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American Sherman tanks during the Battle of the Bulge. While not as heavily armed or armored as German panzers, the Sherman was fast, reliable, and in great quantities. The Sherman was the only tank used by every Allied army on every front during the war, from France to the Pacific and from North Africa to the Russian steppes.

Remember When: The oral history of Anton Zemlock

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Mulberry resident Anton Zemlock served as a gunner on a Sherman tank. Nothing about him would betray the fact that he spent four months as a prisoner of war in Germany. He lived through ordeals that … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/20/23

May 19, 1923: Mulberry baseball falls to Breezy Hill 31-3

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives. 100 Years Ago - May 19, 1923: Two well-known operas, “Madame Butterfly” and “La Boheme,” will be given in connection with … more

By Phil Burgert | 5/19/23

American infantry holding the line during the Battle of the Bulge. Caught by surprise, many of the US units targeted by the Germans were either new or severely understrength. They were positioned in the Ardennes Forest because it was considered a quiet sector. Recovering from the initial shock, the Americans held the line, slowing the German tanks — which were quickly running out of gas.

Remember When: The oral history of Paul L. Wilbert

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Already an attorney before the war, Paul Wilbert returned from the battlefield to his law practice in Pittsburg where no one ever suspected he worked as a counterintelligence agent for the Army … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/19/23

A typical field hospital in World War 2, these units had to be able to pack up and move quickly to keep pace with advancing, or retreating, forces.

Remember When: The oral history of Richard Parrish

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Richard Parrish led a full life, from serving as a corporal in an Army MASH during World War II, a Pittsburg City Commissioner, a photographer, and owner of Dick’s Electronics. He was well liked … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/17/23

An American 105mm artillery crew in action. Known as the “King of Battle,” historically, artillery causes more casualties than any other weapons system on the battlefield.

Remember When: The oral history of John Harry

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John Harry still had vivid memories of the war more than 40 years later. Perhaps because of his years as an English teacher or his personality, his ease in storytelling made his interview an … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/13/23

Mother’s Day graphic from the Pittsburg Sun in 1923.

1923: Thirty-eight new citizens naturalized; Mothers' Day proclamation

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Excerpted stories in Crawford County newspaper archives 100 Years Ago May 13-15, 1923 The board of the Chamber of Commerce at its weekly meeting at Bussey's annex today, went on record … more

By Phil Burgert | 5/13/23

A restored B-25 Mitchell flying over Minnesota. Used more as a low-level attack aircraft than a high-level bomber like its cousins, the B-25 proved to be a sturdy and reliable aircraft capable of a multitude of mission configurations.

Remember When: The oral history of Lebro Grislano

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Lebro Grislano served as a radio operator/machine gunner on B-25 bombers over the Pacific. After the war, he returned home to a career as a high school coach. More than forty years after the war, the … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/12/23

German cavalry troopers firing from horseback. Despite their reputation for armored warfare, the German Army relied very heavily on horses to pull supply carts and cannon. Horse-mounted cavalry units could move faster than infantry and could maneuver in places that tanks could not. They were also extensively used to protect supply lines from partisan attacks.

Remember When: The oral history of Henri Freyburger

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Before the age of 26, Henri Freyburger witnessed more war than most see in a lifetime. Born in the Alsace region of France, Mr. Freyburger was drafted into the German Army after the fall of his … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/11/23

Cavalry units often served as guides, directing other units forward and providing up-to-date firsthand information on road and bridge conditions, mined areas, manmade and natural obstacles, and enemy activity.

The oral history of Leron Brown

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A life-long resident of Weir, Leron Brown was born in 1917, he was drafted into the Army in 1942. Serving as a cavalry scout, he was captured by the Germans in August of 1944. Brown spent a month in … more

By Dustin R. Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/6/23

Marines return fire near Naha, Okinawa. One of the most vicious battle of the Pacific, the US suffered 50,000 casualties, 12,500 being fatalities. The Japanese Army lost more than 77,000 dead. But the Okinawan civilians suffered far worse, with 140,000 lost.

The Oral History of Lawrence Bowyer

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In January of 1989, PHS students Kevin Malle and Jamey Johnson sat down with retired high school teacher Lawrence Bowyer and were struck by the unmistaken bearing of a military man. At the time of … more

By Dustin Strong / dstrong@morningsun.net | 5/3/23

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