A Soldier’s Son

My father amassed a large number of military photographs during his career as a soldier. The reason I am starting this series is to share pictures I have related to life in the army, China during World War II, the Korean War and related topics. I have no children and these archives will be “tossed” when I die. I am hoping to share these with those who may be interested in military history or life during these eras.

The offerings in this series will not have any specific organization. I will publish the photographs and whatever notes are on the pictures as I get to them.

A Soldier’s Son – Roddie Edmonds A Righteous Man

April 29, 2020Jeff

This series is generally about the life of my father, Martin C. Ross, and his career as a soldier during WWII and the Korean War.

This particular video, however is about another soldier – Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, and his son – Pastor Chris Edmonds. Few of us will ever have an experience like the one described in this video and fewer yet would have the courage and bravery of Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds. He has left a legacy far greater than any individual could hope to attain!.

Following the Footsteps of My Father from www.JFR.org on Vimeo.

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NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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All original content on this blog is copyrighted by Jeffrey B. Ross with ALL Rights Reserved. While reference links back to JBRish.com are appreciated and encouraged, please acquire approval for any reproduction of original content from this website.

©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com

A Soldier’s Son – Life Goes On Even in Wartime

April 16, 2020April 18, 2020Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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Like many soldiers perhaps, my father rarely spoke about his activities during World War II in China or his stint in Korea. I could tell that he didn’t want to speak about war-related topics. There were a few scarce stories or answers to inquiries and I will try to share them when they are appropriate.

What is striking throughout human history is that even during time of war, people try to maintain some sense of normal life. Civilians in warring countries and soldiers seek to create the familiar by recognizing holidays and other cultural benchmarks.

The picture below shows a group of GIs having a party. It must have been a treat to have two women in attendance and it is hard to tell whether the GIs wanted to get into the photo or get closer to the women.

size – 3.5 x 4.75 including white space

The officers were celebrating Christmas in a somewhat different fashion; a formal dinner. Both Chinese Army dignitaries and American Army Officers were in attendance.

size – 3.5 x 4.75 including white space

NOTE: I found a reference to a Thomas Guerdon Hearn and as it turns out, it is the same person in the photo above.

Civilians in countries ravaged by war also try to carry on in a more normal manner. The picture below is quite puzzling to me as it shows a Chinese family at what seems to be a wedding. The taller fellow in the back row is my dad. Why he was there and what was his connection to the family is an unsolvable mystery.

I do know my father was friendly with a number of Chinese families and he would give chocolate to some of the young children. He always had a warm spot in his heart for the Chinese people and even retained some of the language which he was eager to put on display every time we went to a Chinese restaurant.

Chinese wedding party with Martin C. Ross, back row - center, in attendance

size – 2.5 x 3.75 including white space

NOTE — All photographs are “for sale.” Anyone interested in purchasing photographs should contact me via the JBRish.com contact email, i.e. JBRish [dot]com [at] gmail[dot]]com

DISCLAIMER — Many of the photographs I will be presenting as part of this series are very small and/or very old. In order to enable proper viewing, I scan the images and enhance them to the extent possible using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop software. These images are not manipulated to remove or modify the content. The enhancements are strictly to provide contrast, bring out details and to render black and white areas in more natural tones. Nothing has been removed or added. I will provide approximate measurements of the actual photographs as they may seem larger than actual size because of the digital presentation.

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©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2020 – JBRish.com

A Soldier’s Son – Weapons of War – Part 1

January 3, 2020Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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In the collection of World War II photographs my father amassed, there are quite a number of weaponry of various kinds. Some are photos of automatic weapons, or what passed for automatic weapons at the time, airplanes, tanks, etc.

I am posting a couple below for those readers who enjoy studying the various armaments of wars past and present.

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My research seemed to indicate that the tank below is a U.S. Light Tank M2A2 that was used for training in Oahu, HI especially directly after America’s entrance into the conflict.

size – 2.5 x 3.25 including white space (approx)

The second photograph appears to be a line up of a group of the same model of tank standing at the ready.

size – 2.5 x 3.25 including white space (approx)

I am also posting two photographs of airplanes. I was not able to identify the type of aircraft in either of these photographs, but I know there are hobbyists and experts who may be able to shed some light on their identification. If so, feel free to pass it along and I will post credible updates; thank you!

size – 3.25 x 2.5 including white space (approx)

size – 2.5 x 3.25 including white space (approx)

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©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2019 – JBRish.com

A Soldier’s Son – Life During War

September 8, 2019September 8, 2019Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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Life is often drastically altered during war time, but some measure of normal routine needs to be maintained while the machinery and events of war take their toll on the soldiers and the native populations.

A group of Chinese men pull a sampan along the inlet or river way
size – 3.25 x 2.25 including white space

NOTE: A couple of the workers are wearing abbreviated, wrap-around “shorts” which seem to expose their posteriors. Whether this is customary garb for the time or due to the hot and/or humid weather, I am not sure. [ See close up below ]

Pictured below is a group of soldiers and Chinese villagers heading out to do some reconnaissance work as a joint mapping party.

A mapping party of villagers and soldiers head out to do some reconnaissance
size – 3.25 x 2.5 including white space

Daily routines do continue during war to the extent possible. This is a picture of a Chinese story teller near Chungking. The people are gathered around, but look at the photographer as the picture is taken (Circa 1944.)

A village story teller takes a moment to pause for the picture as his audience looks on.
size – 2.5 x 3.25 including white space

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©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2019 – JBRish.com

A Soldier’s Son – US Troops in Hawaii (1934 +/-)

July 8, 2019September 8, 2019Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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When I was a teenager, I heard my father talk about being stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Among his photos were a number of pictures taken in Hawaii including those of celebrities and his buddies at work and play.

FDR visited Hawaii in 1934 and I believe the photograph below was taken during that trip. One of his sons sits next to him in the car.

FDR and his son (Probably Franklin Delano Roosevelt Jr.) visit Hawaii – 1934

size – 4.5 x 2.75 square including white space

NOTE – While there was no annotation on this photograph, there are similar pictures in the historical archives such as this one linked below.
https://www.gettyimages.dk/detail/news-photo/welcoming-of-the-president-franklin-roosevelt-and-his-son-news-photo/107424161

Presidents aren’t the only noteworthy visitors to meet and greet America’s troops. Young Shirley Temple also visited soldiers in Hawaii.

Young Shirley Temple visits American soldiers in Hawaii
size – 4 x 2.8 including white space

While this cannot be verified, my assumption is this photograph of Shirley Temple with a glass of soda was taken during that same trip. The photograph was sitting alongside the others.

Shirley Temple with a glass of soda and what appears to be a puppy
size – 2.75 x 4.5 including white space

Also bundled with the photographs above, was this picture which I am also “guessing” is of actress Sonja Henie who was with Shirley Temple during her visit to Hawaii. Any information to correct the record would be appreciated.

Sonja Henie visiting Hawaii with Shirley Temple.
size – 2.75 x 4.5 including white space

NOTE – This page (link below) contains a different photograph of Sonja Henie with Shirley Temple –
http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/246539-pineapple-army-the-wolfhound-pack-27th-infantry-regt-schofield-barracks-th/

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©Jeffrey B. Ross 2014 – 2019 – JBRish.com

Soldier’s Son – Chungking Univeristy – 1944

May 8, 2019May 8, 2019Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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Many of the photographs in today’s selection were taken in China circa 1944. By that time the war may have taken a turn in favor of the allies and perhaps there was great optimism that they would prevail, but I am not sure.

This series of photographs demonstrates how, even during wartime, there is a desire to achieve some sense of normalcy and for many they forge ahead with day-to-day life.

A view of the Yangtze River and Chungking, China circa 1944

A view of the Yangtze River from somewhere in Chungking, China – June, 1944
size – 4.75 x 3.60 square including white space

It is obvious from some of the markings that this picture (above) is well traveled as indeed it is 75 years old. At first I thought the two whitish rectangular objects (left) were defects in the photograph, but upon closer inspection, they appear to be attached to poles which are part of the structure. There is a dark blemish on the left-hand white rectangle

“A photograph of US Soldiers with Chinese friends at the University in Chungking, China
size – 2.125 x 1.60 including white space

These students at the University of China developed a friendship with the American soldiers. Martin Ross is second from the left.

Martin Ross at the University of Chungking, China

I cannot be too sure where this picture was taken, but it was grouped with others taken at the University of Chungking in China and thus I assume that is the location of this picture.
size – 1.75 x 2.375 including white space

A group of soldiers walking with a woman associated with the Univ. of Chungking,

This group of soldiers is walking with a young woman associated with the University of Chungking.
size – 1.75 x 2.375 including white space

In this picture, the soldier on the right appears to be an officer. There is a notation on the back of the photograph “Chungking Univ. Feb, 1944 – Shoppin Pak” whether that is a name or not, I have no idea

Marty Ross always loved children - this picture of him with Bernard Liu.,

Martin C. Ross with Bernard Liu
size – 1.75 x 2.375 including white space

My father always had a fondness for children. He enjoyed doing magic tricks and playing ball with them. It is curious to me that this Chinese boy was named Bernard on the back of the photograph. Whether that is an Americanization or not we will never know.

I wonder, if by any chance, this person named Bernard is still alive and if he would remember my father.

My father was not a cigarette smoker as far as I was aware so it is surprising to me that he has one in this photograph. He did enjoy cigars which were usually El Producto Coronas.

DISCLAIMER — Many of the photographs I will be presenting as part of this series are very small and/or very old. In order to enable proper viewing, I scan the images and enhance them to the extent possible using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop software. These images are not manipulated to remove or modify the content. The enhancements are strictly to provide contrast, bring out details and to render black and white areas in more natural tones. Nothing has been removed or added. I will provide measurements of the actual photographs as they may seem larger than actual size because of the digital presentation.

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Soldier’s Son – Chungking and rural China

March 5, 2019April 4, 2019Jeff

NOTE: You can read the introduction to this series HERE:

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This is an interesting series of photographs that are small in size, but represent the period of history in World War II China circa 1944. I will indicate the approximate size: width x height

A scene in Chungking, China circa 1944
size – 2.25 x 2.52 square including white space

The photograph above is simply labeled, “some scene in China – Chungking.” It has a stamp indicating that it was passed by US Army Examiner, 23150.

A Chinese peasant working with his Ox in a field.
size – 3 x 2.5 including white space

The picture above had no annotation, but simply shows a peasant farmer working in the field with his ox.

A Miao Tribesman in China, circa 1944
size – 3 x 2.25 including white space

I have to admit that reviewing these pictures gives me pause. It is almost as if I am watching something that should be kept secret; that I am intruding in the lives of others even though they have most likely passed on. The photo above is labeled on the back as one of a “Miow Tribesman” [This is most likely a misspelling and the correct spelling is Miao Tribesman].

The man in this photograph looks as though he was young-ish, but has had a hard life. Who knows what happened to him or how he spent the years after the war? Perhaps he is somewhat bewildered by a non-Asian person with a camera.

Today the Miao ethnic group lives in southern China among other ethnic groups. The Miao generally live in mountainous areas away from urban centers. Apparently they have also migrated to other Asian nations such as Thailand and Vietnam. Read more about the Miao at — The Miao Minority

Interesting fact — The Hmong are actually a subgroup of the Miao and although China recognizes the Hmong as Miao, they are not technically the same. REFERENCE

A picture of the Miao constructing a runway surface in 1945 can be seen HERE

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DISCLAIMER — Many of the photographs presented as part of this series are very small and/or very old. In order to enable proper viewing, I scan the images and enhance them to the extent possible using Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop software. These images are not manipulated to remove or modify the content. The enhancements are strictly to provide contrast, bring out details and to render black and white areas in more natural tones. Nothing has been removed or added. I will provide measurements of the actual photographs as they may seem larger than actual size because of the digital presentation.

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A Soldier’s Son – Introduction

February 15, 2019May 5, 2019Jeff

Martin C. Ross’ final resting place at Arlington National Cemetery

My father was a soldier and he loved the army. He was a gritty guy and had little or no fear. This isn’t to say he was mean or aggressive; he wasn’t. He had a big heart and he was kind and generous.

My grandparents were Polish/Russian immigrants who came to America in the early 1900s to have a better life. They didn’t have it easy. As Jewish immigrants they faced much antisemitism and discrimination.

Over time, they learned English although they continued to speak Yiddish at home. During the depression my father spent time in a place he told me was an orphanage. He was forced to live away from his parents and family. He never forgot this chapter of his life and it had a profound effect on him.

The grave of Martin C. Ross, Arlington Cemetary

My father Martin Ross and my mother, Beatrice have dinner – circa 1952

As a small child, all I knew was that my father was a soldier. I have to say that he wasn’t the only one in the army. We were all “in the army.” My mother had to put up with a lot as my father went off to war in Korea and left us at home. This wasn’t the only effect the army had on our lives. Like many military families, we moved quite a bit. It seemed to me it was every three or four years.

My father Martin Ross’ photo shortly after retiring from the Army in 1960

The offerings in this series will not have any specific organization. I will publish the photographs and whatever notes are on the pictures as I get to them. I note approximate size: length x height as this proves pertinent.

To start the series, I offer the following…

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When my father was in China and Burma (now Myanmar) during World War II, entertainers would visit the troops from time-to-time to help them get a bit of relief from the wartime drudgery. Joe E. Brown (1891-1973) was a popular comedian and movie star. He was a very talented expressionist who would make faces with his rather large mouth.

Here is a picture of Joe E. Brown entertaining the troops in China. Notice the picture of Chiang Kai-shek behind him.

Joe E. Brown entertaining the troops in China during World War II

Notation on the back of the above photograph written by Martin C. Ross

Brown was accompanied by Harris Barris** who also appears in the picture above as well as the picture below which shows the two men mixing with the troops after the performance.

Harry Barris and Joe E. Brown mingling with the troops after the performance

NOTE – All photographs are “for sale.” Anyone interested in purchasing photographs should contact me via the JBRish.com contact email, i.e. JBRish [dot] com [at] gmail [dot] com

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JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

A Soldier’s Son

A Soldier’s Son – Roddie Edmonds A Righteous Man

A Soldier’s Son – Life Goes On Even in Wartime

A Soldier’s Son – Weapons of War – Part 1

A Soldier’s Son – Life During War

A Soldier’s Son – US Troops in Hawaii (1934 +/-)

Soldier’s Son – Chungking Univeristy – 1944

Soldier’s Son – Chungking and rural China

A Soldier’s Son – Introduction