1
When WW II came to The Arthur Area
Part one
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
This is now referred to as the greatest Generation
This review of history is mostly about stories of the WW II generation in Arthur IL, but it
was typical of what all men and women experienced in their own hometowns across
America. Their sacrifice and gallantry paralleled what these folks in this story must have
felt. This story could be told for every branch of the service and all wars and conflicts.
Many years ago, a friend and a very wise man taught me, when I witness with my eye’s
events, or words written or spoken, I should always read between the lines, to discern what
is inferred and not obvious. That is where the intent and real truths are found. As you read
this history, read what is inferred. In your mind walk a mile in this generation’s shoes. What
was in their minds, torn from their future. Fearing their own death daily. Men who were
gentle and industrious, were forced to kill their fellow man to survive. To fight a war, they
did not ask for. This may be why the men that returned were reluctant to tell their stories
and remained silent.
Families would yearn for any little bit of news about their loved ones. They dreaded the
telegram that they might receive from The War Department, of a son, KIA, MIA, or wounded
in battle message. The wars visual news was at the local theater, and before the main
feature, there was Fox Movie Tone News films of the war. For a closer feeling of this war,
watch these Movie Tone films, as they can still be viewed on You Tube.
In the 1930’s a new generation was emerging from the cities, small towns, and villages,
and the farms across America. Times were tough but good. Most folks were unaware of
what was unfolding in the other hemisphere, as communication was in its infancy by today’s
standard. In this greatest generation, many came from the rural schools and churches and
walked the halls, were seated in the classrooms, and competed in sports against opposition
teams, at 301 E Columbia Arthur Il, as many of you have who are reading this. They never
had a thought that in a few short years their next opponents would be In Europe and the
Southwest Pacific countries. An away game so to speak, against many brutal tyrants that
were gaining excessive power over their people. They never studied in history class, names
like Mao Zedong chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler,
Benito Mussolini of Italy, and Emperor Hirohito. It was too soon for these names to appear
in the history books they studied. They were unaware of their historic future military leaders,
they would serve under, like General Dwight Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander,
General Douglas MacArthur Commander of the South Pacific theater, and General George
2
Patton United States 3rd Army. They may not have heard about their next ruthless
opponents, enemy leaders like Edwin Rommel, German Field Marshal and of Prime
minister and Japanese military commander, Tajo Hideki. This new generation was focused
on their own quiet and productive future in a free country.
They may have studied Fascism, Marxism, Communism and Socialism but never thought
for a moment these philosophies were about to affect them in a historic and horrific way
within a few short years. Many were unaware of the murder and unspeakable atrocity that
Japan had committed against the Chinese people and other neighbors. 20 million Chinese
died, mostly civilians slaughtered at the hands of the Japanese Army’s. The killing of
innocents at Nanking China was unspeakable. This was the lead up to Asian part of WW II.
In Germany, Austrian born Adolph Hitler representing the Nazi’s and Fascism, was
democratically elected. Germany stripped the right to own firearms from Jews and Aryans
or anyone considered an enemy of the state. The people at that time were suffering from an
unsurmountable WW I debt with hyperinflation. They opted to print a fiat currency. At the
end of the war, it took 4.2 trillion Deutsche Marks to equal the value of one U S dollar. The
people were starving, and the worthless currency was used by the population as fuel in
their stoves to keep warm. The Nazi’s exterminated about 6 million European Jewish and
reclaimed their property. At least another 5 million people had the same fate as the Jewish.
The Holocaust was Nazi Germany deliberate, organized, state sponsored persecution of
people they deem as subhuman. This included the Gypsies, Aryan, Polish, Russians,
Clergy, the disabled, and any one they deemed undesirable. The Third Reich expanded its
conquest to France, Poland, Russia, and many other countries. When this brutal war ended
more than 60 million people had died in Europe, mostly innocents.
Since 1939 the United States was supporting Germany’s opponents with war material not
unlike what is now happening in Ukraine. We were trying to stay neutral. That failed in WW
I also.
In many parts of America, depression was still raging. This meant poverty and hunger for
many people. An overseas war would have been difficult. Then came the attack on Pearl
Harbor, December 7, 1941, a day the President Roosevelt said that will live into infamy. On
Dec 8 the United States with President Franklin D Roosevelt declared war on Japan. And
on Dec 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the USA. Congress immediately
formally declared war with Germany.
Then came the call to duty in 1940 when America could no longer stand on the sidelines.
The Greatest Generation moved from the classrooms to on-the-job training. Becoming the
actors for what would become the largest war of all time known to the world.
3
The United States Military was small, under manned and poorly equipped to deal with
what was about to take place. In 1939 our Army and Army Air Corp numbered only 174
thousand men and women. We rank militarily 17th in the world. By the end of the war, we
had the third largest military.
The part of the Americas population that did not put on the uniform, went into the
factories, and built a war machine like no other known to mankind. Remember Rosie the
riveter? The general population suffered with rationing of critical goods, remember sugar
stamps? The people bought war bonds to help finance the effort. No one in America was
left untouched by this war.
The war effort effected Progress industries in Arthur as they became a military supplier of
stainless-steel tanks. They also manufactured the carrying equipment for the two atomic
bombs used in Japan at Hiroshima (Imperial Japanese 5th Division command) & Nagasaki
(a major Imperial Japanese Navy base).
It was unexpected that Japan would surrender so quickly after the atom bombs were
dropped. The only other option would have been an invasion of mainland Japan. Japanese
military directives ordered the execution of all 100,000 allied POWs, If Japan was ever
invaded.
Secretary of War Henry Stimson estimated that invading Japan would cost 1.7 to 4
million American casualties, including 400,000–800,000 fatalities, and five to ten million
Japanese fatalities. If this came to pass, it would be hard to calculate how many more of
Arthur’s military would have perished. This gives you a concept of how difficult military
decisions are. I would hope that’s Americas will always have Commanders of this caliber.
Anything else could be a disaster for America.
The work for the greatest generation had begun. New places and words entered
everyone’s vocabulary, like Normandy, Omaha Beach, Alsace, Argonne, Midway,
Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima to name a few. To demonstrate our unpreparedness for this
conflict, the first 18 divisions deployed were National Guard Divisions. Their enlistments
were all extended by one year.
The military campaign in North Africa was for the control of the Suez Canal and
connection to Middle east oil. The USA and British forces fought an ultimately successful
campaign to clear North Africa of German and Italian forces.
In 1940 The U S census population of Arthur was 1410 people. More than 520 men and
some women from Arthur were called to military duty for this war effort. That was over a
third of the population of Arthur at that time. If you subtract the under aged, older
generation, and women, nearly every able-bodied man was called to fight. They left their4
wives and families and the quiet way of life to enter the hell of war. The conscription age
was 18 to 45 years of age. It has been reported that in Arthur some young men lied about
their age and entered at a much younger age. If you review the Arthur Armed Service page
of the Arthur Legion web site, you will become aware of this. https://arthurilamlegion.com
The parents of these young people who were barely starting a life, were almost overnight
faced with sending them off to the chaos of war, to places unknown, on the other side of the
world. Can you imagine the anguished fear these young people must have felt knowing that
on any given day they could be KIA. Communication at best was poor. No smart phones
then. This is a fear not understood by most folks in these modern times.
Their mission was to defeat two of the cruelest leaders of all time. In Europe, Adolf Hitler,
Chancellor of Germany and leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party or Nazi.
And in Japan Emperor Hirohito who commanded the Imperial Japanese Army in the
Southwest Pacific. These leaders inflicted unbelievable atrocities on their people and the
countries they invaded and plundered.
The United States sent about 16 million men into battle against two powerful Axis powers.
Japan boasted 6 million men, and Germany 10 million men.
WW II casualties were horrendous. It was the deadliest military conflict in history, a total
of 85 million people perished, about 3 % of the world’s population. 55 million of these
people were civilians. War always does touch the innocent in a huge way, just reflect on the
images from the Ukraine, that we now witness every day.
The United States armed forces lost 420,000 personnel KIA. While it seems to be a
distance time ago, it was just 77 years ago, just one lifetime. How quickly we forget history.
In Arthur, WW II cost the lives of 18 young men, that never got to come home to be with
their families. One Arthur’s Navy flyer’s unmarked grave lays on the floor of the Pacific
Ocean, where abouts unknown MIA.
At the end of WW II this greatest generation had over 420,000 men killed in action (KIA)
About 79,000 Americans are unaccounted for, the number includes those buried with
honors as unknown, officially buried at sea, lost at sea, or missing in action. As of now there
are still 73,000 lost American that remain totally unaccounted for. The breakdown by branch
of service is as follows: 20,401 are Army Air Corps, 16,787 are Army, and 3,085 are
Marines. There are 32,569 Navy missing who are classified as lost at sea and not capable
of being recovered.
Next time you witness a Military Color Guard or Funeral Honor Guard notice the black flag
that carries the white letters, POW - MIA. It is flown in respect for those that are missing
from their families and loved ones. They paid the ultimate price before they had a chance to5
live. Their final resting place whether it is scattered in the soils of the earth or the bottom of
the vast oceans of this world, it is an unmarked grave, and location unknown, except to
GOD. When you see this Black POW-MIA flag take a moment in time to ponder its true
meaning. Think of the Arthur men that are MIA’s, never to be found, and their families have
never had experience of having their son’s come home.
To be continued next addition – Arthurs Airmen and their WW II stories. Part 2
When WW II came to The Arthur Area
Part one
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
This is now referred to as the greatest Generation
This review of history is mostly about stories of the WW II generation in Arthur IL, but it
was typical of what all men and women experienced in their own hometowns across
America. Their sacrifice and gallantry paralleled what these folks in this story must have
felt. This story could be told for every branch of the service and all wars and conflicts.
Many years ago, a friend and a very wise man taught me, when I witness with my eye’s
events, or words written or spoken, I should always read between the lines, to discern what
is inferred and not obvious. That is where the intent and real truths are found. As you read
this history, read what is inferred. In your mind walk a mile in this generation’s shoes. What
was in their minds, torn from their future. Fearing their own death daily. Men who were
gentle and industrious, were forced to kill their fellow man to survive. To fight a war, they
did not ask for. This may be why the men that returned were reluctant to tell their stories
and remained silent.
Families would yearn for any little bit of news about their loved ones. They dreaded the
telegram that they might receive from The War Department, of a son, KIA, MIA, or wounded
in battle message. The wars visual news was at the local theater, and before the main
feature, there was Fox Movie Tone News films of the war. For a closer feeling of this war,
watch these Movie Tone films, as they can still be viewed on You Tube.
In the 1930’s a new generation was emerging from the cities, small towns, and villages,
and the farms across America. Times were tough but good. Most folks were unaware of
what was unfolding in the other hemisphere, as communication was in its infancy by today’s
standard. In this greatest generation, many came from the rural schools and churches and
walked the halls, were seated in the classrooms, and competed in sports against opposition
teams, at 301 E Columbia Arthur Il, as many of you have who are reading this. They never
had a thought that in a few short years their next opponents would be In Europe and the
Southwest Pacific countries. An away game so to speak, against many brutal tyrants that
were gaining excessive power over their people. They never studied in history class, names
like Mao Zedong chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler,
Benito Mussolini of Italy, and Emperor Hirohito. It was too soon for these names to appear
in the history books they studied. They were unaware of their historic future military leaders,
they would serve under, like General Dwight Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander,
General Douglas MacArthur Commander of the South Pacific theater, and General George
2
Patton United States 3rd Army. They may not have heard about their next ruthless
opponents, enemy leaders like Edwin Rommel, German Field Marshal and of Prime
minister and Japanese military commander, Tajo Hideki. This new generation was focused
on their own quiet and productive future in a free country.
They may have studied Fascism, Marxism, Communism and Socialism but never thought
for a moment these philosophies were about to affect them in a historic and horrific way
within a few short years. Many were unaware of the murder and unspeakable atrocity that
Japan had committed against the Chinese people and other neighbors. 20 million Chinese
died, mostly civilians slaughtered at the hands of the Japanese Army’s. The killing of
innocents at Nanking China was unspeakable. This was the lead up to Asian part of WW II.
In Germany, Austrian born Adolph Hitler representing the Nazi’s and Fascism, was
democratically elected. Germany stripped the right to own firearms from Jews and Aryans
or anyone considered an enemy of the state. The people at that time were suffering from an
unsurmountable WW I debt with hyperinflation. They opted to print a fiat currency. At the
end of the war, it took 4.2 trillion Deutsche Marks to equal the value of one U S dollar. The
people were starving, and the worthless currency was used by the population as fuel in
their stoves to keep warm. The Nazi’s exterminated about 6 million European Jewish and
reclaimed their property. At least another 5 million people had the same fate as the Jewish.
The Holocaust was Nazi Germany deliberate, organized, state sponsored persecution of
people they deem as subhuman. This included the Gypsies, Aryan, Polish, Russians,
Clergy, the disabled, and any one they deemed undesirable. The Third Reich expanded its
conquest to France, Poland, Russia, and many other countries. When this brutal war ended
more than 60 million people had died in Europe, mostly innocents.
Since 1939 the United States was supporting Germany’s opponents with war material not
unlike what is now happening in Ukraine. We were trying to stay neutral. That failed in WW
I also.
In many parts of America, depression was still raging. This meant poverty and hunger for
many people. An overseas war would have been difficult. Then came the attack on Pearl
Harbor, December 7, 1941, a day the President Roosevelt said that will live into infamy. On
Dec 8 the United States with President Franklin D Roosevelt declared war on Japan. And
on Dec 11, 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the USA. Congress immediately
formally declared war with Germany.
Then came the call to duty in 1940 when America could no longer stand on the sidelines.
The Greatest Generation moved from the classrooms to on-the-job training. Becoming the
actors for what would become the largest war of all time known to the world.
3
The United States Military was small, under manned and poorly equipped to deal with
what was about to take place. In 1939 our Army and Army Air Corp numbered only 174
thousand men and women. We rank militarily 17th in the world. By the end of the war, we
had the third largest military.
The part of the Americas population that did not put on the uniform, went into the
factories, and built a war machine like no other known to mankind. Remember Rosie the
riveter? The general population suffered with rationing of critical goods, remember sugar
stamps? The people bought war bonds to help finance the effort. No one in America was
left untouched by this war.
The war effort effected Progress industries in Arthur as they became a military supplier of
stainless-steel tanks. They also manufactured the carrying equipment for the two atomic
bombs used in Japan at Hiroshima (Imperial Japanese 5th Division command) & Nagasaki
(a major Imperial Japanese Navy base).
It was unexpected that Japan would surrender so quickly after the atom bombs were
dropped. The only other option would have been an invasion of mainland Japan. Japanese
military directives ordered the execution of all 100,000 allied POWs, If Japan was ever
invaded.
Secretary of War Henry Stimson estimated that invading Japan would cost 1.7 to 4
million American casualties, including 400,000–800,000 fatalities, and five to ten million
Japanese fatalities. If this came to pass, it would be hard to calculate how many more of
Arthur’s military would have perished. This gives you a concept of how difficult military
decisions are. I would hope that’s Americas will always have Commanders of this caliber.
Anything else could be a disaster for America.
The work for the greatest generation had begun. New places and words entered
everyone’s vocabulary, like Normandy, Omaha Beach, Alsace, Argonne, Midway,
Guadalcanal, and Iwo Jima to name a few. To demonstrate our unpreparedness for this
conflict, the first 18 divisions deployed were National Guard Divisions. Their enlistments
were all extended by one year.
The military campaign in North Africa was for the control of the Suez Canal and
connection to Middle east oil. The USA and British forces fought an ultimately successful
campaign to clear North Africa of German and Italian forces.
In 1940 The U S census population of Arthur was 1410 people. More than 520 men and
some women from Arthur were called to military duty for this war effort. That was over a
third of the population of Arthur at that time. If you subtract the under aged, older
generation, and women, nearly every able-bodied man was called to fight. They left their4
wives and families and the quiet way of life to enter the hell of war. The conscription age
was 18 to 45 years of age. It has been reported that in Arthur some young men lied about
their age and entered at a much younger age. If you review the Arthur Armed Service page
of the Arthur Legion web site, you will become aware of this. https://arthurilamlegion.com
The parents of these young people who were barely starting a life, were almost overnight
faced with sending them off to the chaos of war, to places unknown, on the other side of the
world. Can you imagine the anguished fear these young people must have felt knowing that
on any given day they could be KIA. Communication at best was poor. No smart phones
then. This is a fear not understood by most folks in these modern times.
Their mission was to defeat two of the cruelest leaders of all time. In Europe, Adolf Hitler,
Chancellor of Germany and leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party or Nazi.
And in Japan Emperor Hirohito who commanded the Imperial Japanese Army in the
Southwest Pacific. These leaders inflicted unbelievable atrocities on their people and the
countries they invaded and plundered.
The United States sent about 16 million men into battle against two powerful Axis powers.
Japan boasted 6 million men, and Germany 10 million men.
WW II casualties were horrendous. It was the deadliest military conflict in history, a total
of 85 million people perished, about 3 % of the world’s population. 55 million of these
people were civilians. War always does touch the innocent in a huge way, just reflect on the
images from the Ukraine, that we now witness every day.
The United States armed forces lost 420,000 personnel KIA. While it seems to be a
distance time ago, it was just 77 years ago, just one lifetime. How quickly we forget history.
In Arthur, WW II cost the lives of 18 young men, that never got to come home to be with
their families. One Arthur’s Navy flyer’s unmarked grave lays on the floor of the Pacific
Ocean, where abouts unknown MIA.
At the end of WW II this greatest generation had over 420,000 men killed in action (KIA)
About 79,000 Americans are unaccounted for, the number includes those buried with
honors as unknown, officially buried at sea, lost at sea, or missing in action. As of now there
are still 73,000 lost American that remain totally unaccounted for. The breakdown by branch
of service is as follows: 20,401 are Army Air Corps, 16,787 are Army, and 3,085 are
Marines. There are 32,569 Navy missing who are classified as lost at sea and not capable
of being recovered.
Next time you witness a Military Color Guard or Funeral Honor Guard notice the black flag
that carries the white letters, POW - MIA. It is flown in respect for those that are missing
from their families and loved ones. They paid the ultimate price before they had a chance to5
live. Their final resting place whether it is scattered in the soils of the earth or the bottom of
the vast oceans of this world, it is an unmarked grave, and location unknown, except to
GOD. When you see this Black POW-MIA flag take a moment in time to ponder its true
meaning. Think of the Arthur men that are MIA’s, never to be found, and their families have
never had experience of having their son’s come home.
To be continued next addition – Arthurs Airmen and their WW II stories. Part 2
When WW II came to The Arthur Area
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
Arthurs Airmen and their WW II stories. Part 2
The remaining focus of this article will be the history of the men from Arthur who took a part in some largest aviation battles of WW II and ever known in the history of this world. Here is a record of the 48 Arthur men who served in the U S Army Air Corps during WW ll. Many were pilots, flight crews, gunners, bombardiers, and support. After the war the Army Air Corps. was given its own command and rename the United States Air Force.
Arthur men who lost their lives in all service branches and war’s now totals 28.
Six Arthur airmen and a Navy Flyer were Killed in Action: Richard Fleming, Read Larson, Charles Norris, Joseph Brunson, William Smith, Bernard Phelps MIA,
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
Arthurs Airmen and their WW II stories. Part 2
The remaining focus of this article will be the history of the men from Arthur who took a part in some largest aviation battles of WW II and ever known in the history of this world. Here is a record of the 48 Arthur men who served in the U S Army Air Corps during WW ll. Many were pilots, flight crews, gunners, bombardiers, and support. After the war the Army Air Corps. was given its own command and rename the United States Air Force.
Arthur men who lost their lives in all service branches and war’s now totals 28.
Six Arthur airmen and a Navy Flyer were Killed in Action: Richard Fleming, Read Larson, Charles Norris, Joseph Brunson, William Smith, Bernard Phelps MIA,
Most of these airmen’s stories of their bravery have been lost to the ages. I was able to recover a few of them that will show the ferocity of their fight, to liberate hundreds of millions of people on the other side of the world, who had allowed themselves to become in slaved to their government’s tyranny.
Yes, Arthur exports products all over the world like cabinets and overheads doors and more, but more important than that, she has sent over 1,200 men and women, about two battalions of armed forces of her finest young people, all over the world. There battles were to liberate people that had given up their liberty to totalitarianism.
Yes, Arthur exports products all over the world like cabinets and overheads doors and more, but more important than that, she has sent over 1,200 men and women, about two battalions of armed forces of her finest young people, all over the world. There battles were to liberate people that had given up their liberty to totalitarianism.
Most of these airmen’s stories of their bravery have been lost to the ages. I was able to recover a few of them that will show the ferocity of their fight, to liberate hundreds of millions of people on the other side of the world, who had allowed themselves to become in slaved to their government’s tyranny.
Yes, Arthur exports products all over the world like cabinets and overheads doors and more, but more important than that, she has sent over 1,200 men and women, about two battalions of armed forces of her finest young people, all over the world. There battles were to liberate people that had given up their liberty to totalitarianism.
Yes, Arthur exports products all over the world like cabinets and overheads doors and more, but more important than that, she has sent over 1,200 men and women, about two battalions of armed forces of her finest young people, all over the world. There battles were to liberate people that had given up their liberty to totalitarianism.
James Pate entered the Air Corps at 20 years old and received his wings in 1940. He started by ferrying B-25 Bombers to England. Flying out of England with P38 fighters he had several sorties in Europe. He blasted a German transport plane out of the sky over the Sicilian Straits. Jim’s squadron killed the remaining 5 Junker Transports. Shortly after the invasion of North Africa, He was attacked by 4 German Messerschmitt’s, Jim scored 4 kills on his enemy. In another battle, Jim was shot down in the mountains, in the battle of Tunisia. An Arab helped him get back to friendly forces. In another air battle, his P38 was badly shot up, but he was able to cripple his plane back to an airfield. Patton’s third Army had 3 tanks stuck in the mud, Jim’s mission was to bomb and destroy them to deny the enemy access. Jim flew 66 mission and was shot down three times. Jim became a Group Commander. A Group typically had 10 squadrons of 20 planes for a total of 200 aircraft, his rank was Lt. Colonel. Jim was awarded the Distinguished Airman’s Medal for being the first fighter squadron to fly any ocean non-stop to a battle front, the Nine oak leaf cluster for additional sorties, Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in flight, The Silver Star for extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in action. Jim was honored with a personally handwritten letter for an escort to Tripoli. The message, Thanks for the escort, wishing you good luck, signed King George of England. All this by about the age of 23. This is one of the reason these young men and women are called the greatest generation.
Bernard Phelps, The Distinguish Flying Cross was awarded posthumously. As a gunner of the famous Torpedo Squadron Eight, consisting of 15 planes that never came back after roaring off the carrier U.S.S. Hornet without fighter protection, to engage in combat, with a Japanese task force in the Battle of Midway. All 15 planes were shot down. Their Crews now rest in the Pacific Ocean in a watery grave. Bernard Is a KIA, MIA from Arthur.
Jesse Francis Watkins (Francis) Entered the war at age 18 as a nose gunner and bombardier on a B-25. Missions included bombing attacks against Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Berlin, and many other cities. Jesse received many awards for his gallantry. March 18,1945 his 21st mission was over Berlin on a B-25, as a toggler. That means he was hand releasing the bombs. After unloading their bombs, the B-25 was hit with flak. The pilot gave the order to bail out and the 10-man crew hit the silk and parachuted to the unknown. Francis landed in a school yard. It was a unique situation having been the bomber and now being bombed by the Royal Air Force. Germans were upon him quickly and jeering. He was taken to a dungeon to identify the bodies of American flyers. There he identified with difficulty, as comrades in his crew. He was then taken for three days of integration. His family received a telegram that Francis was missing in action in Germany. He was taken to a Stalag Luft 1, on the Baltic with 8000 British and American captured airmen. Russian troops advanced and the German captors fled leaving the prisoners unattended. Francis with others went behind Russian lines and after 2 ½ months. They found their way back to the 82nd airborne and safety.
Richard Fleming was brother to Robert Fleming, also a B-24 pilot flying missions in the southwest Pacific. Richard had flown several missions over Europe as a Liberator B-24 pilot. Lt Richard Fleming awoke the village of Arthur at 5 am on June 23, 1944. He flew his B-24 at low altitude over Arthur for 20 minutes and centering on his home place. Tragically this was the last time Richard would see his home place. A few months later his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ola R Fleming received a telegram from the War Department that their son Lt. Richard Fleming had been Killed in action on August 6th, 1944.
Robert Fleming: One afternoon in 1942 a group of five twin engine bombers, flying in a V formation approached Arthur from the Northwest, they circled at low altitude for quite some time and really put on a show for the home folks.
The British Government presented Robert the British Distinguished Flying Cross by The King of England for a night raid on Balikpapan, Borneo. This was the longest mission of the war in any theatre. Robert skipped bombed two 6500-ton Japanese ship from mast height, sinking one and damaging the other. They approach the ships by flying 50 feet above the water, then would release the ordinance and pull up to miss the ships mast, all the time Bob’s B-25 Liberator was being hit several times at close range and crew members were injured. Bob’s most harrowing experience was when his tent mate. Lt. Hinze and another pilot flew a mission to bomb a Japanese nickel mine, the bombing raid was successful, but on the return about 50 miles out from the target home bound they were attack by 16 Japanese Zero’s. The third Liberator was shot down but 8 of the 11-man crew parachuted out. One of Bob’s engines and two of Lt. Hinze’s engines were shot out. Lt Hinze plane quickly lost altitude and struck a mountain top. Everything in Hinze’s plane, including guns had to be pitched out to keep his plane airborne. Trying to get the two crippled planes back home, they were again attacked by two Zero’s. LT. Hinze was flying at 1,000 ft and Bob was at 8,000 ft. Because of the crippled condition, Bob could not help Lt. Hinze. He could only listen to the radio, helplessly, unable to help his friend while Lt. Hinze’s crew members were being killed and wounded. Lt. Hinze was now fatally wounded, Before Hinze lost consciousness he was able to land the bomber on the surface of the water. Four remaining crew members were able to launch a raft and were picked up the next day. Bob flew 27 missions, most without fighter escort as those planes could not carry enough fuel for the long flights.
Sergeant William Smith served as a bombardier and was KIA when His bomber crashed in Hawaii. He graduated from Arthur Township High School in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corps a few days later.
Myron Bradford Flew the B-25 and had missions to all important targets on the European continent that had our enemies’ forces. Myron flew 32 Mission and came home with bullet holes in 30 of them. On D-day Myron and his group gave support to the Normandy invasion. He has many ribbons and wears the 3 oak leaf cluster and Distinguish Flying Cross.
Reed Larson Was a B-25 Pilot with 20 missions, stationed at Luzon in the Philippines. Reed was KIA over Formosa.
Charles Norris Was the Son Dr. C Norris of Arthur. Charles was a pilot and was killed in action KIA
John Vernon Rohrer: Vernon was a radio range communicator, stationed on Guam, a B-29 Base. As a high-ranking officer, he would have been a commander. Vernon separated from the Army Air Corps as a Lt. Colonel. After the war He owned Factory Sales on Vine St.
Dale Fulton Joined the Air Transport Command. (ATC) Their mission was to fly men, material, and ordnance all over the world. They would return with 1,000’s of war casualties. Dale flew all types of new aircraft from the manufacturers to England, so they could join the fight. These aircraft were targets for our adversaries. The Air Transport Command at the end of the war had 3,700 transports. The war loss was huge with 549 aircraft loss and 1,699 crew members loss.
After the war Dale joined TWA and flew trans-oceanic flight all over the world as Captain at 24 years of age. He was a test pilot when TWA received their first 747’s.
Charles W Anderson Was the Principal of Arthur Township High School. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. Charles was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. He became bombardier instructor at Childress Field. Later He was appointed Adjutant of the school and earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. The irony here is the principle followed his student into the war. No one was untouched by this war.
To be continued next addition – Arthurs Airmen and the enormity of the effort and what history has to say Part 3
Bernard Phelps, The Distinguish Flying Cross was awarded posthumously. As a gunner of the famous Torpedo Squadron Eight, consisting of 15 planes that never came back after roaring off the carrier U.S.S. Hornet without fighter protection, to engage in combat, with a Japanese task force in the Battle of Midway. All 15 planes were shot down. Their Crews now rest in the Pacific Ocean in a watery grave. Bernard Is a KIA, MIA from Arthur.
Jesse Francis Watkins (Francis) Entered the war at age 18 as a nose gunner and bombardier on a B-25. Missions included bombing attacks against Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Berlin, and many other cities. Jesse received many awards for his gallantry. March 18,1945 his 21st mission was over Berlin on a B-25, as a toggler. That means he was hand releasing the bombs. After unloading their bombs, the B-25 was hit with flak. The pilot gave the order to bail out and the 10-man crew hit the silk and parachuted to the unknown. Francis landed in a school yard. It was a unique situation having been the bomber and now being bombed by the Royal Air Force. Germans were upon him quickly and jeering. He was taken to a dungeon to identify the bodies of American flyers. There he identified with difficulty, as comrades in his crew. He was then taken for three days of integration. His family received a telegram that Francis was missing in action in Germany. He was taken to a Stalag Luft 1, on the Baltic with 8000 British and American captured airmen. Russian troops advanced and the German captors fled leaving the prisoners unattended. Francis with others went behind Russian lines and after 2 ½ months. They found their way back to the 82nd airborne and safety.
Richard Fleming was brother to Robert Fleming, also a B-24 pilot flying missions in the southwest Pacific. Richard had flown several missions over Europe as a Liberator B-24 pilot. Lt Richard Fleming awoke the village of Arthur at 5 am on June 23, 1944. He flew his B-24 at low altitude over Arthur for 20 minutes and centering on his home place. Tragically this was the last time Richard would see his home place. A few months later his parents Mr. and Mrs. Ola R Fleming received a telegram from the War Department that their son Lt. Richard Fleming had been Killed in action on August 6th, 1944.
Robert Fleming: One afternoon in 1942 a group of five twin engine bombers, flying in a V formation approached Arthur from the Northwest, they circled at low altitude for quite some time and really put on a show for the home folks.
The British Government presented Robert the British Distinguished Flying Cross by The King of England for a night raid on Balikpapan, Borneo. This was the longest mission of the war in any theatre. Robert skipped bombed two 6500-ton Japanese ship from mast height, sinking one and damaging the other. They approach the ships by flying 50 feet above the water, then would release the ordinance and pull up to miss the ships mast, all the time Bob’s B-25 Liberator was being hit several times at close range and crew members were injured. Bob’s most harrowing experience was when his tent mate. Lt. Hinze and another pilot flew a mission to bomb a Japanese nickel mine, the bombing raid was successful, but on the return about 50 miles out from the target home bound they were attack by 16 Japanese Zero’s. The third Liberator was shot down but 8 of the 11-man crew parachuted out. One of Bob’s engines and two of Lt. Hinze’s engines were shot out. Lt Hinze plane quickly lost altitude and struck a mountain top. Everything in Hinze’s plane, including guns had to be pitched out to keep his plane airborne. Trying to get the two crippled planes back home, they were again attacked by two Zero’s. LT. Hinze was flying at 1,000 ft and Bob was at 8,000 ft. Because of the crippled condition, Bob could not help Lt. Hinze. He could only listen to the radio, helplessly, unable to help his friend while Lt. Hinze’s crew members were being killed and wounded. Lt. Hinze was now fatally wounded, Before Hinze lost consciousness he was able to land the bomber on the surface of the water. Four remaining crew members were able to launch a raft and were picked up the next day. Bob flew 27 missions, most without fighter escort as those planes could not carry enough fuel for the long flights.
Sergeant William Smith served as a bombardier and was KIA when His bomber crashed in Hawaii. He graduated from Arthur Township High School in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corps a few days later.
Myron Bradford Flew the B-25 and had missions to all important targets on the European continent that had our enemies’ forces. Myron flew 32 Mission and came home with bullet holes in 30 of them. On D-day Myron and his group gave support to the Normandy invasion. He has many ribbons and wears the 3 oak leaf cluster and Distinguish Flying Cross.
Reed Larson Was a B-25 Pilot with 20 missions, stationed at Luzon in the Philippines. Reed was KIA over Formosa.
Charles Norris Was the Son Dr. C Norris of Arthur. Charles was a pilot and was killed in action KIA
John Vernon Rohrer: Vernon was a radio range communicator, stationed on Guam, a B-29 Base. As a high-ranking officer, he would have been a commander. Vernon separated from the Army Air Corps as a Lt. Colonel. After the war He owned Factory Sales on Vine St.
Dale Fulton Joined the Air Transport Command. (ATC) Their mission was to fly men, material, and ordnance all over the world. They would return with 1,000’s of war casualties. Dale flew all types of new aircraft from the manufacturers to England, so they could join the fight. These aircraft were targets for our adversaries. The Air Transport Command at the end of the war had 3,700 transports. The war loss was huge with 549 aircraft loss and 1,699 crew members loss.
After the war Dale joined TWA and flew trans-oceanic flight all over the world as Captain at 24 years of age. He was a test pilot when TWA received their first 747’s.
Charles W Anderson Was the Principal of Arthur Township High School. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. Charles was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. He became bombardier instructor at Childress Field. Later He was appointed Adjutant of the school and earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. The irony here is the principle followed his student into the war. No one was untouched by this war.
To be continued next addition – Arthurs Airmen and the enormity of the effort and what history has to say Part 3
When WW II came to The Arthur Area Part 3
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
Arthur’s Airmen and the enormity of the effort and what history has to say. Part 3
We have record of the 49 Arthur men who served in the U S Army Air Corps during WW ll. Many were pilots, gunners, navigators, radio operators, bombardiers, radar operators, and ground crews, that kept the aircraft airworthy. The B-25 carried a crew of up to 10 men, all had wings insignia on their chest. They all experienced the same dangers as their pilots. The cooks and quartermasters had a monster job of keeping 12 million men, in all corners, of the globe, including combat zones, fed, and equipped.
After the war the Army Air Corps. was given its own command and rename the United States Air Force.
Arthur men who served in Army Air Corps.
Missing Burl Pankey Picture
By Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
Arthur’s Airmen and the enormity of the effort and what history has to say. Part 3
We have record of the 49 Arthur men who served in the U S Army Air Corps during WW ll. Many were pilots, gunners, navigators, radio operators, bombardiers, radar operators, and ground crews, that kept the aircraft airworthy. The B-25 carried a crew of up to 10 men, all had wings insignia on their chest. They all experienced the same dangers as their pilots. The cooks and quartermasters had a monster job of keeping 12 million men, in all corners, of the globe, including combat zones, fed, and equipped.
After the war the Army Air Corps. was given its own command and rename the United States Air Force.
Arthur men who served in Army Air Corps.
Missing Burl Pankey Picture
More airmen died in WW II than Marines.
Here are some amazing WW II Statistics of the Army Air Corps.
Almost 1,000 Army Air Corps planes disappeared in route from the US to foreign locations, but an eye-watering 43,581 aircraft were lost overseas.
In a single 376 plane raid in August 1943, 60 B-17s were shot down. That was a 16 percent loss rate and meant 600 empty bunks in England. In 1942-43 it was statistically impossible for bomber crews to complete a 25-mission tour in Europe. Pacific theater losses were far less (4,530 in combat) owing to smaller forces committed. The worst B-29 mission, against Tokyo on May 25, 1945, cost 26 B-29 Super Fortresses, 5.6 percent of the 464 dispatched from the Marianas
On average all service branch’s, 6,600 American servicemen died per month during WW II, about 220 a day. By the end of the war, over 40,000 airmen were killed in combat theaters and another 18,000 wounded. Some 12,000 missing men were declared dead, including a number "liberated" by the Soviets but never returned. More than 41,000 were captured, half of the 5,400 held by the Japanese died in captivity. Total Army Air Corps combat casualties were pegged at 121,867 men.
The losses were huge---but so were production totals. From 1941 through 1945, American industry, without computers and with pencil and paper and the slide rules, built and delivered more than 276,000 military aircraft. A typical cost of a new home today would have built four B-25 Bombers. The aircraft built, was enough not only for US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, but for allies as diverse as Britain, Australia, China, and Russia.
However, our enemies took massive losses. Through much of 1944, the Luftwaffe sustained uncontrolled hemorrhaging, reaching 25 percent of aircrews and 40 planes a month. And in late 1944 into 1945, nearly half the pilots in Japanese squadrons had flown fewer than 200 hours.
Experience Level: Uncle Sam sent many of his sons to war with absolute minimums of training. Some fighter pilots entered combat in 1942 with less than one hour in their assigned aircraft. A high-time P-51 pilot had 30 hours in type. Many had fewer than five hours. Some had one hour. The attitude was, "They all have a stick and a throttle. Go fly "em." The Group commander, Col. Donald Blakeslee, said, "You can learn to fly ‘51s on the way to the target. A future P-47 ace said, "l was sent to England to die." He was not alone. many bomber crews were still learning their trade. Jimmy Doolittle's mission, 15 pilots on the April 1942 Tokyo raid, only five had won their wings before 1941. All but one of the 16 copilots were less than a year out of flight school. ln WWII flying safely took a back seat to combat.
Navigators: Perhaps the greatest unsung success story of AAF training was Navigators. The Army graduated some 50,000 during the War. And many had never flown out of sight of land before leaving the United States for a war zone. Yet the huge majority found their way across oceans and continents without getting lost or running out of fuel
Cadet To Colonel: It was possible for a flying cadet at the time of Pearl Harbor to finish the war with eagles on his shoulders. That was the record of John D Landers, commanding the 8th Air Force Group, at age 24.
At its height in mid-1944, the Army Air Corps had 2.6 million people and nearly 80,000 aircraft of all types. Today the US Air Force has about 12 percent of the manpower and 7 percent of the airplanes of the WW II peak.
But within living memory, men left the earth in 1,000- plane formations and fought major battles five miles high, leaving a legacy that remains timeless.
Next week: A reflection on WW II and today’s 21st Century Part 4
Here are some amazing WW II Statistics of the Army Air Corps.
Almost 1,000 Army Air Corps planes disappeared in route from the US to foreign locations, but an eye-watering 43,581 aircraft were lost overseas.
In a single 376 plane raid in August 1943, 60 B-17s were shot down. That was a 16 percent loss rate and meant 600 empty bunks in England. In 1942-43 it was statistically impossible for bomber crews to complete a 25-mission tour in Europe. Pacific theater losses were far less (4,530 in combat) owing to smaller forces committed. The worst B-29 mission, against Tokyo on May 25, 1945, cost 26 B-29 Super Fortresses, 5.6 percent of the 464 dispatched from the Marianas
On average all service branch’s, 6,600 American servicemen died per month during WW II, about 220 a day. By the end of the war, over 40,000 airmen were killed in combat theaters and another 18,000 wounded. Some 12,000 missing men were declared dead, including a number "liberated" by the Soviets but never returned. More than 41,000 were captured, half of the 5,400 held by the Japanese died in captivity. Total Army Air Corps combat casualties were pegged at 121,867 men.
The losses were huge---but so were production totals. From 1941 through 1945, American industry, without computers and with pencil and paper and the slide rules, built and delivered more than 276,000 military aircraft. A typical cost of a new home today would have built four B-25 Bombers. The aircraft built, was enough not only for US Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, but for allies as diverse as Britain, Australia, China, and Russia.
However, our enemies took massive losses. Through much of 1944, the Luftwaffe sustained uncontrolled hemorrhaging, reaching 25 percent of aircrews and 40 planes a month. And in late 1944 into 1945, nearly half the pilots in Japanese squadrons had flown fewer than 200 hours.
Experience Level: Uncle Sam sent many of his sons to war with absolute minimums of training. Some fighter pilots entered combat in 1942 with less than one hour in their assigned aircraft. A high-time P-51 pilot had 30 hours in type. Many had fewer than five hours. Some had one hour. The attitude was, "They all have a stick and a throttle. Go fly "em." The Group commander, Col. Donald Blakeslee, said, "You can learn to fly ‘51s on the way to the target. A future P-47 ace said, "l was sent to England to die." He was not alone. many bomber crews were still learning their trade. Jimmy Doolittle's mission, 15 pilots on the April 1942 Tokyo raid, only five had won their wings before 1941. All but one of the 16 copilots were less than a year out of flight school. ln WWII flying safely took a back seat to combat.
Navigators: Perhaps the greatest unsung success story of AAF training was Navigators. The Army graduated some 50,000 during the War. And many had never flown out of sight of land before leaving the United States for a war zone. Yet the huge majority found their way across oceans and continents without getting lost or running out of fuel
Cadet To Colonel: It was possible for a flying cadet at the time of Pearl Harbor to finish the war with eagles on his shoulders. That was the record of John D Landers, commanding the 8th Air Force Group, at age 24.
At its height in mid-1944, the Army Air Corps had 2.6 million people and nearly 80,000 aircraft of all types. Today the US Air Force has about 12 percent of the manpower and 7 percent of the airplanes of the WW II peak.
But within living memory, men left the earth in 1,000- plane formations and fought major battles five miles high, leaving a legacy that remains timeless.
Next week: A reflection on WW II and today’s 21st Century Part 4
1
A reflection on WW II and today’s 21st Century Part 4
Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
A thought or two about the importance of understanding history. As I put these words to
paper, I thought, would it not be wonderful to somehow visit with these brave men and
women of the WW II era again. The greatest generation. But sadly, their wisdom is now
lost to the ages. I think they would have many profound thoughts and advice for our newer
generations. They paid the price in a historic and deadly way.
Earlier generations of our adversaries, before this horrific era, did not understand their
history. If they had, hopefully they would have governed themselves in a more civilized way.
But the nature of man prevailed. Because of that, in the 20th century, at least 100 million
people (3 % of the world’s population) in the Eastern Hemisphere perished, from the
ideology of socialism and communism. As I watch and listen and ponder, my gut feeling is
telling me that this ideology that yielded over 100 plus years of wanton savage killing of the
masses of people, has found fertile soil in the Western Hemisphere. Evil still exists and we
are forced to face it, just like in the 1940’s.
Marcus T. Cicero, Roman Statesmen 43-106BC (before Christ) said “Do not blame
Caesar, blame the people of Rome who have so enthusiastically acclaimed and adored him
and rejoiced in their loss of freedom and danced in his path and gave him triumphal
processions. Blame the people who hail him when he speaks in the Forum of the 'new,
wonderful, good society' which shall now be Rome.” Interpreted to mean 'more money,
more ease, more security, more living fatly at the expense of the industrious.
Winston Churchill: Who brought England through its darkest hours of despair, said, “the
farther you look back the farther you can see ahead” To contrast that, Joseph Stalin said, “If
a man looks back, he should have his eyes torn out”. The tyrants all through history want to
weaken the resolve of their people, by taking their anchors away, and creating chaos. This
makes it easier for them to control the people and enslave them with the tyrants’ demonic
desires.
It is not unlike the tumble weed, that is disconnected from its roots. The wind can blow
that ball of compliant weed in any direction it chooses without a fore thought of a plan for its
own survival. The tumble weed becomes helpless to control its own destiny.
In Arthur, as in most towns across America, there were victory parades and celebrations
when its young heroes returned, for it was truly a historic achievement for them and the free
world.
History teaches us that victories do not last long. Wars only destroy property and lives.
For the enemies of mankind, the philosophy lives on in their desiring hearts. Now and then
2
sprouting its ugly head and taking root in stealthily ways and in unimaginable places. We
must always be vigilant and knowledgeable in their demonic methods; less history repeats
itself again.
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the
nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most
intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when
Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
Thomas Jefferson put it this way, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of
civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
This is how Vladimir Lenin who led the Russian Revolution said this by comparison “While
the State exists, there can be no freedom; when there is freedom there will be no State.”
During the Constitution Convention there were great arguments as to what the new
Government should be.
Benjamin Franklin departing the Constitutional Convention, was asked if the framers had
created a monarchy or a republic. "A republic," he replied, and then added, "if you can keep
it."
That is where we are today. Many foreign failed ideologies have infiltrated all corners of
the American society. Seeking what their countries have failed to provide. If the numbers
become large enough it can change the American founder’s philosophy of limited
Government forever. The framers gave almost all the power to the people. Over the
centuries that eroded to a much stronger Central State and a loss of liberty to we the
People even down to the local level.
In 1800 the world population was 1 billion and now has grown exponentially 8-fold to 8
billion people. That is predicted to double to 16 billion people by the end of 21st century.
That is our grandchildren’s generation. Among this added population there will be many evil
and tyrannical people. That is a dynamic that will dominate all future generations of
mankind. It is almost impossible to think how America can provide dreams to everyone and
protect our liberty.
Alexis de Tocqueville 1820 said this: “It is indeed difficult to imagine how men who have
entirely renounced the habit of managing their own affairs could be successful in choosing
those who ought to lead them. It is impossible to believe that a liberal, energetic, and wise
government can ever emerge from the ballots of a nation of servants.”
To survive this, there will have to be another greatest generation to emerge. People that
are wise beyond their years, rugged by nature and willing and able to step into the boots of3
former great patriots. This next great generation will have to be trained up by our present
generation. Greatness is not an automatic thing. It was the parents and grandparents that
prepared the WW II generation, and they responded in a dramatic way. Americas freedoms
and liberty in the future depend on how we bring up this next greatest generation. We have
been charged with this responsibility. Take notice, we the people, are now under attack like
never before.
America must be strong financially. Thomas Jefferson said this: “To preserve our
independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our
election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.” Jefferson also said:
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people...they are the only sure reliance for the
preservation of our liberty.” He added: “It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own
debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.”
John Adams said: “There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the
sword. The other is by debt.” Current United States Federal, corporate, and personal debt
is a whopping 56 trillion dollars. The debt holders are our children born, and unborn, and
our enemies.
Are we now looking a little like WW II Germany?
Our Founders gave us a Republic and not a Democracy, which may extend the life of our
government. Our Founders despised democracy.
Benjamin Franklin said this: “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”
I have come to believe that great men of a long time a go had more vision than many
today. Over 2,100 years ago and before Christ,
Marcus Cicero a Roman statesman BC said most importantly: “Destroy the family, you
destroy the country” Most important, we must listen carefully to what our future opponents
and enemies have to say. Thoroughly understand their philosophy and intents and the
goals they are expiring too. You may be their future goal. You must know your future
opponents’ strengths and vulnerabilities. This is true in any endeavor whether it be sports,
business, or war.
General George Patton 3rd Army became the ultimately victor over Edwin Rommel,
German Field Marshal, because he read everything Rommel had written, and applied it to
his own tactics.
For a moment read between the lines, what is inferred by the Tyrants of the pass.
Vladimir Lenin said:
“Give us the child for 8 years and it will be a Bolshevik forever.
“The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and
inflation.” Note: The bourgeoisie means middle class, Tyrants fear them!
Most Tyrants use their youth to advance their cruel philosophy. When the youth grow older,
they are now compliant with the Tyrant and his ways.
He also said, “The theory of Communism may be summed up in one sentence, abolish all
private liberty.”
This is what other tyrants had to say.
Mao Tse-Tung: “Our job is to suppress those who try to wreck our socialist construction, to
arrest, try, and sentence certain individuals, to deprive capitalists of their right to vote and
their freedom of speech ... centralized control ... through democracy."
Joseph Stalin said: “It Doesn’t Matter Who Votes. It’s Who Counts the Votes”
Lenin said: “Medicine is the keystone of the arch of socialism.” & “Destroy the family, you
destroy the country” He also said: “The goal of socialism is communism. “
Lenin said: “Give me just one generation of youth, and I'll transform the whole world.”
Lenin said: “Imperialism: The final stage of Capitalism.” & “Fascism is capitalism in decay.”
Lenin said: “The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.”
We must ask this question of ourselves; can the end of American Republic as we know it,
and the defeat of the American Revolution still happen? This is what Thomas Jefferson said
on this subject,
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and
tyrants."
John Adams said: “The whole drama of the world is such tragedy that I am weary of the
spectacle.”
What is the best way to honor these men and women who sacrificed so much? Do not
allow it to become a lost cause. We must remain vigilant and knowledgeable, to not allow5
the ideology that enslaved so many people in the WW II era, to creep into our society. We
do not want another generation of our young people and grandchildren to have to make this
sacrifice again in the future.
Read between the lines what is not said but inferred. That is where the intent and truths
are found.
Thank you for your time.
Visit the Arthur Legion web site where we have the military history of Arthur starting with the
Civil war through the current time. https://arthurilamlegion.com/
A reflection on WW II and today’s 21st Century Part 4
Bill Crane Adjutant Post 479 Arthur American Legion
A thought or two about the importance of understanding history. As I put these words to
paper, I thought, would it not be wonderful to somehow visit with these brave men and
women of the WW II era again. The greatest generation. But sadly, their wisdom is now
lost to the ages. I think they would have many profound thoughts and advice for our newer
generations. They paid the price in a historic and deadly way.
Earlier generations of our adversaries, before this horrific era, did not understand their
history. If they had, hopefully they would have governed themselves in a more civilized way.
But the nature of man prevailed. Because of that, in the 20th century, at least 100 million
people (3 % of the world’s population) in the Eastern Hemisphere perished, from the
ideology of socialism and communism. As I watch and listen and ponder, my gut feeling is
telling me that this ideology that yielded over 100 plus years of wanton savage killing of the
masses of people, has found fertile soil in the Western Hemisphere. Evil still exists and we
are forced to face it, just like in the 1940’s.
Marcus T. Cicero, Roman Statesmen 43-106BC (before Christ) said “Do not blame
Caesar, blame the people of Rome who have so enthusiastically acclaimed and adored him
and rejoiced in their loss of freedom and danced in his path and gave him triumphal
processions. Blame the people who hail him when he speaks in the Forum of the 'new,
wonderful, good society' which shall now be Rome.” Interpreted to mean 'more money,
more ease, more security, more living fatly at the expense of the industrious.
Winston Churchill: Who brought England through its darkest hours of despair, said, “the
farther you look back the farther you can see ahead” To contrast that, Joseph Stalin said, “If
a man looks back, he should have his eyes torn out”. The tyrants all through history want to
weaken the resolve of their people, by taking their anchors away, and creating chaos. This
makes it easier for them to control the people and enslave them with the tyrants’ demonic
desires.
It is not unlike the tumble weed, that is disconnected from its roots. The wind can blow
that ball of compliant weed in any direction it chooses without a fore thought of a plan for its
own survival. The tumble weed becomes helpless to control its own destiny.
In Arthur, as in most towns across America, there were victory parades and celebrations
when its young heroes returned, for it was truly a historic achievement for them and the free
world.
History teaches us that victories do not last long. Wars only destroy property and lives.
For the enemies of mankind, the philosophy lives on in their desiring hearts. Now and then
2
sprouting its ugly head and taking root in stealthily ways and in unimaginable places. We
must always be vigilant and knowledgeable in their demonic methods; less history repeats
itself again.
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the
nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most
intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when
Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
Thomas Jefferson put it this way, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of
civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
This is how Vladimir Lenin who led the Russian Revolution said this by comparison “While
the State exists, there can be no freedom; when there is freedom there will be no State.”
During the Constitution Convention there were great arguments as to what the new
Government should be.
Benjamin Franklin departing the Constitutional Convention, was asked if the framers had
created a monarchy or a republic. "A republic," he replied, and then added, "if you can keep
it."
That is where we are today. Many foreign failed ideologies have infiltrated all corners of
the American society. Seeking what their countries have failed to provide. If the numbers
become large enough it can change the American founder’s philosophy of limited
Government forever. The framers gave almost all the power to the people. Over the
centuries that eroded to a much stronger Central State and a loss of liberty to we the
People even down to the local level.
In 1800 the world population was 1 billion and now has grown exponentially 8-fold to 8
billion people. That is predicted to double to 16 billion people by the end of 21st century.
That is our grandchildren’s generation. Among this added population there will be many evil
and tyrannical people. That is a dynamic that will dominate all future generations of
mankind. It is almost impossible to think how America can provide dreams to everyone and
protect our liberty.
Alexis de Tocqueville 1820 said this: “It is indeed difficult to imagine how men who have
entirely renounced the habit of managing their own affairs could be successful in choosing
those who ought to lead them. It is impossible to believe that a liberal, energetic, and wise
government can ever emerge from the ballots of a nation of servants.”
To survive this, there will have to be another greatest generation to emerge. People that
are wise beyond their years, rugged by nature and willing and able to step into the boots of3
former great patriots. This next great generation will have to be trained up by our present
generation. Greatness is not an automatic thing. It was the parents and grandparents that
prepared the WW II generation, and they responded in a dramatic way. Americas freedoms
and liberty in the future depend on how we bring up this next greatest generation. We have
been charged with this responsibility. Take notice, we the people, are now under attack like
never before.
America must be strong financially. Thomas Jefferson said this: “To preserve our
independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our
election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.” Jefferson also said:
“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people...they are the only sure reliance for the
preservation of our liberty.” He added: “It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own
debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.”
John Adams said: “There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the
sword. The other is by debt.” Current United States Federal, corporate, and personal debt
is a whopping 56 trillion dollars. The debt holders are our children born, and unborn, and
our enemies.
Are we now looking a little like WW II Germany?
Our Founders gave us a Republic and not a Democracy, which may extend the life of our
government. Our Founders despised democracy.
Benjamin Franklin said this: “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”
I have come to believe that great men of a long time a go had more vision than many
today. Over 2,100 years ago and before Christ,
Marcus Cicero a Roman statesman BC said most importantly: “Destroy the family, you
destroy the country” Most important, we must listen carefully to what our future opponents
and enemies have to say. Thoroughly understand their philosophy and intents and the
goals they are expiring too. You may be their future goal. You must know your future
opponents’ strengths and vulnerabilities. This is true in any endeavor whether it be sports,
business, or war.
General George Patton 3rd Army became the ultimately victor over Edwin Rommel,
German Field Marshal, because he read everything Rommel had written, and applied it to
his own tactics.
For a moment read between the lines, what is inferred by the Tyrants of the pass.
Vladimir Lenin said:
“Give us the child for 8 years and it will be a Bolshevik forever.
“The way to crush the bourgeoisie is to grind them between the millstones of taxation and
inflation.” Note: The bourgeoisie means middle class, Tyrants fear them!
Most Tyrants use their youth to advance their cruel philosophy. When the youth grow older,
they are now compliant with the Tyrant and his ways.
He also said, “The theory of Communism may be summed up in one sentence, abolish all
private liberty.”
This is what other tyrants had to say.
Mao Tse-Tung: “Our job is to suppress those who try to wreck our socialist construction, to
arrest, try, and sentence certain individuals, to deprive capitalists of their right to vote and
their freedom of speech ... centralized control ... through democracy."
Joseph Stalin said: “It Doesn’t Matter Who Votes. It’s Who Counts the Votes”
Lenin said: “Medicine is the keystone of the arch of socialism.” & “Destroy the family, you
destroy the country” He also said: “The goal of socialism is communism. “
Lenin said: “Give me just one generation of youth, and I'll transform the whole world.”
Lenin said: “Imperialism: The final stage of Capitalism.” & “Fascism is capitalism in decay.”
Lenin said: “The Capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang them.”
We must ask this question of ourselves; can the end of American Republic as we know it,
and the defeat of the American Revolution still happen? This is what Thomas Jefferson said
on this subject,
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and
tyrants."
John Adams said: “The whole drama of the world is such tragedy that I am weary of the
spectacle.”
What is the best way to honor these men and women who sacrificed so much? Do not
allow it to become a lost cause. We must remain vigilant and knowledgeable, to not allow5
the ideology that enslaved so many people in the WW II era, to creep into our society. We
do not want another generation of our young people and grandchildren to have to make this
sacrifice again in the future.
Read between the lines what is not said but inferred. That is where the intent and truths
are found.
Thank you for your time.
Visit the Arthur Legion web site where we have the military history of Arthur starting with the
Civil war through the current time. https://arthurilamlegion.com/
KIA or Died in Service
