WWII Soldier Shocked by Graves at Guadalcanal

(This is an excerpt of a story from my soon-to-be-released book, They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans) Gaylord Conrad’s most vivid memories of the Pacific during World War II was not that of a bloody battle field but what came after it. In late 1943 Conrad from Leo, IN, was attached... Continue Reading →

WWII Soldier Fought Japanese; Liberated Prisoners

  Paul Rider of Fort Wayne is an interviewer’s dream. He could recite his story during World War II in clear fashion, had a scrapbook full of memories, a diary and many photos – and a story that had a peaceful resolution decades after the war. Remember to thank a veteran today for his/her service... Continue Reading →

“Fear Has an Odor”

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 →

WWII Army Soldier ‘Heard’ Radioactivity from Hiroshima Bomb

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 →

Army Soldier Built Radar Unit in the Line of Fire

I read today about the death of another veteran from my book, World War II Legacies: Stories of Northeast Indiana Veterans. Arnold Keuneke served with the US Army in Africa and Europe. He was the first veteran I interviewed who had served in Africa and with radar. Here are excerpts from his story in my book:... Continue Reading →

Soldier Fought with Patton’s Third in Battle of the Bulge

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.

B-29 Gunner Flew 33 Missions; Met FDR

“For more than a year it was a steady routine of dropping bombs and encountering enemy fighters and heavy accurate flak,” he said. His longest mission to Nagoya lasted 18 hours. During the war, Bates flew 33 missions over Japan in B29s.

The Soldier who was Asked Not to Serve

Today I’m honoring a World War II Army medic who was born 94 years ago this week. A friend recommended I talk with him a few years ago and am I glad to have done so! What a story! I wrote this for a military publication I write for. It is commitment to his country... Continue Reading →

Meet Distinguished WWII Vets at Free Event!

If you’ve wanted to meet a World War II vet and ask questions about his or her service, you’ll have a unique opportunity to do so on Sat, Jan 24 at River Terrace Estates in Bluffton, Indiana.   Two vets from my book, World War II Legacies: Stories of Northeast Indiana Veterans, have agreed to... Continue Reading →

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