The following is the text of the eulogy I gave at my Dads funeral. It is based on a tribute that appeared in a publication of the 168th regiment to which Dad belonged. It was written about a week before he was to be discharged in November of 1945. When Dad was on the front during the Rome/Arno river campaign he was made a supply sergeant because of his ability to speak and understand the Italian language. In the mountainous terrain the only way to deliver supplies was the mule teams of the Italian partisans who could not understand English. Thus Dad became the translator. SPEARHEAD November 14, 1945 Linguist, Lover of Tales, Bonaparte Helped Winning AWar , With bags packed and stenciled, a Luger grasped tightly in his hand. the mighty Guido F. Bonaparte prepared to depart for his native land, America. It was on a dark, chilly night in July of 44, that a little BUCK sergeant joined the old 168th Regiment. It was also then that according to him the German Army finally bogged down. In the United States all the larger newspapers and some of the smaller ones that were lucky enough to have a correspondent in Italy at the time, carried the headline: Gúido Bonaparte Enters M.T.O. Peace Rumored However this was purely a rumor, the little guy was good, but not quite that good! Eventually Division leaders learned that the little sergeant was a master of the Italian language and could, when sober, do a little translating. He was immediately pulled from the lines where he was winning the war single-handedly for the allies, and sent to a more responsible position. . AT LONG LAST HE IS RECOGNIZED Upon reporting to company C. P., his heart warm with the self-satisfaction of knowing that at long last, his talents had been recognized, he learned of the important assignment he was soon to undertake. It was a job which called for a man with courage, tenacity and persevererance. It was a job which called for a linguist and a lover of thoroughbred animals. So here started the career of Guido Bonaparte, Muleskinner Extraordinary It seems that the mules and the muleteers could only understand Italian, not English. Night after night, over the rumble of cannon explosions and the sound of machine gun fire, the robust voice of the dauntless sergeant could be heard guiding his lovely pack mules to the troops. A FEARLESS SERGEANT And even to this day, when the boys are gathered around the pot burner relighting the war, the name of fearless Sgt. Bonaparte is sure to be mentioned, for the name of brisk cheeked GUIDO is synonymous with brave deeds the world over. However, this week, marked his last with us. When asked for a statement, the following remark was recorded: Regret that I have but 20 months oversees to give for my country And so to you, BONY old chap good chum: cheerio, God speed, and all that sort of thing! That was almost 69 years ago, and all kidding aside, Dad survived a War that he did not want to participate in but in which he had no choice. He was an honor bound man, the most honest man I have ever known who always took his responsibilities seriously and to heart. The war was undoubtedly the most significant event in his life because if it were not for his participation, many of us here today would have never been born. So, Sgt. Guido F. Bonaparte, Well done my friend and thanks for the 93+ years of service to your family and friends whose lives were so much richer for being a part of your legacy. I love you DAD
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:14:02 +0000
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