A Lessor Know Shipwreck

[Noseeum]

Please read and understand my reason for this posting before commenting on it. This post is NOT about whether or not the Titanic chapter is appropriate for GoT. If you would like to discuss that matter there is a thread in the General Discussion section of the forum that addresses the merits of the Titanic chapter.

The Titanic chapter did bring up some emotion for me... Emotion about an entirely different shipwreck. The purpose of this thread is to honor the crew members and passengers who lost their lives on July 18, 1943 when U.S.S LST 342 was torpedoed in the South Pacific while bound for Rendova Island.

My Dad was one of 5 surviving crew members on that tragic day. He went on to serve our country(USA) in 3 wars, always under the burden of PTST and survivors guilt. Fifteen years ago he began making annual pilgrimages to the South Pacific to attend Memorial Services and place a wreath for his fallen shipmates on what remains of the LST 342. He is my hero. It hurts my heart that so much of his life has been filled with sorrow, while he has dedicated himself to the service of others.

I'd like to share a few pictures to honor him, his shipmates, and all who have given their lives, or sense of well being, while protecting the rest of us.


My Dad, a good and honorable man...


In memory of those who were lost...


The remains of LST 342


68 years of grief...

[AngieDawn]

I can't even begin to imagine all the feelings he's had to live with. And you and your family have lived through all of them with him so that can't be easy for any of you. I can see why this chapter would bring up those feelings again too. I can't think of anything profound to say so I'll go with {{{hugs}}} to you and yours and Dad.

[Noseeum]

Thank you, Angie. I'm forever grateful that he has been able to make pilgrimages back to the wreckage so he can lay his annual wreath... Being able to do so has helped him to come to terms, with the terrible losses that occurred that day. I always think of the families that don't get an opportunity to heal...

[Truthi]

A standing ovation and a salute from me to your dad Noseeum. There are no daily medals for making it through with nobility and grace and not becoming unhinged by it all, but clearly there should be one. And it should come with a fat pension.

[Noseeum]

A standing ovation and a salute from me to your dad Noseeum. There are no daily medals for making it through with nobility and grace and not becoming unhinged by it all, but clearly there should be one. And it should come with a fat pension.

Thank you, Truthi. I'll deliver your standing ovation and salute to him... In return, you will receive, a salute, along with a shy self deprecating grin. No doubt, his eyes will twinkle too. ^)

[todber]

A salute indeed so many brave couragous men lost at sea during the war I lost an uncle on HMS HOOD
http://hmshood.com/history/denmarkst...denstrait1.htm

[Noseeum]

A salute indeed so many brave couragous men lost at sea during the war I lost an uncle on HMS HOOD
http://hmshood.com/history/denmarkst...denstrait1.htm

todber, my condolences to you and your family... A salute to your uncle, and all who were lost... They were brave men indeed.

Thanks for sharing the link.

[OriginalSwitchkitty]

Big hugs to you, Noseeum, and todber. I can't even begin to imagine your loss.

[MamaJolet]

Thanks you both for sharing this story, Noseeum and todber. It has brought a tear to my eye.
Both my grandfathers survived WWII while serving. They were both unable to speak about any of the things they had witnessed. One grandfather served in Indonesia, the other was a paratrooper who fought for the freedom we so take for granted here in Europe. Growing up and learning about WWII I never really understood why they couldn't share their stories. Now, as they are no longer there but stories pop up, I understand. They, and all others like them, had seen too much.

Your father, Noseeum, and your uncle, todber, were heroes.

[Noseeum]

Big hugs to you, Noseeum, and todber. I can't even begin to imagine your loss.

Thanks Kitty! Needless to say, I love todber's avatar!