Photo taken inside the IN War Memorial Museum in Indianapolis. As we celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s freedoms, I reflect on the World War II stories I’ve heard and written about in the past decade. Dean Reckard of Huntington, Indiana, was part of the D-Day invasion in June 1944. Stories of pilots and soldiers... Continue Reading →
St. Mere Eglise Church Played a Part at D-Day
Today is the 78th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy beaches in France. You read that right – there was more than one beach. The Allies divided into five sections the 65-mile strip that they planned to land on with Canadian and British forces. Most Americans have only heard of Omaha Beach. It was... Continue Reading →
WWII Vet George Edward Buhler —Army Military Police / Europe
While serving in the Army as a military policeman in Europe, WWII vet George Buhler fought in major battles, including D-Day. In this week’s blog post, I’m going all of the way back to my first book – We Fought to Win: American WWII Veterans Share Their Stories (Book 1, World War II Legacies). George... Continue Reading →
Happy 100th Birthday to B-26 Pilot Don Wolfe
Don Wolfe served as a B-26 pilot during WWII. Another one of my veterans reached the amazing age of 100! Donald Wolfe served in the Army Air Corps in Europe. I interviewed him a few years ago and have kept in touch. He recently celebrated his birthday with a party. Unfortunately, I could not attend,... Continue Reading →
D-Day Hero: Naval Corpsman Leo Scheer
Leo Scheer served as a naval corpsman (medic) at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944 Since interviewing 260 World War II veterans over the past 10 years, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with several who were part of that momentous military plan. Leo Scheer’s story has always fascinated me. I met Leo early in... Continue Reading →
Happy 100th Birthday Frank Bever!
Frank Bever served with the 95th Infantry during WWII. It’s not often that I get to wish a 100th birthday to one of my wonderful World War II veterans! I met Frank a few years ago while doing research for my book, We Gave Our Best: American WWII Veterans Tell Their Stories. His is one... Continue Reading →
WWII Story for National Adoption Day
Charlie Conrad served on the USS Farquhar during WWII. Today is National Adoption Day in the United States. I am providing a behind-the-scenes look at the adoption of one of the 260 World War II veterans I’ve interviewed. Much of this was not printed in the book which contains his story, They Did It for... Continue Reading →
Sailor Served as Sitting Duck at D-Day
This is a story from my book, D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Tell about Normandy. Thanks to every vet reading this for his/her service! ** “It’s not fun being fired on in the middle of combat,” said George Banky of Waterloo, Iowa. “But that’s what war is. You have to get yourself mentally fitted for... Continue Reading →
New Book About D-Day Is Available!
D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Tell about Normandy is the first book in my new World War II Insider series. Its publication has been timed to coincide with the upcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. ** D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen Tell About Normandy is a compilation of stories from veterans... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year’s Eve!
I know Christmas is over, but I hope you will take 3 minutes to enjoy this gift of video of veterans featured in my books who wish you Christmas greetings. I completed it days before Christmas and sent it in my free email newsletter. Let me know if you'd like to receive it. My friend,... Continue Reading →