Cal, wife Barbara and granddaughter Bree at Fort Findlay Playhouse

The middle of 15 children, Dad was born on the Fourth of July, during Coolidge's presidency and on the president's birthday, so my grandmother bestowed upon him the name Calvin Coolidge.  Patriotic from the day he entered this world.

By 1941, Dad already had four of his brothers serving in the military when he tried to run away and enlist at 17.  He was turned away but on his 18th birthday, he joined up and was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia.  After training in the 101st Airborne, he was sent to Europe.  Dad was a paratrooper, jumped out of airplanes and fought in the famous Battle of the Bulge.  He likes to say he continued that battle with his waistline.

During battle, Dad was hit by shrapnel, pieces of which lodged in his head and even at that, continued to fight.  After sleeping for weeks outside, in ditches in the snow and freezing temperatures, he almost lost both of his legs to gangrene.   Although he doesn't talk about it much, the ordeal was one of the major events in his life, I'm sure.  But fighting for his country was never a decision of option; it was an honor for him to serve.  He felt, like many of his generation, both the sense of obligation and privilege to fight for the United States.  It is with respect for that service of these men and women that we continue this column.

I wanted to honor my father this month because he is fighting another battle now.  Like many of the other soldiers from his era, he is dealing with health issues.  Until last year, Dad, now 83, was healthy and active.  An avid golfer, he would get out and play frequently.  Knee surgery set him back a few years ago but it didn't take long for this fighter to get back out on the course. 

Then last summer, Dad had to have a hip replaced.  A normally uncomplicated procedure of a week's hospital stay at most, he was left incapacitated for 3 months in a nursing home.  Later, we found out he'd suffered a stroke during the operation.  Losing eyesight and sometimes gaining imagination, Dad spent a few months confused and unable to enjoy even small pleasures of watching television or surfing the internet.

By Christmas, although still in a wheelchair, Dad had gained considerable strength and most of his mental clarity was back.  The doctors had determined that he now needed to have heart surgery, one of his valves needed replaced and two bypasses were required.  But they wanted him to get stronger. Always a fighter, Dad made up his mind he would be well enough for the surgery.

The procedure was performed in late March without any complications; but Dad is again struggling with the after-effects of anesthesia and medication.   He hardly notices the fact that he had major chest surgery, hasn't complained much about pain, but his eyesight is bad again.  For a few days, he was sure helicopters were flying around the room.  He's back in a nursing home again for awhile, to recover.   I have a feeling though, it won't be long before his tenacious nature takes over and the consummate soldier returns to fight and win this battle too.

Calvin at home on leave during war, giving flowers to his mother Ida

Ed. Note  This month's military salute is a little different than the traditional columns we've been running for the past two years.  Please submit your military salute to stories@findlayliving.com