“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 →
The Young Suffered Mental Illness During WWII
A recent post by Joan Stewart, a book marketing expert who titles herself ‘Publicity Hound’ because she also loves dogs and includes a vid about them in her newsletters, prompted this post about the topic of mental illness. Caption: Bombed-out homes confronted civilians everywhere in Europe during WWII. Photo by WWII vet Keith McComb. A... Continue Reading →
“It Was Our War Too: Youth in the Shadows of World War II” Releases
Exciting news! My new book, It Was Our War Too: Youth in the Shadows of World War II, is out! This 150+-page book available on Amazon contains stories from 18 men and women whom I interviewed (with the exception of one) involved with World War II as children and teens. They grew up in the... Continue Reading →
Remembering Notre Dame
The news about the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was and still is staggering. We toured this lovely facility in 2017 during our World War II tour of Europe. It was a Sunday and Mass was being held. Our Parisian guide told us we were allowed to take photos inside the cathedral... Continue Reading →
Stories for WWII Book Include Challenges, Death-Defying Danger
I collect stories as some people collect rare books or stamps. Stories fascinate me. As a newspaper reporter and magazine writer, I had the (paid) opportunity to listen to people tell stories. I’ve literally heard 1,000s of oral histories, often from people who didn't believe they were interesting enough to have a story. I believe... 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 →
Virtual Honor Flight – Cool Way to Thank Vets
2nd Lt. Jack Humbrecht 1944 The myriad of ways people find to show support to our military are impressive. Recently I had the honor and privilege to meet a World War II veteran who participated in a ‘virtual’ Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana. During the war, Jack Humbrecht was flying a B-17 over occupied Poland... Continue Reading →
1940s Dance Fundraiser for Honor Flight
Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. While I won't mention what decade I was born in, I will say that the 1940s seem more appealing the more I interview veterans who served during that time. I’ve read books about the Homefront in England and America. I’ve interviewed people who were Rosie... 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 →