May 25, 1945 – May 25, 2015

He died quick and he died clean. It probably was a Japanese Type 98 mortar that took the upper right quadrant  of his torso off. 

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Laurence Binyon

I never met him. I was not even 2 when he was killed. I knew his wife for less than 2 years before she died. Inter alia, there was large box that came with some old furniture and some cutlery that I still use. The scroll hangs on my wall.

There was also a scroll signed by the President of the United States and a picture of a simple grave marker.

He stands in the unbroken line of patriots

Who have dared to die that freedom might live, 

And grow, and increase its blessings.

FREEDOM LIVES, AND THROUGH IT HE LIVES-

In a way that humbles the undertakings of most men.

Harry S. Truman

The grave marker reads:

Leonard W. Putnam

New Jersey

CPL US ARMY

World War 11

Nov 12, 1902   May 25, 1945

Raise a glass and offer a prayer to the memory of a 42 year old piano salesman 

“Why us, Sarge? Why us?

Because we’re here lad. Because we’re here.”

KS