Ace of Spades HQ

January 04, 2014

William Overstreet Jr. 1921-2014
— Dave in Texas

Bill Overstreet Jr. WWII Fighter Ace, Big Damn Hero.

In 1944 this P-51 fighter jock chased an Me109 under the Eiffel Tower. Got the kill too.

Just how much clearance was that you ask? Well, from the ground to the floor of the first platform is 186 feet. I can't quite tell how far it is from the bottom of the arch to the top of the first platform, but it looks roughly 1/3 of that 186 feet, so I'm gonna say from the ground to the bottom arch he had about 120 feet to play with. While firing in pursuit. While being fired at by the enemy on the ground.

No wonder they still talk about it.

But that was only one of the many times Bill Overstreet put his life on the line for his country and comrades.

I'll just excerpt one bit from this article from an interview of Overstreet, but read the whole thing including the part about his one-second parachute opening before a crash in a spinning Bell P-39 Aircobra. There are several photos.

Another mission that didnÂ’t turn out as expected occurred when Bill flew with a sinus infection. He and his group were escorting a sortie of bombers, and in chasing German fighters away from the flight, he engaged in a power dive from 30,000 feet, chasing after a Messerschmitt Bf 109. The extreme change in pressure caused his eyes to swell shut, blinding him. Bill was able to keep his plane in the air by control feel, but had no way to determine his heading or carry out a landing. Calling on his radio for help, one of BillÂ’s mates, Indicated that he could see BillÂ’s plane and gave him instructions to get the plane pointed in the right direction, then got on his wing and together the two made their way back to the base in England. Bill was talked through a straight-in approach and landing. It took several days under the care of the BaseÂ’s doctors before the swelling had gone down enough for Bill to see again.

He landed his P-51. Blind.

He returned home in October of 1944, taught gunnery school and became an accountant while in the reserves. He worked for a CPA firm until his retirement in 1984.

In 2009 he returned to France and was awarded the Legion of Honor. Pierre Vimont, the Ambassador of France to the U.S. who pinned the medal on him credited Overstreet for his "heroic contribution to the liberation of France." He also recalled Bill saying "thank you" more than once.

With respect Captain, I think you had that exactly backwards sir. Thank you. May you rest in honored glory.

The Berlin Express Says Howdy to Paris. Like a Boss

Posted by: Dave in Texas at 06:19 AM | Comments (178)
Post contains 468 words, total size 3 kb.

1 I read about this hero yesterday. These guys really were the Greatest Generation. It makes me sad to look around me now.

Posted by: Gingy @GingyNorth at January 04, 2014 06:24 AM (N/cFh)

2 Oh crap, I was supposed to yell "FIRST", wasn't I?

Posted by: Gingy @GingyNorth at January 04, 2014 06:25 AM (N/cFh)

Totally unbelievable. One reads these stories about the exploits of our fighting forces from "way back when" and marvels at their accomplishments. And the thing is, to them, they were just doing their best to do right by their jobs and duty as they saw it.

Un f'n believable.

Thank you, Captain, and thanks, Dave in Texas, for the post.

Posted by: RM at January 04, 2014 06:27 AM (fRppw)

4 This guy was 23 fucking years old when he pulled that stunt.

How many 23-year olds do you know today who'd have the balls to do that?

RIP, Mr. Overstreet, and thank you for keeping the free world free. May we fight to keep it that way as successfully as you did, sir.

Posted by: Tex Lovera at January 04, 2014 06:28 AM (HRp/k)

5 I'm sure Pajama Boy would do the same thing . .
.
On his XBox One . .
.

Posted by: FireNWater at January 04, 2014 06:31 AM (PYabA)

6 Unobtanium Balls achievement unlocked!

Posted by: EC at January 04, 2014 06:33 AM (doBIb)

7 The guy was a Statistical Engineer when Pearl Harbor was attacked; that would make him approximately 20-21. How many 20-21 year old Statistical Engineers, or college grads for that matter, do you know?

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at January 04, 2014 06:33 AM (60Vyp)

8 How many 23-year olds do you know today who'd have the balls to do that?

How many years of service do you need before they send you to fighter pilot training?

I don't think balls are a problem; bureaucracy might be.

Posted by: HeideRadieschen at January 04, 2014 06:34 AM (hO8IJ)

9 But now the other angels are pissed that he's flying circles around them

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at January 04, 2014 06:35 AM (Xfl0F)

I wanted to headline this as "The BALLS on This Fuckin Guy"

but, respect.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 04, 2014 06:41 AM (WvXvd)

11 American badass. God bless you, Captain Overstreet.

Posted by: Andy at January 04, 2014 06:41 AM (vGQV1)

12 >>> Oh crap, I was supposed to yell "FIRST", wasn't I? Protocol would be: "You're right, Dave in Texas. Good post!"

Posted by: fluffy; protocologist at January 04, 2014 06:42 AM (Ua6T/)

13 What a generation...

our government is hard at work making sure we'll never see their likes again.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:42 AM (TE35l)

14 The troops in Iraq were just as brave. The dictator pulled out support and let all the treasure spent go to waste. Just like Jimmy Carter did in Iran when i was living there! When Democrats control foreign policy, we go to hell.

Posted by: AnnaS at January 04, 2014 06:42 AM (UN0/t)

15 He was probably a homophobe who should never have been in the military. Seriously, Godspeed Bill. You've earned a good rest.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at January 04, 2014 06:44 AM (uTWja)

16 our government is hard at work making sure we'll never see their likes again.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 10:42 AM (TE35l)

------------------

Well then, we'll just have to outsmart 'em.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 06:45 AM (P6QsQ)

17 14 AnnaS at January 04, 2014 10:42 AM (UN0/t)

The troops don't control the RoE and we had bad RoE under Bush because of the adversarial nature of the media, academia, the left, the international "law" theorists etc etc

In WW2 our nation said, "we've been attacked you boys go and attack the enemy to the limit of the Geneva Convention and don't worry we believe in you...."

I miss that nation and I think it died when I was -4.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:46 AM (TE35l)

18 WOW! How does a guy with this big a set of balls go home and become an accountant? I guess he'd had enough excitement?

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 06:49 AM (0FSuD)

19 Anyone know if Vic is okay? His next-to-last post contained gibberish, and I couldn't tell if he was joking.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 06:49 AM (Bs5ky)

20 of course I don't mean to sully the celebration of this warrior's life, and mourn his passing with such depressing thoughts and ruminations.

apologies as grammie winger says we will simply have to outsmart and bypass when needed the ruling class.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:50 AM (TE35l)

21 Quite a contrast to JammieBoi & Obozo, isn't it?

Posted by: backhoe at January 04, 2014 06:50 AM (ULH4o)

22 What, no cheerleaders?

Posted by: John F Not Kerry @jfd1965 at January 04, 2014 06:50 AM (HF2US)

23 19 Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 10:49 AM (Bs5ky)

I don't know it was troubling but he may just have been winded from chasing the neighbor's cat...

"prayers for Vic's safety"

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:51 AM (TE35l)

24 So, do you think he had his way with the Parisian ladies after La Liberation?

Posted by: Bean Pies, ey? at January 04, 2014 06:51 AM (Qev5V)

25 Here's a youtube link of when Moriarty did it 1984. Now just imagine going twice as fast and being shot at.

http://tinyurl.com/kkk4ho

Posted by: lowandslow at January 04, 2014 06:51 AM (IV4od)

26 wow. just wow.

Posted by: chemjeff at January 04, 2014 06:52 AM (9GG/0)

27 >>How does a guy with this big a set of balls go home and become an accountant? I was just thinking that. I'm always amazed by these guys who did some of the most amazingly brave and heroic things and then blended back into society to become such average people.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 04, 2014 06:53 AM (g1DWB)

28 Vic had to stop mid-sentence in order to throw people off his lawn.
I'm sure he's okay.

Posted by: chemjeff at January 04, 2014 06:53 AM (9GG/0)

29 imagine having him as your accountant. "are you sure its OK to take these deductions? seems a little uh risky" "RISKY? do you know who the fuck you're talking to?"

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at January 04, 2014 06:54 AM (RLTt1)

30 19 Anyone know if Vic is okay? His next-to-last post contained gibberish, and I couldn't tell if he was joking. Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 10:49 AM (Bs5ky) I think he was trying to type while holding a kitteh. See his #175 And RIP Mr. Overstreet....you deserve it. Well done.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at January 04, 2014 06:54 AM (bCEmE)

31 "Excuse me, Mr. Overstreet? After the French finish awarding you the Legion of Honor, the Order of Brass Balls requests the honor of your presence."

Posted by: NR Pax at January 04, 2014 06:54 AM (ODsL5)

32 4 This guy was 23 fucking years old when he pulled that stunt. If he had done that now, he would be written up by the XO for violating rules of engagement, flying in an unsafe manner, endangering civilians, etc ad nauseum The whole world is pussified now.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 06:54 AM (XLoA6)

33 27 JackStraw at January 04, 2014 10:53 AM (g1DWB)

I'd like to go home now.....

//said by a lot of guys right before Operation Magic Carpet

I did not see a lot of sad faces on those boats...

I think they earned some boredom.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:55 AM (TE35l)

34 The troops don't control the RoE and we had bad RoE under Bush because of the adversarial nature of the media, academia, the left, the international "law" theorists etc etc

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 10:46 AM (TE35l)

Don't forget the Brass who sign off on it with nary a peep of protest on behalf of the troops; not to mention a resignation in protest.

Posted by: Captain Hate at January 04, 2014 06:56 AM (HPbNL)

35 34 Captain Hate at January 04, 2014 10:56 AM (HPbNL)

God knows CH I have gone on about it enough...

our public decided as long as the media says it was okay by God it was okay...

the one lesson I have learned from the War on Terror is I will NEVER support Democrat led foreign action again unless there is a direct threat to sustained enemy action on our soil.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 06:57 AM (TE35l)

36 His P-51 was fitted with a second supercharger to compensate for the drag of his giant balls.

Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at January 04, 2014 06:59 AM (celt+)

No disrespect to our troops today. They are true American heroes as far as I'm concerned.

It's not so much comparing the troops of back then to the troops of today. To me at least, it's more a matter of the guys back then being average joes who were of that age at a time of world war and served in wartime as a matter of honor and duty. It was just what you did at the time.

I knew a guy who served on a troop ship. I read in his journal of how the men had a hard time sleeping because on any given day, you never knew when a Zero would come out of the sky at your ship and when your number might be up.

He became a noted artist and I have a couple of his sketches, framed, that show firefights, burning ships nearby, Zeros coming out of the sky, etc. This was just the life they lived from day to day, at that time. To him it was no big deal. To me it is a huge deal. We are very, very lucky they were there for us, just as we are very fortunate now to have today's fighting forces standing on that wall.

Posted by: RM at January 04, 2014 06:59 AM (fRppw)

38

If he had done that now, he would be written up by the XO for violating rules of engagement, flying in an unsafe manner, endangering civilians, etc ad nauseum The whole world is pussified now.

Also, he was shooting at someone running away from him, and clearly not a threat. In today's world, Overstreet's Court Martial for murder would have been conducted in Berlin before Germany's surrender.

Posted by: Sticky Wicket at January 04, 2014 07:00 AM (0IhFx)

39 36 His P-51 was fitted with a second supercharger to compensate for the drag of his giant balls. Darth Cheney's balls bow down before him.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 07:01 AM (0FSuD)

40 I wouldn't assume Vic is okay. And if anyone has his telephone number, please call him.

Posted by: Bean Pies, ey? at January 04, 2014 07:02 AM (Qev5V)

41 Are there any football games on today? To lazy to google it.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 07:03 AM (0FSuD)

42 Thanks, Texas Dave. Before I tab over to read the linked article... One aspect of Overstreet's story I truly appreciate: a lifetime as a CPA. A long life of sedate peaceful employment and in retirement continuing to help folks. It's what they fought for. Alas it has to be won anew so frequently.

Posted by: mindful webworker - I saw the Dangling Participles open for at January 04, 2014 07:04 AM (AMsS5)

43 41 Are there any football games on today? To lazy to google it. Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 11:03 AM (0FSuD) http://tinyurl.com/8h49zo5

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at January 04, 2014 07:04 AM (bCEmE)

44 Re: Current generation. My family and I went to the WWI Museum in KC this summer. (Worth every penny/minute, just a really well done museum.) The amazing thing was that war started in 1914, and for 3 years, the lines of engagement didn't move. They dug in, and started pushing bodies through the trenches. Every man who went to war was almost surely not coming back. Yet they went. And went. Things didn't change until The Doughboys came over. I just don't see that kind of sacrifice coming from the pajama boy, hipster set.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 07:04 AM (XLoA6)

45 I knew a guy who served on a troop ship. I read inhis journal of how the men had a hard time sleeping because on any given day, you never knew when a Zero would come out of the sky at your ship and when your number might be up.

He became a noted artist and I have a couple of his sketches, framed, that show firefights, burning ships nearby, Zeros coming out of the sky, etc. This was just the life they lived from day to day, at that time. To him it was no big deal. To me it is a huge deal. We are very, very lucky they were there for us, just as we are very fortunate now to have today's fighting forces standing on that wall.

Posted by: RM at January 04, 2014 10:59 AM (fRppw)

In Bill Mauldin's book, "UP FRONT" he writes of the jealousy by the Army guys who thought the Sailors and Airmen had cushy lives. Once he saw the ships being attacked and planes being shot down he changed his tune and realized being a soldier had it's advantages. Bill was a cartoonist/writer for the Chicago Tribune and did cartoons in Stars and Stripes during the war. Very engaging book.

Posted by: Ammo Dump at January 04, 2014 07:04 AM (GgPam)

46 Thanks, Bean Pies. I do hope someone can check on Vic.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:05 AM (Bs5ky)

47 And today, somewhere, a hipster is distressed he didn't get enough mocha in his latte.

Posted by: --- at January 04, 2014 07:05 AM (MMC8r)

48 OK, what world record did the Eiffel tower have until 1931?

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 07:05 AM (0FSuD)

49 "He landed his P-51. Blind." Bill Overstreet, Jr. At One With God "High Flight" Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward IÂ’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,Â—and done a hundred things You have not dreamed ofÂ—wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. HovÂ’ring there, IÂ’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . . Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue IÂ’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flewÂ— And, while with silent lifting mind IÂ’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. John Gillespie Magee, Jr. (1941 Sonnet)

Posted by: panzernashorn at January 04, 2014 07:06 AM (MhA4j)

50 @43 Thanks Tami.

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 07:06 AM (0FSuD)

51 Vic was on the tail-end of the ONT this AM when the open thread was late.

Posted by: --- at January 04, 2014 07:06 AM (MMC8r)

52 I just don't see that kind of sacrifice coming from the pajama boy, hipster set.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 11:04 AM (XLoA6)

Perhaps if the Food King was being looted.

Posted by: Ammo Dump at January 04, 2014 07:07 AM (GgPam)

53 Elsewhere where I've seen this story, I have read kudos being given to the Nazi bastard that went through the tower first. I guess it was a skillful, but undoubtedly an act of desperation. Captain Overstreet did it on purpose.

Posted by: Matteus at January 04, 2014 07:08 AM (QdAnF)

54 48 OK, what world record did the Eiffel tower have until 1931? Ugliest fucking structure in the world? There was a french art critic who vocally detested the building, yet ate lunch there on a regular basis. When asked why, he quipped: "This is the only place in Paris where I can dine and not see it."

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 07:09 AM (XLoA6)

>> I guess it was a skillful, but undoubtedly an act of desperation.

He wasn't takin AA fire.

Just American Bad Ass Bill Overstreet fire.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 04, 2014 07:11 AM (WvXvd)

56 53 Elsewhere where I've seen this story, I have read kudos being given to the Nazi bastard that went through the tower first. I guess it was a skillful, but undoubtedly an act of desperation. Now I know who wroth the MSNBC/DNC playbook.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 07:11 AM (XLoA6)

57 amazing story....we need more people like him in the world......

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl Happy 10th day of Christmas at January 04, 2014 07:12 AM (u8GsB)

58 40 I wouldn't assume Vic is okay. And if anyone has his telephone number, please call him.

Bean Pies? You're right. It's a problem with these public forums, giving out contact info when there is a troll and disruptor lurking thing. But anyone who knows how to contact Vic should get in touch. See if he's OK.

Posted by: backhoe at January 04, 2014 07:12 AM (ULH4o)

59 >>OK, what world record did the Eiffel tower have until 1931? Tallest building in the world.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 04, 2014 07:13 AM (g1DWB)

60 "I just don't see that kind of sacrifice coming from the pajama boy, hipster set." From PJ Boi, no; from his generation, yes. There are any number of great men and women from his generation in the military now. Alas, they are being purged by Barky McFuckstain and his PC minions every day. But at least they'll be on our side when push comes to shove.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at January 04, 2014 07:13 AM (60Vyp)

61 Great story, great man. And the heroism of the individual continues to this day yet isn't celebrated as it was in the past.

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 07:13 AM (Q6HBD)

62 Anyone know if Vic is okay? His next-to-last post contained gibberish, and I couldn't tell if he was joking. Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake Wow, nobody asked if mindful was okay when I did something similar recently!

Of course, 1) I ain't Vic, and 2) I was clowning in the ONT, so, it was considered normal if anyone was sober enough to even notice.

It was an odd exit for Vic. Since I can do nothing, I'll hold to the Vic is fine, kitteh-hampered as Tami noted, but until we know, prayervibes his way anyway. Who couldn't use some!

Posted by: mindful webworker - I saw the Dangling Participles open for at January 04, 2014 07:15 AM (u57y4)

63 We can be that good again, but not on the path we are travelling on today.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at January 04, 2014 07:16 AM (l3vZN)

64 Vic checked back in. He's ok.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at January 04, 2014 07:17 AM (bCEmE)

I only had an alien chase me through a canyon, blasting that green shit at me all the while. Faked him out though and got the kill. Saved the Earth, too.

But Bill Overstreet, Jr, is a real hero. RIP, sir.

Posted by: Captain Steven Hiller at January 04, 2014 07:17 AM (BAS5M)

66 "And the heroism of the individual continues to this day yet isn't celebrated as it was in the past." Amen! Everyone gets a trophy....

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at January 04, 2014 07:19 AM (60Vyp)

67 They're numbers are dwindling, and with them will vanish the collective memory of our heritage, history and culture. RIP to Bill Overstreet. "Into the wild blue yonderÂ…"

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at January 04, 2014 07:19 AM (olDqf)

68 RM I've seen charcoal pieces done by a POW in the Pacific theater. Striking things, kind of Keith Harring figures and very raw, sad images. A few were done while in captivity on scraps of paper

Posted by: Bigby's Knuckle Sandwich at January 04, 2014 07:20 AM (RLTt1)

69 #67 They're = Their ALSOÂ… compare and contrast two 20-somethings: Bill Overstreet, circa 1944 Ethan "pajamboy" Krupp, 2014

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at January 04, 2014 07:21 AM (olDqf)

70 I closed my eyes once while landing in Air Force 1. I am a hero to my people.

Posted by: King Barack at January 04, 2014 07:21 AM (aVcgy)

71 Dave In Texas.... Are you an Aviatin' moron like me? How many are on AOS?

Posted by: Citation X driver at January 04, 2014 07:22 AM (Sqmjr)

72 And the heroism of the individual continues to this day yet isn't celebrated as it was in the past. Ya know, that's a really good point: Look at who the media elevates to hero status now: Abortion Barbie in Texas, Cindy Sheehan, Robin Roberts, Gay NBA players...all these people have adjectives like "courageous" attached to their stories, while heroes ARE being courageous all over the world. It's all about perception. Heh, spell check wnts to change "Sheehan" to "Banshee"

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 07:22 AM (XLoA6)

Well, having the Imperial Fleet chase you through an asteroid field is no picnic. But we evaded capture and near certain death (never tell me the odds!) and went on to save the galaxy.

Bill Overstreet, Jr. is the real deal. Godspeed Captain Overstreet.

Posted by: Captain Han Solo at January 04, 2014 07:22 AM (BAS5M)

74 One thing that amazes me is the number of aviators after ww2 who lost their taste for flying. Surely bad memories had something to do with it, as there was a period where life expectancy was lower than a ground pounder. I worked with a gent who was a Jug pilot and owned a Mooney. We went for a one hour hop and he saw a coal train approaching Youngstown. This was about 1979, and he was still going into a strafing run on the engine. His wife refused to fly with him.

Posted by: Bill at January 04, 2014 07:23 AM (uvyrw)

75 Posted by: Bean Pies, ey? at January 04, 2014 11:02 AM(Qev5V) He mentioned he was drinking the brown stuff earlier in the thread so may be getting tipsy. That happened about a month ago as well. My concern is the 15 shots before noon that he mentioned the last time it happened.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette, assault Hobbit at January 04, 2014 07:23 AM (GDulk)

76 And I saw in the piece that he managed to bail out of a P-39 that was spinning in. Bailing out of any aircraft in a spin is tough enough, but for those who don't know, the P-39 did not have a sliding canopy - it had an automobile-style side door. Incredible.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at January 04, 2014 07:24 AM (olDqf)

77 Bigby's NS, these are pretty similar to that, black and white sketches. But incredibly vivid. My son has them on his wall, he says they will go to his kids someday.

Posted by: RM at January 04, 2014 07:24 AM (fRppw)

78 I had never heard this story before. I visited the Eiffel Tower in 2004. Had I known, I would have applied one of my squadron zaps.

My wife noticed that whenever I read about the Bush ROEs, my teeth grind. I have PTSD from the bureaucratic battles of 2002.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at January 04, 2014 07:25 AM (hcHS/)

79 Thanks, Tami.

Posted by: backhoe at January 04, 2014 07:26 AM (ULH4o)

80 Bill Overstreet.

Occupation: MAN.

Posted by: phat at January 04, 2014 07:26 AM (H6XjH)

81 yeah the WW1 museum is really well done, actually. it's in Kansas City. yet another reason to come visit.

Posted by: chemjeff at January 04, 2014 07:27 AM (9GG/0)

82 ALSOÂ… compare and contrast two 20-somethings:

Bill Overstreet, circa 1944

Ethan "pajamboy" Krupp, 2014

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at January 04, 2014 11:21 AM (olDqf)

I don't think that's a really apt comparison. A better one would be comparing Overstreet with a current military. I have no doubt whatsoever that 1940's America had Ethan Krupps, they just didn't do shit.

Posted by: [/i][/b]KG at January 04, 2014 07:28 AM (IPz9m)

83 On the weekends, there is a radio station that plays all the old songs of that era. Lyrics actually had meaning back then. I like When The Lights Go On Again and Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.

Posted by: Bean Pies, ey? at January 04, 2014 07:29 AM (Qev5V)

84 Heh, spell check wnts to change "Sheehan" to "Banshee" Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 04, 2014 11:22 AM (XLoA6) I'll allow it. Proceed.

Posted by: Merriam Webster at January 04, 2014 07:30 AM (Q6HBD)

85 I believe the title of that painting in French is "Voyez les testicles fou-gros, Fils du Pajamas!"

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at January 04, 2014 07:30 AM (XO6WW)

86 It still bothers me a lot about Bush lying to our black president. This is a major crime and nobody cares. I heard that Bush is also responsible for accelerating global warming by ordering power plants to burn more coal. We should be thankful that President Obama has slowed this down to protect our children's future. Bush needs to be in jail for lying ............

Posted by: Lilly Liebowitz at January 04, 2014 07:31 AM (iB0Q2)

87 Thanks, Tami. I went to the previous thread and saw his checkin. Mindful, don't worry, if you do something out of character we'll sound the alarm for you, too.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:32 AM (Bs5ky)

88 Today, Mr. Overstreet would be on his parents insurance listed as a child for three more years.

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 07:32 AM (Q6HBD)

89 Lilly- sideways flaming pineapple, asshole, some assembly required.

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 07:33 AM (6bvBO)

90 Chemjeff, I was hoping we'd get to visit with you when we were in KC earlier this week. Maybe next time.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:34 AM (Bs5ky)

91 hey chemjeff!!! how are you?

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl Happy 10th day of Christmas at January 04, 2014 07:35 AM (u8GsB)

92 Just for the record, that's 'Airacobra', if no one has mentioned it. Nose cannon made by Oldsmobile.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at January 04, 2014 07:36 AM (aDwsi)

"60 "I just don't see that kind of sacrifice coming from the pajama boy, hipster set."

The best antidote for that is meeting the young men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who visit the Operation Gratitude (OpGratitude.com) packing sessions in Los Angeles. Incredible young people who can look the Greatest Generation in the eye honestly. They still exist exist, and we're still growing them, at least away from the beaches.

By the way, if you AREN'T involved or donating to OpGrat, get your shit in gear. They just shipped their ONE MILLIONTH package last month and every single one of them was specifically addressed to a particular service-man or -woman.

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at January 04, 2014 07:36 AM (XO6WW)

>> Are you an Aviatin' moron like me? How many are on AOS?

Nope. I washed out on the physical, red-green colorblind. I think Drew is a pilot.

Posted by: Dave in Texas at January 04, 2014 07:36 AM (WvXvd)

95 I hope "86" was a sock. Even a Moron couldn't be that much of a Maroon....

Posted by: backhoe at January 04, 2014 07:36 AM (ULH4o)

96 "I don't think that's a really apt comparison. ... I have no doubt whatsoever that 1940's America had Ethan Krupps, they just didn't do shit. Posted by: KG Werent 1940s PajamaBoys the Zoot Suiters?

Posted by: mindful webworker - I saw the Dangling Participles open for at January 04, 2014 07:37 AM (qG1i2)

97 Absent Companions....

Posted by: Marin Bashir, Alec Baldwin, & Cenk Uygur at January 04, 2014 07:39 AM (V9zL0)

98 Daily reminder: We actually lost the cold war to the communists. The US and Russia just flipped sides.

Posted by: WOW at January 04, 2014 07:42 AM (6j8ke)

99 Vic OK; just gain no longer type.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at January 04, 2014 07:43 AM (T2V/1)

100 Thanks, Vic, for checking in. Glad you're okay!

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:45 AM (Bs5ky)

101 Mindful, don't worry, if you do something out of character we'll sound the alarm for you, too. Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake Thanks! um... but... now I worry... If I was[[/i] having a grain blitch, started spouting gibberish, babbling, making no sense, forgetting to clean my socks.... you know, at what point would anyone think that out of character?

Posted by: mindful webworker - garbledy garbledy at January 04, 2014 07:45 AM (cK3Ih)

102 vic....glad you are ok...

Posted by: phoenixgirl @phxazgrl Happy 10th day of Christmas at January 04, 2014 07:46 AM (u8GsB)

103 Vic OK; just gain no longer type.

Posted by: Vic at January 04, 2014 11:43 AM (T2V/1)

I had nothing to do with this!

Posted by: Bourbon County, Kentucky at January 04, 2014 07:46 AM (QFxY5)

104 103 Vic OK; just gain no longer type.

Posted by: Vic at January 04, 2014 11:43 AM (T2V/1)

I had nothing to do with this!

Posted by: Bourbon County, Kentucky at January 04, 2014 11:46 AM (QFxY5)

You lie!

Posted by: Joe Wilson at January 04, 2014 07:48 AM (GgPam)

105 Mindful, we'll just locate your spot on the continuum of functional <----> nonfunctional and if you stray more than two standard deviations away, we'll send the rescue St. Bernard.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:51 AM (Bs5ky)

106 You wingnut's failure to see that this guy's little stunt absolutely pales next to an NBA player's heroic confession that he likes to smoke man pole just illustrates why you don't fit in with my Brave New World Odor, uh, Order!

Posted by: Barack, Your Supreme Law Lord at January 04, 2014 07:52 AM (DLu2s)

107 By the way, love the story of Overstreet's derring-do!

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:52 AM (Bs5ky)

108 Posted by: Lilly Liebowitz at January 04, 2014 11:31 AM (iB0Q2) I call sock and it wasn't me

Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 07:53 AM (mETGQ)

109 "The best antidote for that is meeting the young men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan -Richard McEnroe This all just reminded me of a local story. http://bit.ly/19Hv7Zl "The U.S. Army Reserve 481st Transportation Detachment will conduct a farewell ceremony, Saturday, January 4 at 2 p.m. in Bartlesville. "The ceremony is in preparation of their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom." Combined pride and fury.

Posted by: mindful webworker - garbledy garbledy at January 04, 2014 07:54 AM (cK3Ih)

110 Thanks DIT, I've been reading about WWII all my life, it never ceases to amaze me how many stories you have that I have never heard before.

Posted by: scottst at January 04, 2014 07:56 AM (Fp9Vt)

111 All I can say is, "chills." Not because it's cold either.

Posted by: traye at January 04, 2014 07:58 AM (+X+fX)

112 YIKES, we have a couple of sockmasters on this site. I'd say they were geniuses but liberal "thinking" is so predictable that it takes no creativity to mimic it. (Just kidding about sockmasters not being geniuses. It actually takes a great deal of skill to enter the mind of a liberal and emerge unscathed.)

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 07:59 AM (Bs5ky)

113 108 Posted by: Lilly Liebowitz at January 04, 2014 11:31 AM (iB0Q2) I call sock and it wasn't me Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 11:53 AM (mETGQ) A sock along the lines of Mary Cloggenstein. Haven't seen it break character.

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 08:01 AM (Q6HBD)

114 Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 11:59 AM (Bs5ky) I've done it a few times and made it sound so obliviously stupid but some still replied.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 08:04 AM (mETGQ)

115 And compare Overstreet heroism to that c*** who basicaly got a heroes welcome - Lynne Stewart. Bitch actually had groupies chanting 'we love you.'

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 08:04 AM (Q6HBD)

116 "they just didn't do shit" Actually, they were assigned to the shovel brigade out at the Cav stable. If they couldn't handle that, they got the mules down in the transportation company.

Posted by: Fox2! at January 04, 2014 08:05 AM (cHwSy)

117 It actually takes a great deal of skill to enter the mind of a liberal and emerge unscathed.

One of my fondest dreams.

Posted by: 5.56x45 mm at January 04, 2014 08:05 AM (JawqV)

118 115 *blood shoots from eyes*

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 08:06 AM (6bvBO)

119 Lilly Liebowitz at January 04, 2014 11:31 AM (iB0Q2) Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 12:01 PM (Q6HBD) That hastag looks familar.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 08:07 AM (mETGQ)

120 It actually takes a great deal of skill to enter the mind of a liberal and emerge unscathed. ----------------- We've never managed to do it.

Posted by: Rational Thoughts at January 04, 2014 08:09 AM (aDwsi)

121 That hastag looks familar. Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 12:07 PM (mETGQ) aka Chrissy Liebowitz

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 08:09 AM (Q6HBD)

122 Stewart isn't worthy of licking Mr. Overstreet's boots. For some reason that story just infuriates me. Yes, I know the reason.

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 08:10 AM (6bvBO)

123 Back Mr. Overstreet's day they would talk about shit'n stuff over a cup of Joe.

Posted by: YIKES! at January 04, 2014 08:15 AM (mETGQ)

124 The Berlin Express Says Howdy to Paris. Like a Boss Nice caption.

Posted by: toby928© at January 04, 2014 08:19 AM (QupBk)

125 Spent some time with a liberal this week. I notice that I am never surprised by any of his opinions because he is an absolute parrot. I can predict his view on anything with 100% accuracy. He, on the other hand, believes I have the views that the New York Times says I have. Well, maybe he would predict that I am pro-life and pro-limited government and pro-Bill of Rights, but he would say it is because I hate women and poor people and want others to fear me.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 08:21 AM (Bs5ky)

126 Heeeey..., have you tried this Strawberry Kush? It's some fine shit man..

Posted by: Things Bill Overstreet Never Said at January 04, 2014 08:22 AM (aDwsi)

127 This is interesting-- The older I get, the more I appreciate military exploits. What's up with that?

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 08:26 AM (Bs5ky)

128 OMG! I never heard this story.

Mr. Overstreet, Magnificent.

Posted by: PJ at January 04, 2014 08:27 AM (ZWaLo)

129

Sad thing is, we will never have a huge generation of great, humble people like this again in the future. We will have smaller groups, that the lefties will despise with a passion. Yet I will always love them for what they did and do daily.

RIP America.

Posted by: Andrew at January 04, 2014 08:27 AM (02ipR)

130 I see mccain, gramnasty and kerry continue on their traitorous path.

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 08:28 AM (6bvBO)

131 @ 127

Good counterpoint to what passes for masculinity these days?

Posted by: irongrampa at January 04, 2014 08:28 AM (SAMxH)

132 NO!!!!!!

Group Captain or whatever Overstreet's highest and best use is to be endlessly standing in line filling out paperwork to get on his Mom and Dad's health care plan through my ACA!!!

Posted by: Sharkman, Channeling Il Douche, AKA Prez'nit404 at January 04, 2014 08:30 AM (TM1p8)

133 125 Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 12:21 PM (Bs5ky)

You are a self-loathing woman....probably "brain addled"...ask next time...

I posted a long bit in the other thread about the logic of the little darling we were discussing who thinks "all hoo hoo insertion equals rape"...

there are some considerable leaps of faith needed to buy her "theory"...

I gave wife a nice long rant on the "logic" while I was drawing a bath for her after a long day at duty....

PIV Crusader Gal may want to ponder the irony of her alleging that I am somehow cowing or forcing a United States Army senior NCO to my will somehow.....

I must have a helluva forceful personality or maybe just maybe "a marriage"

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:30 AM (TE35l)

134 Some years ago I went to play golf, alone. I was put with a threesome of older gentlemen. On one of the holes I happened to be standing about 15 feet behind one man as he addressed the ball on the teebox. He stepped back, turned and asked me to step to the side rather than be directly behind him. Said he was a fighter pilot in WWII and he couldn't get comfortable when someone was directly behind him. I obliged of course. Close to 60 years later and that feeling was still with him. I wondered how he drove in heavy traffic.

Posted by: Meremortal, peering... at January 04, 2014 08:31 AM (1Y+hH)

135 IronGrampa, you have a point. I think I took masculinity for granted for years and now that it's declining, I see how precious it is. One of the reasons I hang out here is to swim around in the testosterone.

Posted by: Mindy aka Cupcake at January 04, 2014 08:32 AM (Bs5ky)

136 134 Meremortal, peering... at January 04, 2014 12:31 PM (1Y+hH)

defensively....

I do not like being in crowds neither do a lot of trained infantry....

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:32 AM (TE35l)

137 I'd like to pay tribute without using worn out cliches that, in this case are truly merited, but has anyone else mentioned his extremely fitting surname? But DEFINITELY NOT plain 'ol Bill Overstreet. The man should have been given the Lifetime Achievement Parisian Order of Free Barroom and Bordello at a bare minimum.

Posted by: ontherocks at January 04, 2014 08:33 AM (BsIj1)

138 Speaking of heroes of WW2, check out the picture of these sharpshooting nuns.

http://weaselzippers.us/?p=166573

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:34 AM (P6QsQ)

139 People like Overstreet illustrate that we are no longer a serious people.

Posted by: --- at January 04, 2014 08:34 AM (MMC8r)

140 OT and lol. Just got an amazon delivery. partial wedding gift for little infidel. Recipe card dividers made in Brattleboro, VT.

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 08:35 AM (6bvBO)

141 I do not like being in crowds neither do a lot of trained infantry.... Posted by: Sven10077 I can see that, especially in this day and age.

Posted by: Meremortal, glancing...... at January 04, 2014 08:35 AM (1Y+hH)

142 Mindy it takes some scuffing up in one's own life to appreciate the sacrifices and risks probably some loss of your circle of contacts on a long enough timeline to appreciate that that generation of service members depending on their specialty had a staff turnover of "their shop" measured in minutes, hours, days, weeks, or years.

The USAF Museum had a display that showed a weekly picture of some 8th Air Force Cantina....

you could watch the faces change over time.

Clean sheets had a pretty heavy price for those men.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:35 AM (TE35l)

143 My son did volunteer work at the VA Med Center in Salem, Va. (right near Roanoke) for several years. He actually met Overstreet at a Veterans' Day party for the in-patients one year --- but he had no idea who he was. All of the patients seemed unusually happy about this guest, so Son figured he must be some special kind of D-Day or Battle of the Bulge infantry hero. (LOTS of those guys in the area.) Overstreet went out of his way to fade into the background, so to speak, trying hard not to upstage all the other Vet party guests from different wars. He didn't want to be singled out. Son was so busy with refreshments and entertainment stuff that he didn't get a chance to ask anyone about the guy. He did get Overstreet's name and later, when he looked it up, was amazed!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 04, 2014 08:36 AM (dfYL9)

144 Cool story, Margarita!

Posted by: Mindy at January 04, 2014 08:39 AM (Bs5ky)

145 Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 04, 2014 12:36 PM (dfYL9)

---------------

That's very cool!

It sounds like you have a great kid too.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:39 AM (P6QsQ)

146 Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 12:34 PM (P6QsQ) Was just reading that. Love the tweet from Charlie Daniels ItÂ’s a disgrace when the only people with the guts to face down Obama is a group of Catholic Nuns God bless you Sisters

Posted by: RWC at January 04, 2014 08:40 AM (Q6HBD)

147 Yes, Sven, I like to think my perspective is becoming truer as time goes on.

Posted by: Mindy at January 04, 2014 08:40 AM (Bs5ky)

148 139 --- at January 04, 2014 12:34 PM (MMC8r)

Nor "one people" which is what I meant when I opined on the nation Overstreet fought for probably starting to die in '68.

I was lucky enough and humbled enough by my contact with the WW2 generation of my family to feel a responsibility to live up to and attempt to venerate their risk and sacrifice if needed with my own. I was inspired enough to want a military career. I was never called on to make the depths of sacrifice they were and I am in no way comparing my relatively short peacetime service to the men and women who are deploying in support of our presence in the middle east.

It was said upthread there are MANY fine men and women of this generation who are stepping up and trying to match the WW2 gen.

I agree and am as in awe of their dedication to duty and humility in the face of sacrifice as I was as a boy looking backward.

There'll always be brave Americans who want to live up to their birthright, but I suspect there will also always be "Americans" who spend every waking moment trying to thwart those other Americans efforts with a fury that in a sane America would be a black mark on their civil reputation.

I pray something gives soon.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:40 AM (TE35l)

149 Tony Romo Practicing For First Time Since Surgery To Remove Ovarian Cyst The Onion: http://tinyurl.com/ocg3ebw

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at January 04, 2014 08:43 AM (bCEmE)

150 I do not like being in crowds neither do a lot of trained infantry....

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 12:32 PM (TE35l)

I don't like being in large crowds either, but it's not cause I'm trained infantry. It's just cause I don't really like people all that much.

The P-51 had to be able to carry a lot of weight cause of the stones of some of the guys that flew them. It's amazing that they didn't push their way right through the cockpit floor sometimes.

That's an awesome picture, btw.

Posted by: GGE of the Traveling Horde, TD at January 04, 2014 08:44 AM (npWmN)

151 144, 145 --- Volunteering at the VA is probably the most worthwhile thing my sons have done EVER. They learn so much about real courage, honor, and humility. And they end up loving and respecting old people --- which I hope will pay off for me!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 04, 2014 08:45 AM (dfYL9)

152

Tony Romo Practicing For First Time Since Surgery To Remove Ovarian Cyst

I don't care who you are, that there is funny.

Posted by: Infidel at January 04, 2014 08:45 AM (6bvBO)

153 And they end up loving and respecting old people --- which I hope will pay off for me!

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 04, 2014 12:45 PM (dfYL9)

-----------------------

That's a great side benefit, Margarita! Same story here - daughter got her Masters in Nursing with a specialty in Geriatrics. I plan to reap the rewards.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:47 AM (P6QsQ)

154 150 GGE of the Traveling Horde, TD at January 04, 2014 12:44 PM (npWmN)

I think the training just magnifies it, you probably unconciously make a lot of choices once you start understanding what they are talking about when you are in training....I imagine the effect is if anything magnified by the impressions battle experience puts in your sub-concious.

I was wary of crowds because I have always tried to be observant while at the same time having been told it is rude to eavesdrop etc etc...

I suffer from compression if I am in a crowd too long.

Besides people suck.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:48 AM (TE35l)

155 remember when the COFFEE POT in COL KLINKS office had a MICROPHONE in it?

Posted by: Soothsayerwing Plover at January 04, 2014 08:48 AM (czg0O)

156 Jiminy Christmas it's snowing again.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:50 AM (P6QsQ)

157 wow and people think The Onion is not funny..

Posted by: Soothsayer at January 04, 2014 08:51 AM (czg0O)

158 elbow thread up

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:52 AM (P6QsQ)

159
Had the privilege of knowing a WW2 vet and him being my role model.

He was my Dad.

Posted by: irongrampa at January 04, 2014 08:52 AM (SAMxH)

160 156 grammie winger at January 04, 2014 12:50 PM (P6QsQ)

it does that ma'am but don't you worry I have it on good authority from the AGW cult that this is an unusual event called a Polar Vortex that has never happened before despite colder temps in much of the nation 20 years ago and that in about 6 months it will be too hot and the normal global warming....

all snark aside against the Watermelon Gurus I do hope you are safe and warm.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 08:53 AM (TE35l)

161

"How does a guy with this big a set of balls go home and become an accountant?"

After the "excitement" of the Depression and WWII, that generation valued stability and security very, very much. Hence, they came home from the War, moved to the suburbs, and aimed for a steady job and a house with a white picket fence. And some (not all) of their boomer children grew up taking that stability and security completely for granted and derided their parents for being "boring" and "conformist."

The WWII vets I knew never wanted to talk about the war. That's understandable - I'm sure their memories were horrific - and yet I think it was a mistake. Too many of their own children had no appreciation for the fact that freedom isn't free. The hippies of the '60's degraded the idea of "freedom" by equating it with screwing whoever they felt like and taking drugs. And they deluded themselves into thinking they were the ones fighting for freedom and their parents, who had brought down 2 terrible tyrannies, were repressive.

Posted by: Donna V. at January 04, 2014 08:53 AM (R3gO3)

162 I want to root for the Chiefs in the early game, because I know so many long-suffering KC fans who would really appreciate a playoff win, but as a Pats fan, I want KC out of the equation as early as possible. I'd rather deal with Indy.

Posted by: Lincolntf at January 04, 2014 08:54 AM (ZshNr)

163 I usually can't remember what I read yesterday, but I remembered this from 2009: http://sippicancottage.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-father-asks-for-nothing.html

Posted by: chuckR at January 04, 2014 08:54 AM (3z0LD)

164 all snark aside against the Watermelon Gurus I do hope you are safe and warm.

Posted by: Sven10077 at January 04, 2014 12:53 PM (TE35l)

--------------

I am snug as a bug in a rug. You're a sweetie Sven.

Posted by: grammie winger at January 04, 2014 08:55 AM (P6QsQ)

165 161 --- Great comment, Donna V.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at January 04, 2014 09:03 AM (dfYL9)

166 59 >>OK, what world record did the Eiffel tower have until 1931? Tallest building in the world. Bingo, and what building was taller before the Eiffel tower?

Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 09:05 AM (0FSuD)

167 When my grandfather (step-dad's dad) was terminally ill (2005), Dad had to help take care of him and would help him get dressed. Dad had never seen his own dad undressed before, even without a shirt on, until then. He said that Grandpa had three entry wounds near one of his shoulders. When he asked what they were, Grandpa said that he had been shot by the Germans in France and had briefly been a POW. Some of the French Resistance had helped him escape and that's why he had always loved the French. But Grandpa had never told the story before. Dad is the eldest and has six siblings, but he would have been an only child if things had turned out differently. And there's a sizable age gap between him and my aunt--which makes sense in light of the POW situation.

Posted by: baldilocks at January 04, 2014 09:13 AM (36Rjy)

168 I don't know if someone else mentioned this, but another factor in this amazing act besides the fact that not only was he firing his plane mounted machine guns and being fired on by ground units and flying through the ground level arch of the tower but is his air speed ever mentioned as well? The P-51 Mustang could reach air speeds of over 400mph so I cant even begin to imagine how this chase must have felt to the two pilots involved. Its just absolutely mind boggling to me to imagine the amount of skill and courage to have done this. And today we think some guys driving round and round on a race track driving maybe 200mph is something. What those two pilots did makes nascar look like a bunch of amateurs, no offense meant to nascar fans but im just trying to make a comparison here. And that every day we loose more of the what I consider not only the greatest generation but the bravest generation. God bless Mr. Overhill.

Posted by: Cycomiko66 at January 04, 2014 09:19 AM (x/MmU)

169 oops, sorry, Mr. Overstreet.

Posted by: Cycomiko66 at January 04, 2014 09:20 AM (x/MmU)

170 And reading some of the other comments here I would like to add that my own father is a WWII USMC vet who spoke very little of what he saw and what he did while a Marine. He did tell myself and brothers about his being shipped over to Guam and how much "fun" the sea voyage was and about his short time on Guam. Beyond that he will not speak of. But he did pass on to me and my brothers good morals and a sense of discipline that he picked up while in the service. I thank him for it whenever I see him and im thankfull that at 87 years old that he is still around to tell about his life.

Posted by: Cycomiko66 at January 04, 2014 09:27 AM (x/MmU)

171 Total and complete awesome.

That is all.

Posted by: tangonine at January 04, 2014 09:53 AM (x3YFz)

172 What a guy. Humbling courage, at a minimum.

Posted by: and irresolute at January 04, 2014 10:16 AM (RqHWH)

173 Holy crap, I'll remember this the next time I make some joke about accountants.

Posted by: Joe at January 04, 2014 10:36 AM (arYBc)

174 We still have countrymen that have the same kind of potential. The problem is that a lot of them are being strangled in their cribs by the leftist indoctrination going on in our schools, resulting in a lot fewer of them emerging as adults.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at January 04, 2014 11:02 AM (G5cc0)

175 166 59 >>OK, what world record did the Eiffel tower have until 1931? Tallest building in the world. Bingo, and what building was taller before the Eiffel tower? Posted by: Nip Sip at January 04, 2014 01:05 PM (0FSuD) The Washington Monument. OK, I cheated. http://tinyurl.com/ppnnlyu

Posted by: rickl at January 04, 2014 11:06 AM (sdi6R)

176 You know I sometimes tear up when reading stories like this for the amazing heroics of, often, so common a man, combined with so few left to stand armed on watch for America.

Posted by: bobbymike at January 04, 2014 12:36 PM (hY7Vw)

177 It was done like an American - or someone so full of skill and youth that he would not say 'WTF' until it was actually accomplished.*

*WTF - what we old folk say when we think back at our stunts -- or watch the young folks expand themselves to do.**

Bill Overstreet, Jr. was young then.

**That 109 pilot also had a lot to try and lose Overstreet by flying under the Eiffel Tower to begin with.

Posted by: Mikey NTH -Have a Querulous New Year from the Outrage Outlet at January 04, 2014 04:13 PM (gmoEG)

178 R.I.P. Mr Overstreet, you've set the bar high for all Americans. Thank you for our continued freedom.

Posted by: armyvet129 at January 05, 2014 05:28 AM (xrMjU)

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