VonHelton Posted March 14, 2006 Share Posted March 14, 2006 As you now know, my father is in the hospital, and has been for several days. Unfortunately the dye test they took today showed he had 100% blockages in most of his arteries, so they are sending him to St Josef's in Lexington, Ky. He will arrive there sometime tommorrow. Those that wish to call or visit may do so. The prognosis is grim to impossible..... Ask for patient "Irvin Helton". For those of you who don't know, my father is a true hero. He served as a 40mm gunner on a fast frigate, as part of a destroyer screen. He fought in almost every major naval engagement, and witnessed first-hand the "divine wind" of Japan. The WW2 veterans are leaving us, and this may be your only chance to touch the past. I'm sure he'd appreciate a visit or a phone call of encouragement. .....Just tell him your a freind of his son's. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest c4evap Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 I am so very sorry to hear this news. I will pray for him. c4 :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 15, 2006 Author Share Posted March 15, 2006 I appreciate anything at this point....... :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yuns Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 so sorry to hear that,,take care.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mav Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 I can't say I am religious, but my thoughts go out to you and your family. I'm sure things will turn out just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
str82u Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 Be Strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StitchInTime Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 I'm not religious either, but I shall send all my positive thoughts in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 I'll light a green candle for his health. My father was in WW2 also. He was assigned to the Phillipines mostly. Smoking was a big thing back then and it eventually weakened his lungs where cancer could eat him up. He died when I was still young. When his time comes, at least you'll have memories and know how much you both cared for each other. Be sure to tell him while you have that chance. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 15, 2006 Author Share Posted March 15, 2006 I tried to get him to talk to Oliver North, so that his heroism would be documented, but he refused. He was a Silver Star & Bronze Star recipiant. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annika Posted March 15, 2006 Share Posted March 15, 2006 I'm sorry to hear this, I wish you both a lot of strength for the times to come. I hope you still get the chance to make some important memories. I lost my father unexpectedly a few weeks ago so I know how you must feel :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 15, 2006 Author Share Posted March 15, 2006 http://www.sjhlex.org/patients.asp?Which=maps :stare: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motoxjesse Posted March 16, 2006 Share Posted March 16, 2006 Sry for the tough time ahead of you, but know that there alot of people thinking of you, and your father. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 16, 2006 Author Share Posted March 16, 2006 One story I can recall that stuck with me...... His ship (FF-51) had sustained heavy damage in one of the later campaigns in the Pacific. (It was well after Coarl Sea & Midway) The Japanese were throwing wave after wave of Kates & Vals at his carrier group, and his ship in particular. A near miss had caused the starbord side of the hull to buckle, and fires had broken out amid-ships. His "pod" (the area where his gun was) was near the flames. He & his loader had fired the gun so many times that in conjunction with the flames on board, the heat had bent the barrels. He had taken a break to man the water hose to keep the fire from getting to his ammo. About that time, a couple of kates were bearing down on his ship. Whether by accident, or divine intervention, he had swung the water hose on the barrels of his gun. The barrels bent back straight, and he was able to shoot down the kates before they sunk the ship. Thereafter, every time the barrels got too hot, he'd take a water hose to them. The reason I know this story is true is because he kept insisting that it was a "team effort". I know this is bull, because the "team" was busy putting out fires all over the ship! .....But that's the type of guy he is. :stare: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 17, 2006 Author Share Posted March 17, 2006 IRVIN EUGENE HELTON Son of german & romanian immigrants Hero of WW2 ......And my father. Died, approx. 11AM, this lords day, 2006 :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amnot Borg Posted March 17, 2006 Share Posted March 17, 2006 My sincere condolences for the loss. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonHelton Posted March 17, 2006 Author Share Posted March 17, 2006 Thanks to everyone....... "Tis a far, far better place I go to....." - If you'll recall, this is from Search for Spock, and is fitting, IMHO. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xalloutwarx Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 sorry for your loss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quosego Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 My condolences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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