BS: Uncle Chic

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 May 12 - 06:36 PM

Just got off the phone. Oncologist says 3 to 4 weeks. Tough as nails. Got time for a few more visits.

He's calm. He sleeps well. I said, buddy, 90 years... done a lot of things... fine wife... four good boys... success in business... ya still have the world by the ass on a downhill pull even though it's going to come to an end just like it does for everyone... ya done good. He said, "Yeah, I did. Thanks."

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 08:44 PM

Got two CDs today. I had asked for the full interview on CD from The Memory Project by email. They are free. Much to my surprise there was a note attached to one of them... "A Gift from friends from Maine"

Thanks.

When I talked to Chic today, I asked about the other stories and why he didn't tell them. He said they weren't something he thought were to be talked about. And I know why... they are horrifying. I did not say anything. His choice. But, I wish he did or would. They really should be recorded... no matter how graphic and horrific. this project is to document such stories for future generations... to tell them FIRST HAND of what war is. Hell. And survival.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:51 PM

Gnu, if you sense a good time in your visit- Please thank your Uncle Chic for his sacrifices, and for telling his story.

Maeve, whose uncles are all gone.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 04:29 PM

You are a good nephew and son, gnu. May there be peace and release of pain.

With all good thoughts and gratitude,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 02:52 PM

Scroll down to Teniers Square.

The streetcar pic. Chic was behind the guy that took that pic.

Just got off the phone with Chic. They have upped his morphine but he is still in a lot of pain. I am glad I could make him laugh a few times. Now it's time for one last visit.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 14 Mar 12 - 06:17 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 07:01 PM

Thanks kat. Although, most of the stories are not so good. For instance, what you heard him say about the MPs that were directing traffic... not the way it went down. The actual story is from a horror movie. But, I can understand why he toned that one down when he was being recorded. I could hear him "thinking" a few times during that audio and changing the story... a gentlemanly thing to do.

I wish my father had been recorded. My FiL as well. FiL was in The Boot, artillery, Battle of Monte Casino. Shortly after that, pretty much blinded by a grenade while on recon. Heck of a story. Again, it doesn't have a "good" ending, but, it was war and ya can't blame soldiers for not being perfect in combat.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:58 PM

Thanks, Beer. Those stories need to be told and that site is a treasure. As for Uncle Chic, I just hope he told as many of the stories as he told me and that he audio on that site is not the whole recording, although it would take hours to tell just the stories I heard. Very graphic and unsettling... very humourous. Same as for my old man.

On a sad note, my Aunt Ester, one of four army nurses, had post traumatic stress syndrome and drank herself to her grave far to early. Dad and Chic got off the booze, but it took years.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 04:51 PM

What an incredible archive and what a family of service members. Thank you so much for sharing, gnu. This kinds of oral history are so precious. He has a very distinctive, strong voice...I could listen to him for hours of stories. I hope he does well, health-wise, but if not, may he pass peacefully.

Can you get a copy of the full audio of this resource, at least, if your cousin isn't able to get any more recorded?

There are great stories out there. Floyd Coleman was a friend of my parents, is 98, and wants to be the oldest, living WWII vet in the US. He's still in good health, so may make it.

My mom and dad had an Indian with a sidecar when they married. Good thing my dad didn't test my mom that way!

Thanks so much for sharing. I wish your Uncle Chic the best and thanks for telling us his memories.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: Beer
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 03:44 PM

There were several times when i had to turn around and look at the picture thinking I heard Gnu speak. I know because I spent a very enjoyable evening a few years back with him and have spoke to him a good number of time on the phone.

Those stories are very much appreciated.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 03:38 PM

I found that particulr attack he spoke of at Teniers Square

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 13 Mar 12 - 02:44 PM

There were three boys and five girls. The youngest son tried to enlist underaged and was turned away because the recruiting officer knew him. The eldest daughter was married and couldn't enlist. All the others did enlist.

Dad was in the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. He was sent home from England because he had been shot in the shoulder but he got into The 14th Field Ambulance, Canadian Medical Corps and went back. The stories from then on are chilling and not those of a medic.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: maeve
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 11:38 PM

Thanks very much, gnu. I'll have a good listen in the morning when I can turn the speakers on. I reckon TL will want to hear it, too.

You've got some tough family members.

Subject: RE: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 09:12 PM

One thing he doesn't mention in the audio is that he got lost behind lines and a telegram was sent home that he was MIA and presumed dead... it was at least a week before he got back. He broke his back on the bike and still rode. He slept under trucks when he could find one to sleep under... sometimes in puddles in cold weather. He slept on the bike. He slept through terror. He's a good guy.

He's 90 and he's got cancer and things don't look all that great.

Thanks Chic.

Subject: BS: Uncle Chic
From: gnu
Date: 12 Mar 12 - 08:53 PM

He tones this down a lot. The real story(s) would sicken you.

And, there are a LOT more stories. I have begged my cousin Jim to get them recorded.

Tough as nails.