Interested in WWII history?

[JB]

In January of 1945 I went with my family to see a documentary film, "The Fighting Lady" made by the Navy about the carrier Yorktown (that replaced the Yorktown lost at Midway).<br /><br />At the time, my uncle Tom (Mom's brother)was listed as missing in action from the carrier Ticonderoga, blown overboard by a Kamikaze hit.<br /><br />Some of the film must have been shot on the "Ti", because Uncle Tom suddenly appeared on the screen. Mom fainted.<br /><br />In one of the remarkable coincidences of the war, Tom (Thomas B. Braine)was picked up by the destroyer, Braine, named for his grandfather, (Daniel L. Braine) but wasn't identified for several days. He recovered and lived into his 80s.<br /><br />The film won the Academy Award as the best documentary feature of 1944. It is the source of most of the clips of carrier action that appear endlessly in films and features about the Pacific war.<br /><br />If you are interested, Barnes and Noble now have this film on DVD for about $5.

 

[shooter26]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Thank You for the info. My dad served on the USS BRAINE DD630 during WWII.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Truth is stranger than fiction! one good yarn<br />round the campfire fer sure!

 

[JB]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Braine was a great ship with a great crew, Shooter.<br /><br />Distinguished herself on radar picket duty at Okinawa (I believe). Shot down several Kamikaze and survived two direct hits by Kamikaze.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Fantastic story, JB. There were a lot of guys from WW2 still in when I was in the service. Even some "flying sergeants" who were enlisted fighter pilots. What we went through had no comparison to what the average GI went through in WW2. A debt that can never be repaid.

 

[Scoop]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Great story JB.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Thanks JB, I'll look out for it.<br /><br />Shooter26 - are you familiar with the following web site ?<br /><br /> http://www.ussbrainedd630.com/

 

[shooter26]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Thanks Kiwi, This is very interesting. My Dad has some video and other literature on his ship and this will make a good addition. I’m very PROUD and THANKFUL for the contributions of my Dad and all other service men/women for the FREEDOM we have now. <br />Again thank you very much.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Shooter26 - you're welcome.<br /><br />The USS Braine's adventures make very interesting reading.<br /><br />Long live the USN !

 

[DJ]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

For those of you truly interested in WWII history. There is a magazine available that has facinating stories and very well detailed accounts of WWII happenings. <br /><br />It is called: World War II<br /><br />I subscribe to the mag. and it is about $25.00/year.<br /><br />To subscribe call: 800-829-3340

 

[Solittle]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

I have had a wonderful oportunity to get a bit of first hand WWII info. Went flying in a Cessna a couple of weeks ago with an 82 yr old WWII fighter pilot who flew combat with the 8th Air Force out of England over France in WWII in 1944. He flew P-38s and P-51s. He flies regularly today and his hobby is Microsoft Flight Simulator - as is mine when not playing with boats. He is in great health and sharp as they come. He flew DC3s through 747s for Pam Am after the war.<br /><br />Howard<br />Miami Fl

 

[Karl Seibel]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Hey SoLittle<br /> Thats about how old my dad would have been today, 81 to be exact, but he died in 1985. I was 19. But still like to find many things out about him. He didn't say much about when he was on his B-17 bomber. Radio man. But watch alot of History Channel and those guys were like brothers. Like to find more about him. It's not everyday that you run into a man that flyed in WWII. Just be glad that you had that experience to meet him.

 

[JB]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

If you are ever in the vicinity of Midland, TX (on IH-20) be sure to take a couple of hours to visit the Commemorative Air Force Museum there.<br /><br />Lots of info and exhibits of 8th Air Force history, as well as some great restored aircraft from the period.

 

[DJ]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

JB,<br /><br />That is an excellent display. They have a branch here at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ., called the Champlin Fighter Museum.<br /><br />There are over 30 WWI and just as many WWII fighters on display in seperate buildings. There is also an excellent WWII art gallery and static displays of WWI and II gear and photos.<br /><br />Falcon Field also sports the world's only flying Heinkel.

 

[mrmargaritaville]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

That movie is shown reguarly on the Yorktown that is tied at Patriot Point in Charleston SC. (Here I go hawking Charleston again). The Yorktown is fascinating-they have an "aircraft museum" on the Yorktown-Korean and Vietnam era aircraft on the flight deck, WWII aircraft on the hanger deck. If you have never visited Charleston\Patriots Point-you should the trip is a must. The thing that has always fascianted me about WWII era aviators is the fact that they took off from the carrier decks with little more than a compass were expected to find enemy ships, attack and find their way home, again using nothing more than a compass-ice water in their veins, and balls of stainless steel. In addition to the Yorktown Patriot's Point has a WW II Destroyer, and a Diesel sub. (they use to have the SS Savanah until it was towed away to be cut up about ten years ago). Interestingly enough you can also visit the site where the Hunley is being studied (Warren Lasch lab at the old Charleston Naval base).

 

[SCO]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

Anybody else see the WWII museum in New Orleans? First class. The link:<br /> http://www.ddaymuseum.org/index.html?bhcp=1

 

[12Footer]

Re: Interested in WWII history?

I'm a "History Channel Junkie" too. It's allways on when I'm home, with the exception of the present time (FOX is on 24/7 for the duration).<br /><br />The story of the SS Intrepid brought tear to my eyes. I'd like to visit the "Fighting-I" some day. I think it's in NYC, restored and turned into a museum.<br />At any rate, here is the online story of the "FIGHTING- I"