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Political Insider

Going home

7:00 am November 11, 2010, by jgalloway

Dad, who will turn 87 this month, left high school early for the U.S. Army, five months before Pearl Harbor.

Though none of them were born in this country, four of the seven Galloway brothers would scatter themselves across the globe during World War II. Dad was the youngest, and the only one to carry a sketch book.

He’s the only one left.

As an Air Corps mechanic, he started in north Africa, then moved on to India for flights across the Hump into China.

The cartoonist Bill Mauldin was something of a hero. Lined notebook paper would do in a pinch. Above is a rescued drawing from Dad’s return trip in ‘45. That lump in the background is the Rock of Gibraltar.

In the upper right hand corner are traces of a laundry list written on the other side — a brief catalog of one young warrior’s requirements for conquering the world: Four undershirts, four shorts, two handkerchiefs, two dress shirts, four pairs of socks, and two coveralls.

Dad seldom talked about his adventure. But he once told me that he had a vague memory of, shortly after he finally docked at home, running up and down the hall of a New York City hotel in the wee hours — drunk, liberated, and screaming “God damn the Colonel!” at the top of his lungs. This from a church-going man who rarely cussed.

He was no more than 22 — probably 21 — when he came back after five years of war. Yet the imprint remains. We moved Dad to California this summer, to a place not far from Los Angeles.

A few weeks ago, he pointed my sister to the distant shaded hills. The Atlas Mountains, Dad declared.

But it is the San Gabriel range that sits just past Los Angeles. The Atlas Mountains stretch across the top of northwest Africa — spanning Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. They stand opposite the Rock of Gibraltar.

Have a thoughtful Veterans Day.

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22 comments Add your comment

Brent Gilroy

November 11th, 2010
7:11 am

Nice piece Jim. Thanks. And best wishes to your Dad.

shirley

November 11th, 2010
7:38 am

Today is a special day to honor the courageous men and women who serve our country. Thanks for sharing your dad’s story.

missmollie

November 11th, 2010
8:25 am

The drawing brought tears to my eyes…I’m a flag waver from way back…
Thanks!!!

Bill Clinton

November 11th, 2010
8:34 am

I was unable to serve…I was busy dodging the draft and insulting the USA while hiding in England. Nevertheless, I was the Command and Chief.

The Brutal Truth

November 11th, 2010
8:34 am

Very nice.

lmno

November 11th, 2010
8:37 am

Thanks to your dad. And thanks to all veterans.

Dose of Reality

November 11th, 2010
8:40 am

Bill Clinton Imposter:

This is not the place for your political satire, you insensitive prick.

1faknd

November 11th, 2010
8:54 am

Thank you Dose of Reality: This is not the place for sarcasm. Thank you Jim for a wonderful story about your Dad. HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!!!!!

G

November 11th, 2010
9:03 am

My father passed away last year. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Omaha Beach – he was my hero and is terribly missed. Americans should never forget the sacrifies he and all of our men and women in the military have made – and are still making. Thank you to your Dad and all others is not enough. We live and breathe on our land freely because of all of them. May God Bless keep and every one of them in his loving arms forever…

Sandra

November 11th, 2010
9:04 am

Jim, please thank your Dad for his service to our country. What a lovely tribute.

SMN

November 11th, 2010
9:08 am

Made me think of my late father. Thanks, to all that served and are serving today.
SMN

BigJake

November 11th, 2010
9:19 am

Thank you for sharing your memories of your father’s service to our country. We lost my father at the age of 79 in March, and he served during the Korean conflict as a war correspondent, based out of the place where I was born, Ft. Lee, Virginia. He did not see combat action, but at 6 feet 4 and a buck 60 something, perhaps the U.S. Army figured the best place for a match stick was behind the typewriter. I salute each and every member, past, present and future, of our Armed Services and the work they do to keep up safe from harm and protecting our liberties to live free and say what we feel without fear of repercussion. May God bless the U.S.A.!

Cutty

November 11th, 2010
9:38 am

You posted that sketch before. Still relevant. Good job.

catlady

November 11th, 2010
10:00 am

Thank you to all who have served!

Could we get a list of senators and representatives who served, please?

Annie Nomolous

November 11th, 2010
10:05 am

I am today, more than usual, unable to keep my eyes dry when I think of what veterans have done for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Lowcountrydawg

November 11th, 2010
10:29 am

My Grandfather never talked about the war to my father, but opened up to me. I was his historian, and consider it to be one of the greatest honors of my life. Like your father those were real men. God bless him, and all veterans. Thanks for everything you have done and do for our country.

Jim Galloway

November 11th, 2010
10:35 am

Good eye, Cutty. I’ve posted it every Memorial Day and Veterans Day over the last couple years.

ROBOCOP

November 11th, 2010
10:36 am

My late father was a soldier in WWII. My father in law was a naval engineer on troop carrier in WWII. Both served in the Pacific campaigns. I was in the USAF during the Vietnam War. My son was Marine Military Police Officer in Iraq in 2003 and served his country will honor equal to his father and grandfathers..

Serving one’s country during times of war is a great and personally expensive undertaking, not just for those in uniform, but each member of their families. The sacrifices (especially the ultimate sacrifice) many brave American men and women have made can never be repaid enough. They are our true heroes. Respect for their offerings and their commitment to duty should be recognized and acknowledged everyday of the week. But most of us will settle for just this very special day.

Melita Easters

November 11th, 2010
12:35 pm

I remember the post from years past. Thanks for the update and thanks for his service. They were The Greatest Generation and we have a fine one behind them now currently serving.

Last Man Standing

November 11th, 2010
3:09 pm

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our veterans for their service to our country. I wish that I could thank my father, too. My father served in Africa, Italy and France during WW II. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. Again, thank you for your sacrifices, veterans! May God watch over you and protect you.

Bobby Anthony

November 11th, 2010
5:08 pm

My Dad served in the South Pacific as well as my Uncle James. My Uncle Rudolph was in D-Day and often told of meeting Ike before the invasion when he came down to meet the troops. My Uncle Bud Moss served in Germany and my Uncle Bartow Clyde was taken as a prisoner by the Germans. I had one Uncle, Earnest, who remained state side and trained air pilots. This was a generation of men we should all be thankful for. I know I am and will always consider them as true American heros.

Decatur Bubber

November 12th, 2010
8:16 am

Thanks, Jim.

Although these vets never said they were heroes, instead saying (if they talked about their experiences at all) “…I was just doing my job,” they truly WERE heroes.

Thanks for your Dad, and I hope he’s doing well!