Capturing WWII Stories, One Veteran at a Time
In honor of Women’s History Month I’ll post an excerpted story about female World War II vets I’ve interviewed and written about each Sunday. Remember, they all volunteered to join that ‘man’s war’ from 1941-1945. Thanks to all of our veterans! Charlotte Koch's parents thought the Army would teach her to take orders. After Japanese... Continue Reading →
To introduce more of the brave Americans from my books in 2021 I plan to provide World War II Veteran Moments. Each week I’ll profile one veteran who chose to serve this country during war. At the end of each account I’ll list the book where his/her story is profiled. Thank a vet for his/her... Continue Reading →
Welcome home Vietnam Veterans! On Sunday March 29, 2020, our nation observed Vietnam Veteran’s Day. I’ve interviewed several Vietnam veterans. This story of LeRoy Jesfield whom I met during a speaking event near his home is special to me. He was at the outdoor event carrying a big camera as he enjoyed taking photos, along... Continue Reading →
Readers ask about how I decide what goes on the covers of my books. As I feel the veterans who I write about should be showcased, I’ve chosen to place their photos on front back covers. At the top of the front cover of D-Day: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Tell about Normandy, you see two... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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.
After 3 weeks of searching for family to claim Mr. Beavers’ body for burial, no one came forward.
The Allen County coroner finally gave up. Thankfully, a local funeral home offered to conduct a funeral for Mr. Beavers and invited the public to attend to show their respect for him and his service.
Estimates of possibly (I'd say probably) more than 1,000 people – many from out of state—were there.
Robert ‘Bob’ Batchelder of Fort Wayne landed on Omaha Beach at Normandy on June 6, 1944, as part of the D-Day invasion. “I crawled down the side of our landing craft with medical supplies into the cold water while guns strafed the water around us,” he said. “Thankfully, I knew how to swim.” He was... Continue Reading →
