Summer 1945 saw World War II draw to a close across Northern Europe. Allied troops simultaneously squeezed German forces from both fronts. As the vise tightened, impromptu meetings of East and West occurred throughout occupied Germany and Czechoslovakia. Perhaps most notable is the meeting of leaders, Stalin, Churchill and Truman, at the Potsdam Conference, where [...]
For those dedicated followers of the site, you might remember last Monday we featured a World War II, 90th Infantry Division photo from Chambois, France. The 90th ID experienced heavy fighting in the Chambois area during the Battle of the Falaise Gap in August 1944. Our historian friend from France, Tristan, who lives in the [...]
Sadly, another good one is gone! Local World War II veteran, Raymond Waldron, from Brimfield, Indiana, passed away last week. I had the pleasure of speaking to Ray several times over the last seven years. He had a truly amazing story. Waldron served in General George Patton’s household as the jeep driver for one of [...]
It’s LFWW time again. This week we’ll feature a note from Lt. Bob Gage, of Albion, Indiana. Lt. Gage was a B-24 bomber pilot, serving with the 370th Bomb Squadron, 307th Bomb Group, 13th Air Force in the South Pacific. He and his crew had quickly made names for themselves. Lt. Gage was bumped up [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]