Smitty in December 1945 w/ the Sword Story
This was the Christmas card sent from Japan to Broad Channel, New York in December 1945. Anna Smith had been waiting to hear this news from her son Everett (Smitty) for over three years. On the back, it reads:
“Dear Mom:
This is the best Xmas card I’ve sent to you since getting in the army. I figured this would be what you have always been waiting to see, here it goes.
“I’m finally on my way, so don’t send any more mail.
Love, Everett
“P.S. I’ll keep you posted on my various stops.”
Even though Smitty had earned his points to go home, he was still an NCO on General Swing’s staff and was required to finish out his duties as such. After going through combat in the South Pacific, it would be in peaceful occupational Japan where Smitty’s temper would get the better of him.
Non-nonchalantly going about his business at the headquarters of Camp Schimmelpfennig, Smitty just happened to glance through the glass partition that sealed off Gen. Swing’s office. Inside was an officer holding and admiring the Japanese sword that his commander intended to keep and bring home as a souvenir. Smitty didn’t think much of it at the time; he was busy and many people commented on the weapon. so he continued down the hallway. A short while later, the entire office could hear the general demanding to know what had become of his sword. It was gone.
My father didn’t think twice, this was his general. He went into the room and told Swing what he had witnessed. Without a second thought, the two men went to the other man’s office, but neither the man or sword was there. The officer in question showed a few moments later. When the general explained why they were waiting for him, the officer became indignant and professed his innocence (just a tad too much). My father said the air of tension in the room became thick enough to use a
machete on. This was when Smitty’s temper went out of control and with one right cross – sent the officer through his own glass partition.
Of course, this action made it necessary to bust Smitty back down to private, but he didn’t care about that. He was still furious that the sword was never returned. It all could have gone worse if the general had not been there or if he did not believe Smitty’s word. Smitty said it was worth being busted just to wipe the smirky grin off the officer’s face. The officer, I believe, was a replacement and had not seen much (if any) combat, just a blow-heart. Smitty later offered his two Japanese swords to General Swing, but he refused. My father didn’t believe the general would have taken the Emperor’s own sword as a replacement. I can clearly see my father’s face contort when he thought of the thief and he would say, “That know-nothing mattress salesman from Texas!” I’m sure it was for the best that the two men never met again stateside as civilians.
Unfortunately, a similar incident occurred to my father. As he happily began packing to go home, Smitty noticed that an expensive set of carved ivory chop sticks he had purchased somehow had disappeared. They also were never recovered. (I had often wondered if the two incidents had been related, but I suppose we’ll never know.)
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Daniel Aiello – NYC, NY; US Army / Actor
Vernon Bartley – brn: Meerut, India/ENG; Punjab Army, WWII, CBI
John Cameron – Waipukurau, NZ; RNZ Navy, WWII, minesweeper
Frank Crane – Toledo, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Joseph Haratani – Florin, CA; US Army, WWII, ETO, 442nd RCT
Clarence Katwyk – Salt Lake City, UT; US Merchant Marines / US Army, WWII, PTO
Dominic Moschetti – Victor, CO; US Army, WWII, TSgt., 354th Infantry
Raymond Plassmann – CT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, B-17 navigator
Arthur Schaefer – Tucson, AZ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Lt., B-17 navigator
Orland Webb – Harrodsburg, KY; US Army, WWII
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Posted on December 16, 2019, in Broad Channel, First-hand Accounts, Letters home, SMITTY, WWII and tagged 1940's, Airborne, Everett Smith, family history, History, Japan, Military, Military History, Smitty, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 120 Comments.
Great story GP. I have my father’s sword that he took from a Japanese officer in Borneo. There was a campaign here in Australia, from memory during the sixties, to return swords to Japanese families, but my father said some rather strong words at the time to the effect that he was keeping his.
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I understand your father’s feelings. Did he ever tell you stories of Borneo? There are very few available from that dark, mysterious country.
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I am sorry Smitty suffered not once, but twice due to some thief. On a lighter note, that must have been a wonderful card his mother received, he was coming home!
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That’s what he told me. Going home erased it all!
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No matter their rank or station in life, some people can’t seem to resist taking things that don’t belong to them. Will it always be part of our world?
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I have firmly believed that the officer felt he needed a souvenir to help bolster stories when he got home to Texas. Remember – those who did their part , rarely talk about it. Those that did nothing – talk all the time.
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Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, GP!
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Thank you so much, Anna. I hope you and yours enjoy the same!!
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Very interesting story. Too bad Smitty didn’t recover those items and make that officer regret his arrogance and audacity. I’m glad you have these cool stories to share. Too many stories have been lost along with the brave men and women who lived through those tough times.
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I thank you for reading them, Toni. More and more books are being published with soldiers’ memories and letters, plus the veterans’ project with the government. I feel they are important to keep these people and their principles alive for each generation!
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As I’m new to your blog, I enjoyed this glimpse into your father’s war service and character.
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Thank you for doing so, Liz!
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That card brought tears to my eyes, GP!
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That shows how much you care. Thank you, Dolly.
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My pleasure, GP. How could people NOT care?
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Too busy? Too selfish? I have no idea!!
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Great post… Gets my five-star vote! 🙂
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Thank you very much. Glad you could stop by today!
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This is a most interesting story. Such a pity that people get away with such bad behaviour.
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True. Dad was more upset about the sword. He felt he never would have made it through without Gen. Swing.
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Thieves exist everywhere, though stories like these are often left untold to the average civilian like myself.
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Many of those “souvenir” Japanese flags were painted by the soldiers themselves. Everyone felt they needed to go home with a story of valor.
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Great story Thank you for sharing it with us
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I appreciate you reading it!!
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Reblogged this on depolreablesunite.
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Thank you, Rick!
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I guess that ‘stealing’ of these ‘souvenirs’ may well have been more common than we think!
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Yes, I agree. Especially those who never saw combat feel they could not go home without a story. Many “souvenir” Japanese flags, with stories of capture, were painted by the soldiers themselves – sad.
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I guess, apart from the loss of course, that that’s the sadder side to war!
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When you get hit by your own men – agreed
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What an appalling person! I cannot begin to understand the morality of this officer-thief. He fully deserved his punch and he should have been forced to pay the cost of his glass partition and busted down to private himself.
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I thank you for your thoughts on the matter – I totally agree. But, as things stood, no sword as proof, it was a no-go.
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I really enjoyed that story, GP. Thanks!
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I appreciate you stopping in to read it!!!
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Welcome back, Smitty. Always so good to hear from or about you. That thief/liar was lucky he got off that easy.
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I thank you very much for reading and commenting on this post, Don! As you know after all these years, Smitty, was and is my hero.
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Great story . Your dad knew the consequences of punching an officer but he did what he thought was the right thing nevertheless. That’s an extra sort of courage not so common . He could have got a dishonorable discharge as well .
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He most certainly thanked the General for ensuring that he did not get the Dishonorable and was sent home as quickly as possible.
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Thank you, US Veterans! You Rock! ❤️
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My son is deployed. I anxiously await his return. He is a Specialist 19D. He is my hero. My other son is my hero, too. He is a fire engineer and drives fire trucks. But, he doesn’t just drive the truck, he also puts out dangerous fires.
Both of my sons are my heroes, but not just because of what they do, but because of their Golden Hearts. They both have great integrity and character.
All military are my heroes, as well as all Fire Fighters, and Airborne, and those who sacrifice their lives, daily, for others.
Your blog is The Best and very dear to me. You help us to remember our heroes, and those who give their lives for our safety and freedom. Thank The Good Lord!
Thank you, GP, for your blog.
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I appreciate your thanks, but I do absolutely nothing compared to what your sons and other people like them do! They should be your heroes and outstanding role models for all who meet them! May God Bless them All!
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All Heroes Rock! ❤️
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Oh dear … that Santa just cracked me up!
(I now have to sponge coffee off my screen … you’ll keep …”
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HA, I have to try different ways to get to ya!!
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Incredible that the mattress salesman lied about the sword. Smitty did the right thing. Thanks for sharing his story.
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He sure wasn’t going to admit stealing from a division commander and risk a certain court martial. I wonder how often he thought about that flight through a glass partition, if at all.
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Very unexpected, but a very good sign, and a great remembrance too. Michael
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Thank you, Michael. I wish I had asked more questions and taken some notes!!
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So true, GP! But this one is a wonderful thing to remember.
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I think it explains my father’s character better than any way I could describe him.
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Thats true, GP! A great man, and honorable person.
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I’m honored you believe that of him.
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Metoo,GP! Thank you!
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Great story GP and good for Smitty to punch the guy even if it meant being demoted. What is right is right and I admire him for that. Regarding the sword and the chopsticks, they might come up on the Antique Roadshow. There is a Military Item section in it and if the location is in Texas, go watch it.
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I never thought of that. Good idea!
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I have seen swords, guns, chopsticks and other ivory items on the show but I could not remember what the locations were. If there is a rerun near Texas location, it is worth checking it out.
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Thanks again!
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Thanks for the story of your dad, GP. Hard to believe someone would take a General’s sword. Smitty had every right for being outraged.
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I know. That takes real bal** oops, takes real guts to be that crooked!
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😊
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Reblogged this on John Cowgill's Literature Site.
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Thank you very much, John!
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You are welcome very much.
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Oh-oh! That was unexpected. But just because someone is good at controling their temper, doesn’t mean they don’t have one. (I’ve had to explain that myself, as a caution, when being told “What? You don’t even have a temper.”) Watching decades of unqualified people advance, I can understand Smitty’s reaction all too well.
LOL, I got a kick out of the “mattress salesman” remark. I loved seeing the photos of the card. Hugs on the wing.
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When I asked Smitty if he was being derogatory or truthful – he said that was what the man did before being drafted, his connections did the rest.
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Doing the right thing often comes with consequences, doesn’t it. I remember my husband once, the GM at a plant, when payroll didn’t arrive, he paid the workers out of a plant account. Everyone loved him for that except his bosses. It didn’t take long before they let him go. I never regretted that.
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I can well understand that! Somethings just need to done, regardless of the consequences!! Bully for your husband!!
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He did the right thing, GP. But then as far as i can tell, he always did. 🙂
(A pity that after all they had gone through, petty theft should spoil things so close to the end.)
Best wishes, Pete.
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According to Dad, his one main regret in life was not staying in the Army.
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Merry Christmas GP.
Leslie
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Thank you very much, Leslie. I hope you and yours have the same.
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Funny cartoons. I hate thieves who steal from comrades. I have some compassion for people who need essentials like food and water. When the people in New Orleans were looting food and water, it still wasn’t right but it was understandable. When they started looting electronics and there was no electricity, it didn’t pass the commonsense test.
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That’s just plain looting for profit. People who don’t wish to work for a living spend a lot of time devising ways of making it other ways.
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‘Had to ‘magnify’ to get a close look of the post cards from Imus. The recipient must be a heart throb 👍
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A very pretty woman and good looking family…
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Thank you for sharing that other article, GP Cox. I will ask about the family name next time I meet people from the place. (It’s also possible the family has migrated to the US.)
I would need to explore Nasugbu next time, and the Manila Cemetery in Fort Bonifacio. Yes, Imus too. I’m ashamed I was never familiar with my own backyard! (The landing of McArthur–if I’m not mistaken, was in Leyte Gulf, and so is the memorial.)
Wishing you a blessed weekend. Cheers!
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Wouldn’t that be something extraordinary if you were to locate that woman’s family! That saying, “The world keeps getting smaller every year.” is no joke!!
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We never know, anything is possible, and if not, still we are thankful that our lives have been enriched by the people we met, even once in our lives. 😊🌄🌊🌴🌾🌿
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It almost sounds like you knew my father.
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Awwww… bless your heart! 🙏🍀
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Nice GP. Those little details of a life well lived are the makings of memories. Also glad to see Danny Aiello on your list today. Best for Christmas and 2020. Regards
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Thank you very much, Toritto. I try to keep up with the Salutes, but we are losing hundreds a day.
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Well worth being busted!
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haha, he thought so, Helen.
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I believe that Smitty was entitled to show his wrath to the thieving officer. Did he ever get his former rank back after being demoted?
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No, and frankly he didn’t care. He said he’d do it again!
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It’s because of men like your father and his general that wars are won. The right way. That ‘officer’ got his at some point, I am certain of that!
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I know vengeance isn’t a good thing, but I can’t help hoping you’re right.
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Now this is a story! Hurray for Smitty and I know his mom was beyond thrilled to get that card.
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I was very lucky to have known her and yes – I fully agree!!
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Too bad Smitty knocked him through the window. Without the physical damage to explain, the General might “not have seen a thing”.
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haha, quite possible, I imagine.
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A great story!
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I did wish it wasn’t so. Gen. Swing deserved that sword.
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The sword and the chopsticks are most likely in Texas now. Merry Christmas, Sir!
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I’ve thought of that so often! What outrageous story did he tell his kids and grandchildren about securing that sword!!!? Unless someone were to read this and recognize the circumstances, the mystery will never be solved.
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They should have ransacked his room! Good for Smitty for putting him in his place 🙂
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That’s how I felt, but Gen. Swing knew that now the war was over – it would be a whole different Army. Smitty had to ship out!
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Amazing secrets that leave us wondering.
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Isn’t that the truth. Oh there are so many questions I wish I had asked and how many notes I should have written down!!
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So, sooo true!
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I’ve been wondering what was going on with your father through all this. What a story! I was a little afraid it would delay his return home.
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Heck no, Gen. Swing knew he had to get Smitty out of there. I’m sure glad he did.
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LOL! I bet you are!
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Those little details mean so much. I wish I could have had a chat with your Dad. My step-dad who served in Korea was busted down a couple of times because of his temper. What a shame the thieves weren’t apprehended. I bet Smitty would have made them regret it…
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He considered Gen. Swing “His General” – and I agree – they would have paid dearly!
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I suspect that’s what my father would have done. Some people only cared about doing the right thing. Some only cared about themselves. I hope the guy choked every time he told the story of how he “captured” that sword.
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You and dad would have gotten along quite well. (I just wish I could remember his name!!)
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Interesting post….the craftsmanship of those swords is amazing.
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Isn’t it? I’m surprised they kept that tradition, even when they were so low on metal resources.
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I like Smitty.
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Thank you, he was quite a guy – and a terrific father!
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A good man, your father – but then we knew that. I like the group photo.
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Thank you so much for remembering my father in that light.
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Good for Smitty! My guess is the disappearance of the chopsticks is very closely akin to the disappearance of the sword.
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That’s what I always believed too (retaliation), but Dad wouldn’t agree to it, since he personally never saw anyone near them.
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I remember reading this one GP…
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haha, I imagine you would, Pierre!! You’ve read my entire blog – I believe you’re the only one to do so!! Why do you think I still hand out your blog addresses to readers?!!! You’re the best bundle of info around – and a great researcher!
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Thank you, Ian!
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