Teresa Foster that held a truck for us.
These guys were the best of the best and am grateful to have been associated with these folk..
That being said.....
I am spending time with my g-babies and am hopeful I can add something soon..
Wishing all well
Mike

 

[LDB]

Definitely one of the heros. Condolences on your loss. It's sad we have so few heros like him remaining and so few people who respect what they did for us.

 

[mrgoodtude]

Definitely one of the heros. Condolences on your loss. It's sad we have so few heros like him remaining and so few people who respect what they did for us.

Thanks Leo
For once we are on the same page and I appreciate the sentiment..

 

[pjjjjj]

My condolences on your loss mrgoodtude. Glad you got to know more of him while you had the chance! You've sure got some beautiful grandkids!

I just wanted to say this.....
Isn't it whacked that many of these vets and other old-timers are living to such a nice and ripe old age after living a full and hopefully contented life.. even tho many smoked til the end.. probably had periods of major stress (being, or living through a war and a depression, I would imagine??).. lived through times of asbestos likely being in their homes.. and burning tires to get rid of them.. mosquito bites.. flus and viruses.. maybe drank more than their fair share of alcohol and coffee.. maybe experienced food group shortages and lack money.. low paying jobs.. simple small housing.. lots of leaky windows and non-energy-conscious appliances.. wood burning fireplaces.. maybe even drinking and driving (hey have one for the road Jack!)..
Do they live to a ripe old age because they did things right, or is the current population suffering the effects of them having done things wrong, even though we now have all these health and safety measures in place, with more coming every day?

 

[mrgoodtude]

My condolences on your loss mrgoodtude. Glad you got to know more of him while you had the chance! You've sure got some beautiful grandkids!

Do they live to a ripe old age because they did things right, or is the current population suffering the effects of them having done things wrong, even though we now have all these health and safety measures in place, with more coming every day?

Thanks Pjjjjj
Don't know for sure about folk like g-man except to say they were tougher than life (or at least they lived like they were).
They didn't take anything for granted as they understood the value of a dollar having worked cleaning coal furnaces for a quarter an hour.
They went to war with nothing to lose and without promises of a education, home loans etc.
They went to defend their homeland and the freedom of Americans cause it was their duty and responsibility.
I would err on the side of they lived "a purpose filled life"...
Thanks for the kind comments.

 

[pjjjjj]

It's so sad to see that generation dying off, they have so much to share; it would be great if the grandchildren and great grandchildren could get to know those remaining and learn something of the values and obstacles and solutions these people had, before their real-life, first-hand stories are lost forever.
You are very fortunate to have been able (and willing) to serve him when called upon. I'm sure that special time with him benefited both of you in many ways which you can now cherish forever.
I would love to see more pics of his medals if you have some?

 

[layoutshooter]

Your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful Man. I know how much you will miss him. Be thankful you learned from him. I know he will be missed by all that knew him.

 

[mrgoodtude]

It's so sad to see that generation dying off, they have so much to share; it would be great if the grandchildren and great grandchildren could get to know those remaining and learn something of the values and obstacles and solutions these people had, before their real-life, first-hand stories are lost forever.
You are very fortunate to have been able (and willing) to serve him when called upon. I'm sure that special time with him benefited both of you in many ways which you can now cherish forever.
I would love to see more pics of his medals if you have some?

Thanks and yes I do feel very fortunate
There are a few pics of more medals in this slideshow
Grandad - Picayou

 

[mrgoodtude]

Your grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful Man. I know how much you will miss him. Be thankful you learned from him. I know he will be missed by all that knew him.

Thanks and yes he was pretty awesome

 

[cheri1122]

Beautiful story, with even more beautiful pics - glad you're back!