Hello , I am a retired USAF Colonel, just retired in 2012 after a 26 year career. I was aircraft maintenance and supply officer. I now work for the Defense Logistics Agency, providing spare parts to our Air Force customer. My areas of interest are WWII Pacific Theater and Western Europe following D-Day. My father was in the 10th Mountain Div just after the Korean War, he was a Ski Troop Instructor from Camp Hale CO. His father was a Wagoner in the 104th Eng BN, 29th Infantry Div, in WWI. He served in 1918 in the Center Sector, Alsace-Lorraine. He was gassed 3 times by the Germans and survived, I have his full uniform , helmet and gas mask. A cousin on my Grandmother's side was awarded the CMH in the Civil War, he served with the 82nd NY Infantry from 1862-1865, he won the CMH at the Battle of Bristoe Station, VA. Just finished reading Wukovits' "For Crew and Country", tremendous account of the USS Samuel B. Roberts of Taffy 3 at the Battle of Samar, Oct 25, 1944. I've read a lot about US military history and in my opinion what Taffy 3 did against the Japanese during that battle was the finest moment in US military history....
Welcome to this fine forum Colonel and thank you for your service . I'd love to see pictures of that uniform. That must be quite a treasure!
Thanks Skipper, I know this is a WWII forum, but just wanted to include it here. I'll take a couple photos and post it here. What is your area of interest in WWII, any theaters/battles you read or study about most? I'm on a Pacific Theater kick now, really interested in the naval battles in the Pacific.....
I have not read "Neptune's Inferno".....but I will definitely pick up a copy! Hornfischer is an outstanding author....I've read "The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors"....awesome!
Welcome to the forum, Colonel. The battle off Samar is one that fascinates me as well. I'm kind of a generalist, but that particular engagement holds my interest. I would second the recommendation of Neptune's Inferno. A masterful study.
Welcome aboard, Colonel. I'll echo USMCPrice's recommendation for Neptune's Inferno. Its an excellent book in every regard.
Hey Colonel, just saw a post by Takao, which reminds me. You need to hook up with him. He knows his stuff WWII naval (we actually all stuff naval) backwards and forwards. Kinda the forums version of Wikipedia on all things naval, only a completely accurate version. Post something you've always been interested in and watch the knowledge flow!
Welcome and thanks for your service. Also consider reading The Men of the Gambier Bay, by Hoyt. It is an excellent account of the carriers at Samar.