Back on May 1, I wrote about a family in DeKalb, Illinois, who had three sons either in the service or about to enter it back in February 1942. there was also a fourth son who was a year away from going in, and no doubt would have.
They were the Samuel Lund family.
I went to Geneaology Trails and found a list of the DeKalb County men who had died in World War II. It was a long list.
There was no one by the last name Lund listed.
So, they must have all come home.
No Saving Private Ryan Here. --GreGen
The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
DeKalb County, Illinois, World War II Deaths-- Part 1
I am continuing my Salute to the Veterans for Memorial Day 2017.
Actually, this whole blog is a salute to veterans and especially those of World War II.
Back on May 1st, I wrote about a DeKalb, Illinois, family having one son already in the Army in February 1942. In addition, they had another son about to enter the Navy and a third one set to go to the Marines. There was even a fourth son who was a year too young to join the military, but no doubt would follow his brothers.
I'll let you know the family name and if they all came back or not tomorrow.
I got to wondering if any of them did not come home so looked up DeKalb County's World War II casualties. I will be writing the names of the men who died over the next week.
From Geneaology Trails.
These are the abbreviations for how they died.
KIA-- Killed In Action
DOW-- Died of Wounds
DOI-- Died of Injuries
DNB-- Died Non-Battle
FOD-- Finding of Death Under Public Law 490
M- Missing
--GreGen
Actually, this whole blog is a salute to veterans and especially those of World War II.
Back on May 1st, I wrote about a DeKalb, Illinois, family having one son already in the Army in February 1942. In addition, they had another son about to enter the Navy and a third one set to go to the Marines. There was even a fourth son who was a year too young to join the military, but no doubt would follow his brothers.
I'll let you know the family name and if they all came back or not tomorrow.
I got to wondering if any of them did not come home so looked up DeKalb County's World War II casualties. I will be writing the names of the men who died over the next week.
From Geneaology Trails.
These are the abbreviations for how they died.
KIA-- Killed In Action
DOW-- Died of Wounds
DOI-- Died of Injuries
DNB-- Died Non-Battle
FOD-- Finding of Death Under Public Law 490
M- Missing
--GreGen
Monday, May 29, 2017
World War II Memorial Day 2017: Ambrose W. Klaus
I am honoring our military in every one of my seven blogs today, Memorial Day 2017.
Ambrose W. Klaus was in the U.S. Army in World War II in ordnance. He rose to be a major.
He was my father-in-law.
Ambrose W. Klaus was in the U.S. Army in World War II in ordnance. He rose to be a major.
He was my father-in-law.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Looking Back to 1942: Bicycles Becoming Very Popular
From the March 8, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Bicycles have come into their own again in DeKalb. The bicycle is again becoming a common medium of transportation, harking back to the days 30 or so years ago, when the bicycle was the favorite means of getting to and from work and to and from school.
"At the DeKalb plant of the California Packing Company a dozen or more of the office staff and others now employed are using bicycles and several have placed orders for bicycles."
Impact of Gas Rationing and Lack of Tires. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Bicycles have come into their own again in DeKalb. The bicycle is again becoming a common medium of transportation, harking back to the days 30 or so years ago, when the bicycle was the favorite means of getting to and from work and to and from school.
"At the DeKalb plant of the California Packing Company a dozen or more of the office staff and others now employed are using bicycles and several have placed orders for bicycles."
Impact of Gas Rationing and Lack of Tires. --GreGen
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Making Model Planes for the War Effort at DeKalb High School
From the February 15, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Students of the DeKalb Township High School, working under the general direction of Edward Lindgren, member of the faculty, head of the Industrial Arts Department, have set up an organization and started actual construction work on 100 model airplanes that have been requested by the government.
"The models will be taken to training centers of the nation's armed forces and because they are in exact scale they will prove valuable in being used for identification of various types of planes."
You've Got To Know Friend From Foe. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Students of the DeKalb Township High School, working under the general direction of Edward Lindgren, member of the faculty, head of the Industrial Arts Department, have set up an organization and started actual construction work on 100 model airplanes that have been requested by the government.
"The models will be taken to training centers of the nation's armed forces and because they are in exact scale they will prove valuable in being used for identification of various types of planes."
You've Got To Know Friend From Foe. --GreGen
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Red Cross Sewing Center in DeKalb
From the February 15, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"The Red Cross sewing center located in the Ellwood School in DeKalb will be open on Thursday afternoon only.
"The sewing center located on the second floor of the Chronicle building is open every afternoon."
Sewing for the Boys. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"The Red Cross sewing center located in the Ellwood School in DeKalb will be open on Thursday afternoon only.
"The sewing center located on the second floor of the Chronicle building is open every afternoon."
Sewing for the Boys. --GreGen
Looking Back to 1942: Sugar Rationing Books Begin
From the February15, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"County Clerk Earle W. Joiner today received 41,000 applications for sugar war ration books.
"Although exact instructions have not been received, it is the understanding of the county clerk that the applications received today will be placed in the hands of a school teacher, who will have charge of compiling the information which will be secured through the blanks. The blank is an application for a sugar rationing book it is understood."
This information is compiled at the Joiner Library in Sycamore. Was this named after Earle W. Joiner?
A Sweet Job, But, In Addition To Grading Papers, Etc.. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"County Clerk Earle W. Joiner today received 41,000 applications for sugar war ration books.
"Although exact instructions have not been received, it is the understanding of the county clerk that the applications received today will be placed in the hands of a school teacher, who will have charge of compiling the information which will be secured through the blanks. The blank is an application for a sugar rationing book it is understood."
This information is compiled at the Joiner Library in Sycamore. Was this named after Earle W. Joiner?
A Sweet Job, But, In Addition To Grading Papers, Etc.. --GreGen
Monday, May 22, 2017
Looking Back to 1942: The Ben Franklin Store's Patriotic Window in Sycamore
From the March 1, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
"Another 'Victory' store window display is receiving attention these days in Sycamore. The Ben Franklin store has an eyeball of red, white and blue for all passersby. The entire window is ablaze with the national colors.
"Flags and a display of candy comprise the exhibit. It is impressive with patriotism rather than commercial appeal. It is part of the Sycamore retail effort in selling war bonds and stamps."
Getting Our Patriotism On. --GreGen
"Another 'Victory' store window display is receiving attention these days in Sycamore. The Ben Franklin store has an eyeball of red, white and blue for all passersby. The entire window is ablaze with the national colors.
"Flags and a display of candy comprise the exhibit. It is impressive with patriotism rather than commercial appeal. It is part of the Sycamore retail effort in selling war bonds and stamps."
Getting Our Patriotism On. --GreGen
Friday, May 19, 2017
The USS Bayfield (APA-33)-- Part 2: At D-Day
The Bayfield was 492 feet long, had a beam of 69.6 feet and regular complement of 51 officers and 524 enlisted. As a transport, it could carry 80 officers and 1,146 troops. It was capable of 18 knots and mounted two 5-inch guns and an assortment of anti-aircraft guns.
After commissioning, it carried troops to the British Isles for the D-Day invasion (and Yogi Berra as well). At D-day, Berra was a gunner's mate, but not on the Bayfield, but a much smaller rocket ship. After disembarking its troops, the Bayfield supplied firepower and later operated in the area for a while before taking part in operations on the southern coast of France.
--GreGen
After commissioning, it carried troops to the British Isles for the D-Day invasion (and Yogi Berra as well). At D-day, Berra was a gunner's mate, but not on the Bayfield, but a much smaller rocket ship. After disembarking its troops, the Bayfield supplied firepower and later operated in the area for a while before taking part in operations on the southern coast of France.
--GreGen
The USS Bayfield (APA-33)-- Part 1: Served in Three Wars
From Wikipedia.
Yogi Berra served aboard this vessel during World War II.
A Bayfield-class attack transport named for Bayfield, Wisconsin. This ship participated in three wars and atomic testing. And, as I wrote about earlier in the week, was the ship that famous New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra served on during World War II. (Evidently not the Coast Guard ship Buckley as reported in the article. I could not find any mention of a Coast Guard ship of that name.)
It was commissioned 20 November 1943 and decommissioned 28 June 1968.
It received four Battle Stars in World War II, four in the Korean War and two in the Vietnam War.
The Bayfield was scrapped in September 1969.
--GreGen
Yogi Berra served aboard this vessel during World War II.
A Bayfield-class attack transport named for Bayfield, Wisconsin. This ship participated in three wars and atomic testing. And, as I wrote about earlier in the week, was the ship that famous New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra served on during World War II. (Evidently not the Coast Guard ship Buckley as reported in the article. I could not find any mention of a Coast Guard ship of that name.)
It was commissioned 20 November 1943 and decommissioned 28 June 1968.
It received four Battle Stars in World War II, four in the Korean War and two in the Vietnam War.
The Bayfield was scrapped in September 1969.
--GreGen
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Bits of War: Winston Churchill's Secret Bunkers and Quonset Huts
** From the March 9, 2017, Express (U.K.) "Winston Churchill's SECRET bunkers hidden all over Britain in THESE classified locations.
There was, of course, a serious threat of German invasion in the early 1940s. There were over 600 secret bunkers spread out over the British landscape. It was planned to have specially-trained groups of soldiers conduct guerrilla type operations out of them.
** From the February 17, 2016, Wilmington (NC) Biz "Proposed Mixed-Use Project Includes Historic Wilmington Structure."
A quonset hut in Wilmington, constructed after World War II is on the path of preservation. The U.S. Navy used quonset huts a lot during World War II because they were light and easy to build.
Quonset huts were named after Quinset Pointe, a peninsula and former site of a Rhode Island Navy base where they were first made.
--Quon me. --GreGen
There was, of course, a serious threat of German invasion in the early 1940s. There were over 600 secret bunkers spread out over the British landscape. It was planned to have specially-trained groups of soldiers conduct guerrilla type operations out of them.
** From the February 17, 2016, Wilmington (NC) Biz "Proposed Mixed-Use Project Includes Historic Wilmington Structure."
A quonset hut in Wilmington, constructed after World War II is on the path of preservation. The U.S. Navy used quonset huts a lot during World War II because they were light and easy to build.
Quonset huts were named after Quinset Pointe, a peninsula and former site of a Rhode Island Navy base where they were first made.
--Quon me. --GreGen
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Yogi At War-- Part 4: First to Receive the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
When the team behind the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award began preparations for their first awards in 2013, it was an easy decision in Yogi Berra's case. Said founder Peter Fertig: We all agreed -- that was the one thing that the board all agreed to -- that Yogi should have been first, and he was."
Berra received the honor, named for another Hall of Famer noted for his wartime naval service, pitcher Bob Feller. Berra received the award at his museum in Montclair, New Jersey. He was also honored there last June on the 70th anniversary of D-Day for his service that day.
"He was a humble person, "Fertig said pf Berra. "He was a warm, caring human being who served at a very delicate time in our nation's history. And he was an instrumental part of it, being at D-Day."
Quite the Amazing Person, Even If he Was a New York Yankee. --GreGen (White Sox Fan)
Berra received the honor, named for another Hall of Famer noted for his wartime naval service, pitcher Bob Feller. Berra received the award at his museum in Montclair, New Jersey. He was also honored there last June on the 70th anniversary of D-Day for his service that day.
"He was a humble person, "Fertig said pf Berra. "He was a warm, caring human being who served at a very delicate time in our nation's history. And he was an instrumental part of it, being at D-Day."
Quite the Amazing Person, Even If he Was a New York Yankee. --GreGen (White Sox Fan)
Yogi At War-- Part 3: Very Impressive Baseball Stats
Yogi Berra played that major league team and did well, but he was still an unknown., but that was not for long.
He was in the majors with the Yankees at the tail end of the 1946 season and earned his first of ten World Series rings as a Yankee player in 1947 and was voted into his first All-Star game in 1948.
From Wikipedia.
Born 1925 Died September 22, 2015, age 90.
Lifetime Stats:
.285 batting average
358 home runs
1,430 RBIs
18-times All-Star
13 World Series Championships (some as a manager or coach)
3 times AL MVP: 1951, 1954, 1955.
Not Bad for a Swabbie. --GreGen
He was in the majors with the Yankees at the tail end of the 1946 season and earned his first of ten World Series rings as a Yankee player in 1947 and was voted into his first All-Star game in 1948.
From Wikipedia.
Born 1925 Died September 22, 2015, age 90.
Lifetime Stats:
.285 batting average
358 home runs
1,430 RBIs
18-times All-Star
13 World Series Championships (some as a manager or coach)
3 times AL MVP: 1951, 1954, 1955.
Not Bad for a Swabbie. --GreGen
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Yogi At War-- Part 2: On Rocket Ship at D-Day
Yogi Berra spent D-Day on a 36-foot long boat just off the Normandy coast that lobbed rockets inland in support of the troops on the beaches.
He remembered getting in some trouble then: "I kept coming up top to look around, and they kept telling me to get back down there or I'd get hit. I just wanted to see what was going on. I liked it more up there!"
Yogi also served in North Africa and Italy before eventually returning to the States to Groton, Connecticut where he joined the submarine base's baseball team; when the club played against the Major League New York Giants. In that game, Yogi, a Yankee minor-leaguer, went 3-for-4.
--GreGen
He remembered getting in some trouble then: "I kept coming up top to look around, and they kept telling me to get back down there or I'd get hit. I just wanted to see what was going on. I liked it more up there!"
Yogi also served in North Africa and Italy before eventually returning to the States to Groton, Connecticut where he joined the submarine base's baseball team; when the club played against the Major League New York Giants. In that game, Yogi, a Yankee minor-leaguer, went 3-for-4.
--GreGen
Monday, May 15, 2017
Yogi At War-- Part 1: Almost Went With the Army
From the October 12, 2015, Navy Times "Yogi at war: Before pinstripes, Berra donned Navy blue" by Kevin Lilley.
Many consider Yogi Berra as the greatest catcher in history, but in 1943, he first year in pro baseball, he hit .253 with a midlevel minor league baseball team. But, like many other professional sports figures of the time, Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra joined the military.
Yogi Berra died September 22, 2015, at age 90.
But, before getting to the majors, he left the diamond to serve in the Navy during World War II. He remembered: "I almost joined the Army after I had enlisted in the Navy. The Army would have allowed me to spend a couple weeks back home before I shipped out. But, off I went to the Navy."
He headed to Europe aboard the Buckley, a Coast Guard attack transport. Both his ship and Berra had been pressed into Navy service for the Allied invasion of German-occupied France.
There is some confusion here as I can find no mention of a Coast Guard ship named the Buckley, but several sources have Berra serving on the USS Bayfield, an attack transport.
--More to Come. --GreGen
Many consider Yogi Berra as the greatest catcher in history, but in 1943, he first year in pro baseball, he hit .253 with a midlevel minor league baseball team. But, like many other professional sports figures of the time, Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra joined the military.
Yogi Berra died September 22, 2015, at age 90.
But, before getting to the majors, he left the diamond to serve in the Navy during World War II. He remembered: "I almost joined the Army after I had enlisted in the Navy. The Army would have allowed me to spend a couple weeks back home before I shipped out. But, off I went to the Navy."
He headed to Europe aboard the Buckley, a Coast Guard attack transport. Both his ship and Berra had been pressed into Navy service for the Allied invasion of German-occupied France.
There is some confusion here as I can find no mention of a Coast Guard ship named the Buckley, but several sources have Berra serving on the USS Bayfield, an attack transport.
--More to Come. --GreGen
Bits of War: More Pearl Harbor Deaths-- Daniel S. Schroeder and Bud Christopherson
Always sad as the Greatest Generation continues to pass away.
** Jan. 31, 2017, Reading Eagle "Man believed to be Berks County's last Pearl Harbor survivor passes away."
Daniel S. Schroeder, 96, of Wernersville. Former U.S. Navy captain he was 21 years old on the USS Ash and had been guest of honor of the 75th anniversary commemoration back in December.
** Jan. 30, 2017, Statesman Journal
Alvin "Bud" Christopherson 1925-2017. Memorial service held Jan. 23, 2017 in Portland. Pearl harbor survivor at Schofield Barracks. Earned a Bronze Star that day.
--GreGen
** Jan. 31, 2017, Reading Eagle "Man believed to be Berks County's last Pearl Harbor survivor passes away."
Daniel S. Schroeder, 96, of Wernersville. Former U.S. Navy captain he was 21 years old on the USS Ash and had been guest of honor of the 75th anniversary commemoration back in December.
** Jan. 30, 2017, Statesman Journal
Alvin "Bud" Christopherson 1925-2017. Memorial service held Jan. 23, 2017 in Portland. Pearl harbor survivor at Schofield Barracks. Earned a Bronze Star that day.
--GreGen
Friday, May 12, 2017
Bits of War: Deaths-- Bob Adler (Served on USS West Virginia) and Ken Hartle (Pearl Harbor Survivor)
** Jan. 17, 2017, Lake County (Wisconsin) Now: Robert "Bob" Andler, 96. Born April 30, 1926 in Chicago. Died Jan. 8, 2017. In World War II served on the USS West Virginia from March 1944 to May 1946.
** January 30, 2017 Times of San Diego "Navy Diver Retrieved Bodies From Pearl Harbor, Dies in Escondido at age 103" by Tom McAllister.
Ken Hartle died January 24. He may have been the oldest remaining Pearl Harbor salvage diver.
He wouldn't talk about recovering bodies at Pearl Harbor, but did speak of towing unexploded torpedoes and salvaging ships.
--GreGen
** January 30, 2017 Times of San Diego "Navy Diver Retrieved Bodies From Pearl Harbor, Dies in Escondido at age 103" by Tom McAllister.
Ken Hartle died January 24. He may have been the oldest remaining Pearl Harbor salvage diver.
He wouldn't talk about recovering bodies at Pearl Harbor, but did speak of towing unexploded torpedoes and salvaging ships.
--GreGen
Death of Clare Hollingworth, Reporter Who Broke News of World War II
From the January 10, 2017, New York Times by Margalit Fox.
Clare Hollingworth died January 10, 2017, at age 105.
Less than a week after first getting a job with the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph in 1939, she was driving alone from Gleiwitz, then in Germany, to Katowice in Poland, a distance of less than twenty miles.
She happened to be looking when wind lifted a piece of tarpaulin the German side of the road which was being used to screen the village below. She saw "large numbers of troops, literally hundreds of tanks, armored cars and field guns."
She knew at that moment that the Germans were getting ready to attack Poland and telephoned her editor on August 28, 1939. Her article was published the next day by the British newspaper The Guardian.
This was probably the greatest scoop of modern times. Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and war began.
--GreGen
Clare Hollingworth died January 10, 2017, at age 105.
Less than a week after first getting a job with the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph in 1939, she was driving alone from Gleiwitz, then in Germany, to Katowice in Poland, a distance of less than twenty miles.
She happened to be looking when wind lifted a piece of tarpaulin the German side of the road which was being used to screen the village below. She saw "large numbers of troops, literally hundreds of tanks, armored cars and field guns."
She knew at that moment that the Germans were getting ready to attack Poland and telephoned her editor on August 28, 1939. Her article was published the next day by the British newspaper The Guardian.
This was probably the greatest scoop of modern times. Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939 and war began.
--GreGen
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Shorpy Home Front Photos: She Sells Celery and Game Night
January 15, 2017-- SHE SELLS CELERY: 1942-- November 1942" Lancaster, Pennsylvania. "Mennonite farm woman at her stall in the Central Market." Marjory Collins, OWI She is standing under a sign for Millers Celery.
January 14, 2017-- GAME NIGHT: 1942-- October 1942. "New York. Dr. and Mrs. Winn with daughters Janet and Marie, a Czech-American family, playing Chinese checkers while the grandmother knits." Marjory Collins, OWI
Comment: John A. Winn, his wife Hanna and daughters came to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia in 1939. he became a well-known psychiatrist and died in 1983.
--GreGen
January 14, 2017-- GAME NIGHT: 1942-- October 1942. "New York. Dr. and Mrs. Winn with daughters Janet and Marie, a Czech-American family, playing Chinese checkers while the grandmother knits." Marjory Collins, OWI
Comment: John A. Winn, his wife Hanna and daughters came to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia in 1939. he became a well-known psychiatrist and died in 1983.
--GreGen
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Looking Back to 1942: The Knit-A-Bit Club
From the February 1, 2017, MidWeek (Dekalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942. 75 Years Ago.
"Members of the Knit-A-Bit club have established an enviable record in knitting for Red Cross needs. At the present time every member of the club has completed at least one sweater and Mrs. John McClenahan leads the membership with thirteen completed and turned in."
Sewing for the Military and Red Cross. --GreGen
1942. 75 Years Ago.
"Members of the Knit-A-Bit club have established an enviable record in knitting for Red Cross needs. At the present time every member of the club has completed at least one sweater and Mrs. John McClenahan leads the membership with thirteen completed and turned in."
Sewing for the Military and Red Cross. --GreGen
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
DeKalb County, Illinois, At War: Books for the Boys
From the February 1, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Books, over 2,500 of them, were collected in a drive sponsored by the friends of the Library, in order to provide reading matter for the boys in army camps and naval training stations throughout the country."
--GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Books, over 2,500 of them, were collected in a drive sponsored by the friends of the Library, in order to provide reading matter for the boys in army camps and naval training stations throughout the country."
--GreGen
Shorpy Home Front Photos: TVA and Coal
JANUARY 23, 2017-- Turn, Turn Turn: 1942-- June 1942. "Tennessee Valley Authority power and conservation. Fort Loudoun Dam construction. Workman opening valve on a new pipeline of Fort Loudoun Dam, farthest upstream of the TVS's main Tennessee River projects.
"Scheduled for closure and first storage of water early in 1943, this dam will create a 15,000 acre lake reaching 55 miles upstream of Knoxville.. This reservoir will have a useful storage capacity of 126,000 acre-feet. Power installation of 64,000 kilowatts is authorized, with a possible ultimate of 96.000 kilowatts." Alfred Palmer, OWI.
JANUARY 16, 2017-- Big John: 1942-- November 1942: "Pittsburgh (vicinity). Montour No. 4 mine of the Pittsburgh Cone Company. Coal miner waiting to go underground." John Collier, OWI. The miner is a black man. Everyone doing their part for the war effort.
What Made America Powerful. --GreGen
"Scheduled for closure and first storage of water early in 1943, this dam will create a 15,000 acre lake reaching 55 miles upstream of Knoxville.. This reservoir will have a useful storage capacity of 126,000 acre-feet. Power installation of 64,000 kilowatts is authorized, with a possible ultimate of 96.000 kilowatts." Alfred Palmer, OWI.
JANUARY 16, 2017-- Big John: 1942-- November 1942: "Pittsburgh (vicinity). Montour No. 4 mine of the Pittsburgh Cone Company. Coal miner waiting to go underground." John Collier, OWI. The miner is a black man. Everyone doing their part for the war effort.
What Made America Powerful. --GreGen
Monday, May 8, 2017
155-mm Long Tom Cannons
From Wikipedia.
The gunmount in the last two entries was designed to hold a 155-mm cannon. These cannons were used in World War II and the Korean War and fired 100-pound shells with a maximum range of 13.7 miles.
They were a military field gun developed by the United States and classified as secondary armament in coastal defense.
One can be seen at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, by the USS Alabama.
There are also ten others on display around the country.
--GreGen
The gunmount in the last two entries was designed to hold a 155-mm cannon. These cannons were used in World War II and the Korean War and fired 100-pound shells with a maximum range of 13.7 miles.
They were a military field gun developed by the United States and classified as secondary armament in coastal defense.
One can be seen at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, by the USS Alabama.
There are also ten others on display around the country.
--GreGen
Saturday, May 6, 2017
WWII Gun Mount Uncovered By Hurricane Matthew-- Part 2: Battle of the Atlantic
During World War II, Charleston was protected by big guns at Fort Sumter and Batteries Jasper and Thompson on Sullivan's Island. These were built around the turn of the 20th century as part of the Endicott System.
These defensive fortifications were designed for use against smaller warships, but not battleships. Late in the war, a new battery was built on the Marshall Reservation which mounted two 12-inch guns. The guns were still around between Stations 30 and 31.
A warship attack by Germany never took place, but U-boats came to be a big problem.
During September 1942, the U-455 laid a dozen underwater mines at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, but a minesweeper detected them and cleared them away before any harm was done.
--GreGen
These defensive fortifications were designed for use against smaller warships, but not battleships. Late in the war, a new battery was built on the Marshall Reservation which mounted two 12-inch guns. The guns were still around between Stations 30 and 31.
A warship attack by Germany never took place, but U-boats came to be a big problem.
During September 1942, the U-455 laid a dozen underwater mines at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, but a minesweeper detected them and cleared them away before any harm was done.
--GreGen
Friday, May 5, 2017
World War II Gun Mount Uncovered By Hurricane Matthew-- Part 1
From the March 7, 2017, Moultrie (South Carolina) News "World War II gun mount uncovered by Hurricane Matthew-- Relic tells the story of a country at war" by Jack Matthew.
At the western end of Sullivan's Island (Charleston, S.C.) much of the beach was washed away by Hurricane Matthew and this revealed one of the four Panama mounts installed in 1942 in a sub-post of Fort Moultrie known as the Marshall Reservation.
The concrete mounts were fitted for 155-mm field artillery cannons nearly 20-feet long which could fire a shell up to ten miles.. This was added for Charleston's defense which was considered a target because of the shipyard which built destroyer escorts.
Two of the guns were later moved to Folly Beach and the last two were removed later when threat of an attack diminished. The mounts remained, but were buried.
--GreGen
At the western end of Sullivan's Island (Charleston, S.C.) much of the beach was washed away by Hurricane Matthew and this revealed one of the four Panama mounts installed in 1942 in a sub-post of Fort Moultrie known as the Marshall Reservation.
The concrete mounts were fitted for 155-mm field artillery cannons nearly 20-feet long which could fire a shell up to ten miles.. This was added for Charleston's defense which was considered a target because of the shipyard which built destroyer escorts.
Two of the guns were later moved to Folly Beach and the last two were removed later when threat of an attack diminished. The mounts remained, but were buried.
--GreGen
Ten Reasons the German People Elected Adolf Hitler-- Part 2: The Enabling Act
5. Widespread hatred of the Jews.
4. The Stock Market crash of 1929.
3. The Social Democrats skirted the democratic process.
2. The Reichstag Fire
1. The Enabling Act. Nazis could enact any law without running it through parliament.
--GreGen
4. The Stock Market crash of 1929.
3. The Social Democrats skirted the democratic process.
2. The Reichstag Fire
1. The Enabling Act. Nazis could enact any law without running it through parliament.
--GreGen
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Ten Reasons the German People Elected Adolf Hitler-- Part 1
From the February 21, 2017, Listverse by Mark Oliver.
Of course, the site has more information and pictures. I'm just listing.
10. The War Guilt Clause
9. The French occupation of the Ruhr
8. Hyperinflation
7. The rise of German Communism
6. The Barmat Scandal
--GreGen
Of course, the site has more information and pictures. I'm just listing.
10. The War Guilt Clause
9. The French occupation of the Ruhr
8. Hyperinflation
7. The rise of German Communism
6. The Barmat Scandal
--GreGen
World War II Deaths in 2017-- Part 3: Saved JFK and Survived Bataan Death March
WILLIAM LIEBENOW, 97
World War II Navy officer who guided his warship into Japanese territory to rescue future President John F. Kennedy and his crew after their PT boat was sunk by a Japanese destroyer in the South Pacific and they swam to a small island.
Died February 24, 2017.
LESTER TENNEY, 96
Chicago native and Army tank commander who survived one of World War II's signature horrors, the Bataan Death March. he wrote a memoir titles "My Hitch in Hell."
He spent his later years pushing Japanese authorities to apologize for their country's atrocities.
Died February 24, 2017, in California.
--GreGen
World War II Navy officer who guided his warship into Japanese territory to rescue future President John F. Kennedy and his crew after their PT boat was sunk by a Japanese destroyer in the South Pacific and they swam to a small island.
Died February 24, 2017.
LESTER TENNEY, 96
Chicago native and Army tank commander who survived one of World War II's signature horrors, the Bataan Death March. he wrote a memoir titles "My Hitch in Hell."
He spent his later years pushing Japanese authorities to apologize for their country's atrocities.
Died February 24, 2017, in California.
--GreGen
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
World War II Deaths in 2017-- Part 2: Richard Lyon-- Navy SEALS
Born July 14, 1923 Died February 3, 2017.
Age 93.
Retired rear admiral and first Navy SEAL team reservist to become a flag officer who was also a founding trustee of Children's Hospital in Orange County, California, and had been selected to the U.S, Olympic swim team for the 1940 Games in Tokyo, which was canceled because of World War II.
He was commissioned into the Navy out of college in October 1944 and served as U.S. Navy Scout and Raider in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was also in China as an intelligence officer.
--GreGen
Age 93.
Retired rear admiral and first Navy SEAL team reservist to become a flag officer who was also a founding trustee of Children's Hospital in Orange County, California, and had been selected to the U.S, Olympic swim team for the 1940 Games in Tokyo, which was canceled because of World War II.
He was commissioned into the Navy out of college in October 1944 and served as U.S. Navy Scout and Raider in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was also in China as an intelligence officer.
--GreGen
World War Deaths in 2017-- Part 1: Doris Lockness
These are just some of the many deaths of our Greatest Generation during February and March 2017.
From the February 12, 2017, Chicago Tribune "Deaths in the News."
DORIS LOCKNESS
Age 106. Pioneering aviator who collected numerous honors during her flying years, which included a stint with the Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II and who earned a commercial helicopter rating and licenses to fly seaplanes, gyroplanes, hot air balloons and gliders.
She was a member of the Women in Aviation Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institute of Aviation and is listed as one of the 100 most influentual women in aviation by Women in Aviation International, in Folsom, California.
From the February 12, 2017, Chicago Tribune "Deaths in the News."
DORIS LOCKNESS
Age 106. Pioneering aviator who collected numerous honors during her flying years, which included a stint with the Women Airforce Service Pilots in World War II and who earned a commercial helicopter rating and licenses to fly seaplanes, gyroplanes, hot air balloons and gliders.
She was a member of the Women in Aviation Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institute of Aviation and is listed as one of the 100 most influentual women in aviation by Women in Aviation International, in Folsom, California.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Making Model Airplanes At the High School for the War Effort
From the March 1, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Students of the DeKalb Township High School will start immediate production on model airplanes for the use of the army and navy. The production of the model planes, at least a hundred of them, will be rushed in conforming to the needs of the nation's armed forces.
"These planes are to be exact models of the planes used by the United States, Germany, Japan and Italy, and will be used by the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics in training air and ground personnel."
You Need to Know What They Look Like. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Students of the DeKalb Township High School will start immediate production on model airplanes for the use of the army and navy. The production of the model planes, at least a hundred of them, will be rushed in conforming to the needs of the nation's armed forces.
"These planes are to be exact models of the planes used by the United States, Germany, Japan and Italy, and will be used by the U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics in training air and ground personnel."
You Need to Know What They Look Like. --GreGen
Looking Back to the War: Persons Taking Advantage of the Situation
From the March 1, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Housewives were today warned not to make any purchases of toilet articles from persons who announce they represent the Red Cross and intimate that profits from the sale of the article will go to the Red cross.
"There have been two imposters working in DeKalb."
Bad-Hearted People. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Housewives were today warned not to make any purchases of toilet articles from persons who announce they represent the Red Cross and intimate that profits from the sale of the article will go to the Red cross.
"There have been two imposters working in DeKalb."
Bad-Hearted People. --GreGen
Monday, May 1, 2017
Sewing Sweaters for the Soldiers
From the March 1, 2017, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Announcement was made by the office of the DeKalb Chapter of the American Red Cross this morning that it had received a new supply of khaki colored yarn. This yarn is to be used in the knitting of v-neck, sleeveless type of sweaters being worn by soldiers.
"The yarn will be available at the sewing center located on the second floor of the Chronicle building and will be given out to those who will come to the center for the material."
--GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Announcement was made by the office of the DeKalb Chapter of the American Red Cross this morning that it had received a new supply of khaki colored yarn. This yarn is to be used in the knitting of v-neck, sleeveless type of sweaters being worn by soldiers.
"The yarn will be available at the sewing center located on the second floor of the Chronicle building and will be given out to those who will come to the center for the material."
--GreGen
Victory Gardens in DeKalb County
From the February 22, 2017, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Every citizen, old or young, who is not engaged in military service or the emergency services of civilian defense now has the opportunity to do his bit through the statewide victory garden and food supply program, it is pointed out by Farm Adviser Roy Johnson and Home Adviser Helen Johnson."
--GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Every citizen, old or young, who is not engaged in military service or the emergency services of civilian defense now has the opportunity to do his bit through the statewide victory garden and food supply program, it is pointed out by Farm Adviser Roy Johnson and Home Adviser Helen Johnson."
--GreGen
DeKalb Family Giving Its All to War Effort
From the February 22, 2017 MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Samuel Lund of DeKalb will take added interest in the war because one son is already in the army, a second is about to enter the navy, and a third goes to the marine base next month.
"A year from now another son will be of age to go."
Giving Your All. --GreGen
1942, 75 Years Ago.
"Samuel Lund of DeKalb will take added interest in the war because one son is already in the army, a second is about to enter the navy, and a third goes to the marine base next month.
"A year from now another son will be of age to go."
Giving Your All. --GreGen
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