The Roefs family and the Van Dinther family pose with a medic and Cpl. Vincent P. “Vinnie” Utz of Hq., 506th PIR, who is sitting in the foreground. Vinnie Utz is one of many larger than life characters within the ranks of the 101st. Before the war, he was captain of the football team of Rutgers University, making a lasting impression on all who knew him. Because of his German background and language skills, Sink transferred him to the s-2…..
On his death bed, Alexander summoned his generals and told them his three ultimate last wishes: 1. The best doctors should carry his coffin; 2. The wealth he has accumulated (money, gold, precious stones) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery, and 3. His hands should be let loose, hanging outside the coffin for all to see. One of his generals who was surprised by these unusual requests asked Alexander to explain. Here is what Alexander the Great…..
It is difficult at best to predict what a loved one’s reactions will be to a death of a beloved family member or friend. Some get mad at the victim, sometimes God and sometimes anyone else close to them. Friends may come and go, but family is always the ones or should always be the ones to be there for each other protecting those who have suffered a devastating loss from added trauma and anxiety. This is especially important when…..
We want to extend our many thanks of gratitude for your visits and support in honoring our veterans like my 101st Airborne father, David Clinton Tharp of the past, present and future, enough so that we have now reached over thirteen thousand followers. I enjoy posting daily stories to remember and honor our past which gives us strength and empowers us to move forward making a better world and future for our children. But what if our children don’t get…..
In this group photo of men from the 327th GIR, Captain Evans is standing third from right. Next to him fourth from right, is his runner, Sgt. Louis M. Simpson, who is best remembered as a poet and 1964 Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry. Simpson’s poetry reflects his wartime experiences, his cynicism over the debased values of contemporary America, and his appreciation for common Americans. In his poem, CARENTAN O CARENTAN, a poem about his own experiences of American paratroopers…..
The conversation, questioning, exploring and understanding Post Traumatic Stress is the key to saving the lives of our warriors today, unlike many of our parents or grandparents from wars such as WWII, Korea and Vietnam to name a few. The Baby Boom Generation like myself have began discovering the war effects on their soldier fathers and family in: A DAUGHTER’S HERO COMES A SOLDIER’S WHISPER RECONCILIATION, A SON’S STORY THE HIDDEN LEGACY THIRTY DAYS WITH MY FATHER We have discovered…..
We keep the memory of our loved ones alive with respect, honor and dignity by writing and sharing our stories. The Tharp Family has lovingly put together a tribute to our father, David Clinton Tharp who served as a decorated 101st Airborne paratrooper during WWII @ www.imorial.com/davidclintontharp/. But all families can establish a beautiful memorial for their loved ones by visiting www.imorial.com/ Share your family story today with a place to visit and update as you wish. Comes A Soldier’s…..
Where does one begin to express gratitude to those of you who serve and protect our country, both in times of war and peace? The first thing that comes to mind, is that we Americans are able to live with our freedom and the peace of mind that follows, knowing that our homeland is protected by each and every one of you on a 24/7 basis. You risk your lives for your fellow man. You leave your lives behind and…..
A D-DAY FAMILY OF HEROES IN NORMANDY, FRANCE Claude & Augustine Pessin Hours before any of the Allied soldiers landed into Normandy from the sea, tens of thousands of American Paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne were dropped behind the assault beaches on June 6, 1944, 70 years ago today to guard the flanks against German counterattack. Most of the transport pilots flying the Airborne troopers to their Drop Zones had never flown through anti-aircraft fire before and that,…..
These words were written by my 101st Airborne father, David Tharp one month before jumping on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In his letter he would write, “Ever hear about a man whose life hangs by a thread? Well, my silk parachute is my silent weapon, and my life hangs by it’s thread”. Truer words could not be spoken, as all of their lives hung by a thread. Dad would next write about 10 days after his jump: “The people seem…..
