Ep. 38 WW2 & Korean War Vet-Bob's American Story

Al Capone, Jack Dempsey, and Colonel Sanders are all part of Bob's American Story.

Robert Bates grew up during the depression.  He remembers going hungry.  His father worked hard to keep a roof over the heads of his wife, son and daughter.

The Bates moved from Wisconsin to California as Bob's dad chased employment.

Bob and his family lived in California when the great earthquake shook Los Angeles on May 31, 1938.

At age 17, Bob's mom gave him permission to join the military and offer his service to the effort of WW2.  Bob enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard with the promise of staying close to American shores.  The promise was not fulfilled as Bob was sent to the Phillipines.

Bob finished his time in the U.S. Coast Guard and returned to civilian life.  He bought his first of many Cadillacs.

The Korean War called brave men to fight, and Bob found himself in the ranks again, this time with the U.S. Army.  He spent part of the war (Bob hates the words police action) in the DMZ.  

Bob does not consider himself a hero; only doing what was expected of him; only as he was commanded.

The Greatest Generation is disappearing every day, and with them goes their stories.  Sit down with a neighbor, a family member, a veteran....learn their stories...and keep their words alive.

 

 

 

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