Colin’s Comments (group member since Dec 16, 2012)

Colin’s comments from the THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP group.

Laurel wrote: "Although it was not a WWII movie per se, it is timely regarding Remembrance/Veterans Day events and reflection-I am referring to "Taking. Chance"', starring Kevin Bacon. Made by HBO, it maintains ..."

Having done escort duty, I liked the reality of the film. I pulled over 20 funerals like that. All from my unit.

Lilo wrote: "@ Colin

I am sorry, but I have to disagree. I do NOT have the impression that the Germans have come to terms with the crimes of the Third Reich. I rather have the impression that they have swept t..."

Sorry I must have been more clear, I was referring to the Die Zeit material, not the rest as I have not seen it personally. My opinion regarding the "coming to terms" with Nazism, was the banning of all images and Swastikas, hate groups and organized neo-Nazi organizations. I was not referring to the education system, as I was never a part of it. I agree on the memorials and respect factor.

Manray9 wrote: "Colin wrote: "Kennedy's Navy Cross was secured by his father's political connections to Roosevelt and Truman. Remember that he had been the US Ambassador to the UK before the war. ironically, Kenne..."

My error, Joe Kennedy tried to get him the Navy Cross, it was downgraded. Thanks for the correction.

Lilo wrote: "Colin wrote: "I know Die Zeit well."

What do you think of this article in Die Zeit? What do you think of this exhibit? And what do you think of the success of this book "Er ist wieder da" and, esp..."

I think the exhibit is important, the article was well done in my opinion. To their credit, the Germans have come to terms with the crimes of the Third Reich, more so than most nations, such as japan (their crimes were just as horrific), and Russia (which does not even mention their genocide programs).

The Japanese policy was to execute any coast watchers if captured, FYI

I know Die Zeit well.

Gray wrote: "Greetings all. My name is Gray. I am 20 years of age, a college student at Purdue, and a licensed commercial pilot preparing for the airlines. In my spare time I like to turn my introverted charism..."

Try some of my aviation books, see amazon or my website. Great first person stories from combat pilots, if you are interested. I have a new one out in March.

Kennedy's Navy Cross was secured by his father's political connections to Roosevelt and Truman. Remember that he had been the US Ambassador to the UK before the war. ironically, Kennedy's situation actually warranted more of a court martial than McVeigh for losing his ship. Kennedy deliberately placed his crew in unnecessary danger when they were rammed by the Jap destroyer. He took no evasive action either. Funny how things work out when you have connections.

I interviewed Matsamura Hashimoto, the Japanese sub commander. He was brought to DC for the court martial by Admiral King, an unheard thing, but Hashimoto defended McVeigh's action, and stated that at the range his sub was from the ship, zig zagging (which was a commander's discretion), he could not have avoided the two torpedoes that hit the ship.

The Soviets lost hundreds of aircraft during that offensive at Kursk-Orel, also 70% of their tanks and infantry. Still they held out.

carl wrote: "totally agree on the director's cut. it's good, but you
have to be ready for a long sea voyage."

I watched it with Reinhard Herdegen. Look him up.

"Societies have always been served, and often salvaged by the least among them, the young and tortured, often without celebration or acknowledgement" Lest we forget people.

I will be writing another book with my wife Anne, title Hitler's Inner Circle. This has 74 separate interviews with Germans who knew Hitler, from 1932-1945. See details at my website www.lewisheatonbooks.com and go to The Next Books Project and Future Book Projects.

Manray9 wrote: " The Colt 1911 Pistol by Leroy Thompson

This is one of my favorite weapons of the 20th century. When I served in Alaska from 1990-1992, our command armory ..."

I have the .45 also

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Colin wrote: "I interviewed two VC recipients, Umrau Singh and Bill Reid. I also have interviews and have had friendships with many KC or higher holders, and Medal of Honor recipients. In fact two ..."

almost 500

I interviewed two VC recipients, Umrau Singh and Bill Reid. I also have interviews and have had friendships with many KC or higher holders, and Medal of Honor recipients. In fact two of my friends received the MOH posthumously. The VC guys are very are indeed.

Milovan Djilas, he told me personally. That was how Tito was to address Stalin.

Read Otto Carius's book, Tigers int he Mud on Tigers vs T-34s.

Comrade Secretary was the correct title

Free French Forces in Italy, primarily the Moroccans, were guilty of horrendous war crimes aainst civilians, and were allowed to commit them under the direct knowledge and complicity og General Charles de "Fraud" Gaulle. US Gen Mark Clark wanted to court meartial them and their white French officers. For political reasons he was told to stand down. Just an FYI