Sherry joined us on Veteran's Day for a special interview to celebrate the release of THE COWBOY AND THE HELLCAT. She also shared her fond memories of Uncle Enno - an WWII veteran:
Enno was a big and vibrant man who was full of life. Enno served in the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Air Force, and then after the war in the U.S. Army Reserve until late 1948. Whew! In July of 1942 Enno was assigned to The 33rd Fighter Group, W.W. II Nomads. It was during this time that Enno served as crew chief for Major Phillip Cochran who was later the inspiration for the character known as Flip in the comic strip, Terry and the Pirates.
Then, in July 1943, Enno’s unit was shipped to Sicily and there they were joined by famous war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Pyle wrote about the Sicilian Campaign in his book Brave Men. Enno goes on to say that on July 12, 1943, they hit the beaches of Licata and Gela. He writes how the bombs were dropping all around them as they were waiting to push ashore and get off their landing crafts. It was here that they encountered General George Patton. Enno said Patton was incensed that some of the troops did not have full combat gear. The troops in question were our Army Air Corps ground crews. Enno quipped someone had to set Patton straight, and that probably took some doing!
After the war, Enno went on to live a long full life. I now have the honor of keeping watch over his dog tags. It’s mind blowing and awe inspiring to hold those worn tags in my hand knowing what all they’ve seen, and the places they traveled with my great-uncle.
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It is veterans like Uncle Enno who we will remember at the SOS Military Mixer. It is families like Sherry's who will thank at the SOS Military. In honor of Uncle Enno, I am giving away a signed book from Sherry. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about a hero/heroine in your family - military or civilian, past or present - who influenced your life
2. This giveaway is open to US residents only (international readers can request convention bling at COUNTDOWN TO CONVENTION).
3. Comments are open through Saturday, April 2, 10 pm in Hawaii, to enter the giveaway. The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 3, during the Weekly Winners announcement post. I also contact the winner if I have winner's email address.
4. If you are new to SOS Aloha, please make sure I know how to contact you. If your Blogger profile does not provide your email address, please send it to sos.aloha@yahoo.com. (I have several unclaimed prizes because I do know how to contact the winner).
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Make sure you stop by COUNTDOWN TO CONVENTION to see how you can help me (questions, for authors) and what I can get you (RT magazine, bookmarks, and trading cards).
I would have to say the hero in my family is my father and my husband. My dad served in WW II and my husband joined the service and volunteered for Vietnam, but because the war was coming to a close he served our Country in Germany.
ReplyDeleteDad served in WWII, under Gen. Patton. He earned the Soldier's Medal for non-combat heroism in North Africa. He fought in France, Italy and Germany and earned a Purple Heart as well. Dad volunteered in 1941 and didn't return until 1945. He's gone now and I miss my family hero.
ReplyDeleteMy heroine would be my mom. A single mother who raised two girls and would do anything she could for them. She never gave up no matter how hard it was. Miss you mom.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is a volunteer firefighter so I view him as a hero. He has saved lives and he's doing it for free.
ReplyDeleteAloha! Thanks Dani, LSU Reader, Tammy, and Casey, for sharing your heroes! Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, uniforms, and generations!
ReplyDeletemy grandfather fought in the Cold War/Korean War but I think he is the only military hero in our family. I never got to know him (he passed away when I was two) but I know he was a great, brave man who loved and honored his country.
ReplyDeleteI would say My Mother is my hero. At the age of 90 still going strong,
ReplyDeleteShe was physically & mentally abused by my Father for many years when i was 9 enough was enough walk out when at that time it was frowned upon. With very little in Money & clothing She Never lucked back. My Uncle would be my other Hero he took us in till we got on our feet. I ADORED him.
Ann/alba
I think all the spouses of our military are heroes. They stay home and take care of their families while their spouse serve our country. JodiT
ReplyDeleteMy hero is my mom because she does everything for us (family) and always puts us first no matter what.
ReplyDeleteMy hero is my husband. He started a rural fire department and served as its Chief for almost 15 years.
ReplyDeleteMy parents are both heroes to me because they are the hardest working most loving people I know!
ReplyDeleteThe people who've influenced my life most are probably my parents. After all, without them, I wouldn't be here! Cleverness aside, we don't always get along...but in the end they are the only ones who've put up with me for this long. I think that's a heroic task itself!
ReplyDeleteStephanie