War Stories
My grandfather Charles Nichols served in the Navy during WWII and is a true American hero. He quietly served in the Pacific on the USS Springfield (CL-66) and the USS Thorn (DD 647). During WWII his ships fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and Luzon Philippines, Okinawa, Iwo Jima and Honshu Japan and in the Admiralties. They were also involved in Palau, Eniwetok and Ulithi, as well escorting ship convoys in the Atlantic. He was there with President Roosevelt as he headed for his last conference with the Allies. My grandfather even escorted Japanese dignitaries to the Missouri for the signing of the surrender in Tokyo Bay. Ironically enough the first ship I was on was in Tokyo Bay the same time Pap Pap was. Not only did he fight but he loved. My mother said he saw her twice during his time at war. I don’t remember my grandfather ever complaining and he never questioned the war nor his involvement in it. It was while I was growing up that he inspired my brothers and I to serve in the Navy by regaling us with sea stories. There were times when I was away from my family that I would get to feeling sorry for myself and I would remember his sacrifice and his dedication to seeing the job done. I would think if he could do that for me and my country than I can sacrifice too. Pap Pap has never asked for a parade or medals and never demanded that he be recognized for his service. We should honor him and men like him because they deserve it.
When we talk I get to hear the same sea stories over and over again. (and I love it). His health prevented him from coming to my retirement ceremony and he wanted so bad to attend that instead he wanted to honor me with a picture or a story in the paper, but it’s not my story that’s worth telling, it’s his.
Elmer's Bro
