Capturing Military Stories One Veteran at a Time
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 →
This week we honored May 8 – Victory in Europe or VE Day – celebrated all over the world in 1945. Can you imagine what this news meant to people who had been at war for many years? This is a photo of the actual room in Reims France where the Germany General Jodl signed... Continue Reading →
I recently visited with Millard Schwartz whom I interviewed several years ago and whose story is featured in my first book, WWII Legacies: Stories of Northeast IN Veterans. Millard is a sweet man who always has a gentle smile on his handsome face. He is a humble but brave man who fought gallantly for our... Continue Reading →
Many of you participated in our book launch party for They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans on Saturday, Nov 4, 2017, at the Allen County Public Library. I think it’s safe to say, as the photo below shows, it was a smashing success! Several hundred people are estimated to have attended to meet/... 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 →
My book, They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans, contains five stories of female veterans who served during World War II. It’s not easy finding women veterans to interview as they were fewer in number than men. But the stories I’ve heard were all amazing. These gals were plucky to serve in... Continue Reading →
Caption: Virgil Bixler served in the U.S. Army's 80th Division, 905th Artillery during WWII. He fought in Battle of the Bulge and others. ** My new book, They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans, contains 34 stories of men/women of every branch- Army, Navy, Army Air Corps, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard.... 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 →
