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WWII Soldier Fought Japanese; Liberated Prisoners

  Paul Rider of Fort Wayne is an interviewer’s dream. He could recite his story during World War II in clear fashion, had a scrapbook full of memories, a diary and many photos – and a story that had a peaceful resolution decades after the war. Remember to thank a veteran today for his/her service... Continue Reading →

Marine felt “lucky to make it out alive” from Vietnam, Cuban Missile Crisis

At this site I mostly post stories I’ve written from interviews with World War II vets. Many people think those are the only vets I interview. Due to my association with another military-related publication, I have interviewed dozens of vets of all eras/branches, including Korean War, Vietnam War, post-911 and everything in between. This publication... Continue Reading →

“Fear Has an Odor”

One of the strongest quotes I was ever given during an interview was by a World War II veteran was by Simeon Hain, Naval Aviator in the Pacific. “Fear has an odor,” he said. “It permeates your clothes and stinks. After getting back from a mission, I couldn’t wait to take a shower.” In honor... Continue Reading →

We’re Headed to Europe for WWII Tour

Hopefully our trip to Europe will be easier than for these troops on the USS Wakefield! ** My husband and I have decided to complete a huge item on our combined Bucket List of Things to do Together-- Take a tour of Europe, based on World War II events. Yes, there are actual groups who go... Continue Reading →

The long, awful march from Stalag Luft IV

Many people have heard of the Bataan Death March. I’ve interviewed two sons of an American Army officer who died as a part of that group. This is a separate Death March that took place in Germany. Sad that so many suffered at the hands of cruel people. May it never happen again! Thank a vet today for his/her service!

WW2: The Big One's avatarWW2: The Big One

stalag luft IV evac                                                                                POWs being evacuated from Stalag Luft IV, early 1945 (Source: http://www.dvrbs.com/camden-heroes/CamdenHeroes-FrankGramenzi.htm)

By George Morris

The sound of an approaching army — especially a mechanized one — is impossible to miss, particularly when it is engaged with its enemy. In January 1945, Allied prisoners of Stalag Luft IV heard the Soviet army driving westward through Poland.

“We could hear the gunfire, the cannons,” said Russell McRae, a Baton Rouge resident. “We could see the flashes at night. We knew we were going to get overrun, and we thought we’d be liberated.”

They would — some of them, anyway. But not for a long time, and not by the Soviets.

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WWII Army Soldier ‘Heard’ Radioactivity from Hiroshima Bomb

Bill Yaney was born on March 7, 1925. To honor his date of birth, I’m highlighting his World War II time of service in this post. I'm glad to say this nice man and his wife were friends of my grandparents when they all lived as neighbors in their country homes. ** For most soldiers... Continue Reading →

Army Soldier Built Radar Unit in the Line of Fire

I read today about the death of another veteran from my book, World War II Legacies: Stories of Northeast Indiana Veterans. Arnold Keuneke served with the US Army in Africa and Europe. He was the first veteran I interviewed who had served in Africa and with radar. Here are excerpts from his story in my book:... Continue Reading →

Coast Guard Seaman Sailed on USS Wakefield

James ‘Jim’ Joseph Meyer was my first introduction to a member of the US Coast Guard. It's hard to find Coast Guard members in the Midwest! I've since interviewed two others who served during WWII. I salute all of our branches and thank each vet for his/her service! To hear Jim Meyer talk briefly about... Continue Reading →

Soldier Fought with Patton’s Third in Battle of the Bulge

Sleeping in foxholes under several inches of snow was the norm during the Battle of the Bulge. Beresford Clarke saw many casualties. “It was difficult seeing people go down," he said.

B-29 Gunner Flew 33 Missions; Met FDR

“For more than a year it was a steady routine of dropping bombs and encountering enemy fighters and heavy accurate flak,” he said. His longest mission to Nagoya lasted 18 hours. During the war, Bates flew 33 missions over Japan in B29s.

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