Two words that go together. Pictures and memories. Fortunately, I have several old photos of my father during the time he served in World War II. Of those pictures these two seem to capture him best. In one he is giving Yank, the small dog he rescued in a battle zone, a treat. The other captures the weary, bone tired look of men relaxing during a lull in the war. He is the one on the right. His face reflects the toll 269 days of continuous combat takes on a soul. He served in Patton’s Third Army as a gunner in a Sherman tank. It was Devine Providence that saw him through and brought him home. The survival rate of men in Sherman tanks was exceedingly low. One strike would send them up like a torch.

He and Yank survived the war and made it home to Winston County, Mississippi. Daddy married the girl who had been waiting for him and raised a family. I am the youngest of three sons.

The man I knew rarely mentioned his service. He was quite, reserved and reflective. He taught Sunday School, served on the local school board, and lived the life of a smalltime farmer inking out living in the foothills of Mississippi’s Appalachian mountains.

He was my personal hero, father and friend. I could never fill his shoes. At fifty-nine he left us after a lengthy battle with cancer, and I have missed him every day since.

Every boy should be so lucky.

Thank you Daddy. Happy Veterans Day.

_______________
Rick Algood
November 11, 2020