My grandfather was born August 4th 1919 in Brooklyn, NYC. He was a full blooded Scotsman. A professional boxer in NYC until he entered the Merchant Marines. This is my mothers father ( My Nana married outside of the Portugee/Jew community 
)
Poppy served in the military for a total of 32 years: The Merchant Marines, The US ARMY, & the USAF. He retired from the military as a medic. He taught me how to swim. Poppy was a wonderful, strong man of high moral character. Everyone loved my grandfather. The only thing that was important to my Poppy was country and military, period. Nothing else mattered to him but making sure America was free. This is the way people were back then. Country was THE most important thing in their lives.
My Grandfather died March 3, 1973. A very sad day for my whole family. He was so popular with NYC Italians that the whole funeral parlor was filled with flowers to the street, a parlor that was on the east end of Long Island. He was loved in his community and was a fine patriot.
Pictured in uniform, Circa 1944:
Outside at Westhampton AFB, Circa 1964:
Pictured with military hero (WW2 bomber) & trusted friend: Colonel Gabby Gabreski, Circa 1960-68: (Not sure)
My Grandfathers all time favorite song:
Video by trudbol
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY POPPY IN HEAVEN, I am sure.
We could use a few good men today. Hopefully there are some left. Me I am no good (hehe). Found grampaw’s WW2 combat boot leggings and USMC blanket the other day. Placed them in a trunk of heirlooms. He came over from Italy after WW1, served in USMC in Pacific during world war two and worked at Ford motors for almost 40 years after the war. We all owe that generation of Americans for we would all be speaking German, Russian or Japanese without them. Happy B-Day to your grampa!
Happy Birthday to your grandfather!
He seems like a great man, and a grandfather to be proud of.
How interesting – my grandfather was a boxer too.
I only met him once though, and he died when I was small.
That one pic, of your grandfather with Col Gabreski that you’re not sure of the date? Might be 64-68. I see Pres Johnson on the wall there so it looks like it might have been during his administration?
Have a great weekend hon!
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Happy birthday to your grandfather. My father died summer of 1973.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slinging-seeds/7524305298/in/set-72157630494120934
http://www.flickr.com/photos/slinging-seeds/7524306908/in/set-72157630494120934/
Wonderful story about a wonderful man, Pauli. Such an inspiring memory. God bless you my friend!
Ty Loopy
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