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GP is a blogger dedicated to sharing WWII stories, especially about the 11th Airborne Division.

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Military History Pacific War WWII

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Jay John
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The text discusses the death poems (jisei) of Kuroki Hiroshi, a Japanese sailor who died in a Kaiten suicide torpedo accident, and General Tadamichi Kuribayashi, who wrote a final letter and three death poems during the Battle of ...
The post reflects on historical moments where American leaders responded to criticism of the U.S. with poignant remarks, emphasizing patriotism and the sacrifices made by American servicemen. It recounts anecdotes involving Dean R...
The author recounts a personal visit with Shelita Bourgeois from the National WWII Museum, highlighting their connection and the sharing of WWII memorabilia. The visit included a lunch where they discussed various artifacts, which...
The post is a tribute to Everett Smith, highlighting his military service during World War II and his life as a father. It includes a series of photographs from different stages of his life, showcasing his time in the military and...
During World War II, the United States became the 'arsenal of democracy' and its factories retooled to produce munitions. After the war, the military-focused economy was not prepared to welcome back the returning veterans. The nat...
During WWII, the U.S. government reserved a certain percentage of comfort items, such as beer and cigarettes, for the servicemen. Breweries were required to set aside 15% of their production for military use. The military used bot...
The author humorously suggests that the military should recruit older people instead of young ones, as they have more experience and are less likely to be distracted. The post also includes a list of soldiers who have passed away....
The post is a pictorial tribute to the year 1945, featuring various artworks and sketches from World War II. It also includes a list of military personnel who passed away, and links to the artists' websites.
The text is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died for the freedom of the country. It lists the names of soldiers who have been identified recently by the U.S. Dept. of POW/MIA Accounting Agency and will be returning home f...
The Miyagi Task Force was responsible for collecting and destroying arms and munitions in Japan. The Japanese mainland was still heavily armed, and the US faced a military gamble. Japan had numerous underground tunnels and coastal...
The text is about a Christmas card sent from Japan to New York in December 1945. It describes the experiences of Everett (Smitty) in Japan, including an incident where he punched an officer over a stolen Japanese sword.
The text is a collection of humorous quotes and farewell salutes to military personnel.
Norman Rockwell was a well-known artist who produced over 300 covers in his 50-year career. His wartime art, including Willie Gillis, contributed to the success of the wartime bond sales efforts. Willie Gillis was a fictional char...
The text discusses the role of Nisei soldiers in World War II, focusing on their intelligence work, translation efforts, and contributions to the war effort.
The Nisei soldiers were a unique intelligence force during the Pacific War, working behind the scenes and fighting at and behind enemy lines. They were capable of going behind the lines to acquire information or cut into the radio...
The end of World War II brought turmoil to eastern Asia, with liberation movements and wars fought against colonial powers. Japan was not restored to full sovereignty until after the San Francisco Treaty was signed in 1951. The me...
MacArthur's first priority was to set up a food distribution network in Japan after the collapse of the ruling government and the destruction of major cities. The US government encouraged democratic reform in Japan and sent billio...
The text discusses the midget submarines used by the Japanese Navy during World War II. It provides details about the different types of midget submarines, their intended purpose, and the impact they had on the war. The text also ...
Paul Vincent Cannon wrote a poem in response to Smitty's Letter IX: A Day's Venture. The poem reflects on the irony of a sabbath amidst the trail of death and destruction in a war theater. The post also includes a link to P.V. Can...
The U.S. Army Special Warfare Center and School dedicated a replica of a Waco CG-4A glider at Camp Mackall, NC, to honor its history as a parachute and glider training site during World War II. The glider, which replaced a UH-1 Hu...
The post is about Smitty's experiences in Japan in 1945. He visited Miyajima Island and the Gamagori Hotel. The post includes a brochure from the Gamagori Hotel and a translation of a brochure from Miyagi Prefecture. The post also...
11th Airborne troopers attempted to start a coal-burning vehicle. General Swing transformed a Japanese auditorium into the 11th Airborne Coliseum, which contained sports facilities and other amenities. The division held an Olympia...
Smitty tours Japan in 1945 and absorbs the culture. General Pierson is transferred back home and replaced by General Shorty Soule. The 187th Regiment is now called 'Rakkasans' by the Japanese. Military humor and farewell salutes a...
The text is about the 11th Airborne Division and the soldiers who served in it. It includes a poem written by a soldier, a memorial for a soldier, and a list of soldiers who have passed away.