The History Junkie noticed that We Were Soldiers (Widescreen Edition) is again making a run through the movie channels. It reminded HJ that it’s that time of year again–the battle’s anniversary. The movie portrays the three-day engagement at LZ X-ray. But what it leaves out is the subsequent battle at LZ Albany. Forty-five years ago [...]
Working on yesterday’s post regarding the USS Atlanta at Guadalcanal reminded the History Junkie that he hadn’t spoken to an old friend in quite some time. New Yorker, Albert Marchesano survived the Naval battle at Guadalcanal and was kind enough to help the Spangler family in their search for answers. Lt. Donald Spangler lost his [...]
This November 13 marks the 68th anniversary of the naval battle at Guadalcanal. In the early morning hours, the USS Atlanta and her battle group, at over a dozen ships strong, tread water off the coast of the island. They lay wait to intercept a like-sized Japanese surface force. The American contingent spied the enemy [...]
Each, and hopefully every, Friday, the History Junkie plans on bringing you a weekly history wrap-up. Just a bit of this and that—items that caught HJ’s eye over the week. First up, as Gordon Lightfoot sings, “The church bell chimed, til’ it rang 29 times,” this past Wednesday to commemorate 35th anniversary of the sinking [...]
First, and absolutely foremost, the History Junkie would like personally thank all our veterans, past and present. Without the efforts of our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, HJ would not enjoy the life he has today. HJ takes these sacrifices personally. Was there something else? Oh yeah. “To Infinity and Beyond!” EVERYTOWN, USA launches into [...]
Salt over the shoulder. Fingers crossed. Just cut a foot off a rabbit I caught in the backyard. The official book launch for EVERYTOWN, USA occurs tonight at midnight! The History Junkie and his team at CCP Mission Control are hoping we do not hear the words, “Houston, we have a problem.” Again, keep your [...]
EVERYTOWN, USA is fueled and on the pad, awaiting launch. The History Junkie and his hearty crew are busy with final details. The weather forecast appears clear. Barring unforeseen mechanical difficulties, look for a large explosion over the Midwestern horizon this Thursday, November 11, 2010–Veteran’s Day.
Yesterday, I blogged about Kenny Wayne Fields’ book, Rescue of Streetcar 304: A Navy Pilot’s Forty Hours on the Run in Laos (Ausa). One of Fields’ squadron mates in VA-82 was a local (Kendallville, Indiana) named Scotty Greiling. Interestingly, Greiling mentioned Fields’ odyssey in a 4 June 1968 letter home from the carrier, USS America. [...]
Rescue of Streetcar 304: A Navy Pilot’s Forty Hours on the Run in Laos (Ausa) by Kenny Wayne Fields (Naval Institute Press) tells the story of the author’s harrowing three-day odyssey during the Vietnam War. In late May 1968, Fields, a member of attack squadron VA-82, launched his A-7 Corsair from the carrier, USS America. [...]