The FReeper Foxhole -

Dec. 6, 2002

[Jen]

U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues

Where Duty, Honor and Country
are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.

Our Mission:

The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans.

We hope to provide an ongoing source of information about issues and problems that are specific to Veterans and resources that are available to Veterans and their families.

In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support.

Veterans History Project
Keeps War Memories Alive

There are over 19 million veterans living in the U.S. today. With each is a personal story of battles fought, victories and defeats. Each story, though sometimes heartbreaking, is full of love, dedication and patriotism.

---

War correspondent May Craig
interviews a soldier, ca. 1945.

---

That's how Peter Bartis describes his work with the Veterans History Project. The grassroots effort that began two years ago -- and has now caught fire -- is hoping to keep those memories alive.

Bartis, a senior program officer for the project, said that each day some 1,500 U.S. veterans die -- and with them a treasured part of the nation's past. "These are some of the most amazing stories; when you put them all together you get a story of the nation," he said.

Over the past year alone, the project's staff of 16 has already collected more than 14,000 items, such as letters and other memoirs, and video and audiotape interviews.

"We're all just blown away by these stories," he said. "The information has been very rich, it's been emotional, and it's very heartening to listen to the stories, to learn how and why they (veterans) joined, their war-time experience."

With the idea that future generations could learn from the histories of the nation's veterans, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, began the effort to collect video and audio recordings of personal histories and testimonials of American war veterans -- men, women, civilians who served in World Wars I and II, and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars. The center needs contributions of civilian volunteers, support staff, and war industry workers also.

Bartis said the amount of regular mail and the number of e-mails and phone calls vary from day to day, "but the response to this project has been enormous." "We get to know a lot of these people personally. That's the fun part," he said. Aside from the thousands of items received from everyday Americans each year, Bartis said the project has gained tremendous support from the corporate community as well.

The Veterans History Project's official Web site lists more than 50 national partners and support organizations from every state. The military services contribute through offices such as the Army's U.S. Center of Military History and the Naval and Marine Corps Historical centers, as well as DoD's official committee commemorating the 50th Korean War anniversary. Major national veterans associations are well-represented also.

"This is not our project or the library's project. This is the nation's project," Bartis said. "We want people of all walks of life to feel ownership of this project."

Learn more about the Veterans History Project.

[SAMWolf]

I've been in B-17's(on the ground), I can't even begin to imagine flying in one over Germany with the Luftwaffe trying to make sure you don't make it to the target.

[MistyCA]

Thanks! I hope you come to visit often!

God, Bless our Vets Where Ever They Are!

[MistyCA]

LOL....sissy! :)

[navarch]

Another Medic just doing his job...

BLEAK, DAVID B.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Medical Company 223d Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Place and date: Vicinity of Minari-gol, Korea, 14 June 1952. Entered service at: Shelley, Idaho. Born: 27 February 1932, Idaho Falls, Idaho. G.O. No.: 83, 2 November 1953. Citation: Sgt. Bleak, a member of the medical company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. As a medical aidman, he volunteered to accompany a reconnaissance patrol committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain, the group was subjected to intense automatic weapons and small arms fire and suffered several casualties. After administering to the wounded, he continued to advance with the patrol. Nearing the military crest of the hill, while attempting to cross the fire-swept area to attend the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2 with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position, shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the aggressors, he grabbed them and smacked their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety. Sgt. Bleak's dauntless courage and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.

[the rifleman]

Yeah, it was something to behold. Wish the old boy was around so I could see it again. I'd like to invite him over so he could see his face on the world wide web, he'd blush. I suppose his passing was God's way of sparing him for what's to come, he served his time. At least that's what I believe but that's another story for a different thread. Thanks again.

[Senator Pardek]

Thanks for the ping, kid. I'm running out of folks I can trust here! :0

[MistyCA]

Wow, Sam! That is so awesome that you found that! See, rifleman....Sam is the best darned scrounger this world will ever see! :)

[SAMWolf]

That's one hell of a medic! What medal came with that citation?

[navarch]

Congressional Medal of Honor

[SAMWolf]

Just have to know what you're looking for and have a lot of luck.

[SAMWolf]

I've seen the "bunks" on ships more like a "slot" in the wall, I'll never know how the sailors and Marines slept in those things.

[the rifleman]

Damn fast no doubt! Looks like a frontline cyber warrior if ever I saw one!

[SeattleTiger]

Very cool, AntiGen. Thanks for the ping. I'll definitely keep an eye on the thread.

SeattleTiger

[Victoria Delsoul]

Well, you can always trust me

[MistyCA]

Yes...same with me. You see, while he was alive I could always call on him to explain issues to me and discuss with me how to vote, etc. After he died I realized that I would have to figure those things out for myself. I started looking at the issues and then Clinton came along! I was sooo offended by him! How dare this person who dodged the draft get elected into a position that would assure him certain military honors, etc. I had just buried my dad not long before and those military honors were so special! As I write this, I am offended all over again! Yes...dad's death raised my awareness and my passion about those things that were so important during his lifetime. It's a responsibility, imo.

[Senator Pardek]

Yeah, you - but what about all the other alleged "Freepers"? It's a conspiracy!!!

[MistyCA]

You said that perfectly, Jen. thanks.

[MistyCA]

Thanks for sharing that!

[PatrioticAmerican]

thanks for the ping.