A friend called a few minutes ago to talk about minor things, in the course of the conversation he reminded me that his dad was on the Bunker Hill when it was hit by two kamikazes on May 11, 1945. The ship survived and wasn't scrapped until the 70's, my friend's dad lived into his 90's and was a joy to know.

He talked about the attack once that I recall, said he was below decks and didn't think he could get out at first. Finally he and the other sailors with him stripped down to their shoes and skivvies, urinated on their cloths and wrapped them around their hands to use for insulation as they went up the ladders, which were blazing hot. He made it with serious burns to his hands and feet.

RIP, Bill, I look forward to seeing you again at the Pearly Gates.


https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/uss-bunker-hill-aircraft-carrier.html?chrome=1

P.S. Cragster, I'm sure glad your dad made it too.

'Four legs good, two legs baaaad."
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"Jimmy, some of it's magic,
Some of it's tragic,
But I had a good life all the way."
(Jimmy Buffett)

SotG