I read with interest an obituary for Francis "Sharky" Madden and noticed he severed in WW2 but he was born in 1929 and at the end of WW2 he was 16 years 9 months old? Too many folks "puff" their resume in the area of military service.

The obit. also states that he died at the Veteran's home in Tilton. Have you ever tried to get someone in there? There is so much red tape it is IMPOSSIBLE to get in by "puffing up"! Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is checked and double checked BEFORE you can even get on a wait list. I'm talking BOXES of documentation! And even at that, your paperwork needs to be submitted and reviewed annually while you are on the wait list. Back then it was common for young men to lie about their age so they could serve. My father-in-law was one of them. He was barely 17, and an orphan, with few options available to him when he signed up. Before you dis on a veteran make sure you have all the facts! I thank you, Mr. Madden, for your service to our country. May you rest in peace.

Perhaps it meant to say Korean or Vietnam. Perhaps he enlisted at 16 saying he was 17. I am slightly perturbed that you question the validity of his service.