Much has been in the news lately about retired Cleveland auto worker, Jan Demjanjuk, who was last week found guilty of being a guard at Sobibor Prison Camp during World War II. In addition, Jerusalem’s Simon Wiesenthal Center continues its dogged pursuit of Nazi war criminals, and rightfully so. But what of Japanese war criminals? [...]
I’ve still got Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption on my mind, after just finishing the book yesterday. Louis Zamperini began his stint in the Pacific with the 307th Bomb Group. B-24 bomber pilot, Lt. Bob Gage, also served in the 307th BG. Time again for Letters From War Wednesday. This [...]
OK, I had to see what all of the buzz was about. Seems like everyone’s talking on the book, UNBROKEN, by Laura Hillenbrand. And typically, World War II nonfiction does not get this kind of attention. So I had to check it out for myself. UNBROKEN tells the story of Louis Zamperini, and what a [...]
A very good Monday morning to you all. We are very happy to bring you another installment of the 90th Infantry Division Pic of the Week. In late April 1945, the 90th ID chased the fleeing German Army into Czechoslovakia.
It’s Friday the 13th, and time for the Weekly History Wrap-Up. Iwo Jima Marine Vet, Marty Connor, is looking to return battlefield souvenirs to Japanese soldiers’ families. The Liberty Foundation operates a restored B-17 bomber. And just maybe, they’ll take you on a mission. Former Cleveland, Ohio auto factory worker, John Denjanjuk was found guilty [...]
In May 1864, Union Commander, Ulysses S. Grant, launched his Overland Campaign, a relentless war of attrition aimed at forcing Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia into submission. Opposing armies first clashed at the Battle of the Wilderness, then met outside Spotsylvania Courthouse. Sergeant Charles Fall served with the 26th Michigan Infantry. On May 12, 1864, [...]
In this week’s Letters From War Wednesday, we feature an October 1944 correspondence from U.S. Army airman, Bob Berkes. Berkes would later serve over Northern Europe with the 305th Bomb Group as a gunner aboard the B-17 bomber, Forever Amber. But this note comes from Kingman, Arizona, while Berkes and his crew were still learning [...]
Not to take anything away from our mothers, but this past Sunday, May 8, also marked VE Day. VE (Victory Europe) Day commemorates Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945,–the end of World War II in Europe. In addition to the States and England, many countries across the globe celebrate VE Day. How do [...]
Monday morning, and time again for the 90th Infantry Division Pic of the Week. Hof, Germany, a city of 50,000, lies near the Czech border. Were these the same Hof rail yards that greeted so many East Germans upon the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989?
Yes, May’s finally here, though the weather in Indiana still feels very March-ish. Seriously, have the seasons shifted by a month or two? Anyway, it’s Friday, and time for the Weekly History Wrap-Up. I’m a sucker for reunions. World War II Hump Pilots recently got together in Charleston, SC. The last known living World War [...]