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| National WW2 Memorial photos taken by the author |
Rather than just remember these 400,000+ fallen as an anonymous group, here is a chance to learn more about a few of those who gave up decades of life and, for the most part are now forgotten.
1. Sgt. Frank Winterling, US Marines, Guadalcanal
- Both Sgt. Winterling, North Carolina, and his younger brother, also a marine, were killed during WW2, the only two sons in the family. When both sons were lost, their 54 year old father joined the Marines too. Read about the Winterlings here.
2. Lt. George Hutchison, B-29 pilot, US Air Forces
- Lt. Hutchison, from Pennsylvania, died on the last day of the war. He had a chance to stay on base, or be part of the historic flyover at the Japanese surrender on the USS Missouri, but he volunteered for a flight to drop supplies at a prisoner of war camp. Read about Lt. Hutchison here.
3. Shipfitter Second Class Gust Swenning, USS New Orleans
- Gust Swenning, from Texas, was on the cruiser USS New Orleans during the Battle of Tassafarago. When a torpedo exploded and blew off the front 150 feet of the bow, Shipfitter Swenning ignored noxious fumes to close a hatch to prevent flooding. The ship was saved. Read about Swenning here.
4. Cap. James Hart, Philippine guerilla leader
- James Hart, from Oklahoma, did not surrender when the Americans were beat in the Battle of Bataan. He joined Philippine resistance fighters and fought a guerrilla war against the Japanese until his location was betrayed. Read about Captain Hart here.
5. Sgt. John Kirby, US Marines, Iwo Jima
- John Kirby, from West Virginia, was in command of a flame thrower tank on Iwo Jima. He survived only four days of the battle and was posthumously award the Silver Star. Read about Sgt. Kirby here.
6. Ens. Ira Jeffries, USS California, Pearl Harbor
- Ira Jeffries, from Minnesota, was killed while trying to save the USS California when it was attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Read about Ens. Jeffries here.
7. PFC Nick Gillaspie, 29th Infantry Division, D-Day
- Nick Gillaspie, from Virginia, died during the first wave at Omaha Beach. Only 18 men of his 230 men company survived the day unharmed. Read about PFC Gillaspie here.
8. Lt. Clarence Aaberg, B-17 pilot, US Air Forces
- Clarence Aaberg, from North Dakota, flew his damaged bomber back to England on one engine in order to save his crew. Read about Lt. Aaberg here.
9. Sgt. Robert LaMotte, B-24 radio operator, US Air Forces
- Robert LaMotte, from Michigan, was missing in action for 15 years until his crashed plane was unexpectedly found in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Read about Sgt. LaMotte here.
10. Lt. Alfred Blozis, 28th Infantry Division, New York Giants
- Alfred Blozis, from New Jersey, left a promising career with the New York Football Giants to serve his country in France. Read about Lt. Blozis here.
11. Lt. William White, USS Jacinto, George Bush's gunner
- William White, from Minnesota, was future US President George Bush's tail gunner on the flight where they were shot down. President Bush's actions were recalled after his recent death. But what about William White? Read about Lt. White here.
12. Sgt. Chester Hash, US Marines, Okinawa
- Chester Hash, from Texas, was at Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa. He was recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross. Only the Medal of Honor carries higher recognition for valor. Read about Sgt. Hash here.
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
For more information read 9 Questions about the WW2 Fallen 100 Project.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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