Sgt Major R. J. Bockelman, USMC (Ret)

[WildcatOne]

He was a truly wonderful man. All three of my names are Marine. John, instead of Raymond, Jr., my Dad named me after Johnny Connett, his best friend who was killed in World War II. Hence I'm known as Johnny in my family and all who knew me growing up. Richard, my middle name, is after Uncle Dick. Bockelman...Americanized from Von Bockelmann by my grandfather in the 1930s (the family had been in Galveston since 1850) is a Marine Corps legend. The Marines actively pursued me for 10 years, as they did Uncle Dick's sons as well. As it turned out, none of us enlisted, but neither of our Dads were disappointed. It was just what they did, and neither one of them ever talked about their experiences in wartime. Uncle Dick and my Dad both told me, if a guy brags to you about all the enemy he killed, you can bet he didn't really do it. They both told me that the Japanese were the toughest, fiercest, most hell-bent fighters ever, and don't ever let anybody tell you they couldn't fight. As far as their own experiences (they both duked it out with the Japanese), they wouldn't be specific but they both said they were lucky to have survived. It was a job they had to do. I admired them both not just for their service but for the way they handled their combat records with such integrity afterwards. It was not something to be brought into a conversation as far as they were concerned. Their medals spoke for themselves. Gotta run, just thought I'd add to this thread. Uncle Dick and my Dad were some very tough hombres, but they always kept it in its place, in the name of our country.
By the way, it was Commander of the Marine Guard at the White House that Uncle Dick was offered right before he retired.
JB

[jim sanders]

[bandit]

I'm sorry John. My prayers go out to you and your family

[WildcatOne]

Uncle Dick's official obituary, Kyle is flying to San Diego tomorrow to attend all of the services and be with the family.

http://legacy.com/SignOnSanDiego/Obitua ... =127767637

[jim sanders]

great read Cat.......

[draglist]

Kyle will be a great ambassador for your part of the family, John. bp

[Bob Kraemer]

John,
I am so sorry I missed hearing about you uncle. I'm sorry
I have been so wrapped up, dealing with business and personal issues I completely missed this.
Buddy says sorry too as he will probably joining him in heaven also soon, if dogs are allowed in heaven.

[WildcatOne]

Thanks, Bob and everybody. Kyle got back today. He said it was a moving and inspired experience for him and everybody who was there (the whole family). He re-established bonds with all of our cousins and made new ones with their children. The services were beautiful, meaningful and fulfilling for all who were there. Kyle took a hundred pictures and was given a flash drive full of hundreds more, but these are a few from the services that he took Monday. Uncle Dick's ashes were interred with Aunt Mary's in the mausoleum overlooking the Bay at the Marine Corps base in San Diego. Our cousin Bryon gave Kyle Uncle Dick's swagger stick that he carried during his drill sergeant days. Kyle will treasure it for the rest of his life. WC1