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Read Dr. Walt’s WWII blogs
June 10, 2026
Phil and Ross would occasionally catch a movie in the evenings, but increasingly the duo played bridge against other competitive players on base. [1]
June 3, 2026
During this time, with more exposure to caskets, funerals, and salutes from guns and artillery pieces [at Arlington National Cemetery], difficult memories began to explode unexpectedly […]
June 1, 2026
Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: Settling down in Decatur (and a quiet headline) Three early endorsements for my next book, The Creed A […]
May 30, 2026
On Thursday, May 30, 1946, Memorial Day[1], Phil had his first ceremonial and a small team were assigned to meet President Harry Truman at the White […]
May 25, 2026
My dear friend, Mark Elfstrand, the long-time host of The Morning Ride on Moody Radio Chicago and now the Cultural Affairs Writer at Illinois Family Institute, […]
May 21, 2026
“How did they [the Lipizzaners and Phil’s thoroughbred, Tuckern] get out [of Hitler’s secret horse farm in Czechoslovakia]?” Phil asked incredulously.[1]
May 20, 2026
The colonel’s driver took them directly to a lush green pasture next to the stables. A small brook ran down the middle of a verdant meadow […]
May 19, 2026
“Calvert, you’ve been promising to tell me more about your POW time once Larimore arrived. No better time than now,” Colonel McGarr said. “You were a […]
May 18, 2026
After Phil reported to work and settled into his new desk at Fort Myer the following morning, one of Colonel McGarr’s aides came rushing in.[1]
May 14, 2026
As they turned to face the tomb (of the Unknown), a bell tolled. The relief commander announced the Changing of the Guard.[1]