Grandpa passed away today.

[Just_me_Mike]

He went peacefully in his sleep. Thanks everyone...

 

[Phasmid]

My condolences, Mike. May he rest in peace.

 

[xkatz]

May he rest in peace. I am sorry to hear of your tragic loss.

 

[Engyo]

My condolences, Mike. You and your family will be in our prayers.

 

[LuisDantas]

My condolences.

 

[Smokeless Indica]

My condolences. Hang in there. I know how you feel.

 

[*Anne*]

I'm sorry, Mike. ((hug)) Safe journey to your grandpa. <3

 

[Just_me_Mike]

Thanks everyone. Tragically late in his life he was kidnapped and much of his possession were lost. Most of his military stuff was sold or stolen, so we only have pictures mostly now. A friend still has some great photos of his stuff, so I am sharing a few. My grandpa had 15 medals, he would always say they might be worth a cup of coffee
Also, a young shot of him in uniform.

 

[*Anne*]

He looks so handsome! And 15 medals?! Wow.

 

[Smokeless Indica]

That's amazing. Sounds like your grandfather lived a full life.
We can say were you get your looks from.

 

[MissAlice]

You're grandfather sounds a lot like my grandfather, a decorated veteran.

Sorry to hear that and may he RIP. :flower:

 

[sandandfoam]

RIP
Sorry Mike

 

[Just_me_Mike]

Thanks again everyone...
It is always interesting to see how kids deal with this sort of thing. My oldest son (who is Autistic) said at least grandpa won't have anymore of the war nightmares.

Which is true, he suffered from them all the time even towards the end of his life. Can't imagine what he went through.
Thanks again...

BTW, any of you military buffs out there, if you can help me with all the medals identifying what each of them are that would be great, my son wants to know.

 

[Smokeless Indica]

The only one that I know is the purple heart it's the 3rd one that looks like a purple heart lol
It was given to him for being wounded in action.

 

[Caladan]

My condolences Mike. we got to talk about your grandfather and the military a bit, thank you for also providing photos of the medals, to answer your query, a few of the medals..
On the far left it is the Silver Star:
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

one to the right from the Silver Star is the Bronze Star:
The Bronze Star Medal (or BSM) is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations

One to the left is the Purple Heart given for being wounded in service.

I have a question regarding what seems to be a German Iron Cross, third on the right, do you have any information about it?

 

[Wandered Off]

Sorry for your family's loss. May he live on in your memories.

 

[Just_me_Mike]

My condolences Mike. we got to talk about your grandfather and the military a bit, thank you for also providing photos of the medals, to answer your query, a few of the medals..
On the far left it is the Silver Star:
The Silver Star is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

one to the right from the Silver Star is the Bronze Star:
The Bronze Star Medal (or BSM) is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations

One to the left is the Purple Heart given for being wounded in service.

I have a question regarding what seems to be a German Iron Cross, third on the right, do you have any information about it?

Thanks Dan,
I have been scratching my head about the Iron Cross this morning, cause all indications is that it is something the Germans would have given out. You think maybe he took it off a person he killed perhaps? My uncle still works at the Pentagon, I'll shoot him an email and ask, cause I don't know.

I was able to look up a few of the other medals, and most of them are medals given for service at a certain time and place. The hexagon with the eagle is a commendation medal, and can be given for various reasons given just under the Bronze Star.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

*silence*

 

[Just_me_Mike]

Dan here is a closeup of the cross. Does this help?

 

[angellous_evangellous]

hmm

I don't think that the cross is German - it has English words on it...