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Lest We Forget: Darrell C. “Shifty” Powers

July 16, 2009 By Jeff 3 Comments

ShiftyPowersStaff Sergent Darrel C. “Shifty” Powers passed away at his home in Virginia on June 17, 2009.

Staff Sergent Powers was a veteran of World War Two having served with Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. He received two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He in fought in every campaign that Easy Company was in, including in the assault of Carentan and the Battle of the Bulge.

Powers was severely injured in a truck accident on his way home (the irony is that the men of Easy Company had rigged a lottery so Powers would be the first Easy Company man to go home. Unfortunately, because his injuries required extensive hospitalization he ended up being one of the last to get there).  The experiences of SSGT Powers and the men of Easy Company were portrayed in the HBO mini-series Band of Brothers.

I’m sure many of you many you have seen this e-mail written by Mark Pfiefer, on the off chance you haven’t take a moment to read it:

“We’re hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.

I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell “Shifty” Powers.

Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you’ve seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.

I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn’t know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the “Screaming Eagle,” the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.

Making conversation, I asked him if he’d been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.

Quietly and humbly, he said “Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 . . . ” at which point my heart skipped.

At that point, again, very humbly, he said “I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?” At this point my heart stopped.

I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said “I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem.” I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day.

I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said “Yes. And it’s real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can’t make the trip.” My heart was in my throat and I didn’t know what to say.

I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I’d take his in coach.

He said “No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy.” His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.

Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.

There was no parade.

No big event in Staples Center.

No wall to wall back to back 24×7 news coverage.

No weeping fans on television.

And that’s not right.

Let’s give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.

Rest in peace, Shifty.

“A nation without heroes is nothing.”

Roberto Clemente

It’s heartbreaking to me that a man like Shifty Powers could pass from this world with so little notice… He was one of the good guys, a true American hero. Godspeed Shifty, rest in peace.

H/T: BlackFive.

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Day of Days: June 6, 1944

June 6, 2009 By Jeff Leave a Comment

65 years ago today 160,000 American, British, Canadian and Free French troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. It was the single largest amphibious assault ever undertaken. It was a Day of Days:

General Eisenhower’s letter to the troops sums up the importance of the Normandy invasion better than I can:

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year I944 ! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of I940-4I. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned ! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good Luck ! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Signed….Dwight D. Eisenhower

On related note while the focus is understandably on the D-Day commemorations lets also take a moment to remember the Battle of Midway.

The Battle of Midway was fought near the Central Pacific island of Midway between June 4-7, 1942. It is considered the decisive battle of the war in the Pacific. Before Midway the Japanese were on the offensive, capturing territory throughout Asia and the Pacific. After the battle they’re were on defensive.

The Japanese planned to capture Midway to use as an advance base for an invasion of the Hawaiian in 1943, they also planned to use the Midway attack to draw the U.S. Pacific Fleet into decisive battle that would have crippled American naval power in the Pacific.

Because of successes in intercepting and breaking Japanese radio codes, the U.S. Pacific Fleet was able surprise the Japanese forces and sink the four Japanese carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor only six months earlier., The U.S. Pacific Fleet lost one aircraft carrier during the battle.

Winston Churchill said of the Battle of Midway, “this memorable American victory was of cardinal importance, not only to the United States but to the whole Allied cause… At one stroke, the dominant position of Japan in the Pacific was reversed.”

It’s very likely that without the American victory at Midway the war would have taken far different course.

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Lest We Forget: J. Arthur Setaro

February 2, 2009 By Jeff 2 Comments

This is a sad day for me… Today would have been my father’s 87th birthday. Unfortunately he passed away on Friday, January 30th. We didn’t see eye to eye on many things but he was and still is my hero.

Like many of his generation he was a veteran of World War II, he served with 709th Military Police Battalion in Paris and later the 351st Engineer Regiment. Over the last few years he’d been visiting local schools and talking to students about his experiences during the war.

My father as you man.

A photo of my father taken while he was serving with the 709th MP Battalion in WWII

Joseph Arthur Setaro, age 86, of Valerie Lane, Danbury, devoted husband of Mary (Schirmer) Setaro, died at Danbury Hospital on Friday, January 30th.  He was born in Danbury on February 2, 1922, son of the late Frank and Rosa (Cicchetti) Setaro.  He was a graduate of Danbury High School and Henry  Abbott Technical School. He received his architectural degree from Fountain Blue School of Fine Arts in Paris, France.

Mr. Setaro was a Veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Army in Northern France.  He worked as a teacher for Henry Abbott Technical School for 25 years.  Prior to working as a teacher, he designed the original Amber Room, the Candlewood Inn, Habitat International, as well as various industrial and commercial buildings in the area.

He was a parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Church, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and was founder of the Danbury Ski Club.  He also enjoyed speaking to area schools about his military experiences.

In addition to his beloved wife, Mary, he will be sadly missed by his son, Jeffrey A. Setaro of Danbury; his daughter, Jennifer Santulli and her husband, Stephen of Pound Ridge, NY; his grandchildren, Olivia and Andrew Santulli.  He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Duchesne and Julie Halpin, both of Danbury; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Lawrence Setaro and his sister, Barbara Stolle.

Funeral Services will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Wednesday, February 4th at 6:00pm with Deacon Bill Murphy of St. Gregory the Great Church officiating. The family will receive friends between 4:00 and 6:00pm.

In appreciation for the care and support for Joe and his family, contributions may be made in his memory to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main St. Danbury, CT 06810.

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Taking Chance

January 9, 2009 By Jeff Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars folks HBO will broadcast “Taking Chance” on Saturday, February 21, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m.

When I first read Marine LtCol Michael R. Strobl’s account of escorting the remains of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps home I did it through clenched teeth and with tears in my eyes… That was over four years and it still feels like was just yesterday.

LtCol. Strobl’s story is incredibly powerful and deeply moving. You read his story here.

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Lest We Forget: Gaspar Musso

January 8, 2009 By Jeff Leave a Comment

This is a story that will undoubtedly bring a tear to your eye and warm your heart…

Last days for Marine were true Finest hours

Denis Hamil, Daily News, Tuesday, December 9th 2008, 6:49 PM

Sometimes when old Marines die they do fade away into unmarked graves in Potter’s Field.

Such might have been the case for Gaspar Musso, USMC 925050, who fought in the Battle of Tinian in the Marianas Islands in 1944 and who died Nov. 15 at age 84 in a Brooklyn nursing home.

Enter Police Officer Susan Porcello, a PBA delegate at the 68th Precinct in Bay Ridge and one of those big-hearted New Yorkers who still make this the best city on Earth.

“No way was I going to let this brave old Marine who fought for his country in WWII get buried in Potter’s Field,” she says.

Porcello first met Musso back in July when she responded to a 911 ambulance call to the retired insurance broker’s one-bedroom apartment on, appropriately, Marine Ave.

“When my partner, Eddie Ennis, and I arrived at his apartment Gaspar seemed a little bit down about himself,” Porcello says. “He said he felt alone in the world. We talked to him a bit and as I looked around his tidy apartment I noticed that he had served in the military – the Marines to be exact.”

Porcello asked him about family and friends. “Look around you, what do you see?” Musso said. “I have no family or friends.”

To which Porcello said, “Well, I’m your friend.”

Right there, with those four beautiful words, Gaspar Musso was destined to die with the dignity he’d earned with a rifle in his hands, fighting in a USMC uniform, in a war that saved civilization.

If she didn’t already wear a badge, you’d want to pin a star on Susan Porcello.

Musso, a diabetic with a host of other age-related maladies, had accidentally overdosed on his prescription medications. Porcello accompanied him to Lutheran Medical Center.

“I told him I’d be back to visit him and take him to a senior center where he could make some friends,” said Porcello, who comes from a big Italian family with a mom, dad, three sisters and a brother.

“I told him I was making him my ‘Grandpa,’ and if he liked, he could spend Thanksgiving with my family. Eddie and I discussed alternating holidays with Gaspar so he wouldn’t be alone for any of them.”

Two days later Musso was placed in critical care. Porcello asked hospital staff where he’d be buried if he didn’t make it. “Potter’s Field,” said one administrator.

“This infuriated me,” said Porcello. “There was no way I was going to let a man who fought for our country be buried in Potter’s Field. Not on my watch!”

Porcello told the hospital to keep her apprised of Musso’s condition. She had a local priest visit him. Porcello even asked NYPD’s Missing Person’s Squad to search for next of kin. Read the rest…

God Bless Officer Porcello… Godspeed Marine.

H/T: MsUnderestimated

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Lest We Forget: Col. John Ripley USMC (ret.)

November 2, 2008 By Jeff Leave a Comment

Col. John Ripley USMC (ret.) passed away today.

From Examiner.com:

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Retired Marine Col. John Ripley, who was credited with stopping a column of North Vietnamese tanks by blowing up a pair of bridges during the 1972 Easter Offensive of the Vietnam War, died at home at age 69, friends and relatives said Sunday.

Ripley’s son, Stephen Ripley, said his father was found at his Annapolis home Saturday after missing a speaking engagement on Friday. The son said the cause of death had not been determined but it appeared his father died in his sleep.

In a videotaped interview with the U.S. Naval Institute for its Americans at War program, Ripley said he and about 600 South Vietnamese were ordered to “hold and die” against 20,000 North Vietnamese soldiers with about 200 tanks.

“I’ll never forget that order, ‘hold and die’,” Ripley said. The only way to stop the enormous force with their tiny force was to destroy the bridge, he said. Read the rest…

Here the U.S. Naval Institute’s “Americans at War” video about Colonel Ripley.

Fair winds and following seas Colonel.

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Lest We Forget: Fallen Soldier

October 23, 2008 By Jeff Leave a Comment

Via Blackfive:

Fallen Soldier

Another 4th of July is here and all across the nation, millions of us will celebrate in thousands of different ways.  Our military members around the world will miss out on hometown celebrations, instead, performing the duties assigned to them.  This story is in honor of them.

As a commercial pilot, I too see the effects of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Last month I showed up to start a trip and was approached by a gate agent.  “Captain, good morning, I wanted to inform you that we have H.R. on this flight”, she said.  H.R. stands for human remains.  “Are they military”, I asked.  “Yes”, she said.  “Is there and escort”, I asked.  “Yes, I already assigned him a seat”, she said.  “Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck, you can board him early”, I said.

A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck.  He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier.  He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier.  The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and with us.  “My soldier is on his way back to Virginia”, he said.  He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words on his own.  I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no.  I told him that he has the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers.  The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand.  He left the flight deck to find his seat.

We completed our preflight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure.  About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin.  “I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is onboard”, he said.  He then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year-old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home.  The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left.  We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait 4 hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear.  He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival.  The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.  I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when he asked me if there was anything I could do.  “I’m on it”, I said.  I told him that I would get back to him. Read the rest…

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