
My HERO, My Dad. My Navy service was like a day at Coney Island compared to what he endured on the USS Mississippi during WWII. Hit twice by Kamikazes, his ship supported the landings at Peleliu, fought bravely at the battle of Leyte Gulf, was in the largest naval ship to ship battle of the war at Surigao Straight, and continued to shell the Japanese stronghold at Shuri Castle on Okinawa despite suffering severe battle damage from Kamikazes.
Dad, I know you are up there looking down on me. Happy Veteran's day. I'll try to make you proud.