Savannah Bound-- Part 27: The Mighty 8th Air Force and Home

April 9, Tuesday

Last day in Savannah, but I didn't leave until late in the afternoon so we took a ride over to the nearby National Museum of the Mighty 8th in Pooler, Georgia.

This museum tells the story of this Army Air Force group which had a major role in the downfall of Germany through its bombing missions during World War II.

This is a museum you could spend days in (planning on a return to it next trip to Savannah).  Lots of interactive exhibits and movies.  At one point you actually get to experience a bombing mission.

This is especially poignant now as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

We met Julie there and had lunch at Miss Sophie's, located on premises. Great food at very reasonable prices.

As we neared my return flight I was sure hoping things would not go like my trip to Savannah and I'm happy to report that everything went smoothly and we got to Milwaukee.

I'll definitely fly again.

--RoadSky

Chicago's Pullman National Monument-- Part 8: 'Grandfathers of the Civil Rights Movement'

The Brotherhood of Sleepong Car Porters was led by A. Philip Randolph, who had not been a Pullman Porter, but had made a name for himself as a journalist and a figure in the Harlem Rennaissance.

In 1941, Randolph threatened a march on Washington, D.C., successfully pressuring President Frankon D. Roosevelt into desegregating the war industries.

"They were the grandfathers of the civil rights movement,"  Peterson said.  "A lot of the things that the porters were fighting for are still issues that we as African Americans are still fighting for today.

"Labor Day," he added "for me running this museum represents a call to action."

--RoadDog

Project Oklahoma to Identify USS Oklahoma's Unknowns-- Part 3

Continued from my Saw the Elephant: Civil War and Running the Blockade: Civil War Navy blogs.

All but one of my blogs are about our veterans today.

When Project Oklahoma began with 394 Oklahoma Unknowns unaccounted for, they were hoping to identify 80% of them.  However, they ended up identifying 361, which is more than 90%!!

This was amazing to families who bever thought they'd have the chance to properly see their loved ones off.

Back in December 2021, on the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor,  the military held a  final reinternment ceremony for the remaining  33 USS Oklahoma unknowns.

All this is a striking reminder that no U.S. service person is forgotten.

The military currently has other projects underway to identify other Pearl Harbor unknowns.  In addition, this is being done on several other WW II battles and the KoreanWar.

Two Other Things to See in Manitowoc

From Wikipedia.

**  WISCONSIN MARITIME MUSEUM

The museum was founded in the 1960s by former submariners and civic people to  commemorate the role the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company played in building 28 Gato and  Balao-class sunmarines during World War II.  

In 1970, the U.S. Navy donated  the USS Cobia to the museum.  The Cobia is a Gato-class submarine like those constructed in Manitowoc  (but it was built in Groton, Connecticut, by the Electric Boat Company).

**  EIGHTH STREET HISTORIC   DISTRICT

Manitowoc's old downtown with many historic buildings.

**  A PIECE OF THE RUSSIAN SPUTNIK 4 SOVIET SPACE SATELLITE

On  September 5, 1962, a 20-pound piece of the 7 ton Sputnik 4 crashed  in North 8th Street.  A cast was made of the original fragment before the Soviets claimed it and is displayed at the Rahr Art Museum in  town.  A metal ring marks the location of where it landed.

Someone jokingly remarked that they should have a festival  in the crash's honor and the first one was, Sputnikfest, held in 2008.  The 2022 edition will be held Saturday, September 10 from noon to 9 p.m..

Keep An Eye to the Sky.  --RoadNik

Back to Indy-- Part 14: His Father Was One of Only Three to Survive the Sinking of the HMS Hood

May 29, 2021, Saturday

The two dogs got out for a walk and some play time.  We went over to the Legion building and pulled the hose over to the RV to refill the tanks and afterwards had breakfast.

********************************

I talked with a 75-yeat-old guy who said he also was Vietnam-era, but didn't serve because he had only 10% eyesight in one eye.  He agreed with me  that the U.S. just wasn't really trying to win the war.

He was born in Scotland and his father was in the Royal Navy and was one of only three survivors of the British Battle Cruiser HMS Hood which was destroyed by the Bismarck.

That would make his father either Bob  Tilburn, Ted Briggs or William Dundas.  Sadly, I didn't ask his name.

They were the only survivors of the 1, 418-man crew

Able Seaman Bob Tilburn ducked behind a projectile  shield before seeing a comrade disemboweled.

Signalman  Red Briggs jumped into the water to escape the inferno and prepared to drown but was pushed to the surface.

Midshipman  William Dundas was asked to identify the corpse of a fellow sailor but he had no face or hands.

The Hood was once the world's biggest and most powerful warship but became one of Britain's biggest  sea tragedies.

Of course, the Speedway Post 500 American Legion has a lot of USS Indianapolis items and pictures.  That was certainly another sea tragedy.

--RoadDog

Illinois' Starved Rock Region-- Part 4: Hegeler Carus Mansion, Star Union Spirits, Uptown Grill and LSTs

**  Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle, Il.  A  Second Empire structure completed in 1876 by renowned Chicago architect William W. Boylington for Edward Hegeler.   Hegeler was a zinc manufacturer and publisher.

**  Star Union Spirits in the historic Western Clock building in Peru for tours and tastings, specialty and artisan spirits.

**  Uptown Grill in LaSalle Since 1985 featuring aged steaks, fresh seafood and a full service bar and lounge with over 100 wines and 12 craft beers.

**  Seneca launched 157 LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) during World War II and some 27,000 workers were employed.  These ships landed tanks, vehicles, troops and supplies and were an important aspect of the eventual Allied victory.  Every spring the town celebrates Shipyard Days in June to commemorate it.

--RoadLST

The MacArthur Bridge, St. Louis

Earlier this month, I wrote about the MacArthur Bridge over the Mississippi River at St. Louis.  Here is some more information about it.

From Wikipedia.

The MacArthur Bridge is a truss bridge connecting St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, over the Mississippi River.  It was initially called the St, Louis Municipal Bridge and popularly known as the "Free Bridge" because there were no tolls charged.  However, tolls were added for autos in 1932.   In 1942, it was renamed the MacArthur Bridge after World War II General Douglas MacArthur.

The bridge was constructed to break the monopoly that the Terminal Railroad  Association had on St. Louis as they controlled the other two bridges across the Mississippi and charged what were considered to be unreasonable tolls.

Upon completion, it was the largest double deck steel bridge in the world.

--RoadDog

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and Route 66-- Part 1: 66's Role in World War II

From the Barstow Base Site.

As part of American history, the War Department, now named the Defense Department,  determined the  need for improved highways for rapid mobilization during wartime and to promote national defense during peacetime.

At the start of American involvement in World War II, the War Department singled out  the West as ideal for military training bases, in part because of its geographic isolation, and especially because it offered consistently dry weather for air and field maneuvers.

Completion of  the improved  I.S. Highway 66 (Route 66) with all weather capability on the eve of the war, was particularly  significant to the nation's war effort.

In 1942, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow started construction alongside route 66.  Critical troops, equipment and supplies were transported on Route 66 to military bases across the country thereby helping to facilitate the single biggest wartime troop mobilization in the history of the nation.

--Road66

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

From Wikipedia.

This is the place I was writing about in the last three posts as it has Route 66 going through it.

Is a Marine Corps  supply and maintenance installation located in the Mojave Desert east of Barstow, California.

This Marine Corps base is presently the second largest employer in the Barstow area and was established as the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies at the present location on December 28, 1942, when the U.S. Navy turned it over to the Marines as a storage site for supplies and equipment  needed for the Fleet  Marine Forces  in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

By the end of the war, the base had outgrown its facilities and as a result, 2,000 acres of land were annexed from the U.S. Army in October 1946,  In 1954,  the Commanding General, Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, Roy M. Gulick, moved his flag from  San Francisco to Barstow and since then the base has grown in stature, strength and size.

--RoadDog

U.S. Marines Own a Piece of Route 66-- Part 3

Bursting at it seams after the war,  the base was expanded with the purchase of 2,000 acres from the Army in 1946.  The 5,500 acre installation is now home to the military's largest rail facility, supporting troop  rotations at the nearby  National Training Center at Fort Irvin and other West Coast bases.

The strip of 66 asphalt there is not the only connection the Corps has with the historic highway, though.  Both are linked through that really popular song"(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," which musician Bobby Troupe wrote   shortly after he left the Marines as a captain in 1946 while moving his family to Hollywood.

And, of course, there's the refrain which mentions Barstow.

These days,  drivers heading west must get permission to pass through the base's  front or back gates on the "highway that's the best."

But, new kiosks have been built by the gates which provide the history to visitors.

Just before veterans Day last month, the  ceremony to dedicate the new six foot tall  metal sculpture with the modified Eagle, Globe and Anchor (with the 66 shield) is in the middle of the base and civilians can't see it.

Oh Well.  --RoadMarine

Along66, Oct. 2021: Few in Doolittle Remember Their Famous Namesake Visiting

OCTOBER 16

Few in Doolittle, Missouri, remember their once-famous namesake visiting them 75 years ago.

Seventy-five years ago this month, famed World War II hero James Doolittle visited the town named for him just two years earlier.  This was a really bug deal and thousands attended the event at the time.

Doolittle's visit came on October 11, 1946.  In 1944, the town of Centertown became Doolittle (and on Route 66).

Doolittle's population today is just 648 and few living there know the origins of the name.

There is only a brass plaque in the community center about it.

I had heard it was named after him.  But the thing I remember the most about Doolittle is the very low speed limit through town, even though there is not much there to warrant such a low speed.

--RoadDog

Keep Spirit of '45 Alive-- Part 6:

August 8, 2021

Lou Rugani continued about World War II.

16 million in uniform

Ten times that worked on the home front in war industries and agricultural production.

The United States was The Arsenal of Democracy.

*******************

This year is the 166th anniversary of "Taps."  There are only 34 notes to the song.  Yet, those 34 notes pack a bunch.  It never fails to bring me to tears.  That is just one really sad song.

We had what is called "Rolling Taps."  One bugler starts in one part of the park and then another a few seconds later, then another and another.  Man, that really gets you.

Then, a 21-gun salute by the Combined Veterans of McHenry and the release of 21 doves, who fly up, circle twice to get their bearings, then fly off to Woodstock and home.

"America the Beautiful" was sung.

Twelve years ago, the section for the World War II veterans was full.  Every year, sadly, there are fewer and fewer.

Then Bill's Little Big Band played that WW II-era music for an hour.

Sure Glad McHenry Has This Every Year.  --RoadDog

2021 Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive in McHenry, Illinois-- Part 3: Three World War II Veterans in Attendance

Ron Bykowski then read off a list of World War II veterans in attendance today. 

John Davis, Navy (1942-1946) in the Atlantic Theater.

Bob Martin 5th Air Force, sergeant 1945-1946

Latimer __________U.S. Army 1944-1945  He will be 100 years  old in November

Sadly, that was all for the World War II veterans.

Like I said before, the first time I went to this, there must have been twenty WW II veterans names called off.

--GreGen

2021 Spirit of '45 on McHenry, Illinois-- Part 2: Marks the Surrender of Japan, VJ Day

The event started at 5 pm with a rebroadcast of what Americans heard on the radio as Japan had finally complied with the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered unconditionally.  This decision on their part came after the two atom bombs were dropped on Japan.  They had already reached the point at which there was no way they could win, but were still ready to fight to the end.

So, VJ Day was August 14, 1945.  This set off celebrations in the United States like you wouldn't believe.

This is the 12th time the City of McHenry, Illinois, has observed the Spirit of '45.  Sadly, very few places in the United States observe it.  These days, not only is the World War II folks honored, but also the Korean War people.

Also, sadly, every year there are fewer and fewer of both groups at Veterans Park.

All events take place at and around the huge gazebo in the park.

After the posting of the colors by the Combined Veterans of McHenry, the "Star-Spangled Banner" was sung and the Pledge of Allegiance recited.  The huge U.S. flag that is normally there and hoisted on ladders by the McHenry Fire Department weren't there today because of the strong winds.

Ron Bykowski was the master of ceremonies and the real driving force behind all of this celebration.

--RoadDog

2021 Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive in McHenry, Illinois-- Part 1: Big Band Music and a Biplane Flyover

August 8,2021

After Parish Fest, I picked up Liz and we went to McHenry for the annual salute to the Greatest generation they hold there every second Sunday in the month of August.  It is on this date because it is the closest Sunday to when the Japanese surrendered to end World War II.

Last year it was held, but in a different form.  Instead of all the things going on at McHenry's Veteran Park.  Instead, four or five large flagpoles and flags were dedicated at various cemeteries in the community.

But, today, we had what we always have as far as commemoration.  

This is the 76th anniversary celebration of the end of World War II honoring veterans and the legacy of America's Greatest Generation.

Music started at 4 pm with Bill's Little Big Band (about 12 members) providing it.  They are regulars at the event and have that great Big Band/Swing Music down very well.  A  couple of the songs they played were "I Have Dreams" and "Little Brown Jug."

The ceremony itself began at 5 pm when a flyover was made by a 1941 Boeing biplane which flew over the park trailing smoke.

Then, colors were posted by the Combined Color Guard of McHenry.  (McHenry has three military service organizations:  the American Legion, VFW and the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV)

--RoadDog

First Firebird Cruise-- Part 9: Two Graves

When I turned on  I was very near where I kept the boat during winters.

Like I said, I was going to the Linn-Hebron Cemetery to visit two graves.  

One was the grave of Major Watson (Major really was his first name).  He is thought to be the only veteran of the American Revolution buried in McHenry County.  He also fought in the War of 1812.  He had the sad distinction of being captured by the British in both wars and  spent almost all of the War of 1812 in prison.  I have written about him a lot in my Cooter's History Thing and War of 1812 blogs.  At either site, scroll down the right side until you get to the Search This Blog line and type in his name.

The other person's grave is Elmer Charles Bigelow, who was the recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor in World War II.  He was a  Water Tender 2nd Class aboard the USS Fletcher (DD-445) when it was hit by a Japanese shell in Manila Bay.  He valiantly fought the resulting fire at risk of his life and he died the next day.

--RoadDog

First Firebird Cruise-- Part 7: Hebron, the State Champs and 'Murph'

Hebron is mostly a farm community, but a few subdivisions are now sprouting up out in those fields.   In 2010, the population was 1,216.  

A famous restaurant called Crandall's, famous for their broasted chicken, is located just north of town on Illinois Highway 47.

They are famous for having the 1952 Illinois State Basketball Championship team which was a real "Hoosiers" story where they defeated much bigger schools.  In 1952, the the Alden-Hebron High School had a total of 98 students.  They are so proud of it, the water tower is painted like a basketball with the words   "Home of the 1952 State Champions."

Three notable people from Hebron were Elmer Bigelow, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient,  George Dunne, long-time Cook County (Chicago) President of the Board of Supervisors, who upon retirement lived on a farm in Hebron.  (His son, was an actor and musician who performed under the name Murphey Dunne who played the keyboardist  on the "Blues Brothers" movie, and its sequel "Blues Brothers 2000."  He was  "Murph."

Also former Major League pitcher Howie Judson.

I Sure Loved That "Blues Brothers" Movie.  --RoadDog

The Unforeseen Consequences of the U.S. Interstate System-- Part 2: Eisenhower's 1919 Military Convoy

After World War I ended, then Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower took part in a cross-country convoy on the new Lincoln Highway -- the nation's first transcontinental highway from Times Square in New York City to San Francisco. This was partly a celebration of victory and also to show the need for much better roads.  It took his 280 men and 72 vehicles two months to make the trip.

This set the need for what became Eisenhower's interstate system in his mind.

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HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION GETS  FEDERAL SUPPORT

While the states were initially finding the interstate infrastructure projects, there was a growing call for the federal government to step in.  That wouldn't happen until 1944 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal-Aid Highway  Act that outlined a plan to build a 40,000 mile national interstate system of highways.

With World War II raging, however, there was no money available for the project which left everything essentially at a standstill until the 1950s, when the former Army officer Dwight D. Eisenhower took office as U.S. president, just under 7,000 miles of the project had been built.

--RoadDog

Reasons New Orleans' Mardi Gras Canceled Throughout History-- Part 2

This past Tuesday's Mardi Gras in New Orleans was canceled and the culprit being the you-know-what, although had they had it, it would have been a mighty cool one with top temperature at 32 degrees.

Since New Orleans is a port city it has been very susceptible to various disease outbreaks over the years as well.  After a yellow fever epidemic outbreak in  1878 killed  more than 4,000 people in the city, two of the three krewes did not participate in 1879, though one krewe did.

Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras events returned the following year and ran annually until 1918, when the Spanish Flu.  The United States had also entered World War I.  In the aftermath of the war and with the flu outbreak the festivities were called off again in 1919.

Wars were also the  deciding factors for the next cancelations.  From 1941 through 1945, World War II halted the events.  The Korean War in 1951 caused the growing number of krewes to scale back or not participate at all.

--RoadGras

Twenty-Five Uniquely-Named Illinois Towns-- Part 3: Wyoming

11.  WYOMING  (Northern)  Founded in 1836 by General  Samuel Thomas, a War of 1812 veteran.  he and others came from Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania.

12.  GOLF   (Chicagoland)  Primarily residential.

13.  BOODY  (Central)   2010 census 276 people.

14.  MECHANICSBURG  (Central)  2000 Census 456.

15.  HOMETOWN  (Chicagoland)  Developed after World War II to attract returning GIs.

--RoadGolf