What a great tribute to grandpa. He is such a kind and gentle soul who never says, no, to anyone. He lives a simple life and is a wonderful example to all people of a dedicated man to God, family and his country…oh, and his customer–he always liked cutting hair and discussing politics with them and his war stories.

I always remember the time I asked him if we were rich. He said, oh my, yes–we have a roof over our heads and a meal on the table every night…this is being rich. I never forgot those words.

Somehow they always keep me in a good perspective of understanding just exactly what life is about.

He was and still is a dedicated marine and would fight, again, for his country if they called him to do so. The painting is a declaration of this and his pride shows through the colors and the movement of the soldiers one seems to feel when they look at it.

Let’s not forget what a dedicated husband he is in caring for grandma. I have never witnessed a 60+ years of keeping a promise “for sickness and in health” marriage vowel.

He is truly a wonderful person and by his actions has shown many good things to his children, grandchildren and lucky great-grand children.

Thank you for posting this about your grandpa…I am proud of you for bringing it to all our minds…certainly to mine. I am proud of him and happy to be his daughter.

Love you,
Zia Maria

My fathers younger brother was a gunner on a TBM in VMTB-232. He was at Okinawa too. On April 29th he was lost along with his pilot and an Army observer while attacking the Japanese lines.