Uncle Clyne is a WWII vet. His story is amazing. He served on the USS Emmons. The Emmons was attacked by five kamikaze planes and sunk in April of 1945. Clyne was the second from the last to get off. He saved the captains life. The captain was in such bad shape that for years Clyne assumed he hadn't lived. But he did.
Isn't he handsome!!! |
This photo was taken as part of the interview. Rudy gave him the USS Emmons hat as an early birthday gift a week or so ago. Lorene says he hardly takes it off. We've heard that a good many strangers seeing his hat have stopped to thank him for his service.
The Emmons resting place has been explored in dives. A number of them are recorded on You Tube. Rudy and I watched a few and of what we have seen so far, this one was our favorite. It includes some facts about the ship and emphasizes respect of the site.
from YouTube video by TLCoki |
Screenshot from from Gilligan's Island |
Clyne is a wonderful man - kind and gentle and quiet. The war experience is just one aspect of his life and he hasn't spoken of it much all these years. He and his wife Lorene have always lived simply even though they could afford to be extravagant. They just never saw the need for getting too fancy. I love that about them. They are also known for working hard and steady and doing whatever needed to be done without complaint. It's wonderful to see the two of them together. They are still so in love. And they are both loved and revered by the whole (really big) family.
Happy Birthday Clyne!