American Legion T.H.B. Post 187

 

                        

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WORLD WAR II UNITS, INFORMATION

 

 

If you were in World War II or know someone that was, the link below has Unit stories of some of the many Hospital and Medical Units that were overseas during that time. Just click the link and scroll through the Units listed. My Dad was in the 108 Evac Hospital Unit. I was able to read about his Units exploits and found his name on their roster. This link and historical information has been provided by: 

"Unit History" or "Testimony" are Courtesy of US World War Two Medical Research Centre (MRC)

                                                        http://med-dept.com

 

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                           Operation PLUTO explained - Another little known WWII operation ......WWII Fuel

You may already know of this, but I sure didn't.  In spite of watching film about WWII and the European theater, I had never known the logistics of how all the military vehicles were supplied with fuel.  They sure couldn't just stop at the corner station and fill up their tanks or jeep gas tanks.  I found this film fascinating.
And so weird to hear amazing details about D-Day so long after the event.  What a fantastically complex engineering and operational feat it was, and how remarkable the skill and effort exhibited by the young men of the early 40's who planned and made the landing successful.


                     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N1UHU3z44U

 

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WWII Memorial website:

Are you a WWII Veteran, or have a family member, spouse, or friend, who was?  You have an opportunity to honor that person at the WWII Memorial website and registry. Click on the link below for information.  

https://www.wwiimemorial.com/

 

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WWII From Space​ - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Here is an informative website the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has to document what was done from airspace during WWII. Well worth a look, the site shows many artifacts and equipment that contributed to our operations in the war.   

 

https://airandspace.si.edu/topics/world-war-ii

 

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D-Day, June 6, 1944

On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which, “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 Ships and 13,000 aircraft supported the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe. The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 Soldiers to begin the slow, hard slog across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s crack troops.

 

https://www.army.mil/d-day/index.html

 

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V-J Day, August 14, 1945 
 
During Memorial Day and throughout the year, we need to remember all who served in WWII. This film from Hawaii naturally shows the ones who made it through....a tribute to the ones who did not ....love, Elaine. Keep tooling down the clip number is down at the end. JUST THINK HOW THIS YOUNG LADY FELT WHEN SHE DISCOVERED THE VIDEO HER FATHER SHOT.  Great video of a Spontaneous Victory Parade in Honolulu in 1945. Take a look at this video-absolutely fabulous! Notice the cars, jeeps, and youth. The guys in khaki or gray shirts and black ties are Navy officers or chiefs. The rest are Army or Marine. How young they all were to do what they did.  This guy really captured a moment in history! (You can listen to Jimmy Durante singing "I'll be Seeing You" in the background, too) This is a super video of a time past - we need to remember and be THANKFUL.  Check out the color fidelity. It's not bad for 1945. Nothing will ever compare with Kodachrome film.  Click here for the video: 
 
 
(263) 2020 Marks The 75th Anniversary of VJ Day, August 14, 1945. World War II Ends. Honolulu Celebrates. - YouTube 

 

Additonal History Channel site: 

https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/v-j-day

 

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USS Arizona Memorial:

The United States Government provides a Memorial on the U.S.S. Arizona for members of the Crew that survived the Pearl Harbor attack and have now passed away. Click on the link below to view a You Tube video. 

 

 

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US Naval Institute Author Jerome O'Connor Post Presentation, September 26, 2023

Jerome M. O'Conner, author of "The Hidden Places of World War II" (picture below) spoke at the Post in a 45 minute Powerpoint program about the vast and never destroyed Nazi U-boat bunker bases in France. Revealing the existence of the abandoned but intact bases resulted in Mr. O'Connor being named the 2001 US Naval Institute "Author of the Year." Jerry wrote the book at a rather advanced age, and it has been selling constantly on Amazon for 51 months at a 100% professional approval rating and 96% Amazon reader recommendation. 

 

 

A discussion of how U-boats almost won the war before United States entered it was read with excerpts from the book associated with the U-boat threat. Jerry also brought a few books for sale for anyone wishing a copy. The book is also available via Amazon. He also brought four posters of the era, shown below. 

 

       

 

   

 

-- Eric Pulia, 2nd Jr. Vice Commander; book cover and posters provided by Jerome O'Connor.