A guard at Nuremberg..for Memorial Day

[GrayRider]

My father-in-law served as a machine gunner in the 101st Airborne during WWII. He enlisted at the age of 15, after forging his birth certificate. Highly decorated, he was at Bastogne and was chosen as a guard at the Nuremberg War Crime Trials. He guarded all of the major Nazi officers including Goering, Hess, Spear, Radar and others. He exercised them, conversed with them and escorted them to and from meals. Also, he was present at the executions and assisted in cutting them down. Having good presence of mind, he got 15 of these guy's autographs, which we have yet today. He died in July, 2002 and my brother in law found this picture of him during the trials and had it framed for all the family members for Christmas. I thought perhaps, that some of you would like to see it. The highligted soldier is him.

[Bikerbitch]

He was one of the Currahee men? Those they showed in Band of Brothers?

[shovelmike]

That's cool, Grayrider. Very good of you to share. There are many in my family who were in the thick of it. My father flew B25's but the war ended before he saw any action. One uncle was a carrier pilot in the Pacific Theatre, another was flying the hump- Calcutta to Burma. He had a lot of stories, some of which I got on tape.
I would never pressure an old soldier to talk about things, many of which they are trying to forget but if they want to talk mine is a willing ear.

[Buzz Kanter]

Thanks for sharing. My father, who passed away a couple of years ago was infantary in WWII. Behind enemy lines towards the end. 2 Purple Hearts, Silver Star and field promotions from grunt to Captain.

He told me and my brothers some amazing stories that I will never forget.

We have a lot of thank our veterans for on this Memorial Day.

We owe all we have to our veterans. To all Veterans, have a great day and thanks to all.

[JCourneyaP]

Gray:
Thats some interesting history with your Father In-Law. Wow to be a part of the trials and communicate with those that done what they did in the name of the Chosen Race. Bet he had some stories to tell.

All these Veterans kicking butt and doing what needs to be done at such a young age.

You would think some of these kids now would learn a bit from the past... and quit their Whining and show some respect.

[unfknblvbl]

Thanks for sharing...that is awesome. I love military history.

One time when I was home on leave I met an older gentlemen who flew hang gliders during WWII to do ammo resupplies behind enemy lines. During th brief conversation I had with him he told me a couple of stories. I wished I had more time to sit and chat with him. Vets of all former wars I love listening to, especially the ones that are willing to talk. Those who don't want to I can fully understand.