Edward James St. Peter

Ed St. Peter, not a philosopher nor poet, simply a man.

His country at war, he raised his hand.

The St. Peter children were raised to be strong and try do right.

Ed knew in his heart he had to join up and fight.

In basic he met others as patriotic as he,

There were Bubbas, Juniors and Butches and yes, one Ole.

From Texas to North Carolina to the Maryland shore,

The 47^th would soon take part in the Second World War.

At sea, the USS Lyons voyage would be ever so slow,

Unbeknown to them, their destination, “Africa’s French Morocco”.

Landing at Safi on November 8^th 1942,

It took two weeks to unload the gear, there was so much to do.

Paraded in Casablanca, “Standing Tall, Looking Proud”.

Impressing generals, dignitaries and the civilian crowd.

On to the “Casserine Pass”, to keep “Rommel” at bay.

Some bled, some died, some wept, what more is there to say.

The “Pass” was Ed’s baptism into war,

He lost good friends, there would be more.

In the area of Bizerte, as “First Scout” Ed would lead the way.

Hit by an enemy sniper, Ed’s time on the front ended that day.

Nine days later he made it stateside, one of many to come home.

Without his family and friends, he felt so alone.

Ten months later he returned to his home and loved ones so dear.

To this day he still remembers his time when he lived in fear.

For my wife’s uncle; he cried when he read it.