‘Not Just Our Family’s Story’ — Howard Wyss Served Aboard B-24 Liberator In China
Howard Ewing Wyss was raised the last of five children on a small farm near Russellville in Moniteau County, Missouri. Following his graduation from high…
‘Knack For Fixing Things’ — John Amend Learned Aircraft Repair While Serving In The US Marine Corps
John Amend was working as a chef and cook at a pub in Wisconsin following his graduation from high school in 1977. He planned to…
Bigger Than Me – Veteran Served Nearly 25 Years in U.S. Army, Deployed in Several Military Operations
Daniel Levasseur has affectionately earned the title of “Frenchie” from friends and associates in the veteran’s community in recognition of his family’s European heritage. Clever…
Stanley Adams Finds Therapeutic Benefits In Writing About Combat
In May of 1968, when Stanley Adams received his military draft notice, he was not surprised since many of his friends had already been called…
“I Wanted To Be There” – Veteran Shares Story Of Service Aboard Destroyer Tenders In US Navy
A young Buffy Lin Levasseur had finished her high school education in 1986, while employed as a sitter for a military family at Ft. Carson,…
Performed Every Mission – Guardsman Achieved Rank Of Colonel And Commanded Battalion In Iraq
Larry Stegeman believed that after graduating from Helias Catholic High School (Jefferson City, Missouri) in 1979, it was time to go to work, while pursuing…
‘Your Country Needed You’ — A Story Of Service A Newfoundland Airfield
In 1941, after finishing the ninth grade at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Jefferson City, Herb Meyer suspended his education so he could go to…
God Bless America – Italian (Allied) Vet of WWI Preserved Story of Immigration to St. Louis
Vic Cadice of Jefferson City recalls admonishments from his father that included staying out of trouble as not to defame yourself, your country, your family…
Proud to Do it – Veteran Drafted in Vietnam era Served with Army Hometown News Center
For 40 years, Mike Henry has been a fixture at the American Legion Post 5 in Jefferson City, Missouri. Having served in several capacities to…
Undiagnosed Military Veterans And First Responders Finally Have A Voice Thanks to Gary Sinise
When actor Gary Sinise starred as Lt. Dan in the movie Forrest Gump, he spoke to a number of veterans in order to accurately portray…
Opportunities Discovered – Veteran Paul LePage Discusses Service With U.S. Army and Army Reserve
By Jeremy P. Amick Raised outside of Jefferson City, Missouri, Paul LePage grew up working on his parent’s farm, and continued to do so following…
“Out of action” – Medic details hospital move from Lai Khe to Quang Tri in Vietnam War
By Jeremy P. Amick, The Tet Offensive had been a nightmarish period for those serving in Vietnam in the early weeks of 1968. Andrew J.…
“Never learned to hate” – Negro Leagues icon Buck O’Neil served with the U.S. Navy in WWII
By Jeremy P. Amick The late Buck O’Neil has ascended to icon status in the annals of professional baseball following his days as a player,…
Veteran Worked at Military Hospital in Vietnam During Famed Tet Offensive
Several weeks after graduating from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, in late spring 1966, the late Roger Buchta was drafted into the U.S. Army…
“Dreams of flight” – 2008 High School Graduate Becomes Fighter Pilot and Instructor With the U.S. Air Force
Cole Stegeman has fulfilled childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Now a flight commander of a fighter squadron…
“It was very interesting work” – Lincoln University Graduate Drafted into U.S. Army Early in Vietnam War
Editor’s note: This article is the first in a four-part series highlighting the life and Vietnam War experiences of the late Roger Buchta. In the…
Firm But Fair – Former Missouri Sheriff served with Marines in South Pacific in WWII
Wyman S. Basinger has a reputation that endures following his years of service as sheriff of Cole County, Missouri, earning him the distinction as a…
“He was a giver” – Missouri Native Excelled at West Point, Wounded While Leading Troops in WWII
Barely 30 years of age, Missouri native Elliott Woodrow Amick had already endured a lifetime of harrowing experiences and amassed an impressive list of accomplishments…
“Earn My Rank” – Former Women’s Army Corps Member Achieves Rank of Lieutenant Colonel
Growing up the daughter of a rural preacher and an electric lineman, and in a combined family of seven children, Carol Jean Dameron Bailey realized…
Army veteran becomes first African American woman aviator in U.S. military
During her formative years in Centralia, Missouri, Marcella “Marcy” Ng humorously explained that she was raised as a “drag baby”—she was dragged into church on…
He served in U.S. Navy in late WWII, recalled to service in Korean War
Korean War war veteran Paul Hofius possesses an impressive family legacy of military service dating back to the Revolutionary War and including later conflicts such…
Baseball star turned broadcaster Joe Garagiola served with U.S. Army in WWII
History is full of examples of overlaps in major league baseball and military service. From Stan “the Man” Musial’s naval service in WWII followed by…
“What Needed to be Done” – Veteran Served as Navigator on Aircraft Patrolling Gulf Coast in WWII
During World War II, the military draft became the great equalizer—virtually all young men from various cross-sections of society had the potential to serve. Yet…
Part 2: Not Defined by Disability U.S. Army Veteran Overcomes Debilitating Brain Injury Incurred in WWII
Editor’s note: This article is the final in a two-part series regarding the military experiences of U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant Leonard P. Sergeant Leonard P.…
Part 1: Love & determination – U.S. Army veteran suffers severe brain injury during WWII combat
Editor’s note: This article is the first in a two-part series regarding the WWII experiences of the late Leonard P. Jaegers. The mission of the…
More Than Baseball – St. Louis Cardinal Stan Musial spent 1945 baseball season in the U.S. Navy
The “crack” of Stan Musial’s bat produced a staggering 3,630 career hits, ranking him first in the National League when he retired from baseball in…
Italian Farmer Held as a POW in Missouri During WW2
Born in January 1920 in a small village in northern Italy, Enrico Sesenna grew up the youngest of nine sons. As a child, he toiled…
WWI veteran Survived Spanish Flu Pandemic, Had Sons in Navy & Army in WWII
Eugene Earle Amick Sr. has been described as a self-made man who achieved career success as the youngest bank president in Missouri, while armed only…
He Trained With The Infantry, Served as an Actor & Journalist in WWII
After graduating high school in Kansas City, a young Lon Gilbert Amick followed his older brother’s footsteps by attending William Jewell College in nearby Liberty.…
Veteran overcomes early obstacles through service in Army and Air Force
Growing up with dyslexia, James Thompson faced many challenges in his early learning experiences, which tempered his ambitions toward pursuing an education in future years.…
Hubert Rothove Served as Halftrack Driver in Europe During WWII
A 20-year-old Hubert Rothove left his father’s farm near the Osage County community of Folk to travel to the county seat of Westphalia on June…
The Enloe Stone: The Grave That hid Weapons & Valuables in the Civil War
Though leading an army of an estimated 12,000 soldiers, General Price believed the Union forces protecting Jefferson City to be too formidable. At the outbreak…
WWII Veteran Recounts Medical Career in U.S. Navy & Air Force
“Part of that process was placing the bodies in plastic bags and then putting the dog tags in the mouth of each casualty for later…
‘Willing to cooperate’ Horizontal Recreation & The US Army in WWII
The struggle against the spread of venereal disease became one of many foes fought by commanders at numerous military bases in the United States. While…
‘A Decision to Serve’ The Korean War Veteran Who Upheld a Family Legacy
“With the Korean War going on, I realized I didn’t want to be drafted into the Marines or Army and have to sleep on the…
From the Windy City to The Cold War: Dennis & Honest John.
“We had targets set up and fired two separate test rockets while we were there to measure the amount of damage they could inflict on…
Springboard to NASA – The Flight-path of an Astronaut.
“In one of the buildings on the base, they had photographs of all of the Apollo astronauts hanging on the wall.” He added, “Seeing those…
‘An Unknown Destination Overseas’
“Those guys in WWII never really talked about their service…at least the ones that I knew. For an account of a veteran’s military service to…
Beetle Bailey & The Real Sgt. Snorkel
Griffin solemnly explained her father never realized he was the inspiration for the character that became Sgt. Snorkel. A rather portly and occasionally grouchy Sgt.…
‘It was our war’ – Veteran Describes Service With U.S. Navy Seabees in WW2
The summer of 1942 should have been a joyous period and full of prospects for Charles “C.B.” Smith, who had recently graduated from high school.…
Missiles of Missouri – Jamestown veteran served as commander for Minuteman II missile crews
When graduating from Jamestown High School in Missouri in 1964, Larry Reynolds recognized an opportunity to continue his education through the University of Missouri-Columbia, participating…
High School Football Coach Gained Valuable Experience in US Navy in WWII
Decades before he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his success as a high school football coach, John “Pete” Adkins collected…
“I got to come home” – Veteran served with U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division in WWII
In the late spring of 1944, Lloyd Workman left his home near the community of Vienna, Missouri, to travel to the sprawling city of St.…
‘One big family’ – Veteran Played Baseball in U.S. Army, Continues Service with American Legion
Growing up on a small farm near the small community of Bay, Missouri, Harold Schulte recalls tossing a baseball around with his brothers when not…
Marine Raider – Veteran Served With Elite Amphibious Assault Group in Pacific during WWII
As a young American coming of age in the community of Marshall, Missouri, Ray Merrell went to work at a local shoe factory after his…
‘A valuable experience’ – Missouri Farmer Trained at Camp Crowder & Served in Post-War Japan
Missouri veteran James Rackers may have received his draft notice after World War II officially concluded, but his subsequent military experiences would still carry him…
‘Really something else’ – Navy veteran served aboard a submarine chaser in Pacific during WWII
In the years after he finished the eighth grade at St. Francis Xavier School in Taos, Missouri, local resident Bernard Heet remained actively employed helping…
‘Erase the distinctions’ – Mid-Missouri soldier/physician inspired character in WWII-era comic strip
In decades past, the Enloe family of mid-Missouri produced a respected line of physicians and dentists. Several of them established a legacy while serving in…
Return to Sea – Missouri Veteran Returns to Naval Service in the Months After Pearl Harbor
Spending the latter years of the Great Depression serving in the U.S. Navy, Fred Hoechst Jr. returned to St. Louis following his discharge in March…
PART 1 – The search for Amelia – Missouri veteran served aboard ship that searched for famed 1930s aviator
Coming of age in a community of St. Louis referred to as the “Patch,” Fred Hoechst Jr. graduated from high school only to experience the…
“I just wanted to help” – U.S. Army World War II Veteran was in First Wave at Omaha Beach
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and author of several historical works. His books…
A Life of Service: Decorated Vietnam Huey Pilot Retires as Warrant Officer 5 after 4 Decades
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Gain the Experience – Joining the Women’s Army Corps During the 1970s
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Taos Warrant Officer Trains Next Generation
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Warrant Officer 5 got Her Start in WAC and as MP
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Developing New Leaders – 37 Year Vet Goes from Enlisted Ranks to Warrant Officer
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“Truly unbelievable” – Vietnam 1st Air Cav Vet Shares his Experiences
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Witnessing Transitions – Army Enlisted Soldier Now a NG Warrant Officer
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
American Legion Post Renamed for World War I Soldier
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Leading by Example – Helicopter Pilot Becomes Top Warrant Officer in MO National Gurard
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Every Casualty has a Story – Jim Wood, Vietnam Vet from Eldon, MO
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Illuminating experience – U.S. Army veteran went on to serve with 1st Marine Division in Vietnam War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Relic of Camp Weingarten – History of former Missouri prisoner of war camp preserved in cigarette case
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Focus On Training – Cole County sheriff served more than 31 years in Air Force and National Guard
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Brimming With Experiences – Veteran’s military career spans U.S. Army, state regiment, Marine Corps
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
The big guns – Marine Corps veteran served with artillery battery in early 1960s
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Conspicuous Service – Beetle Bailey® Creator Awarded Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“It Gave Us Strength” – U.S. Army Veteran Describes Service As Platoon Leader During Vietnam War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
Heavy memories – Veteran served aboard battleship USS Washington during several WWII campaigns
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
An Itinerant Painting – Painting of local WWI casualty has followed VFW post through the decades
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Eager To Serve – Local resident achieves dual public service goal as soldier and firefighter
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Atomic Paradise – Veteran Shares Experience Of Witnessing Atomic Testing In The South Pacific
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
“Sandstorm Division” – Military Records, Newspapers Provide Insight Into Local WWI Veteran, F. Jobe
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
“For your tomorrow” – Missouri Veteran Describes Value of Lessons Gleaned from Naval Service
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
All Part Of My Plan – Renowned police officer to be honored guest at Operation Bugle Boy dinner
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“Appreciate their sacrifices” – Missouri veteran served with Army’s Veterinary Corps in World War I
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
‘Pursuit Of Peril’ – Westphalia, Mo., Veteran Served In Five Campaigns, Gassed During World War I
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
Different Kind Of Base – Air Force veteran served with Strategic Air Command in the early 1950s
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Artillery and funerals – Lohman veteran served with U.S. Army in Hawaii in early 1960s
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Blazing trails – Daughter of Foreign Service Officer served in WAC in WWII, and later in CIA
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“Appreciating Freedom” – William Miller, Veteran Newspaper Publisher to Be Guest Speaker for Local Korean War Event
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
“I Know The Costs” – Charles Bestgen, Mid-Missouri veteran wounded while serving as machine-gunner in Korea
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
Silent Service – Veteran shares story of service aboard nuclear submarine during the Cold War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“That’s how they did things” – Veteran shares story of WWII Navy service in the Pacific
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
“I did my bit” – Veteran served as pilot with Army Air Corps during World War II
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
Unselfish Service – Missouri State Highway Patrolman died in Japanese POW camp in WWII
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Filling a Historical gap – Veteran Chronicles the Service of AC-119 “Shadow” Gunships in Vietnam
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
An Enjoyable Experience – Veteran served aboard U.S. Navy submarine tender during the Korean War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
I didn’t want him to leave – Local veteran killed in action while serving as infantry officer in Korean War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
The Man That He Was – Local farmer served with National Guard unit federalized in WWI
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Carved From The Countryside – Built in WWII, Camp Crowder, Missouri was once a booming U.S. Army post
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Gave Me A Challenge – Veteran gained valuable career experience while serving in the Air Force
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“It’s Service I Had To Do” – Army veteran served with infantry division in Europe during WWII
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“Kiddie Cruise” – Local veteran shares story of service in U.S. Navy during the late 1950s
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Loyal To His Country – Missouri farmer served as munitions handler in Europe during WWII
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
“Desire to prevail” – Veteran’s Cold War career begins with Army Security Agency in Germany
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
By Air and Sea – Veteran Served As Radioman Aboard Navy Seaplanes During Korean War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
A high-tech promise – Veteran discusses working with new technologies in the 1960s U.S. Navy
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Fellowship of combat – Jefferson City paratrooper killed in action during second tour in Vietnam
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…
Connection To Our Past – Legacy of WWI Missouri Soldier Preserved by Military Portrait
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families…