Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 215
July 10, 2018
Today in World War II History—July 10, 1943
Map of final landing plan for Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, 10 July 1943 (US Army Center of Military History)
US Seventh Army landing at Gela, Sicily, 10 July 1943 (US Army Center of Military History)
75 Years Ago—July 10, 1943: Operation Husky: Allies invade Sicily. US Seventh Army lands at and takes Gela, Scoglitti, and Licata, while British Eighth Army lands at and takes Syracuse. US first uses DUKW amphibious vehicles in combat in Husky landings. US Navy first uses a General Communications ship (USS Ancon) to coordinate ship-to-shore communications.
Joint Operations Room aboard general communications ship USS Ancon, Oran, Algeria, 3 Jul 1943 (US National Archives)
July 9, 2018
Where the Fire Falls, by Karen Barnett – and Book Giveaway!
Where the Fire Falls, by Karen Barnett
In 1929, up-and-coming artist Olivia Rutherford is sent to Yosemite to paint watercolors for Scenic Magazine. After spending years cultivating her image as an avant-garde flapper, the last thing Olivia wants is to return to the national park where she grew up as poor Liv Rudd, daughter of an infamous murderer.
Driven out of the ministry by scandal, Clark Johnson has taken refuge in Yosemite. Leading groups on backcountry mule trips allows him to forget his troubles and seek God’s will for his future – if only the Lord would speak. Clark isn’t thrilled about taking Olivia and her sophisticated friends on a tour, but as they get to know each other, Olivia’s genuine character and her wounds draw him. But when her past comes back, all their lives are in danger.
Majestic scenery, intriguing characters, and a delicious romance combine in Where the Fire Falls. Karen Barnett‘s experience as a park ranger infuses the story with a rich sense of place, supported by historical research. But the story is what keeps you flipping pages, as the characters’ pasts collide. Rugged Clark is a swoon-worthy hero, and conflicted Olivia will steal your heart. Make some s’mores and savor this story!
Book Giveaway!
I ended up with two copies of this book – so I’m giving one away! Please leave a comment below to enter the giveaway. US mailing addresses only please. Giveaway ends July 12, 2018 at 10 pm Pacific Time. The winner will be announced here on July 13, 2018.
Today in World War II History—July 9, 1943
Paratroopers of the US 82nd Airborne Division on a C-47 bound for Sicily, July 1943 (US Army Center of Military History)
75 Years Ago—July 9, 1943: Opening the invasion of Sicily before midnight, British troops land in gliders near Syracuse and paratroopers of US 82nd Airborne Division land near Gela.
US Army opens assault on Munda, New Georgia.
July 8, 2018
Today in World War II History—July 8, 1943
Allied leaders in the Sicilian campaign: Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder, Gen. Sir Harold Alexander, Adm. Sir Andrew B. Cunningham (US Army Center of Military History)
75 Years Ago—July 8, 1943: German Gestapo executes French resistance leader Jean Moulin.
Gen. Dwight Eisenhower arrives at Malta, Battle Headquarters for Operation Husky, the upcoming Allied invasion of Sicily.
US Seventh Air Force B-24 Liberators from Midway bomb Wake Island in first land-based strike on this island.
July 7, 2018
Today in World War II History—July 7, 1943
Soviet Il-2 aircraft attacking a German motorized column near Kursk, Russia, Jul 1943 (Russian International News Agency #225)
75 Years Ago—July 7, 1943: In the Battle of Kursk, Soviet Il-2 ground-attack aircraft destroy 70 German tanks in 20 minutes.
US Army Air Force Training Command is established, combining Flying and Technical Training Commands, under Maj. Gen. Barton Yount at Fort Worth, Texas.
Patch of the US Army Air Force Training Command, WWII
July 6, 2018
Today in World War II History—July 6, 1943
SG radarscope image from light cruiser USS Denver showing Battle of Kula Gulf situation at 0117 on 6 Jul 1943 (US Naval History & Heritage Command)
75 Years Ago—July 6, 1943: Battle of Kula Gulf: in Solomon Islands, US ships slow Japanese reinforcement of New Georgia; light cruiser USS Helena and Japanese destroyers Niizuki and Nagatsuki are sunk.
July 5, 2018
Book Beat – A Refuge Assured, by Jocelyn Green
A Refuge Assured, by Jocelyn Green
During the French Revolution, anyone even associated with the nobility was in danger, and lacemaker Vivienne Ribard flees for her life to America. To her horror, she finds French revolutionaries in Philadelphia as well and flees again to the town of Azilum…a refuge from the madness. Or so she hopes.
Liam Delaney fought for American Independence and only wants to live in peace on his farm near Azilum, but the unrest surrounding the Whiskey Rebellion could undo everything he fought for. Liam and Vivienne are drawn together, but the danger in their village threatens their lives and their growing love.
A Refuge Assured shines a light on a tumultuous time in American history as the new nation tried to decide what it would stand for. Jocelyn Green spins an enthralling story built on impeccable research, with fascinating characters. Historical fiction at its finest!
Today in World War II History—July 5, 1943
German Panzer VI/Tiger I tanks in the Battle of Kursk in Orel, Russia, July 1943 (German Federal Archive: Bild 183-J14813)
75 Years Ago—July 5, 1943: Battle of Kursk begins: last major German offensive on eastern front.
Actress Betty Grable marries trumpet player and bandleader Harry James.
July 4, 2018
Happy Independence Day – Look Back for Inspiration
US poster, 1943
Happy Independence Day!
In 1943, the United States, and the rest of the world, faced a grave threat. Germany, Japan, and Italy, with the other Axis powers, had conquered vast areas of the globe. The Allies were just beginning to make progress, clearing North Africa and invading some Pacific Islands, but the road ahead looked long and difficult. It would prove to be so.
This poster reminded the people of 1943 of their heritage, that Americans fight for liberty. The American colonists fighting for freedom in the Revolutionary War faced the greatest military power of the time and prevailed. Their example inspired World War II soldiers to fight for liberty at home and abroad despite the odds.
Likewise, we can learn much from the past. When I think of what men and women of the 1940s endured so we could be free today, it inspires me to embrace their values.
This Fourth of July, remember what made the United States a beacon in a dark world – our love of liberty, our willingness to fight for what’s right, our ingenuity, our flexibility, our sense of humor, our diversity, and our moral strength – and embrace it.
Today in World War II History—July 4, 1943
Gen. Wladyslaw Sikorski, 1942 (Library of Congress)
75 Years Ago—July 4, 1943: Gen. Wladyslaw Sikorski, leader of Polish government-in-exile and commander of Polish forces, dies in a plane crash at Gibraltar.
First residents move into secret city of Oak Ridge TN, built for Manhattan Project workers.
