Again thanks. While they're with us, it's sometimes easy to forget what it means to be a Parent- how they give up a large part of their time and lives for our benefit. One of the saving graces of the Human Race, I think.
As for Dad's service- The experiences he shared with me ranged from hilarious-(his squad "camping out" one night in a Winery in France; "taking advantage" of the inventory of superb French wine, then getting so smashed they thought they were ready to take on the entire World!)- to obviously the more horrific- D-Day, and the sad fact that over 90% of his fellow soldiers were killed in action. He himself was in a Hospital in England for over 4 months-blinded, but fortunately his sight returned... He lost part of one finger, and had shrapnel in his butt til it was removed years later, in the '60's!!
That generation..!
IF I may- I wrote a brief tribute that I hope to see published in a Journal called the "RED DIAMOND" his Army Infantry Division Journal. He used to read it and comment about the places he'd been- Normandy, Metz, etc.
I'd like to share it here, if you'll allow:
FOR MY FATHER:
SAM F. JENKINS
January 4, 1912- November 8, 2009
From his Honorable Discharge, Dated 27 October 1945:
Corporal, Infantry, AUS.
2nd Infantry 5th Division
MOS Heavy Mortar Crewman 1607 Military Qualification COMBAT INFANTRYMAN
Battles and Campaigns
Normandy Northern France Rhineland Ardennes Campaign
Purple Heart with (3) Oak Leaf Clusters, African Middle Eastern Ribbon with three Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, 4 Bronze Stars ETO
Wounds received in action 11 Oct 44, 12 Oct 44, France 24 November 44 France Dec 44 Germany
My Beloved Father, Sam F. Jenkins, passed last Sunday, November 8, 2009- of causes that come with age. He was 97 years old.
His Service- before, during and after WWII- of course were an integral element of his life. The RED DIAMOND DIVISION, with which he served with ETO in combat,
of course had the most impact in his years at arms.
He was able to and chose to share with me, his son- Many facts, stories, and details of his time in Service.
I am not a Veteran, and never chose to, or had to serve in the Armed Forces.
Part of this is due to the valiant efforts of those of my Dad’s generation who did serve.
They (YOU)- the Veterans- have left us and given us a World and a Country of FREEDOM- in many cases paying for this with your lives- Mnay in Dad’s unit were KIA.
I cannot prosletyze or preach to the choir- You who have served know more than I ever can or ever will. The information my father shared with me was special, intimate, detailed, historic and heroic.
I could not have endured those circumstance or conditions to which the Combat Forces dealt with as routine. From Basic Trainings, to Invasion, to Battle, and to Wounds received in action- Unimaginable to those who have not been.
You who read this have My heartfelt appreciation for what you have given.
My Father was and is a Hero- by virtue of his servie and his decorations.
He also is a Hero by virtue of having been an incredible, loving, giving, caring and devoted Husband and Father, to his Late Wife, and my Mother, Pearl, and to myself and my Sister, Debby.
To his Dear Friend who helped me in the last years, Joe Rahie- God Bless.
To all those who served, to those that read this in the RED DIAMOND JOURNAL-
Thank You for your brief time and hopefully good thought.
My Father cherished receiving the RED DIAMOND, and I myself read every issue after he was through, it reinforced and reminded me of Him and others, and was and still is an important journal of American History and virtue and values.
DAD- REST IN PEACE.
I LOVE YOU AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU.
Thank you for being the Man you are.
To those involved, my deepest thanks for allowing me this expression.
God Bless,
Lawrence Neal Jenkins
Los Angeles, CA
Once more thank you for your kind sentiments. Reading them gives me a lot of comfort, and makes me feel just a little bit less alone.
That's a BIG help.
LNJ
