Memorial Day honors those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. It is a day to remember all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.Today I am remembering my maternal great-uncle, William Bunting. He was killed in action during World War II on 22 July 1944. The fatal battle began in the early morning hours of 21 July. My great-uncle's division was called in for support that night. His US Army Infantry Division, the 77th, were tough fighters and the Marines fighting alongside them at Guam referred to them as the "77th Marine Division." My great-uncle was killed in the battle the following day.
I am also remembering my maternal uncle, Paul Branyan, Jr., who died on 10 December 1967 in Vietnam. My uncle and his company were in a terrible fight with an enemy that was dug in at a ditch. He was on an armored personnel carrier and was passing ammunition to a fellow soldier, Drew Shipley, as he was firing a 50-caliber machine gun. Sargent Shipley was shot in the head and killed. Despite knowing the danger, my uncle took over the machine gun and tragically met the same fate.May we never forget the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country.
Who are you remembering on this Memorial Day?
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