"H.L. "Bud" Curtis, 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) 1943-1945"--Cover.

Author William Bonk raises awareness and provides a critical resource for thousands potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals at shuttered Fort McClellan in Alabama. Bonk, a licensed private investigator, draws attention to the real possibility that veterans, their families, and civilians once assigned to now-closed Fort McClellan (FMC), Alabama were subjected to hazardous environmental conditions to include chemical weapon material and toxic chemicals starting in the early 1950s and continuing through 1999 and beyond. "I want to attract the attention of the 535 members of the U.S. Congress," said Bonk, also a retired supervisory criminal investigator and former U.S. Army military police trainee who trained at FMC. I want them to be able to have a reason to move forward with a FMC health registry and work toward a presumption within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that FMC veterans were adversely affected by exposure to dangerous contaminants." The sad reality according to Bonk is that, "because of latency, dosage, time, and risk factors, FMC veterans have to fight individually to attempt to prove an in- service event and the service connection with a nexus between the two. In most cases, they were unknowingly exposed to a plethora of contaminants, making any argument difficult to prove." Bonk establishes a timeline and meticulously traces the post's historical use of hazardous materials, such as chemical weapons material, ionizing radiation, pesticides, and heavy metals. Bonk bases his findings on data from public U.S. government reports, open source news articles, and multiple interviews with trainees and trainers stationed at FMC, which was comprised of almost 50,000 acres and originally home to the U.S. Army's Military Police and Chemical Schools. The reports often reveal ambiguity, uncertainty, speculation, and a total lack of due diligence when rendering conclusions and recommendations regarding contaminated parcels.

China Post 1 is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded in Shanghai, China in November 1919, the history of this Post is in fact a history of the membership of the Post, their love for it and their dedication and efforts in ensuring the success and survival of this organization. During the early years, the Post conducted operation much like any other Post within the American Legion.In 1938, following the Japanese occupation of China, the membership shifted focus and much of their work consisted of clandestine operations, intelligence gathering and reporting through their established business connections.On December 8, 1941 following Pearl Harbor, all U.S. expats were gathered up and incarcerated in "civilian detention facilities" like Pootung Prison. During that long incarceration, Post members continued their intel gathering and reporting through a vast network of established civilian contact. One member in particular stands out, Past Commander Frank D. Mortimer.Following the war and their release from incarceration, Post members immediately returned to the old Post home and began the process of assisting expats and veterans return to the U.S., locate missing relatives, arrange for final honors; frankly, anything that was within their power to accomplish with little money. In 1948 the people abandoned the Chiang Kai-shek government in favor of Mao Zedong and in 1948, Americans in Mao's China became persona non grata. So began our exile.The Soldier of Fortune moniker appealed to a certain category of war fighters in South East Asia. The resurgence of the Post is due in large part to these people.You just cannot join China Post 1. Membership in the Post is not solicited. Prospective members MUST be recommended by a current member. The veracity of their application is carefully verified, and an intake interview is conducted. The brand that is China Post 1 is carefully protected.The story of China Post 1 is the story of the membership. This is a collection of their stories and their contributions to maintaining the Post and its brand. This is their story.

Written accounts of people who served in the Civil War; Spanish-American War; World War I and II; the Korean War; the Vietnamese Conflict; and the Persian Gulf War.

Golden Ghetto: How the Americans & French Fell In & Out of Love During the Cold War is an intimate, improbable story of fear and skepticism giving way to trust and friendship at a huge U.S. Air Force base in central France that, for two generations, transformed the political, economic, and social life of an occupied territory.

George Seay Wheat's 'The Story of the American Legion: The Birth of the Legion' provides a comprehensive account of the founding and early years of the American Legion, highlighting its significance in American history. Written in a detailed and engaging narrative style, Wheat delves into the various historical events and personalities that shaped the organization, offering readers a deeper understanding of its origins and ideals. The book not only serves as a valuable historical resource but also showcases Wheat's meticulous research and analytical skills. This work is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of American veterans and the impact of the American Legion on society. Wheat's dedication to preserving the legacy of the organization shines through in his detailed storytelling and insightful commentary. Overall, 'The Story of the American Legion' is a compelling and informative read that sheds light on a pivotal period in American history.

Love and Sacrifice is the true story of a father and son killed in World War II. The stories of the Reed family in Love and Sacrifice are vividly brought to life in the personal memoirs of wife and mother, Mildred Reed, enhanced by personal letters among family members through courtship, love, and loss. Mildred's words are richly illustrated with hundreds of photographs bringing the family's stories to life. Their travels are documented within the significant historical context of the time and places where the family was living.Colonel Ollie W. Reed, was the commanding officer of the 175th Regiment, 29th Division in Normandy. He died of the mortal wounds suffered on July 30, 1944 in Villebaudon, France during a German counter-offensive. Colonel Reed did not know that his son had been killed in action three weeks earlier.Lieutenant Ollie W. Reed, Jr., a 1942 West point graduate, was a platoon leader in the 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division in Italy when, in their second day in combat, he was killed in action while trying to get his panicked men to cover during an artillery barrage. He left a wife and six-month-old son, Ollie W. Reed, III.Father and son are buried alongside one another in the Normandy American Cemetery.