Capturing WWII Stories, One Veteran at a Time
I’m starting a monthly column of movie reviews of World War II films. These will mostly be movies made prior to the 1960s, so black and white. They are chosen in no particular order. It may be a little challenging for you to find these movies, but check with your library and streaming services. I’ll... Continue Reading →
Women played an important part during World War II in the military. Here is a story from an interview I did with Frances Kraner Beeler in 2015. Frances was a sweet lady who was proud to tell me about her service with the Army. Frances' story is told in my books 'Born To Be Soldiers:... Continue Reading →
For several years I’ve been collecting recipes and cookbooks from the 1940s. It’s been interesting studying how food was produced and prepared and eaten. It’s amazing how some foods that were rationed then are running into similar situations today, i.e. eggs. I’ll share bits of information periodically in a column called ‘What’s Cookin’?’ It may... Continue Reading →
Soldiers were not the only ones who encountered the war in Europe. Fort Wayne resident Gabriel Delobbe remembers the day his home country of Belgium was invaded by the German Army on May 10, 1940. "I was 14 years old," he said. "The Belgian Army was small so all we could do was watch the... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year! Cheers for a mild winter so far and a bright outlook for 2023! Here are my goals: Read more. My Google spreadsheet lists nearly 100 books I read/ listened to while walking in 2022 (I use my library's Libby app). Raising the bar is ambitious but exciting. 2. Take more time for... Continue Reading →
During the early 1940s, Ivan Detwiler attended North Side High School in Fort Wayne. His family, like many, had little money. In September 1943, Detwiler quit school to enlist in the Navy. He was 16 years old. While stationed in Japan in December 1945, Detwiler wired a 50-foot fir tree for lights. “It was the... Continue Reading →
The Marine Corps birthday has been commemorated on November 10 since 1775, the year the Continental Marines were established. To show honor to our Marines – and to celebrate Veteran’s Day on November 11 – I’m offering an excerpt of a story of a vet I’ve interviewed. Carl Scott’s full story of fighting in the Pacific... Continue Reading →
September 18 was the Air Force’s 75th birthday. It was officially formed in 1947, two years after WWII ended. During World War II, the aviation branch of the military was an arm of the Army. It was called at different times the Army Air Corps and Army Air Force. As a proud supporter of our... Continue Reading →
Today, we honor those Americans who have suffered at the hands of their enemies as prisoners of war or death. I've written stories about both groups. They are always a challenge as to be a part of these unique groups would be terrible. But it's necessary for every American to know what they experienced in... Continue Reading →
Hugh Wallis poses with his nephew, dressed similarly, in paratrooper garb. In honor of National Airborne Day celebrated on August 16th annually, I’m posting a story about Hugh Wallis from my book 'They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans.' I’ve visited him several times and am always blessed by his kind support... Continue Reading →
Writing of Kayleen Reusser 