Reg sent me this link a while back and thought I would like to get in contact with one of the authors. Well long story short, we've been in communication, but due to our busy schedules haven't been able to hook up yet. But Robert wrote to me from Normandy (he is visiting during this D-Day Anniv), and wants to get together. We are trying to arrange a meeting this month (he only lives a few hours away). Am looking forward to it.

http://www.veteransfromallwars.com/

Hello everyone,

I would request all users. Some of you have maps of Pietramala and Radicosa pass areas?

Thanks to all.

Enry

Personal tribute to the men and women of D-Day 2011

67 years ago today....

67 years ago today, upon the high waters' wings they came,

67 years ago today, searching for the unknown the paths to pave,

67 years ago today, shrouds of mist scorched by heaven's flame,

67 years ago today, invisible hands split open the beckoning waves.

67 years ago today, from within themselves they rose, facing their fears,

67 years ago today, soaked screams stilled by silent prayers of despair,

67 years ago today, vague silhouettes of men, surrendering silver tears,

67 years ago today, washed away the horrors carried on that morning air.

67 years ago today, thousand brave hearts, seamlessly melted into one,

67 years ago today, condemned childhood hid deep within the crimson sand,

67 years ago today, tousled signs of hope lay heavy like ancient stone,

67 years ago today, sculptured from deep inside by freedom's hand.

67 years ago today, sighs of desperation became victory's battle cry,

67 years ago today, sentiments of determination grew with each life that fell,

67 years ago today, weary eyes relating tales that lips learned to deny,

67 years ago today, tender tears sealed the remembrance of images they tell.

67 years ago today, memories loom up in their heartrending gaze.

67 years ago today, remembering those left behind, sets the heart ablaze.

67 years ago today, forever seduced, falling into the beach's embrace,

67 years ago today, upon their memory, a rose I shall humbly place.

Thank you for all your sacrifices......

Words by Frank C. Everards - Copyright 2004 - 2011

How wonderful!

Two police cars led the way with lights flashing and then 30 motorcycles with American flags flying followed by three busloads of WWII veterans . And it started very early at Williamstown High School, a big beautiful school in the middle of the South Jersey farmland. Each WWII vet had a person assigned to accompany him and there was a van with three CPR specialists in a van with oxygen tanks. On entering the school there was an honor guard of Junior ROTC cadets in full uniform and inside there were at least 50 or 60 students with a uniform shirt on waiting on us. As we were finishing a great breakfast in marched a string band, Philadelphia style and played all the mummers songs.

 

Police stopped traffic at all the intersections as we headed to DC and the men on the bikes went all the way with us. We got to DC about noon and had a good boxed lunch in the park, roast beef, chicken, cakes cookies etc. When we got to the WWII memorial they brought out two extra wheel chairs for people whose legs were giving away and I was one of them. We then went to the Nam and Korea memorials which I sat out because I had seen them before. WE went to dinner in a fine restaurant in Delaware on the way home.

 

The ROTC kids were with us and laid a wreath at each memorial and presented arms. This had to be one of the best planned expeditions I have ever been with and quite unforgettable. And, just think, if you live a distance, they go by air.

 

 

36 Engineers are rugged......John Fallon II. Capt. USA Ret.

My friend Fred sent this to me. Thank you for the heads-up. RIP!

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James Arness, born James King Aurness, the actor best remembered as the rugged lawman Marshal Matt Dillon of the American frontier on "Gunsmoke" (1955 to 1975), died on Friday, 3 June 2011 at age 88.

His WW2 decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Arness wanted to be a naval fighter pilot, but he felt his poor eyesight would bar him. His height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) ended his hopes, since 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) was the limit for aviators. Instead, he was called for the Army and reported to Fort Snelling, Minnesota in March 1943. According to James Arness – An Autobiography, he landed on Anzio Beachhead in Italy on 22 January 1944 as a rifleman with 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. Due to his height, he was the first ordered off his landing craft to determine the depth of the water; it came up to his waist. He was severely wounded in his right leg during Operation Shingle, at Anzio, Italy. On January 29, 1945, having undergone surgery several times, Arness was honorably discharged. His wounds continued to bother him, and in later years Arness suffered from acute leg pain.

After his discharge, James Arness entered Beloit College in Wisconsin. He began his performing career as a radio announcer in Minnesota in 1945. Arness first came to Hollywood by hitchhiking and soon began acting and appearing in films. He began with RKO, which immediately changed his name from "Aurness." His film debut was as Loretta Young's brother in The Farmer's Daughter (1947). Though identified with westerns, Arness also appeared in two science fiction films, The Thing from Another World (in which he portrayed the title character) and Them!. He was a close friend of John Wayne and co-starred with him in Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky, and The Sea Chase.(more info on Wikipedia)