RIP Gunny

Richard

Richard

Final Approach
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Ack...city life
MGSgt Ronald James Hamilton USMC (Ret)

At 1859 my father expired. Surrounded by family he went in peace. He is loved and will be missed. Survived by his wife of 56 years, four children, 4 grandchildren.

That cranky old bastard stood tall among men and served two tours each Korea and Viet Nam. A 'radio man', he helped install nets in Spain, Puerto Rico, Saipan, Okinawa, Japan, and SE Asia.

3 Purple Hearts, two silver stars one with oak cluster, one bronze star. Expert marksman and instructor 5 years. Drill instructor 11 years.

I miss him already. He has entered paradise to spend an eternity with his Lord Jesus.

I've not been down this road before.
 
Richard,

I lost my dad 2 years ago. I know exactly what you are feeling. You and your family have my prayers.
 
Ghery, thank you.

I cannot overstate how proud we are to be his children. Dad was a true leader. He refused his commision til the end of his career because he loved his men. He remained in the thick.

Some highlights:

He lied of his age to enlist ... he was 16.

Dad was one of 8 to reenlist (Life magaine article)

At 17 he was awarded a silver star for driving an ambulance through a mine field after the driver suffered mortal wounds.

He was at the 'advance to the rear' at Choson. He lost 8 toes.

He led a platoon through enemy lines with zero causalties. (Korea)

He was Skin Diver magazine diver of the year 1965.

He dove for black coral at Molokai (300 feet free diving)

My first airplane ride was right seat in a B-25...through my dad.

He taught me hand-to-hand, how to defend myself. He taught the value of hard work.

He was a high school drop out but very smart. After separation he endured 3 yrs of night school and ended up establishing his own insurance business. He was a provider and a family man to the end.


Sorry to gush...he was a tall man among men. I am so proud of my papa.
 
Richard,

Very sorry to hear of your loss. A beautiful write up that shows how proud you are of him and his accomplishments.

In todays world so many look to sports figures and celeb's as their idols, such a waste. I always looked to my father, he was a great teacher by example, a good father and a best friend. He taught me to be a man, father and provider. Hard work was a good thing and family always came first. He passed in 98, it seems like yesterday.

Your post echos the man he was and the legacy he left.....be proud, enjoy the memories and live life just like he taught you.

Thoughts and prayers....
 
Condolences, Richard. My father has been gone for many years. I still miss him. Where's the grownups when the tough questions need answering?
Feel free to call me anytime if you need to talk. We all need that sometimes too.
 
My prayers for you and your family. As others have said, its tough losing your father and you will always remember. You had a great dad!

Mike
 
My condolences on your dad's passing away. Your pride in him is well placed and a tribute to his memory!
 
Richard:

I was just, this morning, reflecting on how we are leaving these people who formed us by the way...

...not a day passes that I don't miss my dad; sounds like I would have relly enjoyed meeting yours. Blessings on you and all your family, and I raise a glass to your Dad, Gunny Hamilton, for a life well-lived.

Amen.
 
Very sorry to hear this Richard. You have my deepest condolences.
 
It makes us all sad when we loose our hero.
 
Sorry to hear. That's a tough one.
 
Condolences, Richard.

My father passed 10 years ago and rarely a day goes by where I don't think about him. Cherish the memories and take time for you and your family.
 
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