WWII stories, articles and salutes - -
From our Classmate
History section, a story submitted by Candidate John Martin Collins,
OCS Class 12-42.
One of the more humorous stories
we have received, this one submitted by Candidate Collins, 90 years
old at this writing, covers his time in the 50th Signal Battalion.
Still full of piss and vinegar today, John retired in 1972 as a Bird
Colonel after 30 years, with another 24 years in National Defense to
round off his rough edges. In the attached story he writes of his
military experiences. You'll laugh your way through his story, while
at the same time sit mesmerized at the audacity of his life and how
it intersected with some of the greatest turning points in history.
An excellent copy of the 106 Signal Company's publication
Amplifier, publication date July 26, 1945.
Submitted by Candidate Arthur Thompson, OCS Class 14-43,
this Broadside tells what was up and about in the 106th Infantry
Division in July, 1945. At the time of publication the 106th was
stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. Reading this document is sure to
give you a flavor of what life was like in Europe around the end of
the war. It will also help you realize that the task of the Signal
Corps extends beyond battlefield communications to also
encompass providing all of the troops in reach with general
information, entertainment, and a broader sense of purpose,
commitment, and inclusion in unit life.
A reminder about what it's about to be an American. Submitted by Major Richard Green.
If you're wondering what's happening to America these days, read this and reacquaint yourself with the true American character, not that socialist, back sliding European liberalism you see coming from some of our western states... or from the fraudulent, corrupted politicians who think that being in Congress gives them a license to steal your money, while for yuks they hit on their staff in their spare time. Read this, and you'll find yourself walking a little taller, thinking a little clearer, and wishing for the old days when American's knew who they were... not what the illegals tell us we should be.
An excellent story submitted by Captain Gerritt Ewing of his time in Army Signal.
Includes interesting comments about Joe Lockhart, the famous signal officer that spotted inbound Japanese bombers on his radar screen on the morning of December 7th.
A follow up story submitted by Colonel Phillip E. Lowry (R), about his encounter with the famous Iron Lung McClung.
Reading the Iron Lung stories reminds us of what OCS and Signal Corps duty was all about... camaraderie, the closest friendships ever, and leaders that we held more respect for than anyone we've worked for since.
A great collection of WWII
movies produced by the Army Signal Corps.
Collected and submitted by Robert
Oelrich, Class 10-42, this video provides a good solid hour of
entertainment. In this day of political correctness where you are not
allowed to say anything without worry of hurting someone's feelings, it's
almost painful to hear the straight talk used in these movies. Grab a beer
and sit back and see how the world's greatest generation saw the world back
then.
Continuation of WWII
movies taken by Signal OCS Candidate Oelrich (Class 10-42)
Video showing Hawaii, starting in 1941,
including local scenes, cable work on the link that tied the radar
installation at the top of the island to Honolulu, and much, much more. A
great historic treasure trove, this move is 3 hours long, but very much
worth the effort to watch. If you want to know why they called these
guys the greatest generation, this is a good place to start.
An absolutely great story about what it was like to go through OCS. You must read this!
Sometimes it's hard to remember how tough life was back when we were all Second Lieutenants. This story brings back memories of how alone we felt, how little money we had, and yet how good life was back then too.
A down to earth explanation of the role of the Signal Corps,
as explained to the troops during WWII.
Originally
published as part of a series called
G.I. Stories,
by Stars & Stripes, in Paris, in
1944-1945, this booklet was one of several that
helped personnel understand the purpose and function of the
various ground, air, and service forces in the European
Theater of Operations (ETO). We have reproduced here in
condensed and edited form. It's a great way to explain to people
what the Signal Corps did and does.
A short story of one family's unusual contribution of 4
signalmen to the U.S. Army
Written by this website's Editor as a footnote to an article on
Signal Motormen (see above...), the story tells of two uncles and a Dad who served
in the Signal Corps... all wanting to be officers but failing until
20+ years later the Editor graduated as part of Class 09-67.
The
Willys jeep story... a very, very short version
A short
slide show about the Willys MA Jeep. Without this baby, 16 million men and
women would have walked their way through WW II. Out of them, at least 7
million Army troops would have had to depend on the soles of their feet.
Korean War stories, articles and salutes - -
A great hour long video about Korea during the war. Grab a coffee and enjoy
this one!
Filmed by LTC
Kermit Parker, Class 12-42, and submitted by Glenn Dean, Class 18-52, this
movie shows what life was like during the Korean War. There's no war footage
in this, but it's fascinating nonetheless. This is a must watch if you want
to see how the Koreans lived while the war roiled around them.
Vietnam War stories, articles and salutes - -
A
short story about Combat Officer Green Tabs... and how they were
earned in Vietnam.
A 4 part series of videos of the 2010
Signal OCS Association reunion held in St. Louis.
From the Army Signal Corps OCS
Association Video Collection, a collection of slides and videos of
the 2010 Signal OCS Association reunion held in St. Louis, in
October of that year.
Streaming
music for the top 50 soul songs you were likely to hear in the barracks
during the 60s.
Ft. Gordon, Georgia, was the center of
more than just Army life for many of us. It was also the place where scores
of us had our first taste of both Southern and Black culture. Sometimes they
proved to be the same, some times they were vastly different. This webpage
attempts to bring back memories of your time in the south by giving you a
Top 50 list of Soul music to listen to. When you consider that the Godfather
of Soul, James Brown, grew up in Augusta, you can begin to get a feeling for
how pervasive soul music was in that part of Georgia. It was only normal
that it would permeate the barracks of Ft. Gordon. Enjoy the music on this
page, as well as the short story that accompanies it.
Desert Storm and other Middle East campaign stories, articles and salutes - -
Please submit your stories for publication.
Kuwait stories, articles and salutes - -
Please submit your stories for publication.
Bosnia stories, articles and salutes - -
Please submit your stories for publication.
Prisoner of war stories, articles and salutes - -
Please submit your stories for publication.
Miscellaneous stories, articles and salutes - -
Retired Major General Vern Lewis on the topic of veteran hand salutes
An excellent article on how most veterans prefer the hand salute when the colors pass, to holding their hands over their hearts. Well worth the read. Also read October 30, 2008, news release regarding recent law concerning how veterans should salute Old Glory.
Please submit additional stories for publication.
