Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 382
June 22, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 22, 1944
Gurkha troops on the Imphal-Kohima Road, 1944 (US Library of Congress)
70 Years Ago—June 22, 1944: President Roosevelt signs GI Bill of Rights. Soviets launch Bagration offensive in Byelorussia, which will lead to the heaviest German losses in the war (nearly 500,000). In India, British & Indian troops open the Imphal-Kohima Road, breaking siege of Imphal.
June 21, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 21, 1944
B-17s en route to Poltava, June 1944 (US Air Force photo)
70 Years Ago—June 21, 1944: US Eighth Air Force flies first shuttle mission to USSR; B-17s leave bases in UK, bomb targets in eastern Europe, and land at Poltava. That night the Luftwaffe bombs Poltava, destroying 44 of 72 B-17s.
June 20, 2014
Book Beat – Daisies Are Forever by Liz Tolsma
As World War II drew to a close, German civilians lived in horrendous conditions. In Daisies Are Forever, American-born Gisela Cramer is living with her grandfather and cousin in Prussia. But as the Soviets advance, committing atrocities, Gisela flees with her two young nieces. On the road she meets Mitch Edwards, an RAF pilot who escaped from his POW camp and is wearing a German uniform. In the depths of winter, Mitch and Gisela flee to Berlin, where Gisela’s mother lives – only to face the horrors of bombing and starvation. In the midst of devastation, how can Mitch and Gisela find love and hope?
In Daisies Are Forever, Liz Tolsma gives a harrowing look at life during the fall of Nazi Germany. Gisela and Mitch are appealing characters, making the best of horrible circumstances and trying to find faith and love. This is a fast-paced novel, but still deeply touching. I enjoyed it thoroughly and highly recommend it.
Today in World War II History—June 20, 1944
US 79th Infantry Division using 155-mm howitzer in assault on Cherbourg, June 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)
70 Years Ago—June 20, 1944: US First Army besieges Cherbourg, France. Soviets take Viipuri, Finland, opening Gulf of Finland to Soviet ships. US Tenth Army activated under Lt. Gen. Simon Buckner; will fight on Okinawa.
June 19, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 19, 1944
Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 Jun 1944, photographed from light cruiser USS Birmingham. (US National Archives)
70 Years Ago—June 19, 1944: The Battle of the Philippine Sea begins—US Fifth Fleet sinks three Japanese aircraft carriers, and the Japanese lose over 450 aircraft in the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.” Allied Mulberry harbor A wrecked in storm off Normandy. Free French secure Elba.
June 18, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 18, 1944
US troops moving inland on Saipan, June 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)
70 Years Ago—June 18, 1944: German V-1 buzz bomb hits Guards Chapel in London during service, killing 119. Ivanoe Bonomi replaces Pietro Badoglio as Premier of Italy. On Saipan, US Marines drive to east coast, cutting island in two, while Army forces take Aslito AF, later renamed Isley Field.
June 17, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 17, 1944
Flag of the Republic of Iceland
70 Years Ago—June 17, 1944: In Normandy, US First Army cuts off Cotentin Peninsula, trapping Germans in Cherbourg. Free French troops land on Elba off coast of Italy. Iceland becomes independent republic with Svenn Björnsson as first president.
June 16, 2014
D-Day 70th Anniversary Blog Tour – Giveaway Winners!
Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our blog tour to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day. We loved hearing your feedback, your WWII stories, and your reflections on what D-Day means to you. If you missed the tour, you can still visit the BLOG TOUR PAGE and read the posts from our ten participating authors, reflecting on various aspects of World War II and of the real-life heroes and settings that inspired them.
And now for the winners! All winners have been or will soon be contacted by email.
The overall winner of all ten featured WWII novels is…Patricia Ferguson! Patricia had the (correct!) answers to all ten questions ready instantly – impressive!
The winners on our individual blogs are:
On Sarah Sundin’s blog: Sarah Randolph won the copy of In Perfect Time.
On Liz Tolsma’s blog: Linda Campos won the copy of Daisies Are Forever.
On Cara Putman’s blog: Colleen Turner won the copy of Shadowed by Grace.
On Tricia Goyer’s blog: [winner of Chasing Mona Lisa to be announced later today]
On Melanie Dobson’s blog: Raechel Kelly won the copy of Chateau of Secrets.
On Cathy Gohlke’s blog: Barbara Sefranek won the copy of Saving Amelie.
On Sigmund Brouwer’s blog: Ellen Gray won the copy of Thief of Glory to be announced later today]
Thanks again for joining us in our commemoration!
Today in World War II History—June 16, 1944
Tank of Company A of the 746th Tank Battalion supported the 325th Glider Infantry entering St. Sauveur-Le Vicomte, France, 16 June 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)
70 Years Ago—June 16, 1944: In drive across Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy, US First Army takes Ste. Colombe and St. Sauveur-le-Vicomte.
June 15, 2014
Today in World War II History—June 15, 1944
US troops landing on Saipan, 15 June 1944 (US Army Center of Military History)
70 Years Ago—June 15, 1944: US Marines and Army troops land on Saipan in Marianas.
