News
From The
508

JUNE 2006

Dear 508 Veterans,
            Family Members,
                         or Friends of the 508th

War is inhumane. It is horrendous. It is full of unspeakable catastrophes. Yet the men of the 508, who lived in, amidst, and through World War II, returned home and lived lives of valor and honor. How is that possible? How does it happen that men sent into the horrors of battle can return and continue leading exemplary lives? This is a ' paradox.

Perhaps the wartime experiences of 508ers gave them a genuine appreciation for peace and tranquility. I know of one 508er, who after surviving the war, came home and never picked up a gun again, even to hunt. He explained to me he had seen enough< death and destruction and didn't want to inflict any more of that upon human nor animal. Another 508er told me years ago, "I know for certain I was responsible for killing at least six enemy soldiers during the war, and not a day has passed by I haven't thought of that –I never got used to killing, but some of the others really got into it." War, indeed, brings out the best and worst inhumanity. It's kill or be killed.

How do soldiers who live through inhumanity go about returning home to live lives of decency? Perhaps there are as many paths as there are Veterans, and many 508ers found their way. I remember thinking after attending my first 508 reunion (in St Louis, 1996) "these men are different than who I expected them to be." There were no JOHN WAYNES in the group, at least that I saw, and what I saw was so far from the stereotype it made my head spin. I had to adjust to presumptions and assumptions in order to deal with the reality I had seen before my eyes.
What I did see at the 508 reunion in St Louis was the closest group of men I've ever been around. I witnessed much laughter, hugging, and occasional sharing of tears. One does not see that often in groups of American men, all of whom have experienced almost no-stop competitiveness throughout their working careers, where kindheartedness is seen as weakness and being "tough" and unemotional is valued. American men also tend to have very few, if any, close relationships with other men. Not 508ers. They have buddies, friends, companions, and they aren't afraid to show their human side. Thank God.

One of the most touching memories I have of my first 508 reunion was when I approached a 508er who had known my uncle well. As I told this gentleman who I was, his eyes moistened and tears slid down his cheeks. I later learned that some 508ers had (wrongly) blamed this man for the circumstances that led to Capt NATION'S death in the Bulge. How awful it must have been to carry the insinuation of wrongdoing around for over 50 years.

508ers are not perfect. They are not invincible. But they are examples of men making the best of what their lives handed to them. I have never known as fine a group of men (and women!) as those who call themselves "RED DEVILS."

The kindness, most decent men I know go by the name Red Devils. Yes, paradoxes abound with this bunch, and that makes them all the more unique.

DWAYNE BURNS' BOOK

508er DWAYNE BURNS has written a book containing his wartime memories, entitled, "Jump Into The Valley Of The Shadow." DWAYNE has a website through which one may purchase copies of the book, jumpintothevalley.com "Jump Into the Valley" is also available through the publisher via the internet at casematepublishing.com

Looking for Information About Veterans?

BRIAN SIDDALL, who has a website called airborneinnormandy.com is a valuable source for finding information about Veterans, especially those killed in war, BRIAN has an intense interest in the Airborne and recently helped me obtain 45 pages of material concerning my uncle's death, though the Freedom of Information Act. Mr. SIDDALL has access to databases that are astounding in the depth and breadth. He can be reached by phone at (607; 275-8080 or through email at: brian@airborneir nprmandv.com. BRIAN charges nominal fees for his service, and he is enthusiastic about helping family members and friends learn about their loved ones.

BILL NATION
2013 Lime Creek Rd
Kerryville, TX 78028-4310
PH: (830) 89507460
billnation508@mac.com
 

Top of Page