October 15, 2019 by Jenny Ashcraft | 119 Comments
In September 1940, as Nazi bombs rained down on London during the Blitz, America began the first-ever peacetime conscription and enacted the Selective Training and Service Act. The country was moving closer to war and the Sullivan family of Waterloo, … Continue reading
September 9, 2019 by Jenny Ashcraft | 102 Comments
On February 9, 1864, more than 100 Union prisoners tunneled their way to freedom in an audacious escape from Libby Prison in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. More than half of the prisoners made their way to Union lines … Continue reading
August 8, 2019 by Jenny Ashcraft | 344 Comments
When the United States entered WWII in 1941, the United Kingdom was running short on prison space and asked the US for help in housing German POWs. The US agreed and when Liberty Ships transported US soldiers overseas, the relatively … Continue reading
June 5, 2019 by Jenny Ashcraft | 59 Comments
During WWII, members of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) flew countless missions in aircraft adorned with art on the fuselage. Although not specifically sanctioned by military officials, the practice of painting and personalizing aircraft was widely popular and … Continue reading
May 14, 2019 by Jenny Ashcraft | 86 Comments
On May 29, 1943, 1st Lt. Theodore “Ted” Melvin Peterson was shot down near St. Quay-Portrieux in German-occupied France. He was rescued by brave villagers and the French resistance, spent two months making his way across France, and then hiked … Continue reading
December 10, 2018 by Jenny Ashcraft | 88 Comments
We all want to be home for the holidays, but for those serving in the military that isn’t always possible. Here’s how a few of our troops have celebrated in seasons past. World War I: During WWI, members of the … Continue reading
October 10, 2018 by Jenny Ashcraft | 90 Comments
At the time of the American Revolution, Great Britain was the most powerful country on the earth. When Patriots decided to stand up to British rule, it became necessary for colonists to choose sides. For some, the decision was not … Continue reading