Deseret News | Faith and fortitude: Son's documentary tells father's extraordinary WWII story

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Faith and fortitude: Son's documentary tells father's extraordinary WWII story

nebraskan | 5:52 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

My father also served in WWII. He served in Italy and the only time he ever talked about it was when his group had to go and hide in a barn during the night because thee enemy was so close. The only other thing he said was the company that he was drafted into was a rich mans club and they needed a few poor boys like him to make up the rest of the company. I also had 2 uncles that were killed and I never got to meet them. My dad never talked about the war except for those instances listed above and he said that when he was in venice he could understand what the italins were saying but he couldnt read or write it. He said that there were some italins that were very nice to him. Thank God for the people that fight for our freedoms and this country. God bless them. My hat is off to them.

B L | 12:30 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009

I've seen this documentary; it is both inspiring and amazing. I thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

Sandyboy | 8:55 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009

I am touched by stories of soldiers. My dad served in the Pacific and was part of the Army of Occupatin in Japan. From his later reactions to situations from that service I learned tolerance and respect for people who had been former enemies. Dad served as bishop of a ward in Sandy and called a man of Japanese decent as a councellor. No finer family exists than that Japanese family! I am grateful to my father and those of his generation that rose to the occasion and defended our way of life. I am also grateful for the lessons that they continued to teach as long as they lived.

Comments continue below

Arizona Baby Boomer | 10:11 a.m. Sept. 27, 2009

I've seen this documentary; it is very moving. Everyone should see it.

hbeckett | 2:20 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009

thank you for your kind work

Kat Arnett Ethington | 3:37 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009

Words can't even describe the feelings I am experiencing as I read this article about Baby Boomerang. You have done such a marvelous thing for dad, our family, friends, and the world. I am so proud of your success and accomplishment. More importantly is how you have captured and kept his story alive for his posterity to know. I'm sure that dad is smiling right now and very pleased, too. You're my hero righ as well as my baby brother. I love you. Have a great time at the signing with mom and Camille,
Love, Kat

Barry D, Bunzel | 4:01 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009

Awesome work Mark. Would love to see more untold stories of WWII and the sacrifices our Fathers made for us. Brings tears to my eyes to witness the love you have for your Father. Wish more sons felt this way and paid them the same respect that you paid your Dad.

Best wishes.
Barry

Anonymous | 8:15 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009

I saw Saints and Soldiers, it was great. Just like most situations, LDS members are outnumbered but always shine and standout. We are blessed.

Thank You | 10:21 p.m. Sept. 27, 2009

Congratulations on your documentary, Sir.

You are right....ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Ordering a copy of your DVD now.

Bobbi | 12:48 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009

This was a touching and humorous history lesson. It gave me a greater understanding of the war, sacrifice and resilience of those that were thrust into the unimaginable situations of war. I've always been amazed by those veterans that have come home and carried on with life. Charles was a great example of this. I would highly recommend "Baby Boomerang."

Anonymous | 2:01 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009

Is this a news article or an Advertisment? If the letter, I certainly think the DNEWS should collect. They certainly need it!

Jacqueline | 7:48 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009

Dear Anonymous - It is a movie review. It was on the entertainment page. It was also very touching. Thanks

Heidi Payne | 9:27 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009

Cant wait to see this tonight!

Ann | 10:26 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009

It is not available on Netflix. With all your awards, would you please submit it so we can view it from renting. Thank you.

Randie Bird | 12:21 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009

I am a veteran oe WW2 and Korean Conflict. It seemed after we were dischared. People kind of forget what we had to put up with and sort of ignored us. I happened to be ab aircraft mechanic and crew chief during both wars. I didn't have to go into combat--Just kept the airplanes in shape so the p[lots could stay in the air to do what they had to do. I trained and worked on all bombers and fighters and know all about the famous B-24s. I really revere and appreciatr the pilots who had to go through the hazzards of fighting,but we would like to be remembered for the Mechanics who kept them in the air.

Walt Kerns | 8:42 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009

Thank You Mark!
You are correct when you suggest that "as a member of the spoiled, pretentious and ungrateful baby boomer generation" he did not appreciate his father's story for what it was. “I have just completed my father’s history and his (and my mother's) struggles during the depression and WWII. As a youth, I had no idea my parents were so
amazing! My father also was a B24 pilot and served in the China/Burma area. I now know so much more about my father and what a marvelous work that his generation performed.
Will this be shown in the Phoenix area?
Regards,
Walt Kerns

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