War in the Pacific
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(Re-post from 16 July 2025) In the West, when we think about World War II, we predominantly think about the war against the Nazis. However, there were quite a large number of Europeans who were fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. We also often forget that the Japanese Imperial Army, Navy, and Air Force were…
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During the war in Papua New Guinea, the local population who were sympathetic to the Australian troops would assist where they could. Notably they would help in transporting stores and equipment over the rough terrain. Teams carried seriously wounded and sick Australian soldiers all the way back to their bases. Their compassion and care of…
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In a time when true heroes are rare, it’s important to remember those who made a difference through selfless actions rather than self-promotion. Ross F. Gray and William Gary Walsh: Heroes of World War II During World War II, countless soldiers displayed extraordinary bravery in combat. Among them, Ross F. Gray and William Gary Walsh…
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Grogol was a civilian camp, located just outside Batavia (now called Jakarta, Indonesia), about three kilometres Northwest of Tjideng, on the railway to Tangerang. Grogol started as a lunatic asylum and it was converted to a Japanese internment camp for civilians during World War II. Grogol was used for internment from 1 July 1943 til…
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On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaii Territory, killing more than 2,300 Americans. The U.S.S. Arizona was completely destroyed, and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. In total, twelve ships were sunk or beached, and nine additional vessels were damaged. More than 160 aircraft were destroyed…
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No parent should ever have to bury any of their children, unfortunately, it does happen. During wartime, it just happens too much as was the case during World War II. Michael James “Mike” Fenton was the son of Colonel Francis Fenton. While Colonel Fenton advanced to higher command, his younger son, Michael, enlisted in the…
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While the world is remembering the 62nd Anniversary of the Assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. I want to focus on a different aspect of JFK, his time during World War II. Specifically, his time on PT 109. “The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY and MARINE CORPS MEDAL to/ LIEUTENANT…
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October 6, 1944 — deep in the tropical waters of the Java Sea, two submarines hunted beneath the same sun. One flew the flag of the Royal Netherlands Navy, the other bore the iron cross of Nazi Germany.By the end of the day, only one would remain afloat. A Dutch Submarine Far From Home The…
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Douglas Albert Munro holds a unique and hallowed place in United States military history as the only member of the U.S. Coast Guard to receive the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration. His story is one of selflessness, bravery, and dedication to duty—qualities that not only defined his short life but also left…
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On September 2, 1945, representatives from the Japanese government and Allied forces assembled aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay to sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, which effectively ended World War II. The document was prepared by the U.S. War Department and approved by President Harry S. Truman. Eight short paragraphs formalized the “unconditional surrender to…
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