Iowan to Receive Congressional Gold Medal Posthumously for Service in the 'Ghost Army'

From the February 28, 2024, Des Moines (Iowa) Register "This Iowan served in World War II's Ghost Army.  Years later, his service is being recognized" by Kyle Werner.

The sons of John T. Cantrell, of Des Moines, will receive a Gold Medal for him at a special service in Washington, D.C., at the Capitol on March 21.

Today, only seven members of he "Ghost Army" are still alive and all of them 100 years or older.

Information on this top secret group was classified for more that fifty years before finally being released1996.  Its 1,100 members will be receiving a Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's highest non-military medal.

This is coming about because of a lot of work by groups who thought they should receive the honor.

--GreGen

Fannie McClendon, 101, Up for a Gold Medal

From the November 11, 2021, Yahoo News "Honoring Fannie McClendon:  101-year-old Tempe veteran could receive national honor."

At 101 years old, Fannie McClendon still tells stories about her time in the U.S. Army and Air Force.  The Tempe, Arizona, resident occupies a unique place in history.

During World War II, she joined the only Army battalion comprised entirely of black women.  Her service  and the efforts of more than 800 of her fellow soldiers, could earn a Congressional Gold Medal.

It did and, well-deserved.

--GreGen

WW II Unit Receives Long-Overdue Recognition-- Part 3: Fannie McClendon

"All told, I was in the service for 26 1/2 years and never thought about getting any special honors.  I am amazed that I'll be receiving the Congressional Gold Medal for our service during the war.

"Every member of the 6888th will receive one.  I'm only sorry that out of more than 800 battalion members, only a handful of us are still living to see this day.

"I'm grateful to have lived an amazing life, but what matters most is what all those letters represented: staying connected to the ones we hold dear."

She certainly has lived an amazing life and especially with the things she accomplished while being a woman and especially being a black woman.  Talk about obstacles overcome.

A Proud Member of the GreGen, the Greatest Generation.  --GreGen

Merrill's Marauders OK'd for Congressional Gold Medal-- Part 2: A Top Secret Mission

Robert Passanisi enlisted his fellow surviving Marauders and the families of many who have died to begin lobbying for the honor four years ago.  A final bill approved in September was sent October 6 to the White House where it awaits President Donald Trump's signature.

"After many years, all the sacrifices, and the suffering, are now finally recognized," said Passanisi, of Lindenhurst, New York.  "It makes you feel like it was all worthwhile."

Inn 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to have the U.S. Army assemble a ground unit for as long range mission behind enemy lines into Japanese-occupied Burma, now Myanmar.  Seasoned infantry and newly enlisted soldiers alike volunteered for the mission, deemed so secret they weren't told where they were going.

Merrill's Marauders -- nicknamed for the unit's commander, Brigadier General Frank Merrill -- were tasked with cutting off Japanese communications and supply lines along their long march to the airfield at the occupied town of Myitkyina.

An Honor Richly Deserved.  --GreGen

Merrill's Marauders OK'd for Congressional Gold Medal

From the October 14, 2020, Chicago Tribune "Merrill's Marauders of WW II OK'd for congressional medal" by Russ Bynum (AP).

They spent months behind enemy lines, marching hundreds of miles through the tangled jungles and steep mountains of Burma as they battled hunger and disease between firefights with Japanese forces during their secret mission.

In February 1944, the American jungle fighting unit nicknamed Merrill's Marauders set out to capture a Japanese-held airfield and open an Allied supply route between India and China.  Starting with 3,000 soldiers, the Marauders completed their mission five months later with barely 200 men still in the fight.

The journey of roughly 1,000 miles on foot was so grueling that fighting "was the easy part," said Robert Passanisi, who at age 96 is among just nine known Marauders  still known to be alive.

Now the Marauders, officially designated by the Army as the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), have been approved by Congress to be awarded its highest honor: the Congressional Gold Medal.

--GreGen

Black Female WW II Unit Seeks Gold Medal-- Part 6

A bill in Congress would rename a post office in Buffalo, New York, after the battalion's Indiana Hunt-Martin, who died last year.

And, there is a push for a Congressional Gold Medal.

"These women were trailblazers, and it is past time that we officially recognize them for the incredible contribution to our troops during World War II," said Sen. Maggie Hassan, a New Hampshire Democrat, who is co-sponsoring the bill.

Like McClendon, Moore's family said she would be honored, but not enamored by the award.  She rarely talked about her time with the 6888th when she was alive, preferring to let those accomplishments speak for themselves.

"She would have said, 'This is an amazing, wonderful honor and I am very proud to have served.'  Then she would have went on with her life," said Moore's niece Elizabeth Pettiford, who grew up next door to Moore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.  

"I just don't think she would have made a huge thing about it because that was her personality.  She kept a lot of things in."

--GreGen

Black Female World War II Unit Hoping to Get Congressional Gold Medal

From the July 13, 2021, Daily Press "Black female World War II unit hoping to get Congressional honor" by Michael Casey, AP.

Major Fannie Griffin McClendon and her Army colleagues never dwelled on  being the only black  battalion of women to serve in Europe.  They had a job to do.

The 6888th  Central Postal  Directory Battalion was credited with solving a growing postal crisis during its stint in England, and, on their return, serving as an example to generations of black women who joined the military.

But for decades, the exploits of the group's 855 members received next to nothing as far as recognition, that is, until now.

The Senate passed legislation that would award members of the battalion, affectionately known as the Six Triple Eight, with the Congressional Gold Medal.

The bill is awaiting action in the House, but it is already too late for most of the 6888's members.  There are only believed to be seven still alive, including McClendon.

"Well, it would be nice, but it never occurred  to me that we would even qualify for it," McClendon said from her home in Arizona.

An Overdue Honor.  --GreGen

Death of Nisei Veteran Frank Wada-- Part 3: Fighting in Italy and France

After a year of training, the 442nd shipped out to Europe, where Wada's company served on the front lines in the Rome-Arno, Po Valley and Ardennes campaigns.

The casualty rate was high and within a month, Wada rose three ranks from scout to platoon sergeant.

The 442nd's greatest test -- and one that nearly cost Wada his life --  came in October 1944 when they and the 100th Infantry Battalion (also Nisei) together fought to liberate Bruyeres, France, and rescue a small Texas battalion surrounded by German soldiers.  

The bravery of the Nisei  soldiers, who hurled themselves at the dug-in German  forces and fought hand-to-hand at close range,  led to the "Lost Battalion Rescue" to become known as one of the greatest ground battles of the war.

During the final days of the battle, Wada was seriously wounded by shrapnel injuries to his lower body and ended up spending  more than a month in a hospital.

Among the many combat decorations he received were a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and a combat medal with four oak clusters.  In 2011, he and all of the 442nd  and 100th veterans received the Congressional Gold Medal.  And, in 2015, he received France's highest  military  award, the Legion of Honor.

--GreGen

'Merrill's Marauders' Receive Congressional Medal-- Part 2

Setting out in February 1944, the unit (code-named "Galahad") marched some 750 miles over the Himalayan foothills through dense jungle, contending with the enemy, hunger and rampant disease.  

Despite lacking heavy weapons support, the Marauders engaged in five major battles and 32 smaller actions over five months, spending much  of that time in continual combat.

Although vastly outnumbered, they inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese 18th Division and on May 17, 1944, captured Myitkyina airfield, the key transport supply hub in northern Burma.  Only 200 Marauders completed the protracted mission, the survivors having lost an average of 35 pounds.

The unit disbanded that August.

In 1944 the Army awarded the Marauders a Distinguished Unit Citation, and every member received a Bronze Star.  Dozens of Marauders  have received other awards, including a Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and individual Congressional Gold Medals.

In 1962, writer-director Samuel Fuller, himself a World War II veteran, paid homage to the unit with the historical epic "Merrill's Marauders", starring Jeff Chandler in his final role.

Well Deserved.  --GreGen

'Merrill's Marauders' Receive Congressional Gold Medal-- Part 1

From the January 2021 Military History magazine.

In October 2020, President Donald J. Trump approved the Congressional Gold Medal for the U.S. Army's 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) the storied World War II jungle fighters better known as "Merrill's Marauders."

Time correspondent James Shepley bestowed that nickname in honor of unit leader Brigadier General Frank Merrill.

Eight of the original Marauders are still living.

The elite unit originated in late 1943, when Lt. General Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stillwell, then commander of U.S. forces in China, Burma and India, conceived a long-range penetration mission into Japanese-occupied Burma to disrupt enemy supply and communication lines while a larger Allied force fought to reopen the Burma Road into China.

Some 3,000 U.S. servicemen volunteered for the Marauders.

--GreGen

Bits of War: A Congressional Gold Medal and Two More Remains Identified

**  Nicholas Robolino awarded Congressional Gold Medal posthumously.  He was a member of a top secret air group of B-24 bombers in the 492nd Bombardment Group called "The Carpetbaggers" tasked with dropping supplies and spies behind German lines.

**  Marine killed at Betio, Tarawa, identified and buried in Iowa.  Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. Channing Whitaker.  He was only 17 when he enlisted in 1942 and was killed Nov. 22, 1943.  Many Marines killed there were not identified at the time and DNA is being used.

**  U.S. Army Air Forces Tech Sgt. Max W. Lower was on a B-24 when it was shot down during Operation Tidal Wave on August 1, 1943, over the oil fields at Ploiesti, Romania.  Some 310  died that day but his body was not identified and buried in Romania and then in a U.S. military cemetery in Belgium.

His body was identified using DNA.  He is now buried in Utah.

--GreGen

Effort to Award Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army Rangers Moves Ahead

From the March 16, 2020, Military.com by Richard Sisk.

It has bipartisan backers in both the Senate and House and is running against the clock to get it passed while some of them are still alive.    It is estimated that only about 40 survive.

The Rangers were in special operations.

A big reason for Senator Joni Ernst, (R-Iowa) is that former tech sergeant Lester Cook, one of the original group of Rangers formed in 1942 under the leadership of Captain William O. Darby, is still alive and living in Des Moines, Iowa.

--GreGen

Death of John "Jack" Lyle in 2019, One of the Legendary Tuskegee Airmen-- Part 1

1920-2019

From the January 8, 2019, Chicago Sun Times by Maureen O'Donnell.

He died January 8, 2019, just three days before he planned to visit Jackson harbor one final time (for his love of boating on Lake Michigan).  He loved sailing as much as he loved flying.  This was his last wish.

In 2007, President George W. Bush and Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on him and other Tuskegee Airmen.  They were members of the nation's first black fighter squadron who won acclaim for their aerial prowess and bravery despite a military that segregated them and southern  "Whites Only" entrances that permitted German prisoners of war -- but blocked Blacks.

Mr. Lyle named his plane "Natalie" for his first wife, once shot down a German Messerschmitt.

--GreGen

Death of WASP Dorothy Olsen-- Part 4: Group Finally Gets Veteran Benefits and Gold Medal

The WASPs were disbanded in 1944, the year before the war ended.  Only in 1977 did they receive full veterans' benefits, and only in 2010 did they receive the recognition that their admirers thought to be their due, with the conferral of the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation's second highest military honor.

"I was doing what I loved.  And I was lucky," Olsen told KOMO News.  "I loved it.  Every minute."

Dorothy Eleanor Kocher was born in Woodburn, Oregon, on July 10, 1916.  She became hooked on aviation after riding a biplane at a state fair and thereafter spent "all her available rime and money" on flying lessons," according to her daughter.

--GreGen

World War II-Era 'Ghost Army' Up for a Congressional Gold Medal in 2016

From the March 12, 2016, Washington Times.

described as "Masters of innovation, large scale camouflage -- and tactical deception."

Bi-partisan legislation has been introduced to give the Gold Medal to the "Ghost Army."

The unit created intricate battlefield deception using hundreds of inflatable tanks, aircraft, sound effects and phony radio transmissions to confuse the Germans before D-Day.

Currently, there are Ghost veterans living in 11 states and Washington, D.C..

They were officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops.  There efforts were chronicled in a 2013 documentary film by Rick Beyer and is under development for a Hollywood movie

In the past, the Congressional Gold Medal has been given to Doolittle's Raiders, the Monuments Men, WASPs and Code Talkers.

Legislation is also underway to give the Gold medal to the OSS -- forerunners of the CIA.

All So deserving.  Thanks.  --GreGen

Congress Approves Gold Medal for Filvets

From the December 2, 2016, Inquirer.Net.

The Gold Medal for the 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who served with U.S. Army Forces of the Far East, USAFFE, during World War II has been approved.

Now it goes to President Obama for his signature.

The Rescission Act of 1946, Congress stripped Filipino soldiers of the benefits they were promised by FDR.  Fewer than 7,000 of them survive today in the United States.  Overall, there are just 18,000 Filipino veterans still alive.

The Tuskegee Airmen and Hawaii's 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion have also received the Congressional Gold Medal.

About Time.  --GreGen

OSS Veterans Get Congressional Gold Medal-- Part 2

In the past, the World War II groups Tuskegee Airmen and Navajo "Code Talkers" have also received the Gold Medal.

The OSS was formed in 1942 by William Donovan who called them the "Glorious Amateurs," responsible for cloak-and-dagger operations throughout the war, including ones behind enemy lines in Germany.

The OSS insignia, the spearhead, is synonymous with the Special Operations Command.

They were dissolved after the war when what was left of the organization became the foundation for the CIA.  Other branches of the OSS became the Green Berets and Navy SEALs.

Now, I'd like to see the Montford Points Marines receive one.

Well Deserved, Even This Late.  --GreGen

Bill Honoring World War II's Intelligence Operatives Finally Passes Congress-- Part 1

From the December 1, 2016, Washington Post by Thomas Gibbons-Neff.

Photo accompanying the article shows OSS founder General William Donovan and members of the OSS operational groups, forerunners of the U.S. Special Forces.

This measure took a long time to pass Congress, despite bipartisan support.

The Congressional Gold Medal will go out to veterans of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).  The problem with them, getting the Gold Medal was a new law that prevented groups from getting it..  This law, however, had earlier been waived in order to honor Civil Rights activists in 1965's "Bloody Sunday" march in Selma, Alabama.

--GreGen

Female WWII Pilot's Kin Now Fight Arlington-- Part 2: 38 Died in Service

Ninety-seven House members have signed a bill to allow all WASP members to be inurned at Arlington and a bill has been sponsored in the Senate.

The WASPs flew more than 60 million miles domestically, test-flew and repaired military aircraft and ferried male officers around the country.  They even towed targets during live-ammunition training.

Thirty-eight died  while serving.

Congress finally granted them military and veteran status in 1977.  In 1984, they each received a World War II Victory Medal and in 2010, they were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

It sure strikes me how long it took Congress to do this.

--GreGen

Death of Heroine Jacqueline Morgan in 2014

From the March 1, 2014, KTRE 9 TV "East Texas WWII heroine Jacqueline Morgan dies" by Francesco Washington.

Jacqueline Morgan, 94, died in Lufkin, Texas.  She was one of 1,174 WASPs (Women Air Force Service Pilots."  She joined in 1943 and towed targets for anti-aircraft practice, mostly flying  AT6s and BT-13s.

She joined because an older brother, already in the military, had been killed in a training accident.

WASPs were considered civilians and their records were classified for 35 years and were not offered military status until 1977.

In 2009, the group received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award.  they also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

--GreGen