Becky, I was given a simular collection of my Grandfather's. I scanned it all in the computer and made a disc for safe keeping. I'm planning on using the information for my Masters thesis if I ever get that far in school. I'd be interested to see the commendations and compare them to my Grandfathers. I plan to donate the whole collection to the Letters Home program through the Library of Congress when I'm ready to let them go. There really isn't that much paper stuff left from back then. Congrats.
Added: I have a Pittsburg Chronicle from June 6th, 1944. That Beach head news is one that I've seen before. I might have the same one.
Napalm sticks to kids.
Sometimes I would love to take a big stick and knock the stupid out of people.
A lot of my dad's stuff has gone to the Marine Raiders museum in San Diego, some to a local museum near where he lived, and the rest to family.
I have an original Marine Raiders knife; they actually had 2 types of knives the stiletto and the heavier Bowie type I have the Bowie type.
I have my Grandfather's K-bar knife and a P-38 pistol he took off of a dead German tank commander. I was told that I had a rare and pretty complete collection. It's only about 40 pieces, from his postcard for the draft to his release papers. There's letters home and commendations too. Becky sounds like she has a lot of stuff. My only regret is not having everything explained to me by my Grandfather. He never talked about his time in Europe. I have come to find out he went in on Omaha beach at 4:15 am, Battle of the Buldge, Ramaden, Patton's POW rescue, and a few others that slip my mind right now. He did talk about the Concentration camps once. He said "the skinnies were awful looking" and "you could smell them from 20 miles away".
Napalm sticks to kids.
Sometimes I would love to take a big stick and knock the stupid out of people.
My father never said much about his time in the service either. he probably spoke more to my son about it after he joined the Marines.
I am still trying to wrap my head around all this stuff i currently have and what still remains back in Texas. I used to get mad at my Mom for saving so much stuff but I am thrilled with her right now.
I also have my Dad's selective service cards and DD 214.
Boarding chits. Meal chits. They saved everything.
Becky, I can't believe it took this long for me to think of this. You should has a shadow box made. It is very traditional and is something to display and pass down forever. If you do not have his ribbons one of many options would be his discharge papers, a picture of him and of course the folded American flag.
