WWII vet’s web site helps the 517th stay connected

[Jim O]

"What I did was no big deal really. We were just a bunch of young kids doing our jobs for our country," said Ben Barrett.
The Cohasset resident was a member of the 517th Parachute Regiment Combat Team that fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

As Barrett spoke of the war, his Regiment, its accomplishments and his passion to keep its legacy alive - he was flanked by photos, posters, books and medals carefully displayed at his desk. A photo of Barrett in uniform revealed that with the exception of distinguished white hair, at age 88 he has changed very little. Barrett was hesitant to accept any personal credit for what had been achieved during that infamous conflict, but the photos, memorabilia and written accounts tell a story of remarkable courage, brotherhood and patriotism.

Following World War II, Barrett went to Boston University on the GI Bill. It was there that he met Fran, who had been an Army nurse, and married her on Veterans Day in 1949. Despite the patriotism that had been demonstrated by the couple via their military service, the wedding date had no symbolic message attached.

"It was a Saturday, we both had the day off and the church was available," Barrett explained. "I missed a big football game that day, too because of it!"

The couple settled north of Boston in Saugus and started their family. Barrett, despite his war wounds was able to carry on with life and work and raising his six children. Though enjoying ordinary life in the country for which he had fought and sacrificed, he carried with him memories of the sights and sounds of war and suffering, especially those accumulated during the legendary battle in the cold and snowy Belgian countryside.

The Barretts moved to the town two years ago to be near their daughter, Joanne and grandson, Eric Weinstein.

When his children were growing up, Barrett never talked about the war, said Joanne. "It is only as adults that we learned so much about his involvement in the Battle of the Bulge," she said.

"At the time I thought, ’Why talk about it? I can’t explain it. Who would understand it?’" Barrett said. "You couldn’t understand it unless you had been there. I don’t understand it myself. I was so young and I remember it all but I don’t remember being very scared.

"We were like brothers though, and we would have ’pacts’ with our fellow soldiers that if something happened to one, the other would be sure to be in touch with the family when we returned home."

As a young man in the frigid forests of Ardennes, Belgium, Barrett surely was unaware how much he would contribute to this code of honor more than half-a-century later. For Christmas in 2000 his children gave him a computer. His son, Bob, created a website for him telling the story of his life and honoring his Regiment. The site: 517th Parachute Infantry Home Page has grown to be a source for veterans, their families and friends to remain in touch, connect with people who may have known a loved one, research facts about soldiers and their families and learn about the Battle of the Bulge....

Full article: TownOnline.com - Local News: WWII vet’s web site helps the 517th stay connected