Firing the First Shot “We must somehow maneuver them into firing the first shot.” President Roosevelt declared prior to the outbreak of World War II. The “them” he referred to—none other than a vital part of the Axis seeking control of the Pacific –The Japanese. In 1937 China was invaded by the Japanese. In 1939 …
The few living survivors of the ‘First Wave’ at D-Day that I was able to interview before they passed all concur on one thing—tragic mistakes were made that morning of June 6, 1944, costing thousands of Allied lives. For starters, the landing parties headed ashore later in the day than planned. They missed the opportunity …
Read more “D-Day Mistakes, Madness and Miracles –The First Wave–The 80th Anniversary”
Victory In Europe – VE Day On September 3, 1939 the British and France declared war on Germany after the Nazi’s invaded Poland. On December 11, 1941, after the United States was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, Germany declared war on the US. Six years of global battle for the Brits and four …
Between the island of New Guinea and Australia lies the Coral Sea, with the Solomon Islands just beyond. While later in World War II, major conflicts would rage in the Solomon’s, the likes of Guadalcanal, few are familiar with the most important sea battle known by the Aussie’s as “The Battle that saved Australia”. The …
On February 19, 1942, when the Japanese Empire first attacked Darwin, Australia, killing 200 people, the necessity to keep shipping lanes open between the U.S. and our ally, Australia, became critical. This battle to maintain control of the South West Pacific waterways would spread across many islands and years. Three American GI’s lie dead on …
Across the nation that unforgettable Sunday, December 7, 1941, as the news of the early morning surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor blared from the radios, followed by shocking photos in newspapers, the grim reality of the devastating death and destruction hit home. Approximately 2,403 American’s lost their lives, including 68 civilians. This …
The Ni’ihau Incident – A Small Battle with a Big Impact that Continued in Hawaii for 7 days after Pearl Harbor While America pushed for isolationism after WWI, Japan pushed for their imperial expansionism under their goal of creating a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. These ideals would collide when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor …