The WWII Relatives thread

My dad was born in the US although I'm almost positive both of his parents were illegals from Honduras (they spoke no English). They returned to Honduras when he was young during the Depression to find work. My dad was still there when the war broke out and he returned to the US to sign up because he felt it was his responsibility as a citizen. Damn near died in no-man's land on a scouting mission during the Bulge, but the cold helped slow the blood flow and his buddies came back that night against orders and brought him back.

Not trying to start an immigration argument here -- just thought the "son of illegals" piece was an interesting twist for your research.

My dad never talked about his experiences -- we were lucky that in the '80s one of his buddies (who turned out to be a reporter for Voice of America) began a written correspondence with my dad so we learned a lot then. I do remember him going absolutely freak-a-zoid on my mom one day when he came home from work and found us playing war in toy German helmets that she bought for us. Bad move mom........