Funeral services were held this week for local Marine, Lance Corporal William Crouse, killed on December 21 in Afghanistan. The remains of Air Force Major Thomas Beyer were positively identified and returned to the States for services. Beyer’s aircraft was lost over Quang Tri, Vietnam on July 30, 1968. The Civilian Military Intelligence Group offered [...]
Through my research in writing the story of Scotty Greiling, I’ve come across much convincing evidence that American POWs were left behind in Southeast Asia at the end of the Vietnam War. Perhaps the most disturbing case is that of Major Henry Serex. Serex’s aircraft, “Bat 21,” was downed on April 2, 1972. Some twenty [...]
I don’t know about you all, but the History Junkie is still very much in holiday spirits. Accordingly, for LFWW, let’s feature another Christmas letter. This offering comes to us from Indiana doughboy, Jesse Winebrenner, serving occupational duties in France. The letter, addressed to his mother and dated December 24, 1918, was written just a [...]
I think we are all intrigued by the unusual and out of place when it comes to history, especially regarding military battles. Amid the most horrific of circumstances, certain things stand out, not for their brutality, but for their humanity. The History Junkie loves irony. General Ulysses S. Grant’s advance on Richmond came to [...]
The History Junkie sincerely hopes everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I know that I did. As mentioned before, the Everytown USA Project aims to capture the military history from each community across this great nation. Today, let’s take a moment to honor Noble County, Indiana’s war dead from World War I. The list comes [...]
Yes, the History Junkie knows that it is Christmas Eve. But some of us still have to work. Readers demand their Weekly History Wrap-Up. And we will oblige. The Blog must go on! Great story out of Spotsylvania County, Virginia on a high school group bringing back the music of World War II. Keep up [...]
The History Junkie has found a true friend and comrade in Eileen Reynolds Sheehan of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Eileen’s brother, Gene, was lost in 1945 when his submarine, the USS Barbel, was sunk with no survivors. She recently submitted the following letter to the Hendersonville Times-News. Eileen we thank you for your praise. But even [...]
Yes, we are back again with Letters From War Wednesdays. Today’s note comes courtesy of Eleanor Kimmell Roubique. In her book, Home by the Fourth of July, she re-prints the letters of her grandfather,William Francis Kimmell, who served with the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry through the major battles of the Civil War, including Gettysburg and [...]
The 1942 Albion High School half-mile relay team caught the attention of many from near and far. The crew consisted of seniors Ed McGinley, John Hutchison and Robert Hanlon, with junior Paul Forker rounding out the foursome. Few competitors could match their combined speed. The unit placed second behind only Auburn at the highly competitive [...]
This summer, the History Junkie received a call about a reunion of Anzio Beachhead vets being held in Auburn, Indiana. It may as well have been Commissioner Gordon calling on the Batphone. That’s how quickly I reacted! As far as World War II battles go, Anzio was a major player. Huge! Sure, it doesn’t get [...]