Historical
Identity of French Resistance photographer discovered
Today’s story comes from NPR. They recount the discovery of a trove of very rare photos; hundreds of clandestine photos taken during Nazi occupation of Paris. Open air photography required a permit, and it was clear from the notes on the backs of the photos that they were not permitted. What follows is a multi-year […]
Valor Friday
We’ve highlighted the delayed awarding of high valor awards many times. The American awards system is nothing if not malleable to the whims of later generations that seek to right the wrongs of the past. The British (and by extension Commonwealth) system of awards and decorations is much more rigid. The British system is complex, […]
Valor Friday
This week must be another re-post, but as we are nearing the 106th anniversary of the end of World War I, we’re gonna re-look at the tragic death of Henry Gunther. An American, he was the last official casualty of World War I. He died one minute before the Armistice ended the war 102 years […]
Valor Friday
As I spent all yesterday going between doctor’s appointments (would you believe I slipped a disc in my back from playing pickleball?) and dealing with trick or treaters, this week’s article will be a repeat. Robert Femoyer’s incredible act of gallantry is worth repeating. There’s even a nexus to Halloween, as yesterday would be his […]
Valor Friday
This week brought sad news of the death of John Kinsel Sr. He was one of the last surviving Navajo Code Talker. The Code Talkers weren’t all Navajo, but they were the most famous. Some of the languages other than Navajo that were used were Lakota, Meskwaki, Mohawk, Comanche, Tlingit, Hopi, Cree, and Crow. Code […]
Valor Friday
Pictured above is Master Sergeant Ernest J Kouma. As you can see from the silk blue ribbon and five-point star hanging around his neck, he received the Medal of Honor. If you know your US Army uniform history you can date the photo to a short period of time around the Korean War, which is […]
Valor Friday
During last week’s missile attack by Iran on Israel, two US Navy ships were tasked with aiding the intercept of the missiles. They were USS Bulkeley (DDG-84) and USS Cole (DDG-67). Here’s some video of Bulkeley in action. Both warships are named for American heroes. USS Cole is best remembered for surviving a suicide bombing […]
Valor Friday
I’ve explored the complicated British system of awards and decorations before. Even after having delved into it for several years, it’s still confusing. The Brits have both medals as well as dynastic and fraternal orders. The orders come in various grades, with the upper grades generally coming in the form of a knighthood which grants […]
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