August 8, 1945: Soviet Union declares war on Japan
marc.zarefsky2017-09-05T13:12:12-05:00This day in history: Two days after the U.S. dropped its first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan.
Jess B. Holcomb: A life-saving Bible
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T11:37:33-05:00Jess Holcomb served in Korea and was part of the second landing near Inchon. He received three Purple Hearts because he was 'shot once and blown up twice.'
Bill Lillwitz: 210 missions in 6 months
marc.zarefsky2018-01-09T10:52:56-06:00Bill Lillwitz flew 210 missions, received the Bronze Star and 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was shot down once and had to bail out twice.
Joe McCormack Jr.: Dental assistant
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T11:23:20-05:00Joe served from November of 1951 to September 1952 in Korea as a dental hygienist. He found out about the job after he talked to a pretty receptionist.
Erwin Rabin: Aloha and Mahalo
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T11:16:44-05:00Erwin Rabin served in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He spent six months in Korea at the end of the war. He was then assigned as a Company clerk in Hawaii.
Jim G. Vancura Jr.: From the frying pan to the fire
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T09:47:00-05:00Jim Vancura served from 1943 to 1946. He served on an amphibious ship that received 2 battle stars. Tours included France, Italy, Africa, Okinawa and China.
Al Vosylius: Back in Germany
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T09:40:42-05:00Al Vosylius, a native of Lithuania, served in the Army from 1952 to 1954. He worked with the artillery testing team of the US Army 5th Corps.
Wally P. Wienert: Getting ready to fly
marc.zarefsky2017-08-05T09:32:04-05:00Wally Wienert served in the Navy from 1948 to 1952. He was assigned to the USS Boxer CV21, a carrier that made four trips back and forth to Korea.
Lawrence Facchinello: A sense of duty
marc.zarefsky2017-08-04T14:59:29-05:00Lawrence served as a heavy equipment operator in Korea. He helped rebuild the Han River waterway and worked with Korean contractors who spoke no English.
Andy Dziagwa: Trumpeter of the band
marc.zarefsky2017-08-03T14:42:07-05:00Andy was in combat operations code-named Killer and May Massacre, received the Purple Heart, and is in the International Polka Association Hall of Fame.