Another blockbuster from Stephen Ambrose the recognized “dean of history” when it comes to World War II. You might say you don’t need to know this much about one aircraft or one group of men, but open the book anywhere and you won’t put it down. Even if, like me, you are partial to the B-17 (my husband’s father having flown one as does the … Continue reading The Wild Blue
Churchill died in 1965. Where was I and why do I not remember his passing? My father had a number of Churchill’s books on the bookshelves in our home, but I never opened one. As anyone else with more than a passing interest in Churchill, I’ve watched movies and documentaries about Churchill, read other books on the man, but none by him. But earlier this … Continue reading Winston: Bigger than Life
This is history. Not history 101 like you may have suffered through in your freshman year at college, but living, breathing history. In this eminently readable 500 page book, Groom braids together the events that led to and transpired during World War II as witnessed and influenced by three bigger than life men. Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin rise from the pages with details of character and … Continue reading The Allies
Frank Merrill, William Darby, and James Rudder. Who were they and what do they have in common? Frank Merrill’s name is perhaps the most well-known of the three, the man having been the subject of a number of books and Hollywood movies. Brigadier General Frank D. Merrill headed the 5307th Composite Unit in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II. The unit, also known as “Galahad” … Continue reading WWII in Our Backyards – Georgia
The Bataan Death March. Most of those interested in World War II know about the 75 mile forced march along the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines in 1942. It wasn’t meant to be nearly as brutal and deadly as it happened, but a confluence of factors contributed to the unfortunate circumstances–largely the unpreparedness of the Japanese when faced with the sheer number of prisoners and … Continue reading Ghost Soldiers
I’ve yet to trace the origin of sweetheart scarves, whether they began with WWI or earlier. What I do know is as Corporal John Lurker departed Evansville, Indiana, USA for Europe in 1918 at the height of the “war to end all wars,” my grandmother’s beau presented her with one. The scarf measures about a foot square, is trimmed in lace, and made of silk … Continue reading 100 Year-Old Memento
Dick Bailey nudges his wheelchair next to the podium. Summoning the little remaining strength he has in each arm, he presses against the chair to stand. An aide places an arm under Dick’s elbow and guides him to a tall chair behind the microphone. “I’m not as feeble as I look,” Dick says with his gravely voice. “I spoke to this group some months ago, … Continue reading Humor: A WWII Veteran’s Favorite Weapon
