Susannah Colt’s account of her father’s experience in the World War II Pacific campaign is a valuable reminder to all of a time when our entire nation was impacted by war.
Harry’s father was away from home for three years in the Army Air Corp as part of the Pacific war, and Mary Beth’s uncle did multiple amphibious landings, including on Saipan, as the U.S. island-hopped toward the Japanese mainland.
Fast forward 40 years, and we spent over two years living on the edge of the airfield bombed by Colt’s father on Ponape! The only air attacks we experience were from mosquitoes, and Japan continues to be one of our strongest allies. What a wonderful reminder of the sacrifices of our parents, but also how time heals wounds, and how after great hatred we can learn to live together in peace.
Thank you, Ms. Colt, for sharing your father’s insights and your memories.
HARRY JUDD and MARY BETH WALZ
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