Arthur (Art) V. Graham
Marine Corps Messages posted to this BBS:
| Entry: 1582 |
ARTHUR (ART) V. GRAHAM |
SUSAN GRAHAM PARRISH wrote on February 4, 2003
Comments:
My Father Art Graham (From Boston) served in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. Can't say how Honored I was that he gave his Medal to me shortly before he died 2 years ago. My oldest son is heading to College and found out there is a Korean War Vets Scholarship for children/grandchildren of that War. We need a copy of his DD-214 to apply for the scholarship - I've been in touch with the VA and sounds like it will take quite a bit of time to get the necessary paperwork. There is a place on-line to directly apply for forms - but you need to know the exact dates a service member served.
My Dad used to talk about his time in Korea - but unfortunately I never knew the dates that he served. I was hoping that someone might remember him and know what Unit he was in, what years or where he was stationed. Dad's 7 older brothers signed up for WWII - he tried to join, but was only 14 at the time, his Mom - my Grandma found out, had a fit and drug him all the way home from the recruiters office - thought that was pretty funny.
I can only guess that the minute the Korean War broke out - Dad ran to sign up - he was about 22 at the time (he'd be 74 this year). It wasn't until he was dying that he told us how he was wounded. Said he was in his foxhole with 2 kids about 17 years old - he heard something "incoming" told the kids to get down and lay low and they didn't take his warning. He first thought he was blind because of all the blood in his eyes - turned out his glasses had shattered. He was breaking up telling us how he found the two 17 year old kids dead alongside him in the foxhole. He kept saying they were so young and just didn't listen to me - just didn't listen. It was so very sad thinking he had held that in all those years and was still mourning the loss of those poor guys. Dad ended up with shrapnel all in his back and chest - some near his heart that they never could get out. He received his Purple Heart and although the military considered him partially disabled - he worked hard at the Post Office for the next 40 years to provide for us 6 kids.
If there is anyone that remembers my Wonderful Dad - I'd love to hear from you. Thanks, Susan Graham Parrish
Dedicated To - Arthur Donald DeLacy - 1st Lieutenant - USMCR - MIA POW - 10/07/1951 - Heartbreak Ridge