My grandfather on my fathers side was a Gunners Mate on the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) on Dec. 7th, and survived.. Died in the 1980's.
On my mothers side,
A uncle was a ball turrent gunner on a B-17 over Japan... (Still alive)
Another uncle was a POW in Germany... Died in the 1980's. His son has written a book on his fathers experiences... soon to be released...
If you ever have the chance to go to the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii or the Allied Cemetery in Normandy, you should do so... words cannot describe the feelings that will come over you..