World War II Stories
Harold C. Skipton Submitted by his niece, Shannon Skipton Pendergraff My uncle is Harold C. Skipton, PFC, 101st AB, 502nd PIR, 3Bn, HQ Co. He was most likely called Skip. We did not know any details of his WW2 service until recently. He died of wounds sustained in the Bulge on January 21st, 1945. While Harold was in Europe, my grandfather was in the Pacific. (Both of my grandfathers were in…
The Tuskegee Airmen The story of the first African American combat pilots in U.S. military history, marking the 75th anniversary of their first deployment into World War II. Narrated by Robin Roberts, proud daughter of a Tuskegee Airman. The Tuskegee Airmen were recognized as part of the AVC’s Emmy-winning television special American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes. Learn more…
Tuskegee Airman Alexander Jefferson Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Jefferson shares his experiences serving during the Second World War as a member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Jefferson was shot down over southern France and spent time as a POW in the prison camp Stalag Luft III. He talks about the impact of his service on his life. Check out more of AVC’s…
The Heroes of Midway The victory at The Battle of Midway has been called “the most stunning and decisive blow in the history of naval warfare.” Listen to the story of how this epic battle turned the tide of World War II, as told by Tom Cruise. This story is part of the AVC’s Emmy-winning television special, American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes. Learn more…
Franklin Thomas Goodson, From Ensign to Lieutenant Sr. Grade, January 1945 – September 1955 To my Dad, Thank you for your service To our country and for Your example of a Life lived pleasing to God, With love, Appreciation, and Great admiration, Kathryn Goodson Cunningham Journal written by Frank T. Goodson During his service in World War II Pictures and organized by Kathryn Goodson Cunningham U.S. NAVY TOUR OF DUTY PACIFIC ACTION WORLD WAR II JANUARY THROUGH JUNE, 1945 F.T. GOODSON January 1: Today, New Year’s…
GHANA SESSION: MEMORIAL DAY PART ONE On May 26, 2016 the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School students along with Mr. Wronko invited veteran of foreign wars Lou Parisi to attend a special Memorial Day Ghana session. The session began with Ms. Friedman and her chorus singing God Bless America. From there Mr. Wronko’s students did numerous presentations on the meaning of Memorial Day, World War One, the Battle…
Night Patrol by Samuel W. Ballinger, Company E, 328th IR, 26th ID My story begins during the frigid, snowy days in early December 1944 when I was a 23 year old Corporal whose outfit was billeted in the University City of Metz in southeast France, which is about halfway between Luxembourg and the City…
A Miracle on the Battlefield I hated myself for running away. My body was bleeding with shrapnel wounds. The malaria made my head ache with dizziness, I shook with chills, nausea; first the vomiting, then diarrhea. The troops had long since run out of quinine; I would just have to tough it out. I have never run from a fight in all my life. The final stages of the battle with the Japs was winding down; our…
VADM Frederick L. Ashworth VADM Frederick L. Ashworth was a United States Navy veteran of World War II. He served as a commanding officer in Torpedo Squadron Eleven (TV-11), a Staff Aviation Officer, and eventually became Assistant Head of Engineering for the Manhattan Project. He was the weaponeer in crew of B-29 BocksCar for the attack on Nagasaki. This is his autobiography, passed on to AVC by his son Rick Ashworth. The…
761st Tank Battalion The Story of the 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion, the decorated all African-American unit who served with valor during World War II. Narration by actor Joe Mantegna.
