Category Archives: Book Reviews
“What Leora Never Knew” by: Joy Neal Kidney
“What Leora Never Knew”
After having read Joy Neal Kidney’s, “Leora’s Letters”, I felt as though I had learned all there was to know about the 3 uncles she had lost during WWII. I should have not come to that conclusion quite so quickly. I really should have expected that Joy would adamantly press on to locate any possible shred of further data she get her hands on.
I realize now that in “Leora’s Letters”, I had gotten introduced to the boys from Iowa, Dale, Danny, Junior and, of course, their family. In this new work, “What Leora Never Knew“, I got to see the three of them turn into the soldiers, the pilots – the men they had become.
Joy’s intense mission to locate any, if not all, the information concerning her uncles, will leave you with an understanding of the need to have such stories told. People like her, and me included, with so many others, not only want these men remembered, but honored for their actions and sacrifices. They had so many lessons to teach us.
Joy Neal Kidney
Those expressing their feelings about this book in the endorsement section, convey their approval of “What Leora Never Knew” far more eloquently than I, but I believe we all share the same mutual respect for this endeavor.
Documentation accompanies the stories that Joy relates about her uncles’ time in service and their achievements. The friends and fellow airmen shared their thoughts, memories and photos with Joy; all of which I know were a comfort to her.
Other members of the Wilson family and extended family, had also served and performed their duty for God, County and Family – heroes in their own right, who thankfully returned to hand down their values to the children.
Joy shares her photos willingly and continues the story to the time family members made a memorable visit to Europe to visit Danny’s grave and those of many others buried so far from home. Plus, where to view each family members’ grave. Her family’s grief reminds me of a poem, from an unknown author, entitled, “If Tears Could Build A Stairway”…
Wilson Family Stars
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knows why…
Tucked in the back of the book , between the Resources and Acknowledgements, sits Questions to Ponder… all good, poignant questions, but to you, granddaughter of Leora, my answer to # 8 is an emphatic, “Never!”
Thank you, Joy, for your hard work and diligence. This is a magnificent addition to my shelves!!
To locate Joy and her books: Click HERE
Joy’s books
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Military Humor – 
SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT ON A LEASH!
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Farewell Salutes –
Osprey Crash – Japan – 21st Special Op Squadron.353rd Special Op Wing
Terrell K. Brayman – Pittsford, NY; US Air Force, Captain, pilot
Jacob M. Galliher – Pittsfield, MA; US Air Force, SSgt., Airborne Linguist, Specialty: Mandarin
FAREWELL
Jeffery T. Hoernemann – Andover, MN; US Air Force, Major, CV-22 pilot/instructor
Brian K. Johnson – Reynoldsburg, OH; US Air Force, Senior Airman, Flight Engineer
Zachery E. Lavoy – Oviedo, FL; US Air Force, TSgt., Flight Chief, Medical Operations
Eric E. Spendlove – St. George, UT; US Air Force, Major, Flight Surgeon
Jake M. Turnage – Kennesaw, GA; US Air Force, SSgt., Flight Engineer
Luke A. Unrath – Riverside, CA; US Air Force, Major, pilot, Flight Commander
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Norman M. Lear (101) – New Haven, CT; US Army, WWII, ETO, B-17 gunner/radioman, 772 BS/463 BG/15th Air Force, Air Medal W/ 4 Oak Clusters / screenwriter, sitcom creator & producer
Gordon D. McCarthy – Palmer, MI; US Army, Korea, Cpl., KIA (Chosin Reservoir)
James R. Ward – Springfield, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Oklahoma, Seaman 1st Class, KIA (Pearl Harbor, HI), Medal of Honor
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“Voices from Vietnam” by: Kayleen Reusser / Review
‘Voices from Vietnam’ by: Kayleen Reusser
VOICES FROM VIETNAM
by: Kayleen Reusser
Vietnam was the 10-year “Police Action” that developed and escalated in my generation’s youth. We saw casualty lists in the newspapers increasing daily. Here in Kayleen Reusser’s book are interviews with the troops that managed to survive the horror that was the Vietnam War.
Keyleen Reusser
In this book, a background story is given for each contributor, their branch of military, method of service and then, what they experienced. But the pains of war did not stop with their return home. These gallant people told Kayleen of what they ran into upon returning to the United States. The events, such as protesters, and name calling, are embarrassing, disheartening and downright disappointing to know how the people of this country were behaving toward these troops.
Despite the home front’s utter fear of the draft and disapproval of the war, these veterans carried on and we are privileged to read of their accomplishments. There are photos of them, so that you can visualize the veteran to the story.
Vietnam veterans
This era was opposite that of WWII, but I hope “Voices from Vietnam” has the same affect on other readers as it had on me. It brought back memories, but added an insight that can still be learned by this and future generations. You will find yourself turning the pages and going from one story to another.
Just as Kayleen’s book, “We Gave Our Best” inspired me and gave me hope for our future and our military – I recommend this book wholeheartedly and hope many will give these men and women the time to tell their stories that no one wanted to hear in the ’60’s and ’70’s.
Through it all, they remained true and loyal.
This is an honest and straightforward depiction of that era – A MUST READ.
TO LOCATE KAYLEEN REUSSER AND HER BOOK – CLICK HERE!
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Walter Morgan Bryant – Delray Beach, FL; USMC, Vietnam, Sgt.
Leo Cummings, Jackson, MI; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Jim Grewe – Edina, MN; US Army, Vietnam, 4th Infantry & 101st Airborne Division
Gilbert L. Harris – Spotsylvania, VA; US Army, 82nd Airborne Division, Green Beret
Stephen Hoke – Meadville, PA; US Army, Vietnam, 1st Calvary & 82nd Airborne Division
Jerry L. O’Nan – Lexington, KY; USMC, Vietnam, Pfc. # 2132524, E Co/4/2/3rd Marine Division, KIA (Quang Nam Province, SV)
Michael R. Paul – Williamsburg, KY; US Army, Vietnam, radio repair, 101st Airborne Division
Robert J. Reginald – Lindenhurst, NY; US Army, Vietnam, Cpl. # 52748547, B/502/2/101st Airborne Division, KIA (SV)
Timothy C. Reitmann – Valley Stream, NY; US Army, Vietnam, Spec. # 52748020, vehicle repair, A/2/5/11 Field Force, KIA (SV)
Eugene “Butch” Skoch – East Meadow, NY; US Army, Vietnam, Pfc., KIA
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Book Review | “IN THE MOUTH OF THE LION” by J. Guenther
J. Guenther
I was privileged to receive this novel brilliantly authored by J. Guenther. This book transports you back to the days many of your relatives lived through – to the European Theater of WWII – the war that changed the world.
You will find easy reading and rest assured, no previous military or secret service experience or knowledge is required. This work has been tirelessly researched by the author and it shows. You’ll find characters you recognize, and should you not be familiar with their history, there are short bios in the rear of the story.
Allen Dulles: being in charge of the OSS, (predecessor of the CIA), at the Bern, Switzerland office.
Mary Bancroft: employee of the OSS and girlfriend to Dulles, after reading one of the agency’s handbooks, felt qualified to set off into the excitement and danger of being a spy. In my opinion, she was perhaps an exaggerated example of how that generation went above and beyond for the sake of trying to correct what was horribly wrong with the world.
Dr. Carl Jung
Just imagine driving eminent psychologist, Carl Jung, into Germany to meet with and psychoanalyze Adolph Hitler himself!!
Just when you feel the suspense is over, more questions arise to intrigue you – you stay riveted, turning page after page, as even more familiar names come on the scene in this well-paced adventure.
I’ll say no more of the story for fear of divulging too much – and it’s up to you, but I couldn’t help but have an Ah-Hah moment at the very end.
I should add, that at the very end of the book is also a psychological explanation of Hitler’s “voice”, of which I found very interesting.
I recommend this book to all.
“IN THE MOUTH OF THE LION”, by: J. Guenther
To reach J. Guenther or simply purchase a copy of “IN THE MOUTH OF THE LION”, or any of his other books _____HERE @ WordPress or @ Amazon HERE
OR: Here at Goodreads
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Current News –
The Navy has announced the names of the cruisers that it wants to decommission as part of the latest budget proposal, as well as confirming that all the Freedom-class littoral combat ships — including one that is less than two years old — are headed for scrap.
USS Bunker Hill (CS-52)
A Navy spokesman confirmed that the five cruisers slated for the cut are: USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), USS San Jacinto (CG-56), USS Lake Champlain (CG-57) and USS Vicksburg (CG-69).
The Navy also confirmed that all of its Freedom-class littoral combat ships — the USS Fort Worth (LCS-3), USS Milwaukee (LCS-5), USS Detroit (LCS-7), USS Little Rock (LCS-9), USS Sioux City (LCS-11), USS Wichita (LCS-13), USS Billings (LCS-15), USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) and USS St. Louis (LCS-19).
11 of the ships slated for decommissioning are less than 10 years old and singled out the USS St. Louis as being less than two years old and two of the 24 ships as “currently in modernization.”
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Emile Alito Jr. – New Orleans, LA; US Navy, WWII, USS Mt. McKinley, radioman
Rockwood T. Benjamin – New Haven, CT; US Coast Guard, WWII / US Army, Korea, Sgt.
OUR FLAG
Courtesy of: Dan Antion
La Vern Buist – Mendon, UT; US Army, WWII, PTO, 1879th Aviation Engineer Battalion
Michael W. Caldwell – Quincey, IL; US Army, Vietnam, 82nd Airborne Division, Silver Star
Aubrey Churhman – KS; US Army Air Corps, WWII, C-46 & 47 pilot
Joseph F. Coda (103) – Lodi, NJ; US Army, WWII, Bronze Star
Norman C. Glenn – Garden City, SC; USMC, WWII
George Kittel – Brooklyn, NY; US Army, WWII, ETO
Verl E. Luzena (100) – Bradford, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Signal Corps, cameraman
Nehemiah Persoff – brn: ISR; US Army, WWII, Special Services (Entertainment unit) / Beloved actor
Elvin L. Phillips – Salt Lake City, UT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Sgt. # 19011888, B-24 gunner, 66th BS/44h BG/8th Air Force, KIA (Bucharest, ROM)
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“Where Shall I Flee?” by: Anne Clare
“Where Shall I Flee?” by: Anne Clare
“Where Shall I Flee?” by: Anne Clare
One does not need to be a WWII buff or a lover of historical fiction to enjoy this accomplishment. I recommend it to ALL!
Being as I normally read and report non-fiction, I was very impressed with Anne Clare’s realistic characterization and portrayal of WWII in Italy. By showing the characters had their own faults and by not romanticizing war, she uses perpetual advancement to draw the reader ever further into their lives.
US Army on Anzio beachhead
Anne Clare is an avid history reader/researcher who asks, “What if?” The end result is a suspenseful story that brings you into the sphere of action in Anzio and beyond, plus their own personal conflicts.
A nurse who isn’t quite sure why she’s there, to the soldiers of different backgrounds and how they connect – from combat, to being prisoners, to their own attempts at survival. You see the true evolvement of camaraderie.
Ms. Clare possesses a delicate, yet intense method for showing place, character and events. How they meld together to transport the reader back to 1944, along with the physical and emotional upheaval of that era.
56th Evac Hospital, WWII
Nurse Jean Hoff, the heroine of this tale, not only tries to heal the wounded, but finds that a gruff Corporal can show her how to heal own wounds.
The plot is woven to hold you in suspense, with no wish to lay the volume down.
Come and enter their world and perhaps you will learn as they did.
Anne Clare’s blog – where you can also read her informative posts and/or purchase her books.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Josephine Baker – WWII Spy
Josephine Baker in her Free French Air Force uniform
I knew she was a superstar, but this story was new to me!
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Military Humor –
“Too much beer last night, Miss Pringle?”
“What makes you think the WACs are coming to this camp?”
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Farewell Salutes –
Roydean L. Adams – Pryor, OK; USMC, WWII, PTO, Cpl.
Russell Barry Sr. – NYC, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, HQ Co/327/101st Airborne Division
Edward H. Benson – Roanoke County, VA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Pfc. # 13118798, 1562nd Army Air Corps Base, KIA (Biak Island
Grady H. Canup – Greenwood, SC; US Army, WWII, ETO, SSgt. # 34093884, Co C/1/12/4th Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (Hürtgen Forest, GER)
Lloyd Davidson – Irons, MI; US Navy, WWII, ATO
Cary S. Eleser – Slidell, LA; US Navy, WWII
Paul T. Kuras – San Antonio, TX; USMC, Aviation Engineer (Ret. 20 y.)
Andrew J. Ladner – Harrison City, MS; US Army, WWII, PTO, Pvt. # 34133073, 126/32nd Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (Huggin Roadblock, Papua, NG)
Alfred O’Neill – Rhinelander, WI; US Army, WWII, ETO, Korea & Vietnam, Sgt. Major (Ret. 30 y.) / West Point rifle team coach
Stanford I. Polonsky (101) – Winston-Salem, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Col. (Ret. 28 y.), Engineers/82nd Airborne Division
Clarence Stirewalt – Evans, GA; US Navy, WWII
Walter G. Wildman – Bristol, PA; US Army, WWII, ETO, Pvt. # 33589024, Co M/12/4th Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (Hürtgen Forest, GER)
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“SOLDIERS’ STORIES” VOL. 2, by the Miller Family, REVIEW
Soldiers’ Stories, Vol. II
After reading the Miller Family’s first volume OF SOLDIERS’ STORIES, I was excited to receive Volume # 2. I was not disappointed.
Not only was I, as usual, proud to see 4 pages of my own Father’s stories in print, but even discovered another member of the 11th Airborne Division represented among the other memoirs.
Most of my readers tell me that they find the personal stories and letters from my father and other veterans to be their favorite posts. In this book, readers are privileged to have over 300 pages of such tales.
The many photographs give you a personal perspective, both humorous and educational, of a time that dramatically altered the entire world. Men and women alike are included in this well constructed journal for the generation we are so quickly losing.
Every branch of service, in each theater of operation, is represented along with the invaluable contributions of the home front military, women, civilians and our British Allies.
Modern day honoring of those buried in foreign lands and innumerable photos of the people who fought for us and the treasures they left behind. Even fellow blogger and author, Joy Neal Kidney, has the Wilson Family included.
You can hear in their words the eagerness to serve their country, their laughter and the camaraderie of close unit ties. You might even feel their pain.
Inspired by the Miller Family’s, SSgt. Myron Miller, of the 83rd Infantry, I can unquestionably recommend both Volume # 1 and # 2 of SOLDIERS’ STORIES!
For Myra Miller’s blog, click HERE!
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Military Humor –
“I’ve given you th’ best years of my life.”
“What’s your job, steady K.P.?”
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Farewell Salutes –
Evo Aspreli – New Haven, CT; US Army, WWII
Michael Collins – Washington, D.C.; US Air Force, pilot / NASA, Astronaut, MGeneral
111024-N-WD757-029
SAN DIEGO (Oct. 24, 2011) Ceremonial honor guard await to render honors for retired Vice Adm. Paul F. McCarthy. McCarthy (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Carlos M. Vazquez II/Released)
Carl Dalrymple – Jamestown, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII
James Edgar (100) – brn: Pietersburg, So. Afr.; Gordon Highlanders, WWII, ETO & CBI, Intelligence SOE
Philip T. Hoogacker – USA; US Army, Korea, Pfc., Co. D/1/29th Infantry Regiment, KIA (Anui, So. Korea)
George Humphrey – Onslow County, NC; US Army, Medic, 11th Airborne Division
Theodore Q. Jensen – Delta, UT; US Navy, WWII, PTO, radioman, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
James ‘Sonny’ Melhus – Eau Claire, WI; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, HQ Co./506/101st Airborne Division
William H. Melville – Minneapolis, MN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 2nd Lt., pilot, 36th FS/8th FG, KIA (Papua, New Guinea)
Christopher F. Pantos – Richmond, VA; US Army, Kuwait, SSgt., 55th Sustainment Brigade
John Shoemaker – Mont Clare, PA; US Army, WWII, ETO, SSgt., 87th Infantry, Purple Heart
Michael Sierra – San Antonio, TX; Texas National Guard / US Army, Vietnam, platoon leader, 327/101st Airborne Division
Del Ray Echo Hawk
”Ken’s Men Against the Empire, vol. I”
I acquired “Ken’s Men, Against the Empire, volume I” during this pandemic of ours and when I reached the story of Bootless Bay, I couldn’t get it out of my mind, so I decided to share it with you all. I thank the research of Lawrence J. Hickey and the IHRA for over 373 pages of unforgettable stories, plus a sneak preview of Volume II. I can’t praise this organization enough. I recommend you all try at least one of their books.
Del Ray Echo Hawk
Rescue from Bootless Bay
As men fought on the ground in New Guinea, the 5th Air Force was in the sky above them. The B-24D, the “Ben Buzzard”, 43rd Bombardment Group/64th Bombardment Squadron, with Lt. Stephen Blount as pilot, could be heard over the radio at Seven Mile Drome as they returned in violent weather over the Owen Stanley Mts., and then the roar of the engines abruptly ceased…
“Ben Buzzard” 43rd Bombardment Group
Gas was leaking from a split in the trailing edge of the left wing; then one of the engines on the left wing suddenly quit and the radio operator couldn’t raise the tower, he had no idea if they were receiving his messages.
“Ben Buzzard” skipped across the water, then porpoised. The rear part of the plane split and flipped over the nose. Blount, not wearing his seatbelt, was catapulted through the Plexiglas windshield.
Jack Matisoff & Del Ray Echo Hawk, best friends
It was 18 October 1943 when Staff Sgt. DelRay Echo Hawk, who had been manning one of the waist guns and wounded, popped to the surface. He then filled his lungs and dove back underwater. He swam to the waist area of the aircraft, bent back the rear fuselage and pulled SSgt. Clayton L. Landon out of the wrecked Liberator. Del Ray’s hands were cut and bleeding from the jagged metal, but he had saved Landon’s life.
Major Harold M. Brecht, who had just landed, hurried to his plane with another pilot and took off in search of the missing crew. Their flight path took them directly down the length of Bootless Bay, where Blount and co-pilot, Julian Petty were yelling and waving frantically…
Crew taken in front of “Lucky Lucille”. Top 2nd from right is Jack Matisoff, 4th from Right, Echo Hawk. Signatures on back: Julian Al Petty, John R. O’Neal Jr., Coltrane C. Sherrill, Bob Lee, Bob Mason, Delray Echo Hawk, Albert Richter Jr., Jack Shainfine, Arthur Brent
Apparently unseen, the 4 surviving crewmen continued to ride the 3-foot swells. Fortunately, within a few minutes a canoe appeared and turned in their direction. Inside were 2 curious Australian enlisted men, who had seen the plane disappear and commandeered a native boat to investigate.
After a hurried discussion, it was decided that the men would hold onto the side of the canoe and be towed.
The Australians at the camp formed 2 long parallel lines 200 yards out in the water. The Americans were passed from one man to another until they were safely on shore.
Landon and Echo Hawk, the most seriously injured, were laid out on the beach to await an ambulance. They were then transported to a field hospital.
Lt. Blount would recommend Del Ray Echo Hawk, a member of the Oklahoma Cherokee Nation, for the Silver Star for his exceptional bravery in rescuing SSgt. Landon. Echo Hawk later received the Soldier’s Medal and the entire crew was awarded the Purple Heart.
Grave marker for Del Ray Echo Hawk
This story was condensed.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Robert D. Bay – Chesterfield, MI; US Army, WWII, PTO, Corps of Engineers, MGen. (Ret.)
Shirley (Cherrington) Beachum – Catawissa, PA; US Army WAC, WWII, link instructor
From: Cora Metz posters
Wilfred C. Cloutier – Guilford, VT; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Ralph Dunwoody – Aberdeen, SD; US Army, WWII, Intelligence & Recon
Dorothy D. Garippo – Roselle, IL; US Navy WAVE, WWII, nurse
Yvonne H. Jackson – Owego, NY; US Navy WAVE, WWII
Gene M. Kirby – Davenport, IA; US Army, WWII, ETO
A.J. Laughlin – New Carlisle, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Jack Moreland – Paducah, TX; US Army, WWII, 2nd Division
Raymond Sontag (101) – Creve Coeur, IL; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, SSgt.
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C/O Postmaster – Book Review
Thomas “Ozzie” St. George, a student in the School of Journalism, University of Minnesota, and an athlete, would find himself soon in the U.S. Army as his country entered WWII. BUT – This is not a war, combat blood ‘n’ guts diary.
St. George sent excerpts of his training, his not-so-glamorous voyage across the Pacific and the year he spent in Australia discovering a new culture, to the ‘San Francisco Chronicle’.
Cpl. St. George numbered his pieces, knowing full-well the difficult route they would travel to get back to the U.S. These pieces would arrive at the newspaper, with his sketches completely out of order, but the Chronicle printed them and the readers loved them. One does not even need to “read between the lines” to visualize what this G.I. was trying to say as he learned about fish & chips, unusual pub hours, Australian slang and living a military life.
Dancing with Americans
“Ozzie” and his fellow G.I.s needed to learn the odd hours of the local pubs. The Australian women were friendly, but not “easy”, as they used to say back then. Families often invited the soldiers to dinner. This was an entirely different world than the Americans were accustom – and learn quickly they would have to do!
As seen with the Army cooks on page 55:
“…we went to breakfast. Most of us, I’m afraid, were looking forward to large helpings of ham and eggs, our usual reward for a night’s activity. Instead we had coffee made with chicory (a course kind of gravel) and our first lesson in the anatomy of the sheep, as found in mutton stew. Thick was this stew, like cold glue, full of unidentifiable vegetables and with all the delicious appeal of a soggy snowbank.”
American G.I.’s w/ koalas
Should be lucky enough to locate a copy of this book, I know there are chapters you will nod your head in agreement with St. George and you’ll laugh at others. The sketches will amuse you – no matter what the content.
In the words of Corporal Thomas St. George ….
“With most of us, this army career is by far the greatest experience we will ever have. I only hope that in reading about a few of these experiences you get half the kick out of it that we got when they were happening to us…”
Thomas ‘Ozzie’ St. George
From his obituary:
Thomas Richard “Ozzie” St. George left this earth on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at the age of 94. Originally with the 32nd Infantry, he soon joined the staff of Yank Magazine and covered the war from Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. While serving in the army, he met his future wife, Staff Sgt. Amelia “Mimi” Vitali of Philadelphia. They married while in the Philippines.
He spent the next 50 years at newspapers in San Diego, Philadelphia, Rochester and St. Paul. He was a reporter, sports editor, cartoonist, copy editor and columnist (“Slice of Wry” – St. Paul Pioneer Press). Ozzie retired from the Pioneer Press in 1994. Two books were written by Ozzie while he was in the Army: “C/O Postmaster,” a Book of the Month Club selection, and “Proceed Without Delay.” Following his retirement, he also self-published the Eddie Devlin Compendium: “Old Tim’s Estate,” “Wildcat Strike,” “The Bloody Wet,” “Bringing Chesty Home,” “Replevy for a Flute,” “Clyde Strikes Back,” “Flacks,” “Deadlines” and “The Survivors.”
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Military Political Cartoons –
“HAVEN’T WE MET BEFORE?”
“GET YOUR DIRTY PAWS OFFA THERE!”
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Farewell Salutes –
Kenneth “Kage” Allen – UT; US Air Force, 1st Lt., Air Academy graduate, F-15C pilot, 493rd Fighter Squadron/48th Fighter Wing
Wilton Brown – Avant, MS; US Navy, USS Princeton, / US Air Force, Korea, MSgt. (Ret.)
Wallace Harrelson (100) – Galloway, FL; US Army, WWII, ETO
Eva Lyons – Scottsdale, AZ; Civilian, WWII, P-38 assembler
Angus McRonald – Petercutter, SCOT, RAF, WWII
Russell Mericle Jr. – Lima, OH; US Army, Vietnam, 101st Airborne Division, Colonel, West Point graduate
William “Bill” Okamoto (100) – Torrance, CA; US Army, WWII
William Ostrosky – Uniondale, NY; US Navy, WWII
Joseph Pauro – Audubon, NJ; US Navy, WWII, ETO/PTO, Purple Heart
Thomas D. Siefke (100) – Indianapolis, IN; USMC, WWII, Sgt., Bronze Star, Purple Heart
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Memorial Day + “You Are Not Forgotten” book review
From Arlington to remote prairie shrines to foreign fields, America provides a resting place for her fallen. Now, on this poignant 25th day of May, we revive the memory of those heroes, though we should honor them every day. Long after the agony of Bunker Hill, Heartbreak Ridge, Normandy, the Chosin Reservoir, the Tet Offensive and Bagdad, the dead lie in peace. They and their comrades have left us names the world should never forget. Make certain they did not die in vain.
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“You Are Not Forgotten”
Two men, their lives separated by over 60 years, became forever intertwined.
“You Are Not Forgotten” shows the inspiration and commitment of the American military. For this nonfiction story, it goes from the Pacific in WWII to a memory and experience of Iraq.
A USMC, F4U Corsair pilot, Major Marion ‘Ryan’ McCown, is lost during a battle over New Guinea and the jungle swallows all trace of him on 20 January 1944.
Over 60 years later, U.S. Army Major George Eyster V, despite coming from a long ancestry of military officers, became disillusioned after serving in Iraq. Instead of ending his career, he joined the JPAC (Joint Pow/MIA Accounting Command), a division whose sole purpose is to leave no man behind. With the author, Bryan Bender, at the helm, he brings these two lives together with researched firsthand information.
Read how facts and clues are pieced together to locate those that have fallen and that we so wish to remember and honor today.
This book was gifted to me from Judy Guion of the Greatest Generation Lessons, who found this book not only fascinating, but educational. Thank you very much, Judy.
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GP Cox’s Veterans
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Farewell Salutes –
Iona Anderson – Garber, IA; Womens USMC, WWII, Sgt.
Trevarius Bowman – Spartansburg, SC; US National Guard, Afghanistan, 1st Lt., 228th Tactical Signal Brigade
Peter Clark Jr. – Menasha, WI, USMC, WWII
Henry Hoffman III – Brooklyn, NY; US Army Air Corps, Japan Occupation, 11th Airborne Division
Charles Jackson – Thackerville, OK; US Coast Guard, (Ret.28 y.)
Moyne Linscott – Sumner, MO; US Army Air Corps, Japan Occupation, 1127 Airborne Engineers/11th Airborne Division
WWII Memorial poem at Arlington Cemetery
John Myers – Toledo, OH; US Coast Guard, WWII / US Army, Korea, mine sweeper
William Opalka – Chicago, IL; US Merchant Marines, WWII
Terrance Plank – Santa Cruz, CA; US Army, Vietnam, medic, 3/506/101st Airborne Division, Purple Heart, Bronze Star
Gene Vance – Garner, TX; US Navy, WWII, PTO / US Army, Vietnam, 11th Airborne Div. & 10th Special Forces Group, Sgt. Major (Ret.) / FAA
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courtesy of fellow blogger, Patty B.
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Francis the Talking Mule
Francis and Pvt. Stirling
Thanks to Curt Mekemson for jogging my memory about Francis the Talking Mule!!
This 2 minute trailer for Francis explains far more than I can in words – watch and enjoy!!
Francis the Talking Mule was a character who became a celebrity during the 1950s as the star of seven popular film comedies. The character originated in the 1946 novel Francis by former U.S. Army Captain David Stern III (1909–2003), son of newspaper publisher J. David Stern.
After another studio turned down the property, Universal bought the rights for a film series, with Stern adapting his own script for the first entry, simply titled Francis. Sammy McKee, a common sole, was the inspiration for Francis. A layman from Cincinnati, his wit and demeanor were only duplicated. It could not be replicated.
Francis the Talking Mule
“Francis ” is produced by Robert Arthur, directed by Arthur Lubin, and stars Donald O’Connor and Patricia Medina. The distinctive voice of Francis is a voice-over by actor Chills Wills.
Six Francis sequels from Universal-International followed this first effort.
During World War II, a junior American Army officer, Lt. Peter Stirling, gets sent to the psychiatric ward whenever he insists that an Army mule named Francis speaks to him.
When a bank manager discovers Peter Stirling, one of his tellers, is attracting public attention he calls the young man in who relates his story in flashback.
Then 2nd Lieutenant, Peter Stirling (Donald O’Connor), is caught behind Japanese lines in Burma during WWII. Francis, a talking Army mule, carries him to safety. When Stirling insists that the animal rescued him, he is placed in a psychiatric ward. Each time Stirling is released, he accomplishes something noteworthy (at the instigation of Francis), and each time he is sent back to the psych ward when he insists on crediting the talking mule.
Francis and John McIntire
Finally, Stirling is able to convince three-star General Stevens (John McIntire) that he is not crazy, and he and the general become the only ones aware of Francis’ secret. In an effort to get himself released from the psych ward, Stirling asks Stevens to order Francis to speak, but the mule will not obey until it becomes clear that Stirling will be arrested for treason if he remains silent.
During one of his enforced hospital stays, he is befriended by Maureen Gelder (Patricia Medina), a beautiful French refugee. He grows to trust her and tells her about Francis. Later, a propaganda radio broadcast from Tokyo Rose mocks the Allies for being advised by a mule. This leads to the suspicion of Stirling or Maureen being a Japanese agent. The press is later informed that the absurd mule story was concocted in order to flush out the spy, and with Francis’ help, the real culprit is identified.
Francis is shipped back to the U. S. for further study, but his military transport crashes in the wilds of Kentucky. After the war, convinced that Francis survived the crash, Peter searches for and finally finds the mule still alive and well and talking!
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Animals in the Military Humor –
Military Animal humor
Squirrel Soldier
Canine Humor Squad
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Quarantine Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Howard Aab – Windsor, CO; US Navy / US Air Force, Korea (Ret. 20 y.)
Elden R. Baumbach – Stockton, CA; USMC, WWII, PTO, Pfc., B Co./6th Marines, KIA (Tarawa)
NEVER FORGET
Brian Dennehy – Mineola, NY; USMC / beloved actor
Melvin Eggergluss – Buffalo, MN; USMC, Korea, SSgt., 2 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart
Marjorie Lord – New Orleans, LA; FBI, WWII
Elizabeth Martin – Hamilton, CAN; Civilian, RCMO secretary, WWII
Franklin Patterson – Houston, TX; US Army, WWII, ETO, Signal Corps, 2 Bronze Stars
Scott Pearce – Woodbury, NZ; RNZ Army # 447461, WWII
Anthony Troiano – Mont Pleasant, NY; US Coast Guard, WWII
Mildred Wheeler – Oakley, TN; Civilian, Pentagon secretary, WWII
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Pearl Harbor – your opinion? / “Leora’s Letters” review
This subject is still a topic of debate, even to this day. Please watch these 2 videos before giving me your opinion. Thank You.
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Book Review – “Leora’s Letters” by: Joy Neal Kidney
No one warned me that when you read this book – you must be prepared to join the family.
Reading Leora’s Letters, you do not merely become acquainted with this close-knit, hard-working family – you become one of them. In this tumultuous period of our history, you are transported into the heartland’s home front and the different areas of combat of that age. You can understand their dreams and hopes; feel their anguish, trepidation and heartaches and you pull for each member of that family to succeed just as you do for your own loved ones.
One need not be a WWII buff or knowledgeable of military operations to comprehend the Wilson brothers’ correspondences. You need not be familiar with Iowa in the 1940’s to grasp the emotions and hardships they endured.
This non-fiction experience will not disappoint – and don’t take MY word for that!! After reading it, I researched the opinion of other readers and it has a solid 5-Star rating!! Click HERE or the link above to purchase this treasure or click on Joy’s name above to reach her website.
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Barbara Barnett – Chappaqua, NY; US Army WAC, WWII, nurse
Calvin Beazley – Chesterfield, VA; US Army, WWII, SSgt.,1151st Engineer Combat Group ? Korea
Cecil Crookshanks – Rainelle, WV; US Navy, WWII, Korea & Vietnam (Ret.)
Theodore Fibison (100) – Syracuse, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, pilot, Flight Instructor
Don Howison – Bradenton, FL; US Navy, WWII, PTO, The last officer of the USS Indianapolis to take his final voyage.
Margaret Madden – Berlin, MD; US Navy WAVES, WWII
Colin G. Parry – Hamilton, NZ; RNZ Air Force # 432370, WWII
Wallace Ramos Jr. – Honey Grove, TX; US Navy, WWII / Korea, Chief Petty Officer (Ret.)
Arthur B. Summers – Poplar, MT; USMC, WWII, PTO, Gunnery Sgt., KIA (Tarawa)
LLoyd R. Timm – Kellogg, MN; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 2nd Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
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Pacific Paratrooper 