A Few of FR's Finest..Every Day..02-6,7-07..WW2: The War, The Era, The Monument, The FReeper Vets

February 6, 2007 | Dolly Howard

[DollyCali]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, GodBlessUSA, Aquamarine~

World War II (abbreviated WWII), or the Second World War, was a worldwide conflict fought between the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers, from 1939 until 1945. Armed forces from over seventy nations engaged in aerial, naval, and ground-based combat. Spanning much of the globe, World War II resulted in the deaths of over sixty million people, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. The war ended with an Allied victory .

Names & words like Adolf Hitler,Nagasaki, Normandy, the Holocaust, Pearl Harbor, Nazi, Adolph Eichmann, Rudolf Hess Auchwitz, , Iwa Jima, Atomic Bomb all bring sharp memories and often tears to those who lived through the time & bring images of a sad history for those of us who followed. .

Some 63 million people, or 3% of the world population, died in the war (though estimates vary): about 24 million soldiers and 38 million civilians. This total includes the estimated 9 million lives lost in the Holocaust. Of the total deaths in World War II, approximately 80% were on the Allied side and 20% on the Axis side.

Allied forces suffered approximately 17 million military deaths, of which about 11 million were Soviet and 3 million Chinese. Axis forces suffered about 8 million, of which more than 5 million were German. In total, of the military deaths in World War II, approximately 44% were Soviet soldiers, 22% were German, 12% were Chinese, 8% were Japanese, 9% were soldiers of other Allied forces, and 5% were other Axis country soldiers. Some modern estimates double the number of Chinese casualties originally stated. Of the civilian deaths, approximately 90% were Allied (nearly a third of all civilians killed were Soviet citizens, and more than 15% of all civilians killed in the war died in German extermination camps) and 10% were Axis.

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Many civilians died as a result of disease, starvation, massacres, genocide--in particular, the Holocaust--and aerial bombing. One estimate is that 12 million civilians died in Holocaust camps, 1.5 million by bombs, 7 million in Europe from other causes, and 7.5 million in China from other causes.[7] Allied civilian deaths totaled roughly 38 million, including 11.7 million in the Soviet Union, 7 million in China and 5.2 million from Poland. There were around 3 million civilian deaths on the Axis side, including 2 million in Germany and 0.6 million in Japan. The Holocaust refers to the organized state-sponsored murder of 6 million Jews, 1.8-1.9 million non-Jewish Poles, 200,000-800,000 Roma people, 200,000-300,000 people with disabilities, and other groups carried out by the Nazis during the war.

The Soviet Union suffered by far the largest death toll of any nation in the war, over 23 million. The Holocaust was the organized murder of an estimated nine million people, including approximately six million Jews. Originally, the Nazis used killing squads known as Einsatzgruppen to conduct massive open-air killings, shooting as many as 33,000 people in a single massacre, as in the case of Babi Yar. By 1942, the Nazi leadership decided to implement the Final Solution, or Endlösung, the genocide of all Jews in Europe, and to increase the pace of the Holocaust. The Nazis built six extermination camps specifically to kill Jews. Millions of Jews who had been confined to massively overcrowded ghettos were transported to these "Death-camps", in which they were either slaughtered on arrival or put to work until the Nazis could find no more use for them, at which point they were put to death by shooting or mass poisoning in gas chambers. .

In a short presentation such as this no attempt will be made to do a depth study of this war but rather to provide some links for those with an interest to know more.

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WW2 time line

WW 2 Europe

WW2 Pacific Timeline

Eyewitness to History WW2

Pacific Naval Battles

Wikipedia – WW2

Mini Biographies of Military & Political Leaders

Best of History Websites

Voices of WW2

The magnificent World War II Memorial Official Site was dedicated on May 29th of 2004, but this wonderful memorial cannot be shared with most WW II Veterans here in Ohio or elsewhere. They are now in their 80s to 90s.

The majority are on limited, fixed incomes, lack help. A twelve-hour bus ride is not an option for these heroes.

According to Veterans Affairs statistics, about 1,200 WW II Veterans die each and every day. The overwhelming majority of them will pass away without ever having an opportunity to visit the memorial they have waited over 60 years to see. We are changing that.

FReeper Warrior Queen works with the Cleveland USO & volunteers now with a remarkable group. Here are some of her comments…. We now fly WW II Veterans, one Saturday a month, in large commercial aircraft to the Washington, DC area. The program is called Honor Flight and the purpose is to fly America’s elderly veterans to visit the memorials dedicated to recognize their service and the sacrifices of their friends.

We are a federal nonprofit (501c3) organization. We are doing everything we can to make this activity FREE for the veterans. Sadly, Honor Flight does not receive any corporate or government sponsorship. We are asking for donations to cover airfare, tour bus services, food, tee shirts, scooter/wheelchair rental, oxygen and operational costs. We’re hoping that, by getting the word out, public support will continue to grow.

The more support we receive, the more veterans finally get to visit their memorial. Over the past two years, we have transported a total of 463 members of “the Greatest Generation.” We are now joined by other programs in North Carolina, Utah, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Illinois. Next year, our combined goal is to fly over 5000 WW II Veterans.

We conduct regular operations out of Dayton and Columbus. We plan to expand to Cleveland in 2007. Round trip, same day flights from Cleveland into Baltimore Washington International (BWI) would cost about $120.00 per seat. We then handle ALL the ground operations/logics from BWI, around Washington DC and back to the airport. We provide a deluxe motor coach, meals, tee shirts, name tags, motorized scooters, oxygen, etc. Our cost is about $50.00 per person.

It is our hope that we will pick up the cost of all ground expenses so that organizations from around the country pay only for their airfare. The cost will be about $120.00 a piece< to make the dreams of hundreds of WWII Veterans from Cleveland come true. Our policy is that the WWII Veterans don't pay a penny. . We will be serving as the "parent" organization to similar programs across the country. Recently we had about 20 people from across the nation that want to learn about how to proceed with an Honor Flight, HonorAir, Hero Flight, etc. program.

An office is opened that is staffed with volunteers to answer the phone, a national toll free number (1 888 FLY-VETS) and a national web site (presently under revision) www.HonorFlight.org. .

Time is NOT on our side. Since early January 2005, thirty-seven World War II veterans on our waiting list have passed away without visiting their memorial. In another 3 to 7 years, almost all WW II Veterans will be gone.

We remain committed to do everything we can to help those surviving veterans view their precious memorial. They are ordinary men and women who collectively and literally saved America and the
world.

If you would like more information or would like to help, please visit our web site at www.HonorFlight.org, email me at HonorFlight@aol.com
or call (937) 864-7261.

Erwin (Earl) Morse, Captain, USAF Retired
Founder of Honor Flight, Inc.
P.O. Box 214
Enon, OH 45323
Phone: 937 864-7261

More Honor Flight Information

Submitted by FReeper Bev ..the Bev in Bevlar; wife of Larry.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1012827/posts He is also registered at: http://www.wwiimemorial.com. The above site is where Freepers paid tribute to him. I cherish this website!!!

Lawrence Fredrick Zacker was born in Carroll Iowa November 4, 1915. He was 26 years old, married with children on December 7, 1941. The ARMY, NAVY AND MARINES wouldn't take him because he had very flat feet. He quit his job as Used Car Manager at a Los Angeles car dealership and went to work at Northrop building the P-61 Black Widow planes. He was doing his part for the war effort but felt he needed to participate as a soldier/sailor. In the summer of 1942, the United States Merchant Marines took him - flat feet and all after he begged the examining doctor to pass him.

He served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during the war years and was "bosun" on a ship off the coast of Normandy June 6, 1994. His service to his country did not go unnoticed and at the end of the war, he was contacted by the US Navy and given the opportunity to enter the Navy as an Ensign. He declined and returned to civilian life but often regretted his decision. He was a true flag waving patriot!!

After returning to civilian life, Larry became a Realtor and lived in Sana Diego for many years. In 1973, he retired and we moved to the mountains of N CA to the little town of Fall River Mills. We received an offer we couldn't refuse - Columbia Helicopters needed a watchman and we would be paid while we literally vacationed in our motor home. All we had to do was look after the helicopter during the evening hours. We traveled with Columbia for 4 years and had the time of our lives. In 1979, we decided to settle down once and for all. We bought a small acreage on the river - just a mile from the ocean on the beautiful north coast of Oregon.

In 1994, he received a special invitation, including a seating badge, to attend the 50 year remembrance of the Normandy invasion. He refused to attend because the draft dodging Bill Clinton was going to be there to strut around.

Larry will always be my hero because I knew his heart. I was Blessed to be his wife. He served his country with pride and honor. Larry died 10/31/03.

MY WAR
by William Barrows

Submitted by FReeper Wheelbarrow. A short excerpt presented here from the essay

FOUND HERE

"…..we pulled into what I thought was Liverpool (but later documents said it was Grenock, Scotland). En route we fought off and sank a German submarine that Hitler had boasted sank us, so when a British search plane came out to find us (or the remains) it was a jubilant dockside welcome that greeted us on arrival.

In England our troop train took us to a camp near North-witch for about a week, then again we were put on a train and taken to Southampton and loaded on assault ships to take us to Utah Beach in France where, like the guys who took the beach head, we had to climb the cliffs to get to the trucks that would take us to the combat area.

In France we traveled on mostly country roads (the German Air Force was still something to worry about, and there was a big German submarine post back behind at St. Nazzaire). We bypassed Paris and eventually wound up near Nancy (the last city of any size we’d encounter), the HQ. of General Patton’s Third Army and my 26th Division. Soon after to the east we were dropped from the trucks and began the march to the “front lines” some 20 miles away….."

1-09-07 ~ Hall of Fame #18

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 2-05-07 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[WVNan]

Plugging along Aqua. Way too busy for my age. Hey, we're finally getting a little snow. It's nice. If I'm lucky I'll get to lay in tomorrow. Whoopee!

[WVNan]

Great thread Dolly. I love talking about that time of my life.

Heart of Georgia, plase accept my condolences on the passing of your father. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.

[Aquamarine]

It's a good time to lay in and read a book after a snowfall. Enjoy your time off!

[SnarlinCubBear]

What is the name GB? I'm collecting gorgeous roses.

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi SnarlinCubBear

This rose is named St. Cecilia. I noticed it is on David Austin Roses website. I think I may have to order this one. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi jaycee :)
I should clarify that picture is from the web not my photos. It is a gorgeous rose. I just love it so much that I had to dig it up from my old garden and bring it to my new one. I hope it's surviving in the garage in it's pot.

[WVNan]

Actually, if I don't have Emma tomorrow I will have to clean house. Have an evangelist coming next week to stay with us while he conducts revival services at hubby's church. My house is a wreck.

[Diver Dave]

Evenin' Dolly. GREAT thread.

Allow me to present a photo of two of my favorite WWII Navy Veterans. My father-in-law, George (on the right) and his brother, Ron. This photo was taken in '05 and a family picnic. George suffered a stroke 4 years ago and has mostly recovered his lost functions. Ron still works out every day. Quite a pair and we're awful proud of both of em.

Ron served aboard the battleship USS TENNESSEE and was a member of the ship's boxing team.

George served aboard the submarine USS TINOSA as a Fire Control Tech 3/C. One night on lookout duty he spotted some Japanese ships and the TINOSA sunk 'em. The skipper gave him a bottle of bourbon and he stowed it in his foot-locker. When the returned to Pearl after that patrol, the booze was gone, but visible from the sub's mast was a broom, signifying a clean sweep - all torpedos fired.

Salute to George and Ron along with all these other WWII Veterans.

[SnarlinCubBear]

Thank you. It's yummy, and now....if I can just find one more sunny spot.....

[GodBlessUSA]

LOL, I understand. ;)

[DollyCali]

Thanks to George and to Ron.. two good looking guys BTW...for their service and for their warm smiles.

Fun story about the disappearing spirits

Have they gotten to the WW2 memorial yet?

[DollyCali]

Hello Nan. thanks for dropping in & for spreading the word to the WW2 vets about the memorial.

Company is a good way to clean house.. the pressure is on.. or keep all lights off (throw a circuit) and keep drapes shut!

you know, the light bothers your eyes or something?

lol

Nice to see you again. A march get together hopefully for the WV & Ohio FReepers

[DollyCali]

Love that middle pix.. thanks as usual for posting some great shots.

How, do you have any good ones of aircraft of WW2 vintage to go along with out theme & for our vets who visit to see?

(just a little pressure?)

[DollyCali]

Thanks aqua. I had tried on a couple occasions to redo the prayer list table but each time it would not format up.. I played around a couple hours this afternoon & got it to work. I had never been happy with what I had been using the past couple years.

[DollyCali]

We veterans will appreciate this true story. Enjoy, Bill(FReeper Wheelbarrow)

Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with the 379th Bomber Group at Kimbolton, England. His B-17 was called 'Ye Old Pub' and was in a terrible state, having been hit by flak and fighters.

The compass was damaged and they were flying deeper over enemy territory instead of heading home to Kimbolton.
After flying over an enemy airfield, a pilot named Franz Steigler was ordered to take off and shoot down the B-17. When he got near the B-17, he could not believe his eyes. In his words, he 'had never seen a plane in such a bad state'. The tail and rear section was severely damaged, and the tail gunner wounded. The top gunner was all over the top of the fuselage. The nose was smashed and there were holes everywhere.

Despite having ammunition, Franz flew to the side of the B-17 and looked at Charlie Brown, the pilot. Brown was scared and struggling to control his damaged and blood-stained plane
.
Aware that they had no idea where they were going, Franz waved at Charlie to turn 180 degrees. Franz escorted and guided the stricken plane to and slightly over the North Sea towards England. He then saluted Charlie Brown and turned away, back to Europe.

When Franz landed he told the c/o that the plane had been shot down over the sea, and never told the truth to anybody. Charlie Brown and the remains of his crew told all at their briefing, but were ordered never to talk about it.

More than 40 years later, Charlie Brown wanted to find the Luftwaffe pilot who saved the crew. After years of research, Franz was found. He had never talked about the incident, not even at post-war reunions.

They met in the USA at a 379th Bomber Group reunion, together with 25 people who are alive now - all because Franz never fired his guns that day.

Research shows that Charlie Brown lived in Seattle and Franz Steigler had moved to Vancouver, BC after the war. When they finally met, they discovered they had lived less than 200 miles apart for the past 50 years!!?

[WVNan]

I don't know, Dolly, March weather is still iffy. I have two trips to Mid-Ohio March 1 & 3. Columbus to eye center on 1st, and Photographer's convention in Dayton on the 3rd. Seems Hubby and I have kept the road hot twixt us and Columbus. Hubby had Cataract removed which made multiple trips necessary. I'm being treated by same eye doctor for dry eye syndrome. Had Punctal Plugs installed. Not sure if they are working or not. The Mr. is doing great with his "new" eye.

Hopefully KET will be able to get here one day this week to help me with the cleaning. The snow could be a problem however. And I'm having an in-hospital test Monday. Taking Sunday off to prepare, so you can guess at what the test is. :o)

I'm kinda proud of son and his band tonight. They went to Nashville this past week-end for the biggest Bluegrass competition there is. They came in 4th out of 29 bands. If you care to check them out here is a URL for their My Space site. I don't know how to make a link.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=118169672

There are three songs there, just double click. Also a video clip.

[DollyCali]

Hoosierpearl’s ‘ Dad

B April 24, 1921
D March 10, 2006

Dad was in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He lived in Canada as an American citizen when the war began.

He worked on the airplanes that bombed Germany, and his base was often bombed by German planes.

It was difficult working under those conditions. Often they had no food as the kitchen and the food supplies were bombed. Sometimes there was no place to sleep as the barracks were bombed. Often had trouble working on the planes as the hangars were bombed.

Hoosierpearl’s Father in Law

The transcription of the newspaper article is :

Indianapolis Star; page 3, Tuesday January 4, 1944 [second paragraph]

Corporal Arnold F ______________., 538 North Sheffield avenue, member of a signal air warning battalion attached to a fighter wing, has been personally commended by the wing commanding officer for his actions during the battle of Gela, Sicily, last July.

The commendation stated in part that "in the face of enemy counterattacks, you were called upon to enter uncleared mine fields and to aid in the defense of Gela in addition to the performance of your regular duties under extremely difficult conditions. The courage and devotion to duty which you displayed not only reflected great credit upon yourself, but contributed in large measure to the success of our air operations."

My father in law was a radio operator in the First Division. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and European operations including the invasion on Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. He often went behind enemy lines to scout troop movements because he was a radio operator using Morse code.

He married, had one daughter and two sons. He was forty years old when this action at Gela occurred.

[DollyCali]

Aquamarine’s Dad

He served in the Naval Air Force and was stationed in Maneo NC, Norfolk VA and Jacksonville Fla. (over 4 years time) and worked in the gunnery at some time.

[La Enchiladita]

Dolly, what a great thread!! So much work, time and planning went into this... it is quite beautiful and reminds us of an important time.

My parents met while working at Douglas Aircraft plant in Santa Monica, CA, during WWII.

I wish I were able to play a couple of CDs online I have of music from WWII era.

[DollyCali]

What a coincidence !!!

I am working on music RIGHT NOW

GeeBee worked up some pop music & I am doing some PATRIOT war music also.

should be posted sometime tongiht..

that is so funny to have read your comments as I am just coming her to preview my stuff to see if I have music or "nothing". I am NOT good with doing music~