I had the privilege of speaking personally to General Patton twice. The first time was on a beach, Nov. 1942, just north of Casa Blanca. There were two others besides myself. The General came up to us, asked where we were from. Told us to be very careful and just make the enemy suffer.
The second time was in Sicily, near and invasion point, near the village of Licata. We didn't know at the time that the day before he had slapped a G. I. up in northern Sicily. He was not in a good mood and told us to get off the *&^$%&# road and get the &*&%%$#* back to our outfits.
In spite of this, he was among the greatest.
Bernie
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I remember Christmas 1943. We were outside a small village, just north of Naples. It was Santa Maria. It was Christmas Eve. The weather was miserable - cold and wet - snow in some places. We spent the early evening in a house that we had put lights and a radio. The women did miracles with canned tomatoes and spam.
After the festivities, there was Church services. Our Chaplain, Father Michael Sullivan was going to celebrate mid-night Mass in the Cathedral at Caserta, just a short distance away. Once inside, I looked around. Quite a few of the civilian population were there. Also, Catholics, Protestants and Jews, all kneeling together and praying to the same God on this Holy occasion.
Although several thousand miles away, this, indeed, was America. This is what makes America great. And America will always be great. Many years have gone by since WW II to the present combat in Iraq. From what I have read, very little has changed in the way American service men conduct themselves in the face of the enemy. Their courage in combat is without equal.
May God bless all of them.
Bernie
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Don’t people realize that once our young people have been exposed to war that they will never be the same. This isn’t bad either because they learn a lot about life while they visit death almost ever day. We have the greatest bunch of service people that this country has ever seen. They are more afraid of failing their buddies than they are of being killed. They know the risks they are taking and, like the Veterans of other wars, know that what they are doing is the right thing to do.
So maybe the media could focus on the dedication rather than the death of those that die fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. The gold star mothers and wives can tell you what it I like to lose a loved one, but they don’t blame the President. May our prayers go out to the ones that are still serving this country and to their loved ones knowing that they are not alone.
God bless our troops and America.
Milton Long, A WWII and Korean Veteran
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I spent 1944 in China. The part of China I was stationed in was called the "rice bowl" of China. Her people were mostly farmers. They cared little or nothing about the outside world. They appeared to be a kind and gentle people and always minded their own business, as far as I knew. Their living methods and customs were antiquated when compared to ours, at that time. I almost felt, at times, that I was indeed, living in biblical times.
With all this, human life meant little to them. Orientals, at that time, were hard to figure out. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Admiral Yamamoto was given high praise by his subordinates. But he cautioned them, " We have not won, we have only awakened a sleeping dragon that could result in serious consequences to us." As we all know, the "sleeping dragon" not only awoke, but inflicted disastrous defeats to the Japs all over the Pacific.
Could the 21st Century "dragon" be China ?
Bernie
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On the 4th of July I had the honor to be in a parade and right behind the color guard.
As the parade proceeded down the street, which was lined on both sided with people of all ages, I was able to see the reaction to our National Colors as they passed by.
The older group took off their caps and held them over their hearts, or if not wearing a cap they placed their hand over their heart.
Some of the younger people had small children and they were seated on the curb. They neither placed their hand over their heart or had their children stand as our Flag passed by. As my Jeep passed these children I was able to get some to stand and salute, others just smiled.
Is it asking too much to have people respect the Flag that our young people are fighting to preserve on the battle fronts of the world?
I hope that the families of the small children will teach by example and honor the Flag that so many died to keep free.
God Bless our troops and America.
Milton Long
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The first medal I received was the Good Conduct Medal. This is for one year in the Military and being a good boy. When I was returned from the Air Corp to the Ground Force, all my uniforms were tailored to fit me and I was sharp looking.
I was assigned to the 20th Armored Division. When we had to do guard duty in the states they had all the guard line up and the Officer of the Day picked a “Colonels Orderly” which means you get a 3 day pass.
Well I would be in the ranks in my tailored uniform and wearing my ribbon for the Good Conduct Medal. The Officer of the Day picked me every time and the men got really upset about this. I finally had to ask the Corporal of the Guard to tell the Officer to pick someone else, otherwise I was in big trouble.
Milton Long
Published in U S Legacies Magazine May 2006
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