Apparently some of my family is a little torqued at me for trying to find my grandfathers WW2 story. My Aunt is saying to leave it be because he didnt ever want to talk about it at all and didnt want his life public. I respect that but had myself in the mindset that this was going to be tribute and glorification of his life that was up untill now, unknown. What do you all think? Should I just let him fade into the sunset or shoulf I forge on and find out what really happened for him to earn that Distinguished Service Cross he threw away? Thank you, G.C.
I'd go for it. If your grandfather did not want to tell things it's probably because it hurt and in those years nobody would understand , listen or care. It is possible that if he was still alive and found out you were eager to learn more about it because you are intereste din HIS story , he would certainly tell. Don't let a few people from the present generation make your familly history forgotten for all the future generations .
Too right, He is part of your history and helped carve the world history, as well as you. It maybe possible that he was not the most Heroic of people thought(Don't get me wrong I have no idea of his situation), but perhaps he was a Nazi or something? That might explain why your family doesn't want you to know, but even if this is the case, you have a right to know about your family. Either way I say go for it.
I think it is worth pursuing. While your aunt may think she is protecting his wishes, you will find greater satisfaction in finding out what you can. As there are fewer and fewer veterans of WW2, their stories become more important. Stick to it, quietly if you must. Present your memorial when you are done. I think you'll find it will be much cherished, by you if no one else.
Learn all that you an learn. Your aunt may have an ulterior motive in trying to squash your efforts. Any time someone wants to suppress knowledge, you need to seek that knowledge all the more.
I think you should go for it. It is a noble thing to fight for ones country and those that did so should be remembered for their sacrifice. It is important not to forget what they went through and what they gave up to serve others. History should be remembered and treasured. I think it will be something you will cherish always.
While he himself may not have wanted to talk about it, it is far more important to your family and society in general that his story is recorded and told. Without history we are nothing but illiterate stone age cave men. History gives us direction and meaning to our lives. It is important we record as much of it as possible.
If I were you, and like the others here said, i'd go for it. Learn what you can while you can. I ran smack dab into this same problem with my Dad -who was a 2 war Vet, and my Uncle-who was a WWII vet. My Dad almost never said anyting about his service in B-17s as a Ball Turret Gunner. He only would talk a little, about his service in an USAF Weather Detachment in Korea. My Uncle, was a flamethrower Operator and had some very bad experiances while serving on Okinawa. I never could get him to say much of anything else. Anyway, go for it. My friend Susanne-has also tried to get her Father (who was a Medical Sergeant attached to one of the German Divisions @ Stalingrad) almost never tells her anything about his service in the German Army other than that he along with several wounded men, tried to breakthrough the encirclement heading towards the relief attempt. After several days, they were captured by the Russians, all the wounded were executed and he alone was sent to camps in Siberia-where he was not released until sometime in 1955.
Continue looking. I have done the same with my Uncle. What I found wasn't earth shattering or anything, but the official records did differ from the story that was going around our family since I could remember.
Seems to me you have every reason to want to know your Grandfathers role in ww2, and I dare say if he were still here he would be willing to speak to you but would want you to understand why he threw his medal away. My Dad never wanted his medals when the war ended but he did talk to me about the war and sometimes touched on the not so nice side of what he experienced, perhaps this is what your Aunt and others are worried about you finding out.For me if anything I regret not asking more so you go find out what you can and be proud of your Grandfather.
If its important to you don't let up, even if your family would rather you do it, thats because thats how they feel, but how you do you feel , it sounds like you want to know more and for that your family cannot fault you wanting to know about your family,
Find out all you can. Future generations of your family, those that are interested will want to know. And there are some here on this forum that can assist you if needed.
By any chance was your he a German? Because if so his story is just as worthy as any others. Regardless of who you were, its not fair to that person to have their voices fade with history. Keep us posted please!
Its been a while since I've been here but I am back and have continued my research. I am posting findings in the appropriate threads. Thank you to all for your advice and support during my journey.
I think one important aspect we should remember is this: Our desire to hear "stories" about the War time experiences of our family members are not Stories. Their accounts in many situations are not pleasant memories. The best I can describe would be if someone ask me to tell of when I lost a close friend or family member. Even that is not quite right. "War is Hell" isn't just a saying. Those who had to endure the years of constant fear, loneliness, sacrifice and their own actions due to where they were, had to put their humanity and emotions in check. To recall any such actions on their part to regale us with an "interesting story" isn't fair to them. I have asked members of my own family to tell me things about their service and I'm usually met with "I was just doing my job" or "I did what I had to do at the time". As time has gone by I've learned more and heard more by casual conversation and let the topics go where they may. I admire and respect them too much to ask more than once. Okay maybe twice. Having said this I also believe that it is very important for us record and hear about their experiences. We just need to do it in a way that respects their privacy.
