Hi Tom, this is Ralph Jr. My Dad wanted me to send you this picture for Memorial Day. It shows him, he is on the far right, on the island of Espiritu Santo while in the Navy in 1945. He likes to point out what muscles he had then at the age of 25. He will be 93 this coming August 30th. In looking up Espiritu Santo, I found this which you might be interested in. http://www.espiritusantotourism.com/ww2.html
Best regards,
Ralph Lucarella Jr.
Your dad is one of my "GREATEST GENERATION: heroes, Ralph. He, along with my older brother Len who passed away this month, and all those who fought WWII and are now leaving us at an alarming rate. They have our undying gratitude for the sacrifices they made. On a personal not they will all be in my prayers not only on Memorial Day, but through all the years.
Your Dad has added immeasurably to this website with his very interesting "been there, done that" comments. God bless him.
Tom Glover
THANK YOU VERY MUCH TOM, I MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE NAVY BUT I WAS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE WHO INVADED THE ISLANDS IN THE CORAL SEA. THE LAST BIG ONE WAS YHE INVASION OF OKINAWA. I NEVER SAW SO MANY SHIPS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THAT OPERATION. I WAS VERY HAPPY WHEN I KNEW I WAS GOING HOME IN 1946. THE DAY I LEFT THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA THAT REALLY SHUCK EVERYTHING. THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS THOSE WHO DID'NT R
Your Dad, Ralph, was a fine example of the typical Navy Man of the South Pacific. We were all trim, fit and in the finest physical condition.
At least we were, as legends in our own minds. Coming home on my first leave, I was a fit 208 pounds with a slim (32") waist. Maury Robinson of the Burg was the only mens store that could fit me properly.
And of course a silent moment and tear followed by a crisp salute for those who were not fortunate to come home. Amen.
Ed Millerick
THANK YOU VERY MUCH TOM, I MAY HAVE BEEN IN THE NAVY BUT I WAS AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE WHO INVADED THE ISLANDS IN THE CORAL SEA. THE LAST BIG ONE WAS YHE INVASION OF OKINAWA. I NEVER SAW SO MANY SHIPS AND EQUIPMENT THAT WAS INVOLVED IN THAT OPERATION. I WAS VERY HAPPY WHEN I KNEW I WAS GOING HOME IN 1946. THE DAY I LEFT THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE IN THE AREA THAT REALLY SHUCK EVERYTHING. THANKS AGAIN AND GOD BLESS THOSE WHO DID'NT R
ReplyDeleteYour Dad, Ralph, was a fine example of the typical Navy Man of the South Pacific. We were all trim, fit and in the finest physical condition.
ReplyDeleteAt least we were, as legends in our own minds. Coming home on my first leave, I was a fit 208 pounds with a slim (32") waist. Maury Robinson of the Burg was the only mens store that could fit me properly.
And of course a silent moment and tear followed by a crisp salute for those who were not fortunate to come home. Amen.
Ed Millerick
God Bless All Vets :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your brother passed away Tom. My condolences to you and your loved ones.