How many of us have been to Disney World? Better yet, how many remember that super annoying ride, and accompanying song, “It’s a Small World After All”? Ugh, the History Junkie’s head is beginning to hurt again, just like in Orlando. But for Albion, Indiana brothers, Carl and Max McGuire, it did turn out to [...]
I don’t know about you all, but the History Junkie is still very much in holiday spirits. Accordingly, for LFWW, let’s feature another Christmas letter. This offering comes to us from Indiana doughboy, Jesse Winebrenner, serving occupational duties in France. The letter, addressed to his mother and dated December 24, 1918, was written just a [...]
I think we are all intrigued by the unusual and out of place when it comes to history, especially regarding military battles. Amid the most horrific of circumstances, certain things stand out, not for their brutality, but for their humanity. The History Junkie loves irony. General Ulysses S. Grant’s advance on Richmond came to [...]
The History Junkie has found a true friend and comrade in Eileen Reynolds Sheehan of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Eileen’s brother, Gene, was lost in 1945 when his submarine, the USS Barbel, was sunk with no survivors. She recently submitted the following letter to the Hendersonville Times-News. Eileen we thank you for your praise. But even [...]
Yes, we are back again with Letters From War Wednesdays. Today’s note comes courtesy of Eleanor Kimmell Roubique. In her book, Home by the Fourth of July, she re-prints the letters of her grandfather,William Francis Kimmell, who served with the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry through the major battles of the Civil War, including Gettysburg and [...]
The 1942 Albion High School half-mile relay team caught the attention of many from near and far. The crew consisted of seniors Ed McGinley, John Hutchison and Robert Hanlon, with junior Paul Forker rounding out the foursome. Few competitors could match their combined speed. The unit placed second behind only Auburn at the highly competitive [...]
This summer, the History Junkie received a call about a reunion of Anzio Beachhead vets being held in Auburn, Indiana. It may as well have been Commissioner Gordon calling on the Batphone. That’s how quickly I reacted! As far as World War II battles go, Anzio was a major player. Huge! Sure, it doesn’t get [...]
During the Greiling Dedication Ceremony, Scotty’s brother, Paul shared a few words on the “Scotty” many in the audience may not have known. “My sister, Gail, my niece, Karen, and I want to thank all of you for this wonderful tribute to Cmdr David Scott Greiling. To me, this tribute is really to all of [...]
Last month, members from Attack Squadron VA-82, gathered at the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina for a reunion. The event also served as a dedication ceremony in which the museum’s A-7 Corsair, Streetcar 313, actually flown on missions by the group in the Vietnam War, was inscribed with the name of a fallen [...]
On July 24, 1968, with over 30 strike missions and three Air Medals to his credit, Scotty Greiling once again soared into the night skies. He launched his A-7A as the flight leader of a two-plane team. Potential targets included activity along Route 22, a well-traveled feeder into the Ho Chi Minh Trail, North Vietnam’s [...]