Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 79

Today in World War II History—September 24, 1943

Map of the Australian offensive on Finschhafen, New Guinea, 22 Sept-20 Oct 1943 (US Army Center of Military History)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 24, 1943: Australians cross Bumi River in New Guinea on way to Finschhafen.

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Today in World War II History—September 23, 1943

Möhne Dam in Germany after the RAF Dambuster Raid, 18 May 1943 (British Government photo)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 23, 1943: Germans finish repairs to Möhne Dam in the Ruhr Valley, which had been breached in the RAF Dambusters raid in May.

In Allied convoy ON-202 off Greenland, German U-boats sink 5 ships; in this convoy, 12 ships have been sunk by the German’s new T-5 acoustic torpedoes.

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Today in World War II History—September 22, 1943

Pvt. Paul Oglesby of US 30th Infantry Regiment in a damaged Catholic Church at Acerno, Italy, 23 September 1943 (US National Archives: 111-SC-188691)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 22, 1943: Mussolini proclaims Repubblica Sociale Italiana, based in German-occupied northern Italy.

In Italy, US Fifth Army takes Acerno and Oliveto.

At Alta Fjord in Norway, British midget subs damage German battleship Tirpitz with mines; it will be out of commission until April 1944, but two of the midget subs are sunk and one captured.

The post Today in World War II History—September 22, 1943 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.

Today in World War II History—September 21, 1943

US Army infantrymen fighting in the jungles of Vella Lavella, Solomon Islands, 13 September 1943 (US Army Signal Corps photo: 161-43-4081)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 21, 1943: In the Solomon Islands, US secures Arundel and Wana Wana.

Soviets cross the Dnieper River south of Kiev, Ukraine.

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Today in World War II History—September 20, 1943

Soldiers from the 2/6th Independent Company display Japanese flags they captured during the battle of Kaiapit, 22 September 1943 (Australian War Memorial 057510)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 20, 1943: Australian 2/6th Independent Company defeats larger Japanese force at Kaiapit, New Guinea, opening up the Ramu Valley and sites for airstrips.

At Auletta, Italy, US Fifth Army meets British Eighth Army advancing from the south.

New Zealanders secure Vella Lavella in the Solomon Islands.

US War Department puts all coastal observation posts down to alert status due to declining invasion threat.

The post Today in World War II History—September 20, 1943 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.

We Three Kings by Crystal Caudill, Cara Putman, and Angela Ruth Strong

“Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill

In 1884, Celestia Isaacs boards the Golden Gestirn on her maiden voyage from New York to Germany, since her family has invested in the luxury ship, owned by the Weise family. Celestia adores Aldrich Weise, a man who shares her love of astronomy. Aldrich returns her affections but doesn’t dare say so. As the oldest son, Aldrich is required to take the helm of the company in Germany, and he doesn’t want to uproot Celestia from her beloved family. But when an unknown man attacks Celestia and hides aboard the ship, the stakes increase.

“Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman

In June 1945, Lt. Charles Weise arrives in postwar Germany with the Monument’s Men to catalog art looted by the Nazis and return it to the original owners. He’s driven by a personal quest to find the collection owned by his grandparents. He’s captivated by Capt. Lillian Thorson, who’s assigned to the same post. Lillian is appalled at the devastation in Germany, especially at the conditions faced by the children. But what can any one person do?

“Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong

In present day, Brendon Wise has built his essential oils business into a huge organization. In planning a Christmas extravaganza, he’s gotten to know his event organizer, Lacey, online – but now he gets to meet her in person. And ask her out. However, Lacey is nine months pregnant, abandoned by her former husband. The last thing Lacey is looking for is romance. But as they spend more time together, could things change?

Full of romance, dilemmas, and Christmas joy! We Three Kings follows the Weise family through the generations as each couple follows the star to the Perfect Light. Each story has a unique premise, intriguing characters, and a message about the true meaning of family and love. I absolutely adored this Christmas collection!

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Today in World War II History—September 19, 1943

Men of the Headquarters Company, 480th Port Battalion (an African-American unit) in makeshift Fifth Army office in ancient Temple of Neptune in Paestum, Italy, 22 September 1943; At desk, front to rear: Sgts. James Shellman, Gilbert A. Terry, John W. Phoenix, Curtis A. Richardson, and Leslie B. Wood. In front of desk, front to rear: T/Sgt. Gordon A. Scott, M/Sgt. Walter C. Jackson, Sgt. David D. Jones, and WO Carlyle M. Tucker (US National Archives: 111-SC-181588)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 19, 1943: In Italy, Allies secure Salerno plain.

Australians open offensive in Ramu Valley, New Guinea, and take Kaiapit, but the Japanese counterattack in force.

Decca Records signs deal with the striking musicians’ union and becomes the first studio to record in the US in a year.

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Today in World War II History—September 18, 1943

Map of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Central Pacific (US Army Center of Military History)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 18, 1943: US opens Central Pacific offensive as Seventh Air Force B-24 bombers and Navy Task Force 15 carrier aircraft begin bombing Tarawa, Makin, and Apemama in the Gilbert Islands.

Premiere of weekly radio show I Sustain the Wings on CBS with Capt. Glenn Miller and the Army Air Force Band.

The post Today in World War II History—September 18, 1943 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.

Today in World War II History—September 17, 1943

US medical air evacuation from Italy to North Africa, 1943 (US Army Medical Department photo)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 17, 1943: Soviets take Bryansk, Russia.

Germans begin retreat from Salerno plain in Italy.

US 802nd Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron begins air evacuation from Salerno, Italy (Read more: “Medical Air Evacuation in World War II”).

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Today in World War II History—September 16, 1943

Australian troops debarking from LST landing ships for the occupation of Lae, New Guinea, September 1943 (US Army Center of Military History)

80 Years Ago—Sept. 16, 1943: Australians take Lae on New Guinea.

Soviets take Novgorod and Novorossisk, Russia.

Danish Freedom Council (Frihedsrådet) is established to organize resistance groups, with British SOE support.

The post Today in World War II History—September 16, 1943 first appeared on Sarah Sundin.