Lady Lex & My Dad
"My dad, a young lad of just eighteen
Had to make a decision that wasn't keen,
Losing his father was hard enough
The thought of being drafted was tough,
So he chose the United States Navy,
For he wanted wings of gold and bravery...
His vision wasn't the best,
So aviation ordinance was his test,
Loading the deadly cargo every day,
Hoping for peace to come quickly our way,
But the ship was hit by a torpedo near some bunks,
Dad used to sleep there in his trunks,
He was moved about a week before,
God was with him now even more
God definitely had a hand on Dad you know,
Saving him from all the wars bitter blows,
Friends were committed to the deep
Dad cried softly for them in his sleep
When the war was over they sailed into Tokyo Bay,
Devastation had definitely had it's way,
When the people bowed before all the men,
It made them humble, not proud again
People are looking all around for heroes your know,
The kind that hit home runs or steal the show,
But my kind of hero is not one of those
Just an ordinary sailor, my Dad,
Willing to stand against all foes
The Lady Lex served her country proud
For over forty year she stood her ground,
Opposing all of the enemies blows,
Till father time took it's toll
God's hand is still over Dad, you see,
After heart, hip, and vascular surgeries,
Thou slower now we know for him
That when you have Jesus Christ, you win !"
This poem was written in 2001 in honor of my Dad's service to his country aboard the USS Lexington CV16 from 1943 to 1945.
In a very short period of time, Dad's father died, his sister came over from Europe after being raised by her grandmother not speaking a word of English, and World War II started. Dad wanted to fly but did not have 20/20 vision so he chose to load torpedo's, bombs, and machine gun belts on the planes. The only time the ship was ever torpedoed was at 11:45 PM at night and if dad's bunk had not been moved - he would have been killed.
Will and I went down in March, 2008 and scattered part of Dad’s ashes on the flight deck of the USS Lexington which is a museum on the bay in Corpus Christi, TX. I hope to return again with Val and all my children to have them experience the Lexington.
I am so very proud of my dad, William F. Horosz Sr. and his service to his country.
Thank a veteran on this day. And for me thank a World War II vet if you know one. I have to wait to thank my favorite World War II vet again when I see him in heaven.
God Bless The USA !
2 comments:
I don't read much poetry, but I was drawn to your poem about your dad in WWII. And I read the whole thing! It was extremely inspirational.
My dad was on Lady Lex for a short time during WWII, from July to November 1944 on a torpedo bomber - he wasn't a pilot, but he was the radioman, tail gunner and torpedo bomber. I wish I could write poetry, but our dads served equally - all had a important job in WWII. Thank again for sharing that story.
Sorry I didn't see your comment until now but thank you so much !
My dad's service shaped who he was the rest of his life in such a great way. My children all know of and are very proud of his service.
Thank your dad for his service too.
They were indeed the "Greatest Generation".
God Bless !
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