Don Collier enlisted in the Navy while he was still in high school. But by the time he became eligible at 17 years old, the Second World War had been over for two months. Nonetheless, Don completed his commitment to the Navy, serving aboard the light cruiser USS Astoria. He volunteered for duty peeling potatoes in the ship’s “Spud Shack” because at least that got him up onto the deck level of the ship. Don accepted a football scholarship following [...]
By accessing Japanese, Chinese and Russian records from WWII, Author & Pulitzer Prize finalist James M. Scott sheds new and intriguing light on the famous World War II “Doolittle” raid on Tokyo in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through extensive research and interviews with survivors, he exposes the vengeance exacted upon the Chinese populace and the raid’s connection to the Battle of Midway, a critical turning point in the Pacific War. Scott is widely heralded as one of [...]
Astronaut Jim McDivitt's path toward being the 20th man in space was a circuitous one..including 145 combat missions in Korea and a Colonel who called him a "traitor" for leaving the Air Force to go to NASA. While flying in Korea, he completed his requisite 100 missions but extended his tour three times because they didn't have many combat experienced pilots flying at the time. Returning from R&R leave he missed the normal courier plane and that aircraft crashed while [...]
Everyone has heard of the Battle of the Bulge but very few may be familiar with the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest - the longest WWII battle fought on German Soil. Victor Brombert was a member of the special unit named "The Ritchie Boys" and saw his fair share of combat. Victor Brombert recounts his journey from the beaches of Normandy to the Hurtgen Forest.
WWII Navy Vet Charles Wohlleb (C) Dr. Josh Appel (L) Jam-Packed Veteran's Day Special honoring those who served from a variety of eras. Brigadier General Keith Connolly – 172 Combat Missions over North Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Charles Wohlleb – one of only 24 survivors of the USS Spence capsizing in World War II SSgt Melissa Moreau – Current active duty Air Force Medic Captain/Dr. Josh Appel – Pararescueman that participated in "Lone Survivor" Marcus Luttrell rescue
Noted Naval Historian Robert Cressman recounts one of the most significant battles of World War II in the Pacific – the Battle of Midway. "A Glorious Page in our History" is Cressman's book about the Battle of Midway
Crew No. 1 (Plane #40-2344, target Tokyo): 34th Bombardment Squadron, Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle, pilot; Lt. Richard E. Cole, copilot; Lt. Henry A. Potter, navigator; SSgt. Fred A. Braemer, bombardier; SSgt. Paul J. Leonard, flight engineer/gunner. (U.S. Air Force photo) On April 18, 1942 sixteen B-25 bombers launched off the deck of the USS Hornet destined for Tokyo. This "one way" mission later became known as the "Doolittle Raid" and was a huge morale boost to a [...]