Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Final Salute to G.A.C. from the American Legion Post 14 in Shreveport

June 29, 2009
The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to George A. Calvit our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for George. And to George it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during WW-II while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. George, your heroic WW-II combat record speaks for itself; we bid you a sad farewell. Semper Fi ! You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,341 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to George’s family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
~
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud,
Shreveport, Louisiana

Paw Paw at the Iwo Jima Memorial to the USMC

Chris took Paw Paw to Washington DC in August of 2002. I found this photo he took and photoshopped the people out of the background. Now, if only I could photoshop Paw Paw's eyes open. :) ---Karen


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Silver Star Citation

SILVER STAR CITATION:


"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy on IWO JIMA, VOLCANO ISLANDS, while serving as a rifleman in a Marine rifle company, on 15 March, 1945. While his platoon was in the assault with tank support, CORPORAL CALVIT, on his own initiative, skillfully directed the fire from a tank against an enemy machine gun nest which was holding up his platoon and the company to their left. The heavy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire which the tanks drew had driven off several men attempting to act as guides. CORPORAL CALVIT stood up beside the tank and fearlessly pointed his weapon at the target and fired tracers into it to designate the enemy gun until the enemy fire seriously wounded him. His bravery and determination were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service."


S/H/S H. M. SMITH,
Lieutenant General
U. S. Marine Corps.

Poems from George to Dorothy

This is a small book of poems Paw Paw wrote to Bobby when they were dating, though I'm thinking they might have already been married, but still keeping it a secret.


Here's the cover:




And the inside of the book is an oval with insert:




"Dorothy"




"Good Night"




"My Darling"




"Why?"




"Without a Date"




Poem "Forever and Ever" Written to George from Dorothy