The Worth County School recognized all of the veterans during the Veterans Day Program Monday. Included were all the living World War II Vets; the number of known living World War II Vets from Worth County totals 14. Among them was Wilbur Osborne, who will turn 102 years old next month. He is one of Worth County’s oldest residents. He captained a ship off the coast of Japan and saved hundreds of lives through his actions when a typhoon arose.
Afterwards, one of his sailors wrote a letter to Osborne’s wife, which was read at the Veterans Day Assembly Monday. In it, he described “12 hours of raging hell.” They first tried to anchor their ship, without success. So Osborne ordered the ship out into the sea to avoid damaging other craft. The storm got worse and worse; the radio went out and there was no headlights. The only navigation they could go by was their radar. The barometer went down as low as 29.
Finally, Osborne ordered the crew to take the ship into the eye of the storm. At one point, at 10 pm at night, he ordered all hands to their lifejackets as the ship plowed through one huge wave after another. The ship’s engine’s rpm was running much higher than it was supposed to be, and it was barely making headway through the storm. But somehow, the ship stayed afloat, and by 3 am, while it was still stormy out, the worst was over. The ship had survived the ordeal with no casualties.
The sailor wrote that Osborne deserved all the credit for saving lives that night. “He was calm and steady as a rock,” that sailor wrote. “Many other captains in his place would have panicked.”
The Worth County VFW and American Legion did a tribute to POW/MIA’s, and Joe Marshall encouraged the people not to forget those who were missing in action.
The meaning of the colors of the American Flag were discussed. White stands for purity and purpose and devotion to duty. Red stands for courage, while blue stands for truth and fidelity. The evergreen is a symbol of everlasting life.
Elementary Principal Chuck Borey, who welcomed the assembly, said that World War I, which ended on the 11th hour on the 11th day on the 11th month 100 years ago Sunday, involved the first use of chemical weapons. 10 million people died. The US entered the war in 1917. In 1916, there was a lot of speculation that the US would be involved in the conflict, but the enemy was assumed to be Mexico, with which the US had fought a war with in the 1840’s, and with which tensions were high. However, the US went to war with Germany and its allies after the Germans had refused to respect US neutrality and were sinking passenger ships. The US entry tipped the balance in the Allies’ favor, and by 1918, the war was over.
The High School Band played the Star Spangled Banner. The Kindergarten through 3rd Grade sang, “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The 4th through 6th Grades sang, “America the Beautiful.” Elizabeth Brown recited the poem, “Honor the Veteran” by Colan Hiatt. The High School Choir sang, “In Flanders Fields” and “My America.” Student Regan Allee recited the poem “The Silent Ranks” by Priscilla Gott. The High School Band played the Armed Forces March.
Winners of the VFW Essay Contest and the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest were named. VFW Essay Contest winners were Tanner Ridge and Taylor Sanders. Winners of the Voice of Democracy Contest were Merrideth Spiers and Lauren Moore. Teacher Jonell Cook was recognized for winning the State VFW’s Teacher of the Year Award.
Student Jeremy Wimer sang a song about Private Malone, about a private who got a brand new Corvette, but who was called off to Vietnam in 1966, didn’t make it home, and never got to use it. The car stood unused until many years later, when another kid got to enjoy it, and Private Malone was there in spirit. Finally, the kid drove it too fast and totaled it, and was trapped inside. Witnesses said that they saw an unknown man come up to the car and pull him out, saving his life.
The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima, one of the most iconic moments of World War II, was recreated by Worth County students.
Trenton Gabriel sang, “Ballad of the Green Beret.” Student Josh Freed recited, “That Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash. Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz gave closing remarks, and students Jeremy Wimer and Aivry Griffin played “Taps.”
A reception was held for vets following the program. State Representative Allen Andrews spoke briefly. “On behalf of all the constituents of this district, I would like to give a huge heartfelt thank you for what you have done,” he said. “This event was truly remarkable.”
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World War II. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
The Last Fourteen Known Living Worth County World War II Vets
Billie Fern Wake researched and came up with 14 living World War II Veterans from Worth County. She gave the list to Carolyn Hardy, who gave the list to Julia Wideman, who organized the Veterans Day Program at Worth County. Wideman also organized last year’s program. All living World War II Veterans were recognized at the Worth County Veterans Day Program Monday.
The following people are the last known Worth County living World War II veterans, as read by Jonell Cook at the program:
Galen Cook (Grant City).
Jerry Cook (Allendale).
Orlie Dean Davidson.
Wheaton Max Dawson (Grant City).
Delbert Gabbert.
Paul Jennings (Grant City).
Tony Kidney (Bethany).
Judy McConky.
Ervin Meek (Grant City).
Wilbur Osborne (Grant City).
Garland Roach (Grant City).
Glee Roach (Deltona, Florida).
Wendell Sisk.
Dean Weddle (Allendale).
The following people are the last known Worth County living World War II veterans, as read by Jonell Cook at the program:
Galen Cook (Grant City).
Jerry Cook (Allendale).
Orlie Dean Davidson.
Wheaton Max Dawson (Grant City).
Delbert Gabbert.
Paul Jennings (Grant City).
Tony Kidney (Bethany).
Judy McConky.
Ervin Meek (Grant City).
Wilbur Osborne (Grant City).
Garland Roach (Grant City).
Glee Roach (Deltona, Florida).
Wendell Sisk.
Dean Weddle (Allendale).
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Montford Pointers Broke Color Barrier in World War II
The Montford Pointers were a group of 20,000 Black Marines who broke the color barrier in that organization during World War II. They fought on the front lines against the Japanese during a lot of the major battles of that war.
The growing threat of Nazi Germany, with their notions of racial superiority, forced the US to come to terms with their racial problems in this country. Discrimination was a way of life, with the notion of "Separate but Equal" the law of the land since the Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson back in the 1880's.
It was becoming increasingly obvious that war with Germany would happen at some point. The Germans were repeating the same mistakes that they made during World War I as early as the 1930's, mistreating American civilians and refusing to respect American neutrality. By June 25th, 1941, the US had already signaled greater involvement in World War II with the signing of Lend-Lease, allowing them to send weapons to the allies. The last thing that President Roosevelt needed was civil rights unrest with war possible at any moment. Black civil rights leaders were threatening massive marches on Washington if the President did not do something about the ongoing problem of racial discrimination in hiring practices.
In response, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, barring all discrimination in hiring practices throughout the defense industry by either the government or contractors. This act had long-term consequences; it helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which barred all forms of racial discrimination.This order also required all branches of the Armed Forces to recruit and enlist African-Americans.
Montford Point was the place where Black Marines were trained. One of the first Afro-American Marine drill instructors was Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson, who had previously served in the Army and Navy. He successfully lobbied for Blacks to be included in combat patrols and he personally led some himself. He fought in both World War II and Korea. He was the first Black serviceman to have a military installation named after him. Today, the Montford Point Marine Association, an organization open to all veterans, exists to perpetuate the legacy of these Marines. In 2011, in a rare case of bipartisan cooperation in Washington, Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation giving the surviving Montford Pointers the highest honors available to American citizens. In 2012, the surviving members received the Congressional Gold Medal for their services to this country.
By contrast, the Nazis had driven out many of the Jewish scientists who could have contributed significantly to a German nuclear program. Among those who were driven out were Albert Einstein. Later, Einstein wrote a letter to President Roosevelt warning that Germany was in the process of doing atomic research that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon. This letter was the stimulus for the Manhattan Project, which led to this country's successful development of a nuclear weapon. Subsequently, Einstein, originally a pacifist, felt that letter was one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
The Nazi policies of racial superiority proved to be a significant setback to their efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Afterwards, Albert Speer, war production minister and architect for the Nazis, wrote in his book that they would have developed a nuclear weapon by 1947 at the earliest if they had devoted all their resources to such a discovery.
The growing threat of Nazi Germany, with their notions of racial superiority, forced the US to come to terms with their racial problems in this country. Discrimination was a way of life, with the notion of "Separate but Equal" the law of the land since the Supreme Court decision of Plessy vs. Ferguson back in the 1880's.
It was becoming increasingly obvious that war with Germany would happen at some point. The Germans were repeating the same mistakes that they made during World War I as early as the 1930's, mistreating American civilians and refusing to respect American neutrality. By June 25th, 1941, the US had already signaled greater involvement in World War II with the signing of Lend-Lease, allowing them to send weapons to the allies. The last thing that President Roosevelt needed was civil rights unrest with war possible at any moment. Black civil rights leaders were threatening massive marches on Washington if the President did not do something about the ongoing problem of racial discrimination in hiring practices.
In response, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, barring all discrimination in hiring practices throughout the defense industry by either the government or contractors. This act had long-term consequences; it helped lay the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which barred all forms of racial discrimination.This order also required all branches of the Armed Forces to recruit and enlist African-Americans.
Montford Point was the place where Black Marines were trained. One of the first Afro-American Marine drill instructors was Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson, who had previously served in the Army and Navy. He successfully lobbied for Blacks to be included in combat patrols and he personally led some himself. He fought in both World War II and Korea. He was the first Black serviceman to have a military installation named after him. Today, the Montford Point Marine Association, an organization open to all veterans, exists to perpetuate the legacy of these Marines. In 2011, in a rare case of bipartisan cooperation in Washington, Congress passed and President Obama signed legislation giving the surviving Montford Pointers the highest honors available to American citizens. In 2012, the surviving members received the Congressional Gold Medal for their services to this country.
By contrast, the Nazis had driven out many of the Jewish scientists who could have contributed significantly to a German nuclear program. Among those who were driven out were Albert Einstein. Later, Einstein wrote a letter to President Roosevelt warning that Germany was in the process of doing atomic research that could lead to the development of a nuclear weapon. This letter was the stimulus for the Manhattan Project, which led to this country's successful development of a nuclear weapon. Subsequently, Einstein, originally a pacifist, felt that letter was one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
The Nazi policies of racial superiority proved to be a significant setback to their efforts to develop a nuclear weapon. Afterwards, Albert Speer, war production minister and architect for the Nazis, wrote in his book that they would have developed a nuclear weapon by 1947 at the earliest if they had devoted all their resources to such a discovery.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Jack Remembers -- Why the Atom Bomb was Dropped
I read every paper I can get my hands on, and every once in a while I read an article that sets me on my ear. This time it was an A. P. article in the Kansas City Star saying Truman’s grandson was in Hiroshima, Japan to attend the Memorial for the people killed by the atomic bomb authorized by his grandfather. The article stated that Susumu Miura, 78 year old Hiroshima native wrote in a Tokyo newspaper that he was enraged when he learned that many Americans still support the decision to drop the atomic bomb.
Yes, Mr. Susumu, we still support President Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We also still remember Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March, and your country’s refusal to surrender prior to dropping these bombs.
In July of 1961, former President Harry Truman attended his one and only political rally after his Presidency, in behalf of Larry Gepford at the Muehlbach Hotel in Kansas City. Larry was running against the establishment for Prosecuting Attorney, and had attracted hundreds of young supporters, including myself. However, there were only a few of us in a small meeting room with the former President and the question was asked “Why did you drop the bomb?” Harry Truman answered the question and did not mince words doing so. He said he and the U.S. Commanders were planning the invasion of Japan and knew there would be between 1.7 and 4 million U.S. and Allied casualties, plus an estimated 10 million Japanese deaths. As I remember it, the President did not use the word “Japanese”, but the now politically incorrect “Japs”. He said when he had asked for their surrender, neither Tojo or Emperor Hirohito responded. Then Truman said, “And so I ordered the bomb to be dropped, resulting in Japan’s surrender.”
I have always figured this was the real reason Harry Truman won the 1948 election against Thomas Dewey. The hundreds of thousands of Veterans who did not have to invade Japan thanked Harry by voting Democrat.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com. Visit www.jackremembers.com
Yes, Mr. Susumu, we still support President Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We also still remember Pearl Harbor and the Bataan Death March, and your country’s refusal to surrender prior to dropping these bombs.
In July of 1961, former President Harry Truman attended his one and only political rally after his Presidency, in behalf of Larry Gepford at the Muehlbach Hotel in Kansas City. Larry was running against the establishment for Prosecuting Attorney, and had attracted hundreds of young supporters, including myself. However, there were only a few of us in a small meeting room with the former President and the question was asked “Why did you drop the bomb?” Harry Truman answered the question and did not mince words doing so. He said he and the U.S. Commanders were planning the invasion of Japan and knew there would be between 1.7 and 4 million U.S. and Allied casualties, plus an estimated 10 million Japanese deaths. As I remember it, the President did not use the word “Japanese”, but the now politically incorrect “Japs”. He said when he had asked for their surrender, neither Tojo or Emperor Hirohito responded. Then Truman said, “And so I ordered the bomb to be dropped, resulting in Japan’s surrender.”
I have always figured this was the real reason Harry Truman won the 1948 election against Thomas Dewey. The hundreds of thousands of Veterans who did not have to invade Japan thanked Harry by voting Democrat.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com. Visit www.jackremembers.com
Friday, March 11, 2011
New Hampshire Republican Praises Hitler
Grownups Behaving Badly Department: Barrington (NH) Republican Martin Harty told the manager of a community mental health program in defending budget cuts: “I wish we had a Siberia so we could ship them all off to freeze to death and die and clean up the population.” Harty continued, “Hitler did something right, and I agree with (it).”
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/03/11/gop-senator-siberia/
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/03/11/gop-senator-siberia/
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