My most direct connection to WWII

[resqgeek]

	Both of the other connections I've written about were great-uncles, but I am also a direct descendant of a veteran of the second World War. My grandfather was drafted late in the war and was serving in Europe when my father (his second child) was born in Feb. 1945. My grandfather served in the 102nd Infantry Division, which first saw action in the Fall of 1944. My grandfather has never really talked about his experiences during the war, and I don't have any firm idea of where or when he fought. I have seen his medals, which include a combat infantry badge (which indicates that he saw hostile action) and a purple heart.
102nd Infantry Division Patch
Combat Infantry Badge	Purple Heart

Growing up, we could occasionally convince him to pull out his war souvenirs. He had a large red Nazi banner, signed by all the men in his platoon, and a SS officer's dagger, as well as some German currency. Unfortunately, after my grandmother's death, he auctioned their farm and all the contents of the house. He was simply not emotionally able to sort through the contents to see what should remain in the family, so we had to watch as his uniforms and other war memorabilia was auctioned off. My youngest brother managed to outbid a collector for the Nazi banner, which is now stored in my parents' cedar chest. That is the only piece of his wartime possessions that has remained in the family.

My grandfather celebrated his 85th birthday last month, and many members of the family are concerned that his wartime memories will pass with him when his time comes. We've been trying to encourage him to share his experiences, but thus far, he has been notably reluctant to do so. I suspect my oldest uncle (who served in Vietnam) might have the best chance of getting him to talk. My uncle has talked about sitting down with my grandfather and talking to him about the war with a tape recorder running.