John Wolford, known as “Red”, was one of America’s first aces, with five confirmed kills flying a P-38 when he went missing in action on this day over Tunisia. He was from Maryland and his name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at North Africa American Cemetery, Carthage, Tunisia. Honor and remember him!
May 19 Orion Howe Medal of Honor
For actions on May 19, 1863, Orion Howe would receive the Congressional Medal of Honor thirty years later. Howe was a fourteen year old drummer boy with the 55th Illinois Volunteer Infantry when he moved under intense enemy fire to get badly needed ammunition for his regiment. Honor and remember him!
May 18 Earl May Naval Aviator
Earl May earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Silver Star while flying with VF-17, the “Jolly Rogers” over the Solomons. He was credited with eight aerial victories. Honor and remember him!
May 18 The Memphis Belle
The heroes and leaders on the Memphis Belle became the first American airmen to complete 25 missions over Europe. I made this short one page comic on them a couple of years ago. It’s a story to repeat and tell your kids and grandkids. Honor and remember!
May 17 Mike Kolendorski
Mike Kolendorski, an American flying with the Royal Air Force against the Nazis over London, was shot down on this day over the English Channel. Honor and remember this great American leader! #raf #worldwar2 #wwII #usaf #leader #hero
May 15 USS Wahoo Sails
The USS Wahoo, one of the most aggressive and successful WW2 submarines, commanded by Dudley “Mush” Morton, was commissioned on this day. The boat completed seven war patrols and sank 60k tons of enemy shipping.
May 14 Joseph Rochefort & Midway
One of my favorite American leaders is Joseph Rochefort, who made Midway possible. A mental and moral giant. Honor and remember!
May 13 – Churchill Offers “Blood, Toil, Tears & Sweat”
Four days after becoming prime minister, Churchill struck a determined note with his first speech before parliament, uttering the famous lines “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat”. The full speech is well worth reading. I especially respect the last paragraph and the last two sentences of that paragraph: “You ask, what is our aim? I … Read More
May 12 Ben Drew Air Force Cross
Ben Drew – a World War II ace and fighter pilot – belatedly received the Air Force Cross on this day in 1983, when Luftwaffe records confirmed his contention that he had shot down two Me-262 jets on the same day in 1944. Honor and remember Ben Drew!
May 11 Joseph Carmichael & The Bunker Hill
Lieutenant Commander Joseph Carmichael, engineering officer on the USS Bunker Hill, received the Navy Cross, for his heroic leadership after his ship is hit by a kamikaze.