The Men on USCG LST 791

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Letter, 9/20/2002

My name is Jim Day. I am a Marine presently serving in Ukraine.

The first edition of this memoir, "The Heroes of USCG LST 791" mentions my father, James L. Day, now deceased. Cdr. Adams' words about him and those with whom he fought during their time north of Naha on Sugarloaf Hill tugged at my heart. Scanning the names within the deck log, I recognize names of men whom I have been honored to meet—sadly those names are too few. Most of those men, as you well know, never left Okinawa, at least not alive. Other names I recognize only through my father’s and others’ stories: Woodhouse, Bertoli, McDonald, and Tashjian--these and others whom I’ll never know, were the men who my father credited for his good fortune of a long life and the family that he was eventually able to enjoy.

My family appreciates this illustration of the man we knew so well, yet knew too little about. Regarding his wartime experiences, he had little desire to speak of its horrors (all you guys of that era are the same). I recall the day I came home with the news that I had enlisted into the Marine Corps. I wasn’t sure how my father would react, for I knew of his strong desire to see me in college. Nonetheless, he put on a stern face and said “son you’re old enough now to know what you want.” He was surprised, I know that for certain, but I wasn’t sure if he was disappointed or pleased. What I do remember was his support. Later, after many years of my own service, he shared with me his feelings on that day. His words are still with me today and have allowed me to better understand my role as a Marine and a father.

He, like Cdr. Adams and all the others who fought WWII endured the horrors of war understanding fully that only victory or death would end the nightmare, took respite in the fact that by doing so, their wives—whom they had yet to meet—and the children they had yet to bring into this world would never have to endure the same. History proved otherwise, but this belief helped a young man find a greater sense to the madness surrounding him and helped him face the next day’s battle with grim determination. My joining the Corps brought to mind those forgotten thoughts and in a minor way shook the foundation of a belief system that helped him through those hellish times.

To all those Americans who fought our Nation’s wars, and in particular to those of LST 791 and the men you put on the beach that Easter morning, I salute you.

20 Sep 2002
James A. Day
Colonel, USMC


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