V-J Day postcard
PARATROOPER PADRE
by: Peter S. Griffin
copied in full from Paratroopers of the 50’s, http://home.hiwaay.net/~magro/poemsww2.html
In loving memory of Monsignor Francis L. Sampson, Major General (Ret.) U.S. Army (2/29/12 – 1/28/96)
Father Francis L. Sampson,a man of the cloth
The PARATROOPER PADRE, his mission, not a soul lost…!
An elite soldier, who jumped from the sky,
A faithful companion, for one who might die…
The Paratrooper’s greatest fear,
The Angel of Death, oh so near…!
“Praise the Lord, pass the ammunition,”
An accurate description of the combat condition…!
Hungry, tired, dirty, pushed to the edge,
Praying to God, dodging bullets of lead…
Facing death at every turn,
God’s saving grace, the soldier does yearn…!
But there’ one comfort, he surely does know,
By his side, the PARATROOPER PADRE, wherever he goes…
Offering encouragement, dispelling confusion,
Comforting the wounded, granting absolution…
V-J Day headlines
C-47s of the 54th Troop Carrier Wing 1945
Click photos to enlarge.
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Farewell Salutes –
Edward McPherson – Iselin, PA & Aliso Viejo, CA; U.S. Navy, ship welder, WWII
N. Burton Wilkins – Santa Monica, CA; U.S. Army Signal Corps ’43-’46, Philippines
Michael Diesel – Hicksville, NY & Lake Worth, FL; U.S. Navy, WWII USS McCook
Michael Guerrisi – Queens, NY; USMC, Korea
Hilga Swanson – (93) Born in Norway, East Hampton, NY; Pres. of Salvation Army’s Auxillary
John Pfau – Chicago, IL & Plantation Gardens, FL; U.S. Navy, WWII
Charles Lefkowitz – Livingston, NJ & Boynton Beach, FL; U.S. Army, WWII, Battle of the Bulge
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Pacific Paratrooper 
Paratroopers are/were very very brave men (and women?). How amazing were they? Were you a paratrooper yourself?
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I have never been in a parachute I’m afraid. This site is dedicated to my father, and his unit. I merely belong to the association.
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You post very interesting stories. Thank you.
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I’m so very glad you made the journey back to this post, thank you, Joy!!
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Reblogged this on don mulcare and commented:
gpcox is sure to please with careful research and dedication to those who served so that we might lie in peace. Check out the many essays delivered by this champion blogger.
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You’re quite a friend, Don. These men deserve whatever recognition they receive.
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I’m doing a history project on Francis and I was wondering if any of his friends are still alive and can you tell me more information about him, cause my history teacher said we have to contact someone before next Wednesday.
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Wow, your teacher didn’t give you much time to research. I know he was born in Cherokee, IA, 2/29/1912 and died at the age of 83. He was the chaplain for the paratroopers during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. He is considered one of the Famous Iowans, so you might want to check with this link as to family or friends. I hope they can help you.
http://data.desmoinesregister.com/famous-iowans/francis-l-sampson
Best of luck!!
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Yeah he didn’t it is due March 17th
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There should be quite a bit on-line about him – he truly was one of a kind.
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Okay well what was his greatest legacy. 2. what did he die of and if he wasnt dead would he still be alive. 3. If you have anymore information please let me know. Thanks for helping me.
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There are many great tributes to him on-line – I suggest you do the research on this great man.
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Thanks for sharing.
The reality of war is that it separates bodies from their immortal souls. The Padre could stay in a chapel and pray for those who are about to die, but when the Padre jumps, comforts the afflicted and maybe dies with them, we see the depth of the love of God for we mortals. At the moment of death, the Padre hands us to the care of the Lord and makes sure we don’t get lost in the transfer.
God Bless,
Don
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What wonderful sentiment expressed here. You found words to express what I could not, Thank You.
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gpcox – Did I misunderstand, or did some – or all – of the Paratrooper Padres actually jump with their unit? On second thought, how else could they stay with their men? I am awed by their selflessness. Thank you for this beautiful poem with us.
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If they weren’t with an airborne unit, they’d be just Padres. Paratrooper Padres jumped into combat unarmed – if that isn’t above and beyond, I don’t know what is!!!
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Wow. The “Greatest Generation’ for sure. Loved this.
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Thanks, CJ. Take care.
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Take a look for a history lesion and for a job well done. All of this is worth more and necessary to remember!!!! TY for the post …..
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Thank you for this honor and for honoring the men.
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Awesome information as always!!!! Educational … Reblog:http://hrexach.wordpress.com/ 🙂
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Thank you.
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…and a very timely post indeed. 🙂
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Thank you.
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What an endearing poem in tribute to our unarmed soldiers who bring words of comfort… Thank you, gpcox.
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They deserve more than I can give them.
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Our media tends to report most often about the negative, but there are so many brave and selfless men and women quietly doing good. Thanks for this tribute to a man who exemplified these qualities without expectation of recognition.
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It was certainly my pleasure. I was lucky to have found it; their bravery knows no bounds.
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What a great calling from God these chaplains had/have, regardless of religion. They have led many man or woman to Christ’s saving grace. Praise God for all of them!
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Yes, going into combat unarmed is above the call of duty, but they do it anyway.
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They are amazing men! It’s not something most of us could or would do I think.
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Very special.
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This poem was beautiful !!
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Isn’t it. I wasn’t sure where to put it, and since Father Simpson was in 3 wars, this apropos. Thank you for reading.
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Sir if you are doing awards please please accept this awards
it will be an honor for me sir
I Nominate you for A Bunch of Awards – 13 Nominations
please choose any 3 awards out of the 13
accept it and oblige
there are no linkbacks for this award
http://ajaytao2010.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/a-bunch-of-awards-13-nominations/
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Sir, I greatly appreciate the thought and honor you wish to bestow, but I have turned down others, feeling that they would not be appropriate here. I sincerely hope I do not hurt your feelings or injure our relationship by refusing.
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Oh sorry sir
you never ever hurt my feeling sir
okay no problems dear I am absolutely fine.
just sharing love
thank you sir
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I realize that and I thank you.
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🙂 🙂
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A reblogué ceci sur Lest We Forget and commented:
Paratrooper Padre poem
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Merci, Pierre. I’m certain your readers will also enjoy this tribute, the chaplins were some of the bravest men I’ve heard about.
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A brave and honorable man who served his country with distinction. Thanks for a great post.
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Thank you for your tribute. They and the medics are some of the bravest men I’ve ever heard of.
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Lovely tribute to the Padre.
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Thank you, I believe they did a wonderful service to our troops and entered combat unarmed to do it.
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