Seventeen years ago when I was just a young punk of 18 years I considered joining the Marine Corps. I had told my grandfather, Colonel Edward Grayson that I wasn’t worried about getting into any wars. “Who did we have to worry about, the Chinese?”
The Korean War veteran and member of the Chosin Few looked at me and said, “you don’t want to fight the Chinese. They keep coming”. “They keep coming”, he said. I imagined then, as I do now, a Chinese body wave attack, 150,000 strong rushing at him and his 30,000 American counter-parts bunkered down in the frozen northern, reservoir of North Korea. It’s a vision I have thought of many times over the years with increasing admiration of what this great man has endured in his life. More and more Chinese entered the battle shortly after and completely encircled the American Army and Marine units in the area. My grandfather was one of the 12,000 Americans that made it back across enemy lines to safety.
Born in Mississippi in 1922 and raised in that state by a Baptist minister, during the great depression, his childhood was anything but the luxury we see in today’s world. At 19 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served in every enlisted rank from private to master sergeant. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1952 and was promoted to colonel in 1973.
To put things in perspective, World War II started for the United States in 1941 or the same year he enlisted in the corps. By the time he was finished serving our country we had already finished the Vietnam War 35 years later. It’s my belief that his career covered a span of the most influential years of our country’s history.
When he was 20 years old he was taking a rest on a south pacific island after a beach landing aboard a Higgins personnel transport vehicle. After a lieutenant yelled at him and told him to put his helmet back on; a Japanese sniper shot him right in the head. The bullet entered the chamber of the helmet, spun around inside but did not exit the inside of the helmet and did not enter his skull. He survived that too.
This man was struck not once, not twice but three times by a bolt of lightning. Have you ever heard of such things?
Finally, in the end, it was father time that proved to be the only force capable of sending him to the afterlife.
What I would like my children to know is that their great-Grandfather was one of the greatest of the greatest generation. He was not only brave but hard-working, courteous, thoughtful at all times and just a good person overall.
My admiration for him is stronger than ever and I will miss him.
© 2010
Very inspiring, Rick.
I’m quite familiar with the Brotherhood of the Frozen Chosin. Even to read about it now is terrifying to think of the horrors men like your Grandfather endured.
Rick,
A great post. Very inspiring…3 lightning strikes is incredible…
Chesty Puller’s quote from Chosin is still the best….
when asked by a reporter about the march/ retreat south.
“We aren’t retreating, we are just fighting in a different direction.”
thanks.
Steve
Thanks for sharing your Grandfather’s story Rick. War is something that no man should ever have to endure. But to those that have fought the wars before us, and to those who will fight the wars to come, I have only quiet eyes and a naive respect to offer them. The very freedom afforded to me to type this comment is a luxury and directly made possible because of their life sacrifices. It sends shivers up my spine to actually think. There’s just no understanding what a soldier on the frontline endures until you have walked a mile inside of their boots. WAR is HELL and your Grandfather walked through the flames to come out the otherside ALIVE and able to share his story. Now death is his journey and I suspect he’ll be around (in spirit) to share many more stories.
This remember me the story of my own grand father Luis who did the national war in Spain…
I share your sadness melted of proud, and understand how much he will miss you.
Be strong Rick.
Rick, my condolences. Thanks for sharing this story. Your grandfather sounds like an incredible person and a real American hero.
Rick,
My heart sank when I saw the picture. Having buried both grandfathers (USA/D-Day and USMC/Island Pacific Wars) and an uncle (USMC/Korea) I didn’t even have to read your post to know what had happened. Your grandfather was indeed one of the greats of ‘the greatest generation’ who disregarded their most basic human instinct of self-preservation to ensure that future generations could be free. ‘Freedom’ rolls too loosely off the tongues of most Americans who know not the true cost, or threat, to that which they enjoy. While freedom may be a God-given right, evil men will take it away. Colonel Grayson knew there is nothing more important or precious than freedom and was willing to give his life for his family, his men and future generations of total strangers so that they would not live in oppression. Most of these men went their entire lives without being properly thanked for their sacrifices and my bet is that the Colonel didn’t expect it and rarely, if ever, spoke of his experiences at Chosin Reservoir. As a Mustang, he would be one of the most respected leaders in the Marine Corps – a giant among giants. His picture brings back memories of the heroes I have buried. I wish I could have gotten to meet this great man, listen to wisdom and personally thank him for everything he endured on our behalf.
http://www.chosinreservoir.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Chosin_Reservoir
Semper Fidelis, Colonel…and Thank You.
Jay Lohmann
USMC ’89 – ’98
My father proudly served our country in the Korean War and afterwards stayed in the Army Reserves reaching the rank of Colonel, until his passing in 1987. The generations our grandfathers and fathers came from looked at the world in a much different way than today’s young people do where they take our national security much more for granted. Back in those days, the military didn’t have to pay huge signup bonuses like they do now to get new recruits, men were eager to serve and fight to protect the United States.
When I went to college I joined the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corp) for a bit but really didn’t like the approach they took with the students which was much like the harsher and rigid style of the Marine Corp and decided it wasn’t for me.
Today’s military is not what it used to be. Most young people join it for the numerous financial benefits you get like the $40K signon bonus, the free housing, free food, free college tuition, and all the other goodies they have to throw in to entice recruits. It’s sad its come to that and very few sign on just to serve. But it’s a different world now and you just don’t see that sense of duty anymore.
Today’s veterans don’t get the respect like the old days either where you always saw lots of parades, flags waving, and genuine heartfelt thanks shown nationwide.
Here’s a really cool video that I came across recently that really touches your heart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgCug_mPb44
Here are the links to the 4 major branches of our military:
http://www.GoArmy.com
http://www.Navy.com
http://www.Marines.com
http://www.AirForce.com
My father was buried at Arlington National Cemetary in Washington DC and got a full military honors burial with the 21 gun salute, riderless horse cason, etc. It was the most incredible tribute service I’ve ever seen and I have to say the military really does a passing beautifully. If you’re ever in the DC area, make a stop at Arlington, it’s well worth the trip.
God Bless your Grandfather Rick and all the men and women past, present, and future who serve and protect the United States of America and all that we stand for.
Rick — My condolences on the passing of your grandfather. Your post was a fitting reminder of the sacrifices made by those that came before us. The world is a better place because of people like Colonel Edward Grayson. I’m sure he was proud of you just as you are so very proud of him.
Rick,
My sincere condolences. Wow, what a man. You told a great story about a great person, your writing style is outstanding on this and other pieces.
Kevin, there are many of us who serve without any of the kinds of material motives you suggest. And no there is no free housing, free food (yes, you pay even in the chowhall) and free college tuition (GI BILL is not “free”, nor is tuition assistance). Its no more free than other veterans got as “free” such as C-rats, MREs, shared dorms, or tents were free. And yes, we pay federal income taxes at the same rate as everyone else does too. You want to see sense of duty, its in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, etc every single day, but there was no “40k sign on bonus” for me. Bonuses are paid for reinlistments in some cases depending on needs and career fields.
J.
great post – a true american hero – makes me think that i should limit my daily whining – i lead a pretty comfortable life, all things considered.
Great story Rick and thanks. This story is just one of the reasons your blog is as much a part of my day as getting up and having a coffee. It kinds of puts things into perspective for me. You missed your calling Rick. Rock on my friend.
A great post.
Great post Mr. Latona. I’m sitting here over in Iraq, a full time Marine and part time domainer, inspired by your grand father. It is somewhat true though, they don’t make them like they used to.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi