Springboard to NASA – The Flight-path of an Astronaut.
“In one of the buildings on the base, they had photographs of all of the Apollo astronauts hanging on the wall.” He added, “Seeing those…
‘An Unknown Destination Overseas’
“Those guys in WWII never really talked about their service…at least the ones that I knew. For an account of a veteran’s military service to…
Beetle Bailey & The Real Sgt. Snorkel
Griffin solemnly explained her father never realized he was the inspiration for the character that became Sgt. Snorkel. A rather portly and occasionally grouchy Sgt.…
‘It was our war’ – Veteran Describes Service With U.S. Navy Seabees in WW2
The summer of 1942 should have been a joyous period and full of prospects for Charles “C.B.” Smith, who had recently graduated from high school.…
Missiles of Missouri – Jamestown veteran served as commander for Minuteman II missile crews
When graduating from Jamestown High School in Missouri in 1964, Larry Reynolds recognized an opportunity to continue his education through the University of Missouri-Columbia, participating…
High School Football Coach Gained Valuable Experience in US Navy in WWII
Decades before he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for his success as a high school football coach, John “Pete” Adkins collected…
“I got to come home” – Veteran served with U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division in WWII
In the late spring of 1944, Lloyd Workman left his home near the community of Vienna, Missouri, to travel to the sprawling city of St.…
‘One big family’ – Veteran Played Baseball in U.S. Army, Continues Service with American Legion
Growing up on a small farm near the small community of Bay, Missouri, Harold Schulte recalls tossing a baseball around with his brothers when not…
Marine Raider – Veteran Served With Elite Amphibious Assault Group in Pacific during WWII
As a young American coming of age in the community of Marshall, Missouri, Ray Merrell went to work at a local shoe factory after his…
‘A valuable experience’ – Missouri Farmer Trained at Camp Crowder & Served in Post-War Japan
Missouri veteran James Rackers may have received his draft notice after World War II officially concluded, but his subsequent military experiences would still carry him…
‘Really something else’ – Navy veteran served aboard a submarine chaser in Pacific during WWII
In the years after he finished the eighth grade at St. Francis Xavier School in Taos, Missouri, local resident Bernard Heet remained actively employed helping…
‘Erase the distinctions’ – Mid-Missouri soldier/physician inspired character in WWII-era comic strip
In decades past, the Enloe family of mid-Missouri produced a respected line of physicians and dentists. Several of them established a legacy while serving in…