For My Father On This Memorial Day Weekend.

[stlsaxman]

George W. Schaeffer, though never got a chance to join the Navy and fight the Nazis (he volunteered three times and was turned down due to the nature of his work), nonetheless gave his life in service of this nation at the University Of Chicago branch of The Manhattan Project and helped bring an early end to WWII.

His death was a result of exposure to beryllium. Berylliosis is a long and painful disease that crystallizes the lungs and rots out the bone marrow over a ten year period.

[11 Bravo]

1. It's probable that your Dad is part of the reason I'm able to respond to this.

Last edited Sat May 25, 2013, 07:26 PM - Edit history (1)

My Dad was sitting on an Aircraft Carrier somewhere between Okinawa and Japan when the bombs were dropped. He and the rest of his fighter squadron were preparing for the invasion of Japan. After enduring numerous kamikaze attacks on his carrier, he was relatively certain that the invasion and pacification of Japan would have resulted in 100,000 US casualties at a minimum. Had he been one of them, I wouldn't be here.
Dad rests today in Arlington National Cemetary. When I remember him this Memorial Day I will also think of your father.

[xtraxritical]

3. My Dad commanded an LST and was at Okinawa at the time too.

[sarisataka]

2. My wife's grandfather was ready for Operation Olympic

his unit was to land at Tokyo and expected 70+% KIA. Your father's sacrifice saved many others; I salute him for it.

You have my deepest sympathy for the suffering and loss your family experienced