2 Samuel

March 20, 2024

March 20, 1944 – On Anzio a beachhead order to the men to wear steel hats or pay fine

AP correspondent, Richard G. Massock, observed, “Germans are being killed on the Anzio beachhead by “some pretty grim looking characters.”[1]
March 20, 2024

A recording of my WWII presentation at the LSU Military Museum

This presentation, “At First Light: How a Teenager Became a WWII Hero” was delivered at the William A. Brookshire LSU Military Museum in October 2023 as […]
March 19, 2024

March 19, 1944 – Not a single spot on Anzio Beachhead is safe from enemy gunfire

Journalist George Tucker wrote, “To appreciate Anzio it is necessary to remember that the beachhead is shaped like a fan, the handle of which is a […]
March 18, 2024

March 18, 1944 – To seize a beachhead like Anzio was one thing—to hold it indefinitely was another

The miserly affection with which the limited ground on the Anzio, Italy beachhead was coveted is shown by the fact that during March the 3rd Infantry […]
March 17, 2024

March 17, 1944 – Dad’s first medal of valor caused Mount Vesuvius to blow her top

Well, not really. But the two events occurred in close proximity to each other. Phil’s first medal of valor was the Silver Star the Army’s third […]
March 16, 2024

March 16, 1944 – Baptism by fire (Part 2)

“No soldier in any of our theaters of operations is better acquainted with this war than is the Infantryman, and no Infantryman knows war more intimately […]
March 15, 2024

March 15, 1944 – Baptism by fire (Part 1)

“In every battle, the last one hundred yards of the fight belongs to the Infantry. Armed with rifle and bayonet, Infantrymen must face and defeat the […]
March 14, 2024

March 14, 1944 – Skirmishes increase on the Anzio front line

The countless stone houses of standard design lined the few roads across the Anzio beachhead. To the front of Dad’s units the stone farm houses were […]
November 16, 2019

He was despised and rejected by mankind

He was … a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him […]
December 11, 2019

Weeping may remain for a night but rejoicing comes in the morning

Those who go out weeping, will return with songs of joy. … For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that […]
December 13, 2019

You are my strength … You God are my fortress

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of […]
December 13, 2019

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer

As for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; LORD, do not delay. … […]
December 15, 2019

The unfolding of your words gives light

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. … Direct my footsteps according to your word.
January 15, 2020

God’s Desires – 1

Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your […]