Letters From War Wednesday again, and this time, we’ll feature the words of World War II airman, Donald Parker. At the time of this note, May 1945, Lt. Parker was stationed at Davis-Monthan Field – Tuscon, Arizona, training as a navigator on the newly released, B-29 Superfortress. “Well, I’m down here in the fair city [...]
Yes, it’s Monday again, and time for our 90th Infantry Division – Pic of the Week. As usual, the History Junkie has more questions than answers and was hoping that there are some WW II or 90th ID heavyweights out there that can help. I’m always looking to learn. 1. What is hanging across the [...]
Although I know it is inevitable, it always pains me when another veteran, that I’ve come to know personally, passes away. Calvin Hawk died this last Sunday, and will be buried today. He was 87. I first met Hawk nine years ago, in January 2002, when I visited him at his home to learn about [...]
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 [...]
Our good friend, Chris Guska, over at the 90th Division Association Website also moonlights with the 90th Infantry Division Preservation Group. In BOOTPRINTS, infantryman Hobert Winebrenner, talks of personalizing certain weaponry, while readying for a jeep recon patrol, just after the Breakout from the Cotentin Peninsula. “At that point, we held a surplus of BARs. [...]
Today we are unveiling another History Junkie mainstay. As mentioned before, HJ has a special bias for the 90th Infantry Division. Each and every Monday morning, from here until the end of time, we will feature a 90th ID – Picture of the Week from World War II! Pause for applause. While I was working [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
In June 1944, the submarine, USS Barbel, piloted by Commander R.A. Keating, took on supplies and completed final training at Pearl Harbor. By July, she was off to war. Only days into her first patrol, the Barbel narrowly averted disaster. “…On the 28th of July, one of the lookouts, Seaman First Class Lange sighted a [...]