MatthewB wrote:
James M wrote:
Posting more info about the turret so it can be found later.
Here are the coordinates: 37.13945°N 116.10904°W
Naval History and Heritage Command report:
The Mystery of the Gun Turret in the Desert
https://e-reports-ext.llnl.gov/pdf/803464.pdfIt is so strange how things like this affect me now.
I think of the men who fought in that war, and what they were willing to give.
And then the following history of the Cold War.
Our current history seems to pale in comparison.
MB
Though not a ship related post, I understand exactly what you are saying about things affecting you and thinking back to World War II and the men who fought it. A few years ago I had the good fortune of being able to take a flight in a restored B-17 (the now crashed and burned Liberty Belle). Though we were flying at low altitudes and in the peaceful skies over east Tennessee, I could get behind one of the waist guns, or into the top turret and close my eyes and suddenly imagine myself flying over Germany at 30,000 feet, in sub freezing temperatures with Me 109s and FW 190s doing their best to shoot me out of the skies. It truly hit me in the face like a brick what the brave me who manned the heavy bombers of World War II endured for our freedom, and the freedom of the world. I would have to say that it is an experience that I wish everybody could have. It truly makes you appreciate the very real price of freedom paid by those men, and every man or woman who has donned the uniform of this country, whatever branch it may be, from the Revolution to the present day. It brings it to life in a way no static memorial, however well done, can do.
Thank you for that post and for bringing that experience back to my mind. If you ever get a chance to fly in one of these all too rare living memorials don't pass it up. It is an experience of a lifetime.
Bob M.