World War II Blogs

After regrouping and resupplying its forces on 3 September, VI Corps had begun its drive northeast on the 4th of September, 1944, heading in the general […]

The rapid occupation of Lyons and the unexpected speed of the German withdrawal brought about a change in the original plan for regrouping the Seventh Army […]

I’m continuing a blog on most days until mid 2025 following my father’s exploits and adventures during WWII. Each blog will represent what he and the […]

At 1130 on September 2nd, General Dahlquist ordered a reconnaissance patrol to investigate reports that Lyons east of the Rhône had already been evacuated. Early that […]

“Relatively few soldiers actually experience the unglamorous, unenviable, unique life of a combat Infantrymen. I can’t credit the saying that it took nine men in rear areas to […]

Late in the afternoon of August 28, 1944, Ross walked up to Phil. “Look over there,” he pointed. They gazed at the edge of the forest about […]

A THRILLING ROUNDUP — “Rider and horse…each is totally reliant upon the other. Each is the selfless guardian of the other’s very well-being.”[1]

On the afternoon of August 28, 1944, on the outskirts of Montélimar, Phil was called over to his commander’s jeep. Col. Lionel McGarr commanded the 30th […]

“There’s nothing I don’t know about war.  The stench of it … War is a terrible thing.” Don McCullin, award-winning war photographer.[1]

On the morning of August 27, Phil was attached to a reconnaissance patrol with his good friend Ross Calvert, who was then the 3rd Battalion S-2. […]

The surprised, shaken and disorganized German 19th Army, feeling the weight of our advance, harassed from all sides, and recognizing the precariousness of its position, tried […]