Veterans from Two Eras Find Brotherhood in Shared Service

Veterans Bill Burton and Jack Woolley at the July 4th parade in Cape Charles.

By JOE VACCARO
American Legion Post 56

August 5, 2013

As the years pass, memories fade for most people — and for some who have served their nation during wartime it’s considered a blessing. One of the misnomers of armed conflict is that the people serving in the military welcome the fight and glory. But the fact is that the men and women serving in the military simply view it as a duty or obligation. They don’t place themselves in harm’s way for money or glory, but for each other.

The bonds of having served in battle or in a battle zone surpass any human emotion that can be explained in a few paragraphs. It becomes a brotherhood of emotion that at times surpasses the emotions for one’s own family. It’s that unexplainable sense of camaraderie that one feels in the presence of another who experienced the exhilaration of life and the horrors of death.

Although World War II ended some 68 years ago and Viet Nam ended 38 years ago, those 30 years of difference brought together two very different men and resulted in a lifetime friendship. Jack Woolley met Bill Burton 15 years ago, and the common denominator that brought them together was a woodcarving show at the Cape Charles Fire House. But what made them brothers were their war experiences.

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Jack served with Patton’s Third Army in WW II as an artillery unit member and was present at the conclusion of the Battle of the Bulge. He served from 1943 until 1946, when he retired as a private first class.  Bill joined the Navy in 1952 and retired as a chief engineman in 1976. Bill’s service included crises in Haiti and Cuba, ship’s duty off the coast of Korea, and eventually as a Riverine Patrol Boat Commander and “tunnel rat” during the Viet Nam conflict.

Jack is originally from Wall Township, NJ, and Bill is from Newport News, but both men have for decades called the Eastern Shore of Virginia as their home. Besides their mutual interest in woodcarving, both retired warriors have taken a keen interest in American Legion Post 56. This is especially so now that Commander Dave Steward has announced that 2013-14 will be the “Year of the Veteran.”

Jack recalled that his greatest memory of WW II was returning to the United States in 1946 aboard a troop ship that entered the New York City harbor where he and the other soldiers lined the decks to view the Statue of Liberty. This heartfelt memory still evokes strong emotions. Bill’s memory of returning home in 1968 is less flattering as he recalled being told not wear his uniform in California for fear of reprisals.

Both men continue to have a strong sense of duty and honor and are quick to point out that times have changed for the American veteran. They noted that there are numerous programs to help support those who have served their country. However, they also hope that these services will not be cut or diminished due to budget and program cuts.

Jack, 89, regularly attends Post 56 meetings and events, and Bill, 80, remains active as Post 56’s Sergeant-at-Arms, volunteer cook, and handyman. Both are “Paid Up For Life” members, and can recall the days when Post 56 met in individual homes, churches, backyards and at the Cape Charles Ford dealership.

One of the most poignant moments for this friendship occurred at last year’s 4^th of July parade in Cape Charles when Bill presented his best friend Jack with replacements for the WW II medals he had lost over the years.

Woodcarving might have brought them together, but the trials and tribulations of wars that occurred decades apart is what turned these acquaintances into instant brothers. The decades will come and go at Post 56, but the friendships and respect for each other’s service will remain forever. Jack and Bill are proof of that.