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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.

 
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#2 · (Edited)
I don't know of any formal restrictions on using his information.

As a 26-year veteran of the Air Force, I personally think it would be a cool tribute to an American hero.:thumb:

I've done mine as a tribute to my father who was an Army Air Corps vet.
Here's my Jeep:

 

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#3 ·
My grandfather was a WWII vet also, who passed a short while ago. I don't think you would be doing a diservice to his (your grandfather's) memory or to any of the other vets by displaying that on your Jeep. (I was thinking of doing the something similar.) Just my .02.
 
#5 ·
I don't see anything wrong with what you're doing. The tattoo on my right shoulder is my grandfather's unit patch from WWII. He was in tank destroyers in the ETO and fought from December '44 to the end of the war. I was lucky several years ago on one deployment to be able to travel down the same roads he had 70 years before. It was a thrilling experience.

My grandfather didn't tell me much about his service until I came home from my second deployment (Germany). I was lucky, of all the grandchildren he had, I got was given his old uniforms. I didn't get the ribbon racks or anything, but I'm assembling those based on his service record...although it is somewhat incomplete and was a victim of the Army records building fire back in the 70's.

One more thing, pertaining to the above post...I don't think any vets mind promotion of the military, provided you don't knowingly misrepresent what you or someone associated with you did. Just think code of honor.
 
#9 ·
I come from a family that has a long history in the military. My grandfather was in the Navy and was in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7th. Fought in the Pacific. He was also in Korea ( which he never would talk about, and he loved telling stories). My uncle was in the Army and fought in Vietnam and Desert Storm/ Shield. I served in the Marine Corp and was in Desert Shield/ Storm. Your idea of honoring your grandfather is not disrespectful in anyway. I understand your closeness with your grandfather. To me my grandfather was the greatest man to walk on this planet, other than Jesus. Be proud of what your planning. I can see that you feel the same. You'll always find some people that will be offended ( I promise, not that many), but don't let it stop you.
 
#13 ·
I don't think it would be an issue. His service number wasn't his SSN in that day and age. I think it would be a great way to honor him.

The blue should be to the left as you look at it. Other than that, you're good to go.
 
#20 ·
as a iraq / afgan war vet (served six years) thier is noting wrong with that at all, look up the history of the "apposing flags" stick just so you know its history.. as long as you dont bare rank you are fine and im sure your gradfather would be proud
I don't know what that means. Does it mean I shouldn't show his rank/stripes in the design?
 
#19 ·
Cool. Thanks for the info guys. I am definitely aware of the Union always coming first etiquette. Anyone that questions which way it should face need only look at Air Force One:



I wasn't really aware of the higher/larger etiquette, though, so thanks for that info.
 
#21 ·
I was reading another thread and it looks like some people take issue with the black/white design of the flag - that it's not showing our colors. I personally like the black/white because, to me, it's a nice blend of the US flag and POW/MIA flag. So, in my use, the black/white flag would be representing my grandfather's years as a POW.
 
#25 ·
I was reading another thread and it looks like some people take issue with the black/white design of the flag
I found nothing in the "flag code" (Flag Code | The American Legion) that prohibits black/white depictions of the flag. That said, I knew some guys in a combat zone that wished to replace the flag patch on their uniform with a bi-color, subdued, tactical-color flag (the same color as other patches the Army wears). They were told to remove those flags and replace them with full-color flags. I'm not sure that represents any official stance, however.

I think it would be cool if you displayed reminders of your grandfather's military legacy. Go for it!
 
#22 ·
Geez, another question - how to display his service number. On the documents I have found, it's just listed: 11017337

But through searches I've done, it looks like the military actually displays them with dashes: 11-017-337

Any input into which way I should do it?
 
#26 ·
Hey all, I found an interesting tidbit (here: How is a flag decal to be displayed on a motor vehicle? | The American Legion) regarding the placement of flags on vehicles. The blue union can either be placed forward (in the direction of motion, as has been explained in this thread), OR to the upper left, regardless of the direction of motion. So, either orientation is technically correct and appropriate.
 
#27 ·
I say put them on

anybody who says otherwise without knowing their true meaning is just wrong. I think it's a great tribute to your grandfather.

This will be a great conversation starter, too. :wavey:
 
#33 ·
As long as you are not trying to represent yourself as something that you are not, then I think any expression of pride in your country and your grandfather's service is better than OK - it's outstanding. Go for it. We should all remember the veterans in our lives.

I think you might raise some hackles if you put your grandfather's stripes on the jeep without making it clear that you are not claiming any status that you haven't earned.
 
#35 ·
Cosmic Charlie said:
I was reading another thread and it looks like some people take issue with the black/white design of the flag - that it's not showing our colors. I personally like the black/white because, to me, it's a nice blend of the US flag and POW/MIA flag. So, in my use, the black/white flag would be representing my grandfather's years as a POW.
I have patches issued by the us military with black flags, they were for tactical use but hey they do it, why can't you
 
#37 ·
Here's the first draft of what I'm thinking. Pretty self explanatory, I think. To me, it doesn't look like I'm trying to represent myself as him. Let me know if you find otherwise. The ADBC is the organization American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor of which my Grandfather was a lifetime member (member #1605). The ADBC disbanded recently (most of their members have passed on at this point) but, the Descendants Group has taken up their mission.
 
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