Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Question about Military propriety

12K views 74 replies 45 participants last post by  Tweak 
#1 ·
First of all, the back story:

My Grandfather, retired (now deceased) Master Sergeant Raymond Penda was a Bataan Death March survivor, 4 year POW and Korean War Veteran.

In the years I knew him, he was battered (not broken) having suffered numerous strokes and heart attacks attributed to the hardships he endured in prison camps. He was disabled for as long as I knew him; paralyzed on the left side (although his right hand would CRUSH yours...don't challenge him). It did not stop him from hooking up a travel trailer and taking my brother and I (and Grandma!) camping at Disney World or Jellystone Park for weeks on end in Florida when we were kids. I absolutely adored him growing up. He taught me to play Solitare (and let me cheat so I could win). I feel a deep attachment to him unlike anyone else (aside from my own Father....I'm such a Daddy's girl).

It wasn't until after he passed that I learned about Bataan and all the other stuff. He never talked about it and nobody talked about it with me. I've researched it all extensively over the years. Learning that stuff has made me feel even closer to him although he is gone.

Now, my question. Geez, after writing that stuff it almost seems silly, but part of the pride of owning a Wrangler for me is it's military history and I was thinking about commemorating my Grandfather with 2 decals on my Jeep. I really love the black US flag decal, see below. I was thinking of customizing it with my Grandfathers Service Number below the flag on one side, and his Squad name on the other.

I need to know if doing this is in ANY WAY BAD FORM? You know what they say about good intentions. Maybe it seems silly, but the last thing I want to do is disrespect other Bataan Survivors or POW's or MIA's or any Military "Code" I may not be aware of.

 
See less See more
1
#38 ·
Sounds like a fitting tribute.
 
#41 ·
I am in the Army in Afghanistan as I type this sitting in the TOC. The IR(subdued) flags are worn by everyone down here now to include all branches and MOS's or job's. I think what you are doing is a really cool thing, and I couldn't approve more.
 
#42 ·
Charlie,

I think it is great that you want to do a memorial to the hero you knew. If anyone has a problem with it THAT IS THERE PROBLEM... not yours. If they don't understand, who cares.

I used to do a lot of WWII reenacting. I did British 1SAS ( 1st Special Air Service) and we did a lot of military events and veterans events. We just did it for the military and veterans. It was our way of thanking them. Every now and then, someone would come up and say, "You know, I know some people who wouldn't appreciate what you guys are doing or wearing." It was implied that the speaker had some experience with the British SAS or was part of that unit. Details were always sketchy and it was more of a "in your face" kind of thing. Well, then something funny happened.

Real British SAS veterans started looking us up. Were they pissed? In no way. They were so proud of our impression and how authentic we were to it that they thanked us and told their mates who also looked us up. They sought us out and (this is kind of funny) talked to our opponents in the field... the kraut reenactors. Then they came up to us and said, "I am glad you guys are keeping up a proud tradition of the Regiment." We didn't understand (at first) what they were talking about and then it was said, "We asked the Germans who were their worst enemy. They all answered, 'The SAS.'" Then they introduced themselves as current SAS veterans and thanked us. They couldn't believe U.S. citizens knew who the SAS were (outside of Special Forces and Special Ops), and much less researched their WWII brethren and did the impression right.

So Charlie, my point is if someone has a problem ITS THEIR PROBLEM. Not yours. What you want to do is awesome and it doesn't matter what any reject has to say about it. You aren't answerable to them. You are only answerable to your own conscience and to God. You are not pretending to be part of that unit. You are honoring a hero, and that is awesome!! Oh, on a side note, you should see the WWII veterans and Korean War veterans that tear up whenever we drive around in our uniforms in WWII jeeps. They just can't believe that people would honor them that way.

Take care,
 
#43 ·
First of all, thank you all for your input. Especially the current and retired veterans - it means a lot to me to have your approval of this sort of thing. I can't stress that enough. Oftentimes, people like me get accused of not caring about our military (I tend to lean a bit left), but nothing could be further from the truth. And many of your responses really touched me.

So, here is what the finished product looks like. I had a lot of very good advice and input from Don at Pixel Decals. He was very helpful and very patient for putting up with me and my questions and customizing. Hat's off to him.

I love, love, love the way the blue of the Winter Chill color sparkles through the stars and stripes up close. I took off the Wrangler stickers (it was too busy). I want to relocate the Trail Rated badge.

I'm VERY pleased with it and can't wait to show it off on (and off) the road.
 
#44 ·
Charlie, I think what you've done is teriffic and I'm sure your Grandfather would be (IS!) proud. As a 15-year vet I'd be honored to have my Granddaughter honor me in such a manner, although it's hard to imagine anyone more worthy than your Grandad. He must have been an amazing guy and an honorable member of the Greatest Generation. The Jeep looks great!! Drive it proudly and in good health.
 
#51 ·
That look great. The only thing wrong with displaying medal etc is 'Stolen Valor' think John Kerry. Your display is very patriotic and a tribute to your Grandfather.
This is a very good point. :thumb:

I believe that as long as it is displayed as a tribute, there should not be any hassles. Where you get into trouble is when you try claiming them as your own when you didn't earn them.

I saw another thread on the forum where the OP displayed his Grandfathers WWII campain ribbons along with his [Grandfather's] name. I thought it was tastefully done.
 
#52 ·
I have had them displayed for a while now and I'm happy to report that every now and then, I pull up next to a Veteran (identified by a license plate or sticker) at a stop light and the flag catches their eye. They stare at it for a few seconds (deciphering what it means, presumably). Then, their eyes turn to me and they give me a nice little head nod. Gives me chills every time it happens.

Thank you all for your kind words. Warms my heart.
 
#54 ·
Just found this thread. I'm retired USAF/ANG, 24 years. I am old school and don't speak much of my past. I am proud of everything I have done in my service and my only regret is that I didn't stay in longer. It's been many years since I retired. Over 13 years now. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the many men and women I served with.

I think what you have done here truly honors your Grandfather. I am sure he is proud of you as you are of him.

You get a "Well Done" from me!

God Bless you!
 
#55 ·
It's been my experience that most Vets who have actually seen combat don't talk about it, especially to family or non-military(civilians). As a vet myself i like your idea about commemorating him, and no doubt that our Jeeps have a stellar military history.
 
#58 ·
I agree with what you are saying I only talk about things with my brothers I served with overseas,

even growing up my uncle is a nam vet "marine" and I never heard of him speaking of anything he has seen or done even to this day we have talked about it 2 or 3 times but other than that he keeps it to himself or will only chat with his brothers he served with
 
#56 ·
If I were you, I would Honor your Grandpa any way you want. and then get in anyones face if they say anything bad about what you have done.

This would be an honor to him. He sounded like a tough old bird who would be proud of you for putting his colors on your jeep. I bet he rode in a few.

Go girl, do it.

Just from one old Vet.
 
#62 ·
From an ol' Jarhead:

OUTSTANDING!

Now... consider making a trip to the Philippines and touring Corregidor and Bataan. I did that while on active duty in the early 1980's and I suspect a person could still tour those areas. While on Corregidor I went through the famous Malinta Tunnel, saw the huge mortars and guns, many of which were still in place, though of course badly rusted after 40 years exposure to the tropic clime...

There was also a most impressive museum that was a tribute to the Battle of Bataan and the march...

It's been a long time since I was there, but I remember being awed by what I was seeing. MacArthur did come back, and the Filipino people did remember.

Your grandfather was part of a very important piece of history and I think you've honored him greatly. Has made me think about my own Jeep, and honoring my father, my uncle and my grandfather, all of whom served in the Pacific. Dad is still alive. I may get some input from him on how to best do this.

Thanks for the great idea, and once again: OUTSTANDING!

Guy
 
#65 ·
Charlie, I am not a vet but I have known many vets including some with Pearl Harbor and Normandy experience, and I realize I am free to do as I please (like drive my Jeep) because of what they have done. If I ever see your JK you will get a big thumbs up from me. Nice Job!

By the way, can you post a shot of the whole rig?
 
#69 ·
Im not a CSM I'm a SGT but my first name starts with a C and Im a Smith haha! Anyways nice looking Jeep. If I militarize my YJ Im going to stencil household 6 on the passenger side of the windshield. Also I think a Guzzoline Only stencil by the fuel filler would be something different and unique as well.
 
#71 · (Edited)
This medal was awarded by the state of New Mexico to the members of the 200th Coast Artillery, who were based in that state and fought in Bataan. My Grandfather was the 27th Bomb Group(L) based out of Georgia.

The only medal my Grandfather has from Bataan is the Bronze Star Medal.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top