Father’s Day — Tribute to WWII Vet Fathers

Happy Father’s Day!

It’s great to live in a country that honors its fathers. Here is one of my favorite photos of me with my dad as a little girl. I have always loved horses and I’m sure it was Dad’s influence as he spent years buying, selling horses that created that adoration.

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Children of men included in my World War II books have contributed thoughts of what it was like growing up with their dads as veterans. Enjoy their comments and photos. Photos of the men as veterans and during my interviews with them, as well as the books they are featured in are included.

If your dad is/ was a veteran, thank him for his service. If he’s deceased, honor him with a flag on his grave or other way of showing respect.

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1. Millard Schwartz (We Fought to Win: American World War II Veterans Share Their Stories)

“Serving in the U.S. Army, European Theatre, for three years during World War II had a profound influence on my dad. His experiences were rarely discussed, probably because few family members or local friends could relate.

What was often discussed and highly valued, though, were the enduring friendships and relationships he maintained with those who had served beside him and those he met later through decades of participation in the reunions and trips organized by the former members of his infantry Division.”  

Jim Schwartz (son)

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• 2. Bob Shouse (We Defended Freedom: Adventures of World War II Veterans):

“Growing up in Indianapolis, the summers were filled with baseball, apple pie, and Dad. From little league to high school, my dad was there coaching, encouraging, and cheering me on. Great memories that will be cherished forever. A Purple Heart recipient who always took time for his kids.”

Jim Shouse (son)

Bob Shouse passed away January 17, 2021 at the age of 95.

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• 3. R. Dale Morrissey, Staff Sergeant United States Army (We Fought to Win: American World War II Veterans Share Their Stories)

“I have many happy, fond memories of my dad.  He always said he would make it to “100”, and he almost did, living a long full life up to age 91.  He had many sayings that he repeated often that make me smile when I think of him. 

One was, “a smart fox never travels the same trail twice”.  Therefore, we would often take a different route home after reaching a destination.  You would have the opportunity to see different things going home and, therefore, possibly learn something you didn’t know!

I don’t know if this saying came from his days in the Army, or if it was just his nature to “meander”.  He had many sayings, all good, but this one brings back happy thoughts, and I often find myself taking a different route home.”

Janet Morrissey Lehman (daughter)