Capturing WWII Stories, One Veteran at a Time
Charlie Conrad served aboard the USS Farquhar during WWII. I met World War II Navy veteran Charlie Conrad several years ago at a patriotic picnic gathering near my home. He had a ball cap with a Navy design on it and so I approached him (as I have done with many veterans) to ask if... Continue Reading →
I met Kenny Bosworth at an Optimist Club in Portland, Indiana. I had been asked to speak about my project of interviewing 260 World War II veterans. A notice had been put into the local newspaper and someone told Mr. Bosworth about it. He was accompanied by his daughter who helped me arrange a time... Continue Reading →
Indiana vet Sammy Davis is a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam. He is wearing it around his neck. On Friday, March 25, our nation celebrated National Medal of Honor Day. This date was established by Congress in 1990 to “foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor recipients.”... Continue Reading →
We don't want to end the month without mentioning Black History Month I had the opportunity to interview two African Americans who served in World War II. Vaughan Whitworth served as a Montford Point Marine in World War II. Vaughan Whitworth was a Montford Point Marine who later served in the Pacific. If you don't... Continue Reading →
The USS ARIZONA burns after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, National Archives A 5-Part Series Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor On December 7, 1944, as dawn crested, the Japanese Imperial Navy fleet’s aircraft carriers continued their journey from the North Pacific south toward their prey. Approximately... Continue Reading →
To give you a chance to hear first-hand from some of the amazing veterans I’ve interviewed, I’ve created a Youtube Channel. It contains short (no more than 5 minutes) videos shot at the end of interviews with veterans about what they remembered and thought of their military service during World War II more than 70... Continue Reading →
Happy Father’s Day! Is it any wonder I love horses with this photo of me and Dad? It’s great to live in a country that honors its fathers. Here is one of my favorite photos of me with my dad as a little girl. I have always loved horses and I’m sure it was Dad’s... Continue Reading →
I’m delighted to feature a guest host today. Joy Neal Kidney is the author of Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II. She is the oldest granddaughter of the book’s heroine, Leora Wilson. It is about a family who had five sons in the military during... Continue Reading →
This month is full of great reasons to honor people. First, it is Women’s History Month. Each week I’m posting about four interesting World War II females who volunteered to serve our country. Each branch of the American military recognizes Medal of Honor recipients. Coast Guard and Marines observe the Navy cross. Today is NATIONAL... Continue Reading →
Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams used a flamethrower on Iwo Jima to enable Allied troops to drive inland. His efforts caused him to receive the Medal of Honor. Today is the 76th anniversary of the Allied invasion of the island of Iwo Jima in the South Pacific. Several veterans I’ve interviewed served there. One of them, Hershel... Continue Reading →
Writing of Kayleen Reusser 