I have been doing some work for
Don Shipley and all I asked in return was a letter to my dad. Here is what he wrote. If you don't know who Don is Google his name. It will blow your mind.
Dear, Richard…
I’ve heard much about you from your son Robert and we share much in common, Sir. I understand you were a Plank Owner on the USS Taluga AO-62. I was a Plank Owner on the USS McKee AS-41 as a young Boatswain Mate before becoming a Navy SEAL. I retired after 24 years of service.
My grandfather was torpedoed and sunk in the North Atlantic during WWI. My other grandfather served as an Army Officer during WWII in Europe. My wife also served in the Navy and perhaps the best looking Boatswain Mate you’ve ever seen. He father landed at Normandy and somehow survived the entire war in the Infantry.
My Father was a Fighter Pilot in the Air Force and both my brothers served in the Marines and Army. My Son is a Chief Petty Officer SEAL and has served for 12 years.
Our largest loss of life in Naval Special Warfare history, until the recent downing of the Extortion 17 flight in Afghanistan, was the bombing of the USS Blessman after the invasion of Iwo Jima. A Japanese Betty Bomber dropped two bombs. One hit a boat davit and went over the side, the other unfortunately struck the compartment of the Underwater Demolition Team and killed 18 UDT men.
It’s an honor to write you and to hear your stories of WWII from Robert.
Many thanks for your service and contributions you and your shipmates made that provided me a great career in the world’s most powerful Navy.
Respectfully…
Don Shipley BMCS/SEAL retired. SEAL Team ONE, SEAL Team Two
WARNING!
Adult language
Topic: Nice letter to my dad (Read 1109 times)