Capturing Military Stories One Veteran at a Time
I’m happy to announce my third book in the WWII Legacies series in nearly complete! We Gave Our Best: American WWII Veterans Tell Their Stories will be available for purchase by Fall 2018. I love the cover that the design artist came up with. The faces of several of the veterans whose stories are featured... Continue Reading →
I wrote this story about a soldier who grew up in my community. Nearly every day, newspapers carried sad notifications about soldiers and sailors who had perished during the war. Part of the research was with this soldier’s brother who is still living in his 90s. ** Gerald Eugene Lesh On December 26, 1943, Electrician’s... Continue Reading →
Another veteran from my book, They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans, who is planning to attend the book launch is Sam Hayward. This was a different type of interview for me as he was the first black veteran I had ever interviewed. I was thrilled that Sam allowed me to talk... Continue Reading →
Most of us in northern Indiana recognize the name of Bob Chase as connected with WOWO radio. For 65 years, Bob Chase was an announcer for the Komet Hockey team on WOWO radio. I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Chase -- actually that was his radio name based on his wife’s maiden name --... Continue Reading →
Wow! It’s done! My second book of World War II interviews is done! They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans contains 34 stories of men/women who served in every branch from 1941-1946. The war ended in 1945, but many continued serving during the occupation period in Japan and Europe. The book is... Continue Reading →
D-Day. June 6, 1944. Possibly only a handful of dates in our nation’s military history are more well- known other than Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941). D-Day was a top secret event that had been planned for months. Every branch was involved in storming the beaches of Normandy France to overcome Hitler's forces. Here are a few... Continue Reading →
One of the strongest quotes I was ever given during an interview was by a World War II veteran was by Simeon Hain, Naval Aviator in the Pacific. “Fear has an odor,” he said. “It permeates your clothes and stinks. After getting back from a mission, I couldn’t wait to take a shower.” In honor... Continue Reading →
Today I’m posting a story from a sailor who was on the USS St Louis stationed at Pearl Harbor in December 1941. You can hear a brief account of his experience here. Thanks to Bryan Lineberry, teacher at Bellmont High School in Decatur, IN, for inviting me to meet Mr. Garrett. I’ll post a... Continue Reading →
“From everyday small feats to undeniably heroic efforts, the accomplishments and achievements of America’s Navy are vast and significant. Since its birth on October 13, 1775, the Navy has been involved with more than ten major wars and countless battles in the effort to bring security, democracy and prosperity to the American people and to... Continue Reading →
