The American Dilemma in Quotes

October 19, 2020Jeff

I came across these two quotes today.

“If she [America] forgets where she came from, if the people lose sight of what brought them along, if she listens to the deniers and mockers, then will begin the rot and dissolution.”

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“I see America, not in the setting sun of a black night of despair ahead of us, I see America in the crimson light of a rising sun fresh from the burning, creative hand of God. I see great days ahead, great days possible to men and women of will and vision.”

— Carl Sandburg (January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) —

This is the yin and the yang of where America finds herself today. As a youngster, I was what is affectionately referred to as an “army brat.” My father was in China during WWII prior to my birth.

Several years later my father woke me one morning, kissed my goodbye and I didn’t see him for more than a year as he went off to fight in the Korean War. We were an army family. The service was never far from our minds.

As a preteen I lived on an American army base in Stuttgart, Germany. At the end of every day, as the American flags were lowered, all cars stopped and passengers stood and listened to the bugle play.

I have always had a love for this country — warts and all. Of course the United States was never perfect, but there was always an intangible sense that everyone we met was generally on the same basic march toward making America a better country and society; and to continue to nurture her along that path.

From what I can see today, that feeling is no longer prevalent. We are a very divided nation. As a people we have been warned before that we must stand united or else our democracy will certainly, as Sandburg warns, experience the rot and dissolution that threatens.

The ship of state has been taking on water, but I believe we can bail her out once again and continue our journey toward a more perfect union. We can use these times as a life-lesson for our nation’s development.

Part of this effort needs to be a focus that assures our governments at every level are responsible to the people and not any other interests or big payers. “We the people” are America and every fiber of our nation must be dedicated to improving the lives of all who are part of our country.

We cannot look to anyone else to solve this problem or to save America. It is up to all of us!

Will we be the men and women of will and vision?

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 – 2020 — JBRish.com

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

A Soldier’s Son – Life During War

September 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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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

Adventures in Oregon: Warrenton to Seaside

November 13, 2017Jeff

After a couple of days of adventures in and around Astoria, OR, we were heading south toward Seaside. We had our itinerary planned and were excited to begin the day’s exploits.

Map route from Astoria, OR to Seaside

Living in the desert of Arizona we don’t often have a chance to visit shore towns and see nautical sights and the idea tha we could get a close up view of an actual shipwreck could not be resisted. The British vessel, the Peter Iredale, ran aground on October 25, 1906 on its way to the Columbia River and was abandoned near Fort Stevens in Warrenton. As you can see in the photo below, people can walk right up to the remainder of the wreck when the tide is low.

People can get very close to the remnants of the Peter Iredale

The hulk was quite impressive when considering it has been windswept and bathed in salt water for more than a century.

Remnants of the ship wreck draw visitors to the beach

The ship’s carcass remains after more than 100 years

Although this day didn’t provide the best weather, when the sun poked through visitors could appreciate the form and structure of the ship along with a stark beauty created by the rust tones against the blue-grey seascape.

Beauty amid the wreckage

At times, the crowds would grow as photographers and dog walkers visited the water’s edge to take in the sight. We soon moved to other areas of Fort Stevens State Park to continue our explorations.

A viewing platfrom along a jetty or breakwall at Fort Stevens Park

I never appreciated how much the west coast had prepared for invasion during WW II. Certainly Fort Stevens provided plenty of proof. This (below) was one of turrets that can be easily seen among the many other fortified batteries.

Defensive gun turret along America’s western coast

After hiking one of the major trails through Fort Stevens and gaining an understanding of the military preparations there, we made our way to another planned stop, the Necanicum Estuary near Seaside. I was hopeful that we could spot a bird or two that I would be able to mark off my birding list and indeed we did pass some birdwatchers eyeing a Cedar Waxwing. Much to our surprise, it wasn’t birds that caught our attention…

Roosevelt Elk along coastal Oregon

… there was a herd of elk. They were quite numerous. One doe found us interesting, but not enough to stop eating.

An elk doe eats as she watches us walk along the path

We found ourselves in an unusual and unexpected situation as the hiking path we used to get to the bay was soon surrounded by the herd. A few males, which can weigh nearly a half a ton, were not happy that we were among their harem. We carefully made our way to the shoreline. There were some does there as well, but only a few.

Elk along the shore

Another doe nearby looked on as we approached the beach.

Another doe watched as we walked to the beach

We were able to circle around to find a clear way back to the parking area and were glad to arrive safely at the car to head to our evening’s accommodations.

More information about the Peter Iredale shipwereck

Learn more about the elk at Gerhart’s preserve

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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

Read more Hiking and Exploration posts HERE

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A Higher Call – Courage and Humanity Above All

February 4, 2016Jeff

When I first heard of the book, A Higher Call by Adam Makos, Larry Alexander, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book. War time stories don’t appeal to me too much, but I did enjoy the book Unbroken, the WW II story of Louis Zamperini, another WW II pilot risking his life in Japan written by Laura Hillenbrand.

After realizing that this book was quite a hit on the NY Times Best Seller List, I thought I would give it a try and I am so glad that I did. Franz Stigler, the German ace pilot, exhibited a humanity beyond belief. This book is a tribute to him and to all acts of chivalry and heroism during times of war. There are undoubtedly many stories that will never get to be told so let’s celebrate this one and recognize the glory of true courage and conviction.

The title and subtitle of the book: A Higher Call: An Incredible True Story of Combat and Chivalry in the War-Torn Skies of World War II says it all.

The videos below will give you a sense of the book, but cannot not replace it.

If you want a slightly different take on the story, you can watch the next video below with many different photos and clips.

While these videos provide some of the story, as usual, the book is much, much better! If you like history or stories with heroes, this book is a very good read. I can recommend it without reservation. Read some reviews and more about the book at the goodreads website.

JBRish.com – quips & queries

A life of musings, queries, quips and quandaries

WW II

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

Adventures in Oregon: Warrenton to Seaside

A Higher Call – Courage and Humanity Above All