Category: World War II

Monuments Men Group Bets on Playing Cards to Find Lost Art

DALLAS—A group dedicated to finishing the work of World War II’s Monuments Men is betting on a deck of playing cards—and reward money—to help find missing works of art taken by the Nazis. Inspired by the U.S. military’s history of creating playing cards related to missions, the Dallas-based Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of…


Remembering World War II in New Orleans

One of my great uncles survived his ship sinking in the South Pacific. Another great uncle flew over the Burma Hump several times. Still another great uncle and his brother, who hadn’t seen each other for almost two years after enlisting, scrambled for cover during the Battle of the Bulge, and by chance dove into…


Following the Flights, Bailouts, and Survival of World War II US Airmen

The war in the air proved to be pivotal for American victory during World War II. The bombers, like the B-17 and B-24, showed just how dominant American airpower had become. But this didn’t mean they were invincible. Bombers were shot out of the sky and some failed due to mechanical problems. In “Lost Airmen:…


Can Avoiding War Come at Too High a Price?

Commentary On Sept. 3, 1939, the Australian Prime Minister, Robert Menzies, broadcasted the following message: “Fellow Australians, it is my melancholy duty to inform you officially that in consequence of a persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her and that, as a result, Australia is also at…


‘Candy Bomber’ Who Dropped Sweets Amid Berlin Airlift Dies

DENVER—A U.S. military pilot known as the “Candy Bomber” for his airdrops of sweets during the Berlin Airlift after World War II ended has died. Gail S. Halvorsen was 101 when he died Wednesday following a brief illness in his home state of Utah, surrounded by most of his children, James Stewart, the director of…


A Secret Language That Helped End World War II

In war, information can be more valuable than tanks, planes, ships, or soldiers. Information sent and received without detection can mean the difference between victory and defeat, even between life and death. Protecting information means developing elaborate codes. One code, which Native Americans developed and used, played a pivotal role in helping the United States…


101-Year-Old Returns to Pearl Harbor to Remember Those Lost

HONOLULU—When Japanese bombs began falling on Pearl Harbor, U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class David Russell first sought refuge below deck on the USS Oklahoma. But a split-second decision on that December morning 80 years ago changed his mind, and likely saved his life. “They started closing that hatch. And I decided to get out of…


Two Veterans Reunite 77 Years After Meeting on Way to Boot Camp

Two veterans from World War II were reunited on Nov. 16 in Barren County, Kentucky, after more than 75 years of separation. They grew up in the same county, but their paths had never crossed until traveling by bus to boot camp in May 1944. The two young men quickly became friends, challenging each other…


WWII Veteran in Los Angeles Turns 100

YORBA LINDA, Calif.—World War II veteran James Bradley celebrated his 100th birthday in Yorba Linda, California, on Nov. 5. He received certificates of recognition and birthday cards from various leaders. He also received a flag as a token of appreciation for his service. “On behalf of the President of the United States, on behalf of supervisor…


The Last Post Still Sounds, Lest We Forget

Commentary At 8:00 every night, the Last Post sounds at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing in Ypres, Belgium, and has without interruption since July 2, 1928. Except during the German occupation. But as soon as it ended in 1944, the ceremony resumed. Sooner, actually. On Sept. 6, 1944, Polish forces liberated that monument…