May 24, 2009
Ethan and I were talking about Memorial Day today and as I was trying to explain the holiday to him, I realized I really didn’t know much about it. I decided I needed to read up a bit. So, we are to honor those who have died while serving our country. I don’t personally know anyone who has died in the line of duty, but I appreciate the sacrifice they made for my freedom tremendously.
It got me thinking about my grandpa who had several opportunities to die while serving our country. I wish I had been able to talk to him more about it, but he was a very quiet man and I was too young to really think to ask much about it. Here is what I do know.
My grandpa, Lynn Reginald Clark joined the Navy and served on submarines in World War II. He was on shore at Pearl Harbor when the bomb hit. He was on the USS Grenadier when it was attacked and was a prisoner of war in Japan for about 2 years. He eventually became the Commander of the Naval base in Point Loma before retiring.
I was amazed to even find mention of him online. I found this little entry with an actual picture of him (far right). He did have the best handwriting and was the best cook ever.
He went all over the world, spent a lot of time away from his family and had to move his family all around the country throughout his career. I know there were a lot of men like him, that sacrificed so much for their country. I am very thankful for them and all they did. I am sure there is a lot more to his story and I truly wish I knew it. I also wish I had a picture of him to put up here so you could see him.
Thanks, Grandpa Lynn for all you did to protect us and our country!
(And mom, feel free to add or correct any of my information…)
Comments
Dad:
Yes, Thanks to heroes like Grampa Lynn, He was a great man! It made me cry thinking about him!
May 26, 2009 7:30 PM
Modern Crush - Georgia:
Way cool Erika, I wish I knew info like this. I tried to search online for my grandpa, but the name George Brooks is so common there was just way too much to sift through, oh well:)
May 28, 2009 1:02 PM
Jennipher:
What an amazing story to pass on to your kids..what a wonderful heritage!!
June 8, 2009 8:18 PM
Melanie McPhee:
Erika, As I mentioned today, I remember Dad bringing out these recipes and showing them to us at the table not too long before he passed away.
June 20, 2009 3:47 PM
MartinClark:
Dad was living the dream in Australia andwanted other duty.A ranking officer suggested that Subs would help him further his carreer in the direction he chose. Dad really did not want to be a submariner. The quarters were very small and Dad was agood sized Man.The OfficerPersueded Dad to go on this voyage.with the promise that if he did’nt like it he could pick his next duty. Well, as you know He never came back from that trip. Dissabled in the waters off Okinawa, they had no choice but to blow the Ballst tanks and surrender to the Japs. In that Camp Dad was able to workin the Mess (kitchen) where he was able to steal an occasional Potato.Seems like a small offence but was a big deal if he were to get caught. Also you may or may not know Dad Told me a story of another Prisoner that was brought to the camp whose name was Greg “PAPPY” Boyington of the Famous “BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON” Dad lit his Ciggarete every morning. Pappy Was aMarine flying ace.The Japs brought him to their Camp full of Shrapnal and it was up to the Prisoners to help him. Dad and several others Held Pappy down while the pieces of metal were removed from his legs.Though it had to have been extremly painfull pappy remained silent. Dad said “He started to sweat then finally passed out from the pain” and “the toughet man he ever knew”. Hope you guys like that story. I am and always be proud to be his son
June 21, 2009 10:05 AM
MartinClark:
Dad was living the dream in Australia andwanted other duty.A ranking officer suggested that Subs would help him further his carreer in the direction he chose. Dad really did not want to be a submariner. The quarters were very small and Dad was agood sized Man.The OfficerPersueded Dad to go on this voyage.with the promise that if he did’nt like it he could pick his next duty. Well, as you know He never came back from that trip. Dissabled in the waters off Okinawa, they had no choice but to blow the Ballst tanks and surrender to the Japs. In that Camp Dad was able to workin the Mess (kitchen) where he was able to steal an occasional Potato.Seems like a small offence but was a big deal if he were to get caught. Also you may or may not know Dad Told me a story of another Prisoner that was brought to the camp whose name was Greg “PAPPY” Boyington of the Famous “BLACK SHEEP SQUADRON” Dad lit his Ciggarete every morning. Pappy Was aMarine flying ace.The Japs brought him to their Camp full of Shrapnal and it was up to the Prisoners to help him. Dad and several others Held Pappy down while the pieces of metal were removed from his legs.Though it had to have been extremly painfull pappy remained silent. Dad said “He started to sweat then finally passed out from the pain” and “the toughet man he ever knew”. Hope you guys like that story. I am and always will be proud to be his son
June 21, 2009 10:06 AM