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

April 16, 2020April 18, 2020Jeff

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” — George S. Patton

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 back of the photograph is annotated: Miss Gerry Lennox, Miss Elenor (probably Eleanor) Liss – Red Cross Girls…and some men on on our Christmas party. There is a stamp by the Army Examiner indicating that the photograph does not contain compromising information. Dec 24, 1943

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

The back of the photograph is annotated: General and Mrs. Shang Shen leading the march to dinner Christmas Eve at Victory House – Chungking, China. Behind them Major General Hearn. Dec 24/43

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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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 – Weapons of War – Part 1

January 3, 2020Jeff

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” — George S. Patton

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)

“U.S. LIGHT TANK M2A2 during maneuvers on Oahu, 1942. This light tank with twin turrets, one containing a .50-caliber machine gun and the other a .30-caliber machine gun, was first manufactured in 1935. In December 1942, when it was declared obsolete, there were 234 left in the Army. The M2A2 light tank is a good example of the type of equipment available shortly after the entry of the United States into World War II.”
Source: http://www.allworldwars.com/The-War-Against-Japan-Pictorial-Record.html

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

Animal Photography – Faux Foes: An Unlikely Pair

October 24, 2019Jeff

Nature has its way and every now and then it reminds us that the rules of the Universe often bend.

This is a short story “captured” by Finnish photographer, Lassi Rautiainen, who witnessed a friendship between an unlikely pair of nature’s predators. A female wolf and a male brown bear became friends and hunting buddies.

Photo copyright of photographer Lassi Rautiainen

You can see more photographs and read the entire short story HERE

Read more miscellaneous stories on JBRish 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 – 2019 — JBRish.com

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

July 8, 2019September 8, 2019Jeff

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” — George S. Patton

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

A Soldier’s Son – Introduction

February 15, 2019May 5, 2019Jeff

“The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” — George S. Patton

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

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. 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

* “Chiang Kai-shek, also known as Generalissimo Chiang or Chiang Chungcheng and romanized as Chiang Chieh-shih or Jiang Jieshi, was a politician and military leader who served as the leader of the Republic of China between 1928 and 1975, first in mainland China until 1949 and then in Taiwan until his death. – Via

** “Harry Barris was an American popular singer and songwriter, and is one of the earliest singers to use “scat singing” in recordings. Barris, one of Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys, along with Bing Crosby and Al Rinker, scatted on several songs, including “Mississippi Mud,” which Barris wrote in 1927″ Via

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

Desert Broom – New Cultivar Discovered**

July 31, 2018Jeff

There is a desert plant in the Sonoran Desert that has the distinction of being one of the few native plants that is considered invasive. It can become a problem during the very hot, dry summers when fires are a real possibility.

Here is a picture of the native Desert Broom.

Desert Broom Plant

Picture courtesy of Sierra Vista Growers

On the way to a shopping mall recently, I noticed what may potentially be a new cultivar or sport of the native desert broom. It was just off to the side of the road. Can you find it in the picture below?

Possible desert broom cultivar or sport closeup

If you are having difficulty, here is a closeup!

Possible desert broom cultivar or sport

What do you think?

**This post is a tongue and cheek bit of humor related to desert gardening! (wink, wink)

Read more gardening posts HERE

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Photography: Why Use Post Processing Software?

March 28, 2018March 28, 2018Jeff

Although I had been interested in photography as far back as my teenage years, after my thirties and a number of life changes, photography took a back seat to my other interests and obligations of life.

I had used professional gear in my twenties and early thirties, but for many years after, I used a point-and-shoot digital camera with between 5 and 8 megapixels. (As a frame of reference, today’s standards would probably call for a minimum of 16 or 24 megapixels for professional use.) My Canon AS590 IS provided a no muss, no fuss regimen for me and I was comfortable just capturing ptographs as a matter of record.

Of course as time passed, post processing software improved and I became interested in revisiting some of my older photographs and trying to “process” them to bring out the colors and beauty that encouraged me to take the photographs in the first place.

When pondering the question, “Why use post processing software,” let me offer the following.

My wife and I enjoy hiking and exploring as readers of JBRish.com know. In 2012, we visited Monument Valley, UT. Sure enough, I had my Canon PowerShot AS590 with 8 megapixels. It took very nice jpeg photographs. Unfortunately, however, the settings and ability of the small sensor was limiting.

Look at this picture for example:

Original picture of the Yei Bi Chei Spires and the Totem Pole

The above is a composition in which I was very interested, but the bright sky and haze did not enable the camera to represent the scene as I envisioned it. The camera did the best it could capturing the scene, but the equipment didn’t render the red rocks and sand as I saw it. The green and yellow grasses played well against the red rocks, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the photo above.

This shot remained dormant on my hard drive for years and then I began to learn about Adobe Lightroom. Once I understood the basics, I realized I could recapture some of the colors and nuances of the shot that inspired me to take the photograph in the first place.

Once processed, the scene is rendered more as I saw it that afternoon.

Processed picture of the Yei Bi Chei Spires and the Totem Pole

Keep in mind that this camera has a very small sensor and by today’s standard is probably equivalent to a smartphone or perhaps less than that. When looking at the picture, understand that the camera did capture information such as which areas are brown, red, green, blue, light, dark, etc. It took the software to help me bring out the colors and contrast nearer to as I recalled them when I stopped to press the shutter. Some of the detail is lost in the transition and the picture is more painterly than I would prefer, but it is certainly closer to my recollection than the original the camera recorded.

This is why post processing software and learning how to use it properly is so popular!

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Metadata

File Name: 8871_yei_bi_chei_spires_totempole.JPG
Capture time: Sept. 10, 2012
Exposure: 1/400 sec @ f/4.5
Focal Length: 16mm
ISO: 80
Camera: Canon PowerShot AS590 IS
Lens: 4.3-215mm

Edited in Lightroom

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See more JBRish.com photography posts HERE and visit Jeff’s Instagram site HERE

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Birds of Arizona – Red-tailed Hawk ( Buteo jamaicensis )

March 6, 2018March 12, 2018Jeff

For casual bird watchers, identifying a particular bird can be quite a challenge. One would think that a Red-tailed Hawk would look very much like every other Red-tailed Hawk, but it isn’t quite that easy.

Unfortunately, there are often variations on a theme. One problem, for example, is that a juvenile bird often looks quite different than it does as an adult. This can reveal itself with differnt feather patterns or colors or perhaps a less developed feature that, when the bird is mature, would be quite prominent.

Facing this challenge, I often farm out the job of identification to the wonderful world of birders on the Internet. That is how I was able to determine that the bird below is a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.

As you can see, we have a power pole near our house and very often one hawk or another will stop by to enjoy a meal or keep a lookout for the next one. While they are atop this perch, I am often able to walk close to them to capture a portrait.

As I approached, the bird wanted to keep an eye on me.

Here the bird decided to turn around to face me.

When approached, hawks don’t necessarily run away, but will often just stare back!

Read more identifying Red-tailed Hawks – Telling Juvenile from Adult Red-tailed Hawks

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Metadata for the bottom Photograph

File Name: 000022_49.CR2
Capture time: 9:55:03 AM
Capture date: February 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/640 sec @ f/6.5
Focal Length: 215mm
ISO: 200
Canon PowerShot SX50HS
Lens: 4.3-215mm
Edited in Lightroom

See previous JBRish posts about birds HERE

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©Jeffrey B. Ross – 2018

Pickleball: N. Phoenix, Paseo Highlands Revisited

January 30, 2018Jeff

You may recall that on July 11, 2017, I posted a story about new courts being constructed at the Paseo Highlands Park in North Phoenix. I am happy to report that they started construction and because of the relatively mild winter, it seems to me that they are making excellent progress.

I am not an engineer and I know very little about construction so any comments made here are from my unitiated point of view.

As you will note, there is a lot of heavy construction equipment at the construction site.

Heavy equipment at the construction site

There was an opening in the fence so I could get a clear shot of the land that has been cleared and is awaiting some material for underlayment/grading.

This is taken from the same general area looking toward the north.

Looking north toward the community center

(Below) On two of the courts substrata of crushed stone was placed on top of the dirt and it was being leveled. Rebar and levels were being carefully employed.

This is another shot of the preparation on that same set of courts.

Another photo of the preparation of the substrata

I was at the site about 8:20 AM so there were trucks and workers coming and going as the work day was getting into full swing. Half the parking lot was roped off for use by the construction crew.

The following two photos were taken from the rear door of Beuf Community Center. The red arrow marks the area where the new pickleball courts are located so readers can gain a perspective. Upon careful inspection, you can see some of the workers.

Looking from Beuf Community Center south toward the courts

I still think there is a good chance these courts will be ready for play sooner than expected!

Watch Pickleball Videos

To See Pickleball Videos Covering Many Aspects of the Game Click Here (primarily for beginners and less experienced players)

Check out Additional Pickleball Info and Videos! (for all players including average to more experienced players)

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Adventures in Oregon: Adventures in Oregon: Cape Lookout, South Trail

January 16, 2018Jeff

It had been raining the day before and we had previously had our share of grey, misty days so we were excited to find the clouds lifting and the sun breaking through.

The majesty represented by a beautiful tree and a well-populated forest always resonated with my spirit and the South Trail on Cape Lookout did not disappoint in this respect.

The trail begins very modestly.

The South Trail of Cape Lookout Begins

Soon the coast appears to add interest to the hike. The fog was still rather low, but was beginning to lift.

The fog was lifting to reveal more of the ocean

As we moved further inland, the forest began to reveal some of its interesting sights. The ferns growing in the nooks and crannies of the tree limbs are known as basket ferns. This area is close enough to the shore to provide ample moisture for these plants to thrive.

Ferns growing in the crooks of tree limbs known as basket ferns

As the trail meandered through forest and intermittently along the coastline, we were treated to vistas of the ocean and shore.

The trail reveals vistas of the coast

This was a picturesque cove that we stopped to admire both coming and going!

A picturesque cove shows can be seen through a break in the tree line

The path was very muddy in places because of the recent rains.

The path was muddy from overnight rains

On the return trip, we began to encounter more hikers. Luckily we started early enough to have the trail to ourselves during most of the hike to the cape. In season, I would anticipate larger crowds.

This (below) was one of my favorite stops along the trail. The colorful browns and greens and the mist-laden atmosphere was very captivating.

A serene landscape along the trail

Here is another shot of the coast showing one of the panoramic views from the trail.

A panoramic view of the coast

Not actually a flower, this Chicken of the Woods wild mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus), was as nice as many wildflowers.

Nature’s art seen in a beautiful wild mushroom

As we neared the parking area, we came across yet another Banana slug. They grow them big in this wooded area as the quarter coin next to it demonstrates!

Large Banana slug

While some may feel that the South Trail of Cape Lookout does not have a remarkable payoff at the end, it is a nice vantage point for whale watching and looking at the ocean. Keep in mind that getting there is more than half the fun!

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Read previous posts about our adventures hiking and exploring in Oregon:

Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 1

Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 2

Exploring Astoria, Oregon – Part 3

Adventures in Oregon: Warrenton to Seaside

Adventures in Oregon: Hiking at Indian Beach

Adventures in Oregon: Views from Ecola Point

Adventures in Oregon: Movin’ On Down the Road

Adventures in Oregon: Garibaldi’s Graces and Pier

Adventures in Oregon: Tillamook – Cape Meares Lighthouse

Read more Hiking and Exploration posts HERE