“When the New Mexico pulled into Tokyo Harbor, the crew was ordered to be at General Quarters,” said James Wiegman. “The war might have been over, but we didn't trust the Japanese.” At age 19 Wiegman could little have imagined just a few days later he would have the unique opportunity of witnessing one of... Continue Reading →
VJ Day- 75th Anniversary of End of WWII
Seventy-five years ago, on August 14, 1945, World War II came to an end when Emperor Hirohito of Japan accepted conditions of unconditional surrender to Allied forces. The following day, August 15, was officially proclaimed V-J Day (Victory in Japan) in the United States. It became a day of celebration and thanksgiving around the world.... Continue Reading →
Navy Vet Recalls Fighting at Iwo Jima
We have reached 75 years since the last year of WWII in 1945. Several significant occurrences happened in 1945. I’ll talk about some of them, beginning with the battle of Iwo Jima, an island in the Pacific from Feb 19-March 26. This story is an excerpt from my book, They Did It for Honor: Stories... Continue Reading →
Honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today, January 27, 2020, is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day we commemorate the tragedy of the Holocaust that occurred during World War II. The Holocaust resulted in the deaths of 6 million Jews and 11 million others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. This date is special because it is the 75th... Continue Reading →
Tribute to WWII Vets Deceased in 2019
This post honors the World War II veterans I’ve interviewed who were deceased in 2019. Each death is a great loss for our nation. For those included in books I’ve published the titles are included. Thanks to all of these men and women who served our country in its time of great need. Photos follow... Continue Reading →
WWII Vets Remember Pearl Harbor
“At 0800 hours on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a cacophony of unfamiliar noises on Ford Island caused Seaman 2nd class Richard Girocco and other seamen from his PBY squadron (‘patrol bomber’) to run outside of their aviation hangar. Ordinarily, the seamen would be resting on their bunks. Today, they had been ordered to prepare... Continue Reading →
‘Plucky’ — My word for WWII Female Officers
Polly Woodhull Lipscomb-- Army nurse who served in England during WWII ** As a tribute to Women's History Month, I'm devoting this column to two special women I've had the privilege to interview/ write their stories. It's always a thrill to interview a WWII vet, but I especially enjoy talking to the women who served. Every... Continue Reading →
Remembering WWII Vets of 2018
On this first day of 2019 I’m honoring the World War II veterans whom I’ve interviewed and who passed away in 2018. Believe me, this is not a blog post I enjoy putting together. Some of the ones I’ve interviewed like Evelyn Brown (SPAR) have blessed me with friendship since I interviewed her a few... 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 →
‘A Lot of Misery’; Soldiers Recall Christmas during WWII
As Christmas approaches, I have pulled memories related to me by vets and included in my books. During World War II, troops stationed overseas were often unable to observe Christmas celebrations. In fact, in December 1944 troops were engaged in one of the bloodiest battles of the war -- Battle of the Bulge. George Buhler... Continue Reading →