World War II vet wants to set record straight

I am an 88-year-old veteran of World War II who served proudly with the 1st Marine Division in Okinawa and China.

After viewing the recent war series, “Pacific,” on HBO, I am angry and embarrassed with the constant use of the “F” word while depicting Marines in battle.

I went into the front line on Okinawa on May 9, 1945 with the 1st Marine Division. Fighting could only be described as pure hell. I never heard the “F” word.

We lost 70 of our 160 men in one push. I never heard the “F” word. During six days of vicious fighting at Kunishi Ridge, I never heard the “F” word.

It may be commonplace for people to use the “F” word nowadays, but it was not commonplace during the 1940’s (when most everyone went to church on Sundays). I resent the fact that modern movies shed a disrespectful light on the Marines and those of us who were actually there.

We have been called the “Greatest Generation” and given Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. We were not the generation who spoke the “F” word in every other sentence, even when in battle.

Help me set the record straight for history.

H. Paul Bailey

Lillian, Ala. (former

Lancaster resident)