Landing Ship Tanks, better known as LSTs, revolutionized amphibious warfare. Not only could they carry over 2,000 tons of virtually anything needed at the front, they possessed the uncanny ability to wash ashore, drop ramp and deposit this precious cargo onto an unimproved beachhead. No port had to be secured. No dock need be built. [...]
In honor of the 67th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II, we continue with our D-Day theme of the week. This edition of Letters From War Wednesday features a brief note home from American infantryman, Ed McGinley. McGinley served with the 29th Infantry Division, which suffered staggering losses in their [...]
Commemorating D-Day’s 67th Anniversary this week, we look back at the Allied invasion of Normandy, through a soldier’s eyes. Ed Persons transferred to the 101st Airborne Division’s 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, not liking life with the 327th Gliders. The pressure mounted as D-Day neared. “A day or two before, they moved us all into a [...]
This Letters From War Wednesday features a note from naval aviator, Scotty Greiling, serving aboard the carrier, USS America, treading water off the coast of Vietnam. Greiling wrote the letter to his brother, Paul, on June 4, 1968, 43 years ago this week. Fifth day “on the line” and like all wars a great deal [...]
What a beautiful day we had yesterday in Albion, Indiana! The weather could not have been better. After what has seemed like months of nearly continuous rain, the clouds broke to offer a sunny and warm morning for the Memorial Day Parade. And what a parade it was! It keeps getting bigger and better each [...]
Mark your calendars! It’s finally here! No not Harold Camping’s Rapture. That’s been rescheduled for October 21. It’s the first and only EVERYTOWN, USA book signing. It’s got to be better than the end of the world. Right? If you haven’t picked up Michael McCoy’s latest release, EVERYTOWN, USA, he will be signing copies at [...]
Wednesday so soon? You better believe it, and time for Letters From War Wednesday. Ah yes, it seems like only yesterday. Or maybe it was 148 years ago yesterday. On May 24, 1863, Albion, Indiana infantryman, William Kimmell, penned the following note home to his sweetheart, Leah Crispell. Kimmell’s unit would soon be chasing Lee’s [...]
Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, a time when we get together to remember the sacrifices of our service men and women, past and present. Memorial Day weekend also marks the annual motorcycle pilgrimage to our nation’s capital. Known as Rolling Thunder, the event now attracts literally hundreds of thousands of bikers from all over [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]