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

“Nobody kicks ass without 

a tanker’s gas - nobody!”

Airman First Class (A1C) Lori Wood Davis was a KC-135 boom operator, a “boomer” for short. She had two stripes, the third lowest enlisted rank, but she was in charge when it came time to refuel another aircraft while in the air. She said, “Let’s face it… I laid on my belly and passed gas… I stuck the pole in the hole… I was chauffeured to work and back by officers...When I did get out (of the USAF), I married a Boom Operator. Our kids are ‘Baby Boomers.’ Ha!”


The KC-135 is now almost 70 years old. They’ll probably be with us for at least a decade more.  This story is about the aircraft, their crews, and the aircraft that receive the much needed fuel to accomplish their missions.



November 7, 2024

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I recall hearing the radio station talk about how many MiG-kills our F-86 Sabre jets achieved every day. I remember getting a huge charge from hearing how great the F-86 was against the MiG-15. It was the dawn of the jet age. However, I didn’t know why the F-86s were fighting the MiGs in a place the radio announcer called “MiG Alley.” I didn’t realize where MiG Alley was or why it was there. 


This is in three parts. 


Part One: Political wheeling & dealing. 

Part Two: Military Invasion & the MiG-15 arrives

Part Three: China Air War Plan & F-86 arrives & Kill ratios

October 10, 2024

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MiG Alley Korean War

Linnie Lickrone, “the heart of a true nurse,” WWI

This story is about Miss Linnie E. Leckrone, Army Nurse Corps (ANC), WWI, at the Battle of Château-Thierry, France, in July 1918. It is also a story about the many heroines of this war, caring for so many soldiers whose daily companions were death, stench, rot, and futility. I can only give you a taste of these horrors and the supreme valor, backbone, and spirit of nurses in that war. I have a special place in my heart for nurses, all nurses.

October 31, 2024


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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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