DUTY, HONOR, COURAGE, RESILIANCE

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           Talking Proud: Service & Sacrifice

"Talking Proud" is a potent platform that celebrates the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of our military and first responders. I bring you stories of courage, resilience, and heroism, showcasing extraordinary people who embody the true spirit of America. 


In addition to stories about the US military, I also share insightful accounts about allied militaries and their critical role in safeguarding global peace and security. Join me in honoring those who put their lives on the line every day to protect us.

CURRENT FEATURES

The Korean War: My Curiosity

Credit: Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chase Baran 

“Hey, lieutenant. Where are we? Why hell, sergeant. We’re in Korea. How do you know? 

Colonel Peter F.C. Armstrong, USMC (Ret.)


About 5.7 million Americans served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Many had just served in WWII, and some would go on to serve in Vietnam. I have found the Korean War engaging and compelling, filled with positives, negatives, and many questions. Driven by my curiosity, I intend to present a series of stories about this war.


This is the first: “Joe Darrigo and the Big Surprise” 


August 30, 2024

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“For them, the war was over. But a new war was beginning, the personal war of prison camp life.” 

Major Robert Eckman, 168th Infantry, POW


“The experience of captivity was a ‘life within a life.’”

National WWII Museum 


The Germans established Oflag 64 at Sczubin, Poland for  American Army officer prisoners of war (POW), popularly known  as “Kriegies.” This report addresses the “personal wars” of POWs at Oflag 64 during the period January 1945 through liberation in May 1945., for the most part, expressed by them. The stories of the Oflag 64 POWs focus on their "Long march out" and the personal struggles that ensued.


June 4, , 2024

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Drawing by Jim Bickers

The Kriegies of Oflag 64, WWII

U-223 sank the Dorchester

While driving through Wisconsin, I drove into the Dorchester village, and spotted  what, from a distance, appeared to be a carefully arranged pile of stones. 


This was a memorial to the US Army Transport, USAT, Dorchester. I did not know about the Dorchester, so I looked to see what happened.


I learned a valuable piece of history not widely known.


April 13. 2024


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Airborne Peripheral Reconnaissance, Cold War Losses


“Silent Sacrifices”

The “Cold War” followed immediately after the end of WWII. The fact that The US did not know what was going on behind the Iron Curtain to the east formed the foundation of the need to find out. The requirement grew almost immediately to fly airborne reconnaissance over the USSR and around the periphery of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact. This report addresses 12 of 13 US peripheral reconnaissance losses to the Soviets during the Cold War years.  

April 11, 2024

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Lima Site 85, Laos: Exceptional Courage Against Impossible Odds

The report covers the NVA attack on LS-85 in March 1968, which resulted in its destruction and the loss of 12 USAF personnel, the biggest loss of USAF people in the Indochina War. Despite the tragic events, the story highlights the exceptional courage displayed by those who fought against seemingly impossible odds. We should honor their monumental service and sacrifice.

March 21, 2024

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Ed Marek, editor

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