Veterans "oral" histories

Gunny Hathcock was a fine man and I was fortunate to have met him many times. When I was collecting I was fortunate to also have collected some historically significant items. Way too many to list, but I concertrated on items from D-Day and the Bulge. It is hard to compare holding a historically significant firearm, say a M1A1 carbine from a paratrooper who saw action at St. Mere-Eglise, to a car. In my mind the cars are cool, but they don't compare to items that were used to kick the Nazi's out of France. As a student of history, things really get put into perspective when you hold a weapon or personal item of a solider and see the pitting from blood and know that someone died far from home protecting or defending an ideal.

Semper Fi

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

I agree 100%,I only met Mr. Hathcock one time but the stories he told that evening will always be etched in my mind.I sure would not have wanted him shooting at me!Good thing he was on our side.I do not have that many items from World WarII just a couple but have had a chance to see a few collections and had a chance to look at and hold many items, and you are correct about your statement holding those type of weapons.Most of my items are from VietNam,one knife in particular was well used that I purchased from a local hometown Vet.He also was one that did not mind too much talking about the war,some of the stories he had to tell made tears roll down my face.He has now passed on but I will never forget him and his stories and the items I have from his past.My poor wife thinks I am crazy for some of the items that I collect but I guess I can't blame her I am a little strange when it comes to certain things.To me the Veterans deserve more respect than they get! and Veterans day should be everyday.God Bless all the Veterans!

Bobby Dodson