Dropping by to say hi. Hi!

Greetings and salutations to all,

First, I would like to thank Otto for clearing up that little activation snafu we had.
Second, great website. I find Jack's memoirs incredible. It's like a book you cannot put down.
On with show. SaltyShellback reporting for duty. (I would say Sir, but I've already been told not to). Where do I put my seabag? I am a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, spent a good portion of my career as a Naval Aircrewman. I've had a strong interest in World War II and the geo-political era leading up to it since I was a kid. While all aspects of the era interest me, I seem to have a special affinity for the Pacific Theater. I am currently having a series of conversations with gentleman who flew The Hump during the war. These will continue after we return from vacation.
Grew up next to a small airport in Southern California with a lot of surplus WWII aircraft which led to a love of any and all things aviation.
I found this website while doing a series of research papers on experimental WWII aircraft for another website I belong to. Ended up getting sidetracked and spent several hours browsing here. My wife says this is why it takes so long for me to get things done, that and she says "we" are getting too many icons on the desktop. Sounds like it is time for a bigger monitor to me.
Anyway, looking forward to many conversations when we return in a week.

Take care,
SaltyShellback

 

Well, this is quite an introductiong post! The kind I like to read! welcome. I'm sure you"l lhave a great time on the forum.

 

welcome aboard
enjoy your stay here
cheers krieg

 

Great introductory message! Welcome! This is a great place and it sounds like you will have much to contribute. Jump in and enjoy!

Cheers!

 

We need more bluewater types around here! Glad to have ya!

 

Aye now, mate. Ye be knowin that thar's a price to be paid fer knowin this. Specialy iffin ye be a scurvy dog of a wog to be talkin' to a Trusted Shellback. King Neptune, he bein mighty furious iffin a wog were to be showing 'is head out o' the mud. Blowin a storm so hard as to break yer masts and leavin ya be wallowin in the troughs. So's I'lls be givin' ya the benefit o' the doubt mate. Whens me ship hits me port tonite, I'll be uploading pics o' me wog party. But, don'ts lets me be catchin ya bein a wog or I'll be sendin' ya off to Davy Jone's Locker in the briney deep fer sur. May the gods of the seas have mercy upon yer soul, causin King Neptune won't fer sur.

By the way, Slipdigit, I noticed your 'Bama flag. Me wife & I will be landing in B'ham tomorrow evening. Family reunion, her's.

Thanks for the welcome aboard.

Take care,
SaltyShellback

By the way, ROLL TIDE. We always make the Auburn fans watch the game on the back porch. If they make too much noise we close the curtain so they cannot see the game.

 

Welcome Salty!
Good to have you here!

 

Fire the cannons on the poop deck!

 

I'm always interested in Spy stuff from WWII. Nice!

 

This isn't "spy stuff" exactly, but fun to make and play with on the AM radio waves just to see if you are capable of doing the "job" with all the resources of your own markets.

OBSTRUCT DOORS, CAUSE DELAY AND BE DANGEROUS: A Prisoner Of War Radio

The "foxhole" or "POW" radio! Good luck!

 

Just got back from vacation.

-To everyone, thank you for the welcome aboard.

-Slipdigit, will try again to post pictures and dates as promised.

-Jack, thanks for welcome aboard. From someone of your stature, I take that as a huge compliment. I would like to personally thank you for your sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifices of the men you knew. Unlike today, there were no "tours of duty" in combat zones. You were in for the duration. No amount of thanks from our country can repay what your generation did. Most will say we did what we had to do, that is what made your generation "The Greatest Generation". Again thank you for your service to our country and your willingness to share your story. I find personal stories fascinating because you get a perspective you cannot get from history books. This was personal for that person, his/her thoughts and understanding of what was going on at that time are reflected in the story. It strips away the veneer and shows the actual human context, whether it is human kindness in the midst of man's most insane madness or human brutality in the sheer effort of survival against all odds.

-To one and all. Please do not take what I said to mean that only "our" side should be thanked. All Veterans of any nation, from any era should be honored by one and all. The sacrifices that they make should not be forgotten. I have met a lot of other military personnel from a lot of countries during my military career. The one thing I have found is that they are no different than anyone else I've ever met. I have noticed that just about every miltary person I have met from any country all have the same gripes, trials and tribulations, so as military personnel we are more alike than any other group on earth, no matter where we come from. The only difference is usually the idealogical and political differences of the governing body of that country. Remember, soldiers do not make policy, they implement it. Right or wrong or whos side your are on is (IMHO) irrelevent, unless a war crime has been or is being committed, a soldier's main duty is to follow the orders that are given to him/her. Thus, (again IMHO) the honor or bravery of a soldier is unquestionable unless proven or witnessed otherwise. One thing to remember is every side thinks their cause is just and history should not (cannot) be judged by todays moral and ethical standards.

-Apologies for the long post. I have a tendancy to ramble when on certain subjects.

Take care,
SaltyShellback

 

welcome