My Dad

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Originally uploaded by anslatadams

My dad served in the China-Burma-India theatre during WWII. He was responsible for radio communications with the planes that "flew the hump" over the Himalayas to bring construction and military supplies. Many of the planes didn't make it "over the hump". I'm not sure if he served ON the planes with the pilots or on the ground communications. I remember bits and pieces of his service. Some rather scary things, not really related to war as related to mother nature. Many times he had to climb the radio tower to replace burned out "beacon lights" on them. He said the wind would make the tower sway at the top and it was like doing a "high wire" act!! Then there was the time one morning in the tent he and his buddy were sharing and dad woke up first and happened to see his buddy's boot MOVING at the foot of his cot. Dad saw that a COBRA was in the boot and grabbed his carbine and shot and killed the cobra which in the meantime, needless to say scared the bejeebers out of his buddy!! LOL! My dad looked at him and said, "well would you have rather reached for your boots and had that sucker kill you???" After that his buddy was grateful!
Also my poor dad contracted Malaria while in Burma, and had to drink Quinine or take Quinine, he said it was really nasty. I even have a letter that he sent home to the family I will scan and share it. He complains about NOT SENDING ANYMORE SPAM which back in that day, was actually the canned meat or "mystery meat". LOL. My dad said it was so hot in Burma, he would get literally sick to his stomach. Some days reached 120 degrees probably with 100% humidity. The malaria never left him the rest of his life he would have relapses. It was frightening to see as he would shake all over with chills and his teeth would literally chatter. He was a good man and a wonderful father. He taught his two daughters manners, to respect their elders, treat the neighbors and their property with respect, to say "Yes Sir" and "Yes Mam" and was adamant about getting our education. I love you Dad and I still miss you sorely.