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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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USMC Birthday / Veterans Day 2022
The Marine Corps birthday has been commemorating on November 10 every year since 1775, the year of establishment of Continental Marines. Every year the cake cutting ceremony with the conventional ball follows.
Saluting the U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Corps Birthday Cake
Sketch of the original Tun Tavern
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Veterans Day
On November 11th, we pause to reflect on the history of this great Nation and honor all those who fought to defend it. Originally titled “Armistice Day” and intended to celebrate the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” Veterans Day allows us to give thanks to veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities, who stood up and said, “Send me.” We recognize your sacrifices, your sense of duty and your love for this country.
Thank you – To ALL our veterans!
The 11th Airborne Division jumps again!
PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
For many other countries who remain free thanks to their veterans, this day is called Remembrance Day. I thank you!!
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Lawrence “Junior” Anderson – Blanchard, MI; USMC, WWII, CBI, scout observer
Catherine Batoff – Cedar Lake, IN; US Army WAC, WWII
Jesse G. Bell – Roopsville, GA; US Navy, WWII, USS Case DD-370
Leo E. Cummings – Jackson, MI; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Ralph Fiorio – Peekskill, NY; US Army, WWII, ETO, 8th Armored Division
David E. Holeman – Le Harpe, KS; US Air Force, WWII, PTO, # 646029, 17/24th Pursuit Group, POW, KWC (Cabanatuan Camp, P.I.)
Merle L. Pickup – Provo, UT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, CBI, Cpl. # 39832953, 393 BS/308 BG, KIA (India)
Paul J. Simons Jr. (102) – Wyoming, MO; US Army, WWII
James M. Triplett – King County, WA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, TSgt # 39202130, B-24 radio operator, 700BS/445 BG/2/8th Air Force
Allen H. Tuttle – King County, WA; US Army, Korea, Sgt. # 19261249, field artillery cannoneer, C Batt/38/2nd Infantry Division, POW, KWC (NK Camp # 5)
Larry A. Zich – Lincoln, NE; US Army, Vietnam, Chief Warrant Officer # 508603819, HQ/37/1st Signal Brigade, KIA
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Why is the only one standing the man with a wheelchair?
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Poems
I think it’s time we had a lighthearted break….
Cletus O’Toole’s Navy Career
Cletus joined the Navy on a fool whim
And was told he needed to learn to swim
He was launched off the dock
And he sank like a rock
The Navy straightaway got rid of him!
A FRIEND, YOUR AMERICAN M.P.
When soldiers go out and have some fun,
They always forget about some other one.
That someone’s on duty every day,
To see that these soldiers are safe at play.
They call him names that we can’t print,
But they should sit down and try to think.
These men are detailed for this tough job,
So why go around and call him a snob?
When a guy’s in trouble, and things look bad,
They call on this fellow, and then he’s not bad.
At the end they will say, “this fellow took up for me.”
And the fellow that did it was your American M.P.
One thing to remember fellows when you’re down and out,
There’s a fellow that will help you if he hears you shout.
He will stand beside you and fight like hell.
So do the right thing, and treat him well.
Just remember fellows on your holiday,
One of your buddies can’t go out and play.
You call him an outcast, and other names,
But he’s your buddy, just the same.
We envy no one, try never to do harm.
We’re here to keep you safe, in every form.
So if you see us on duty, please don’t get mad.
Remember we’re here for you, and that M.P.’s aren’t bad.
– S/Sgt. GODFREY J. DARBY
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Military Humor –
Sometimes all you need are a few words of encouragement!
Click on images to enlarge.
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Farewell Salutes –
Robert R. Auer – Chicago, IL; US Army, Korea, company clerk
Erwin H. Boyer – Edmonds, WA; USMC, Korea / US Army, Korea, 101st Airborne Division (Ret. 26 y.)
Russell F. Chapman – Milford, CT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Sanford I. Finger – NYC, NY; US Army, Vietnam, SSgt. # 261646170, HQ Area Command, KIA (offshore Nha Trang, SK)
John H. Givens – Oelwein, IA; US Army, 82nd Airborne Division
Steve Magro – Rochester, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Hubert Pensinger – Fort Wayne, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Purple Heart
Roger W. Schmitz Sr. – Raymore, MO; US Army, WWII
Larry J. Tillman – Drumright, OK; Vietnam, 173rd Airborne Division
James Vandiver Jr. – Gainsville, GA; US Army, WWII, ETO, Pvt., 42nd Rainbow Division
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General Yamashita, conclusion
General Yamashita – click to enlarge
One of the most monumental surrenders in the Pacific War was General Tomoyuki Yamashita. He had joined the Japanese Army in 1906 and fought the Germans in China in 1914, graduated Staff College in 1916 and began a military attaché in Switzerland as an expert on Germany, where he was to meet Tojo Hideki.
Tojo soon became very envious of the success and advancements Yamashita was achieving. This was especially true after the campaign in Malaya and bluffing the British into surrendering to his inferior forces in Singapore. Tojo used his influence to have Yamashita transferred to Manchuria before he could even announce his win to the Emperor. The general was sent to the Philippine Islands in 1944. A man who believed in the Samurai traditions and was highly devoted to the Emperor.
Many times, my friend Mustang Koji has given me information on this war, his site, http://p47koji.wordpress.com and he supplied much of the data included here in today’s post. A visit to Koji’s website will give you stories about having relatives on both sides of the Pacific too. Very interesting!
The initial contact with Gen. Yamashita
30 August – negotiations with the general were drawing to a close, but he remained in his mountain headquarters sending word with thanks to the American Commanders for their “sincere efforts and concerns,” and his regrets that he was unable to contact his forces in Cagayan Valley, Balete Pass and the Clark Field areas.
Small groups were beginning to turn themselves in and Major General Yuguchi, of the 103d Division in the Cagayan Valley had already agreed to the surrender terms, but was awaiting word from Yamashita. The 37th Infantry Division was expecting 3,000 to surrender on 2 September. Throughout the Philippine Islands, capitulations were being delivered from Japanese officers.
correspondents at the trials.
Some Japanese soldiers refused to believe that the Emperor had aired a demand for peace and skirmishes were reported on various islands. No American troops were listed as casualties. Those killed during that action with unfriendly combatants were Japanese, Filipino, Korean. General Yamashita arrived for his surrender and behaved as a gentleman officer would, then was led away to Baguio City for confinement, surrender and trial.
Gen. Yamashita testifying.
In Time magazine, the writer ranted about Yamashita’s brutality during the Bataan Death March. The truth of the matter was – Yamashita was in Manchuria at the time. All in all, 5,600 Japanese were prosecuted during 2,200 trials. More than 4,400 men and women were convicted and about 1,000 were executed and approximately the same number of acquittals.
Translator, Masaksu Hamamoto,.
General Tomoyuki Yamashita’s case was the most famous of the American trials and was presided over by a military commission of 5 American general officers (none of which had any legal training) and held in the ballroom of the U.S. high commissioner’s residence. The charge was “responsibility for the death and murders tolerated – knowingly or not.” The general’s defense council, Col. Harry Clark, argued that no one would even suggest that the Commanding General of an American occupational force would become a criminal every time an American soldier committed a crime – but, Yamashita was just so accused.
The American Military Court in Manila sentenced Gen. Yamashita on 7 December 1945 and he was hanged on 23 February 1946.
The above is a modern photo of the Home Economics building of the Kiangan Central School where General Yamashita was first contacted. Later, he was sent to Baguio City for the formal surrender.
Photo is credited to, Dr. Walter Johnson
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From: GP To: ALL WHO DARE TO ENTER …
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Raymond J. Border – W. Lafayette, OH; US Navy, Iraq & Afghanistan, Chief Petty Officer, SeaBee, Bronze Star, KIA (Yahya Khel, AFG)
Loy E. Boyd – Wesley, AR; US Army, WWII, Signal Corps
“You Are Not Forgotten”
Ash Carter – Philadelphia, PA; US Government, Former Defense Secretary
Floyd F. Clifford – Douglass, KS; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 2nd Class # 3423274, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor, HI)
David N. Defibaugh – Duncansville, PA; US Army, Korea, Cpl. # 13308573, C Co/3rd Combat Engineers/24th Infantry Division, KIA (Taejon, SK)
Robert Garza – Eagle Pass, TX; US Army, Vietnam, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Purple Heart
Zelwood A. Gravlin – New Britain, CT; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Sgt. # 31125292, gunner, 343 BS/98 BG/9th Air Force, KIA (Ploiesti, ROM), DFC
Howard G. Malcolm – Jefferson County, IL; US Army, Korea, Sgt. # 16307893, Speed Radio Operator, HQ Co/9/2nd Infantry Division, POW, KWC (Chosin, NK)
David Norcross – Shreveport, LA; USMC, Korea, Cpl., Charlie Company/1st Marine Division, wounded 3 times, one of the Chosin Few
Gregory Schall – Buffalo, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII
William T. Wall – Marion, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co G/187/11th Airborne Division
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4th of July 2022 🇺🇸
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY 2022
Respect – Honor – Celebration
Celebrating the birth of our nation and dedicated to those who have served and fought to preserve our freedom.
PLUS A CHANGE OF PACE FOR PACIFIC PARATROOPER – A HUMOROUS LOOK AND 5 MINUTE HISTORY OF America’s BIRTH!
ONE TEAM UNITED – LET’S TRY THAT AGAIN AMERICA!!
Military July 4th Humor – 
Farewell Salutes –
William Anderson Jr. (100) – Ninety Six, SC; US Army, WWII, ETO, Purple Heart
Zane Baker (100) – Dayton, OH; US Army, WWII, PTO
William Coward Sr. – Ramseur, SC; USMC, WWII, PTO, MGunnery Sgt. (Ret. 33 y.)
Leon Diamond – Brooklyn, NY; US Navy, WWII
Donald W. Emery – Searsport, ME; US Navy, WWII, PTO, USS Hancock (CV-19), aviation ordnance
Grover Long – Adolphus, KY; US Navy, WWII
Howard McGhee – Sioux City, IA; US Army, WWII, ETO
Donald Morehead – St. Paul, MN; US Navy, WWII, signalman
Robert Pogna – Gunnison, CO; US Navy, WWII, USS Pocomoke
Hershel W. Williams – Quiet Dell, WV; USMC, WWII, PTO, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.), Purple Heart, Medal of Honor
🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
MEMORIAL DAY 2022
Today we commemorate our country’s most solemn national day of remembrance – Memorial Day. We honor the men and women of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. The Army leadership especially wants to thank our Gold Star families. We, along with a grateful nation remain inspired by your remarkable strength and fortitude.
As you reflect on this day, remember it has been granted to us by some of the most noble, selfless, and courageous men and women our country has ever produced. Of those who laid down their lives in defense of our great nation, all the way back to those who gave their lives to establish it, we remember.
Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.
For all of us who walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, it is our responsibility, our duty, and even our privilege to honor their sacrifice.
Stay safe. Stay ready. Stay strong
Ryan D. McCarthy, Secretary of the Army
For Freedom
MSGID/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE 2022//
Notable humanitarian, educator, and tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” Each year, Memorial Day offers us an opportunity to reflect on those who have given the last full measure in service to our great Nation and with the aim of securing freedom throughout the world. We owe the deepest debt of gratitude to all who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, and to the loved ones they left behind. This Memorial Day, let us remember the greatness of past generations and find inspiration in their courage, devotion, and selfless determination.
Gold Star family
2. Each fallen hero is the embodiment of the valiant fighting spirit and devotion to duty that our Nation has come to expect of her Marines in times of crisis. From every generation, a select few rise up and put themselves in harm’s way to protect the ideals on which America was founded. Their stories serve as a continual reminder that freedom should not be taken for granted. We can’t rest on the sacrifices of past generations – peace, freedom, and global security require constant vigilance. Pacing threats around the globe uphold the truth of President Ronald Reagan’s sentiment that “freedom is never more than one generation from extinction.”
3. So this Memorial Day, we honor the courageous actions and sacrifices of our fallen heroes, and we look to them for inspiration as we prepare for the next battlefields. Technology and tactics may change, but the fighting spirit of United States Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen remains strong.
4. Enjoy this holiday weekend. Stay safe, and remember you are a living memorial to all our fallen heroes.
Semper Fidelis,
David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//
D-Day memorial, Beford, VA
Riverside Cemetery POW Memorial
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Not Military Humor – (Please click on images to read)
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Farewell Salutes –
Richard Adams – Solon, OH; US Army, WWII, ETO
Winnie Ancar Sr. – City Price, LA; US Army, WWII, ETO, Interpreter
Anthony Bova – Plattsburgh, NY; US Air Force, Vietnam
Mildred Bourgeois – Cril, OK; US Navy WAVE, WWII, Aviation Radio Technician
James A. Coleman, USA; US Army, Korea, Sgt., Co I/3/19/24th Infantry Division, KIA (Hwach-on Reservoir, SK)
Luther Cranford – Eatonton, GA; US Navy, WWII, PTO
William J. Dees (101) – Fredericktown, MO; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Anderson Dyer – USA; USMC, WWII, Navajo Code Talker
Raymond Femc – Forest City, PA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co E/187/11th Airborne Division
Willie Goudeau (100) – Evergreen, LA; US Army, WWII, Major, Corps of Engineers
Marion Prince – Morganton, GA; US Army, Japanese Occupation, 511/11th Airborne Division
Larry Spencer – Wichita, KS; US Navy, Vietnam,F4B pilot, Commander, USS Ranger & Enterprise, POW, 4 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts
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https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2022/05/memorial-day-2022-e1653935275865.webp
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January 1945 cont’d
11th Airborne, Leyte
As the fighting for the 11th Airborne Division, on Leyte, came to a close, the battalions worked their way back to Bito Beach. The 674th and 675th Glider Field Artillery and the 457th Parachute Field Artillery remained in strategic positions to cover them.
The Luzon Attack Force, commanded by VAdmiral Kinkaid, under MacArthur, was composed of 7th Fleet units and numbered more than 850 ships. This was divided into the Lingayen Attack Force (Vice Admiral Wilkinson commanding), the San Fabian Attack Force (Vice Admiral Barbey), a reinforcement group (R Admiral Conolly commanding), a fire support and bombardment group ( VAdmiral Oldendorf ) and surface and air covering groups (Rear Admiral Berkey and Rear Admiral C.T. Durgin, respectively, commanding). The Luzon Attack Force was to transport, put ashore and support elements of the 6th U.S. Army (Lieutenant General Walter Krueger) to assist in the seizure and development of the Lingayen area.
2→3 January – A military report showed that 111 enemy aircraft were destroyed on and above Formosa and the Ryukyu Islands. B-24’s hit Haha Jima and Iwo Jima over a seven hour period and areas of Luzon and the Netherland East Indies (NEI) continued to be hit.
In preparation for the upcoming invasions of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and eventually Japan, Gen. MacArthur was placed in command of US ground forces and Adm. Nimitz over all naval forces.
3→4 January – the 3rd Fleet, operating under Admiral Halsey, with its fast carrier task force commanded by VAdmiral McCain, was to cover and protect the operation by air strikes over Luzon. There was little airborne opposition, but unfavorable weather conditions somewhat reduced the toll of enemy ships, planes and facilities destroyed.
Yamashita’s division of Luzon
Early in January, Japan’s General Yamashita pulled his Fourteenth Army (260,000 men) back off of Luzon’s beach to conserve them. He was aware of the forthcoming invasions of American troops.
Yamashita divided his men into three defensive groups; the largest, the Shobu Group, under his personal command numbered 152,000 troops, defended northern Luzon. The smallest group, totaling 30,000 troops, known as the Kembu Group, under the command of Tsukada, defended Bataan and the western shores. The last group, the Shimbu Group, totaling 80,000 men under the command of Yokoyama, defended Manila and southern Luzon.
Yamashita tried to rebuild his army but was forced to retreat from Manila to the Sierra Madre Mts. of northern Luzon, as well as the Cordillera Central Mts. Yamashita ordered all troops, except those tasked with security, out of the city.
Almost immediately, IJN RAdm. Sanji Iwabuchi re-occupied Manila with 16,000 sailors, with the intent of destroying all port facilities and naval storehouses. Once there, Iwabuchi took command of the 3,750 Army security troops, and against Yamashita’s specific order, turned the city into a battlefield.
Major Thomas McGuire
7 January – US pilot and ace, Major Thomas McGuire (38 victories) was killed in a low-level combat with a group of Japanese Zero fighters, led by Shiochi Sugita, the 3rd highest scoring ace of the IJN Air Force, over Negros Island.
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Military Humor –
If it’s stupid, but it works > it ain’t stupid.
If at first you don’t succeed > call in an airstrike.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Farewell Salutes –
James J. Bednarcik – Cleveland, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, SeaBee
Lawrence Brooks (112) – Norwood, LA; US Army, Australia, Pfc., 91st Engineering Battalion
Final Mission
Vincent D’Andrea – Sloatsburg, NY; US Navy, WWII, USS Broome
John Farnsworth (101) – Salem, MA; Civilian Conservation Corps / US Army, WWII
David Gilbert (105) – South Bend, IN; US Navy, WWII
Richard “Dick” Lutes – Wiscasset, ME; US Navy, Vietnam, Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic, Black Beret, River PT Sailor
Timothy D. Minatrea – Quitman, TX; US Navy, Desert Storm, Aviation Electricians Mate 1st Class
David V. Nguyen – Oakland, CA; CA National Guard, 870th MP Co.
Charles A. Peachtree Jr. – Lexington, KY; US Army, WWII, infantry
Juanita Quintero (100) – Pinole, CA; Civilian, welder, Richmond Shipyards
Edwin Schmidt – Alton, IL; US Army, WWII, PTO, cartographer
Billy Turner – Ardmore, OK; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor, HI)
Wesley Woods – Hornlake, MS; US Army, MSgt., 1st Stryker Brigade/25th Infantry Division
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USMC Birthday | Veterans Day
US Marine Corps Birthday
10 November 2021 – The United States Marine Corps’ 246th Birthday
Prior to 1921, Marines celebrated the recreation of the Corps on 11 July with little pomp or pageantry. On 21 October 1921, Major Edwin North McClellan, in charge of the Corps’s fledgling historical section, sent a memorandum to Commandant John A. Lejeune, suggesting the Marines’ original birthday of 10 November be declared a Marine Corps holiday to be celebrated throughout the Corps. Lejeune so ordered in Marine Corps Order 47:
Sketch of the original Tun Tavern
11 November 2021 – U.S. Veterans Day
On November 11th, we pause to reflect on the history of this great Nation and honor all those who fought to defend it. Originally titled “Armistice Day” and intended to celebrate the end of World War I, “the war to end all wars,” Veterans Day allows us to give thanks to veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities, who stood up and said, “Send me.” We recognize your sacrifices, your sense of duty and your love for this country.
Poppy from MaryLou
Remembrance Day around the world!
Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as Poppy Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of WWI, to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Following a tradition inaugurated by King George V, in 1919, the day is also marked by war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November in most countries to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”, in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente.
Click on still pictures to enlarge.
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Military Humor – 
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Farewell Salutes –
George Ankomeus – Ft. Atkinson, WI; US Army, Korea, Co. A/187th RCT
Santina Breen – Elizabeth, NJ; US Navy WAVES, WWII
Eric David – brn: Koln, GER; US Navy, WWII, electrician’s mate
Edward Fay Jr. – Bradenton, FL; US Army, 11th Airborne Division
Robert J. Herynk – Hanover, KS; US Army, WWII, PTO, Pvt., Co K/3/126/32nd Infantry Division, KIA (Soputa-Sanananda Track, NG)
Allan F. Hicks – MO; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, SSgt. # 19145765, 319th Bomber Group/440th B Squadron, KIA (Italy)
Harold W. Lindsey – San Antonio, TX; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 2nd Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Stephen C. Mason – Jersey City, NJ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, Pvt. # 12165894, HQ Co/505/82nd Airborne Division, Bronze Star, Silver Star, KIA (Beek, NETH)
James McDonald – Leveland, TX; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Fireman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Walter C. Stein – Cheyenne, WY; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Michaux Turbeville – Dillon, NC; US Army, Korea, Pfc., HQ Co/3/31/7th Infantry Division, KIA (Chosin Reservoir)
Leon S. Wheeler – Conklin, NY; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Co. E/188/11th Airborne Division
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Why is the only person standing, the one in the wheelchair?
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Playing cards made history
Playing cards to pass the time
War can be hell… and war can be absolute boredom. There are few better ways to pass the time than by playing cards. They’re easy to carry: small and lightweight, they fit into a rucksack, duffel bag or Alice pack without having to sacrifice any piece of essential gear.
Plus – they’re cheap!
Wartime decks have been used to help soldiers in the field learn about their enemies and allies, to identify aircraft and even teach American history. In the 2003 invasion of Iraq, American forces used playing cards to identify the most wanted members of Saddam Hussein’s regime.
The U.S. Army and the United States Playing Card Company cooperation goes way back. But it was their brand Bicycle that took it to a whole new level.
During WWII, Allied Intelligence officers contacted the card company to produce the most clandestine deck of cards in history. According to the Geneva Convention, Allied POWs were guaranteed the right to receive mail and packages from the Red Cross. The Allies saw this opportunity to smuggle useful objects to the prisoners.
map cards
This led to a top secret mission producing a deck of cards that included a hidden map, showing escape routes, directions and valuable tips and information which could help an escapee reach friendly lines or cross a border into a neutral country.
The map was concealed between 2 layers that formed the playing card. Once it was submerged in water, the POW could peel off the layers and find part of the map on each card. The cards were distributed at Christmas via the Red Cross Christmas parcels. Being as cards were always included in their packages, these special decks went unnoticed by the camp guards.
The now famous but once top-secret map deck helped 32 people escape from Colditz Castle. Very little is known about the clandestine decks, even today, for it was kept a secret after the war – as their use was a violation of the Geneva Convention.
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Did you know… ?
- The 4 suits in a decks represent the 4 season
- the 13 cards to each suit represent the phases of the lunar cycle
- 52 cards to a deck is for the 52 weeks in a year and
- There are 365 symbols in a deck for the days of the year
These items were condensed from those found in “The Voice of the Angels” newspaper of the 11th Airborne Division Association.
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13 October – U.S. Navy Birthday 246 Years
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Military Humor –
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Farewell Salutes –
Marvin D. Actkinson – Palo Pinto County, TX; US Army # 18347542, Korea, Cpl., Co B/1/32/7th Infantry Division, KIA (Chosin Reservoir, NK)
Victor E. Barrett – Westminster, SC; US Merchant Marines
Withold “John” Brazinskas – brn: Flatow, GER; US Merchant Marines, Vietnam
Charles H. “Chubby” Damsel Jr. – Columbus, OH; US Army, counter-intelligence
Donald E. Farry – Lake Worth, FL; US Army
Jeffrey B. Faivus – Huntington, NY; US Army, Captain
Harvey C. Fruehauf Jr. – Grosse Pointe, MI; US Navy
Wayne F. Galloway – New Castle, IN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, Medical/11th Airborne Division
Denis H. Hiskett – Nebraska City, NE; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Fireman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor, HI)
Lyman R. Sisney – Benton, IL; US Army, Korea, Co A/187th Regiment Airborne
Jack K. Wood – Wichita Falls, TX; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, 1st Lt., 344/98/9th Air Force, navigator, KIA (Ploiesti, ROM)
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Leyte continued
LST’s # 66,67,18,245,102 on 20 October 1944
While the Imperial Navy was floundering in their attempts to halt the persistent invasion of Leyte, Gen. Yamashita was in his headquarters at Fort McKinley on Luzon. He was receiving very little information from his own people and upon hearing of the US landing, he was heard to say, “Very interesting. But where is Leyte?” [The Japanese general had only just been transferred from Manchuria.]
Yamashita did not feel that the Japanese all-out standing defense should be on Leyte and he refused to supply more troops to the island. But he was overruled. Gen. Terauchi, knowing that the island’s occupation by the Americans would divide their bases, so reinforcements would be sent in.
Yamashita Tomoyuki, 1945
21 October – Most of the Japanese beach defenses had been shattered by bombing and strafing and a majority of the 1st Battalion/16th Division had been wiped out. Parts of Tacloban had been liberated by the US troops and Gen. Makino was now forced to split the remainder of his 16th Div. in half, North and South Defense Forces.
As the ground forces continued fighting, Japanese aircraft from all other bases in the Philippines arrived on Luzon to support the plans for a counteroffensive.
airfield construction
25 October – Gen. Sosaku Suzuki, in charge of defending the Central Philippines, still was receiving inferior or misleading intelligence and remained confident of Japanese victory because: He still expected support from the Navy; he had glowing reports concerning Formosa; he was told that ALL US carriers had been sunk and no American aircraft were flying over his headquarters on Cebu. Suzuki told his Chief of Staff, Gen. Tomochika, “…we are about to step on the center of the stage. There is no greater honor or privilege.”
Two Japanese units were on en-route to Luzon: the Japanese 1st Division [the Gem Division] to land at Ormoc on the west coast and the 26th Division at Carigara in the north.
MacArthur surveys Leyte beach, 1944
MacArthur’s summary:
“The assault continued after a rapid consolidation of the first few days objectives. Numerous enemy counterattacks were beaten off in all areas during the next few days as advancing forces reported increased resistance on every front. By the end of the third day, over 2,000 Japanese had been reported killed…
“On 24 October, elements of the XCorps began a drive up the Leyte side of San Juanico Strait, while farther south other units of the Corps pushed westward. At the same time, the XXIV Corps directed attacks northward and westward. The 96th Div., moving inland from Dulag, met heavy opposition from fortified positions on Catmon Hill, a terrain feature dominating the division’s zone of action and giving protection to enemy mortars bobbing shells toward the assault shipping in Leyte Gulf. Catmon Hill was initially by-passed, then neutralized by naval guns and field artillery and finally cleared of the enemy by 31 October.”
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Military Humor –
“You’re doing it wrong.”
Practice aircraft carrier??
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Farewell Salutes –
Keefe R. Connolly – Markesan, WI; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Hospital Apprentice 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Daniel Coons Jr. – Fort Madison, IA; US Army, WWII
Joe Chadwell Tullahoma, TN; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 11th Airborne Division
Charles A. Day – Redwood, CA; US Army, WWII, Korea & Vietnam, Colonel (Ret.)
Stanley L. DeWitt – Royal City, IN; US Army, Korea, Sgt., Medical Detachment/57th FA/ 7th Infantry Division, Bronze Star, KIA (Chosin Reservoir, NK)
Robert C. Martin – Lakemore, OH; USMC, WWII, PTO, radio/gunner, Putple Heart
Mortimer Goodkin – Short Hills, NJ; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ATO (Adak, AK)
Robert Killey Sr. – Elmira, NY; US Coast Guard
Reuben Klamer – Canton, OH; US Navy, WWII, PTO, V-7 program / boardgame developer
Michael T. MIles – Wikes Barre, PA; US Army
Joe R. Nightingale – Kalamazoo, MI; US Navy, WWII, PTO, Seaman 1st Class, USS Oklahoma, KIA (Pearl Harbor)
Elizabeth Thew – Hopeswell, VA; Civilian, WWII, Corsair cockpit construction / military librarian
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Pacific Paratrooper 
