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Blog the Last

In the eight and a half years that have passed since September 11, 2001, a small amount of art has emerged.  Hollywood, for example, has produced very few movies that are directly focused on the events of that day, and none of those films received any major awards or grand critical reception.

For part one of this blog, consider why there has been so little  art (film, music, television, painting...) produced that addresses 9/11.   A special hint to help you with you considerations: it is often said that history belongs to the victors or that history is written by the winners or something similar.  What the victors and the winners all have is ownership.  It would be pretty fair to say that there weren't any winners on 9/11, but there were a lot of owners.  Not buying it?  Ask anyone who was older than you where they were when the planes hit the towers.  How many people can you find that actually saw the buildings collapse?  This was not a D-Day or a Kennedy assassination that a handful of people witnessed.  This played out on national television.  Think of what that does to the ownership of the event.  Think of how that affects its memory.

One of the best pieces of at that has come out of 9/11 is Bruce Springsteen's album The Rising.  Though he is from New Jersey, he is often thought of as a voice of New York.  Many funerals of 9/11 victims, for example, had requests for his songs like "Born in the USA" and "Thunder Road".  Peruse the album here (you can visit YouTube for a full version of any song).  For part two, pick one song and post your explanation of why you think it's a good anthem for 9/11.

Songs of the 1960s

For this assignment, you will explore the wonderful world of 1960s music, the "oldies", as we call them now.  A quick Google search will reveal some fine tunes if you are lost.  When you have found THE song of the 1960s, post it here with an explanation of why you think this song speaks for all of the 1960s.

AH2: Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy Theories

As you are now aware, President Kennedy was tragically assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas.  The American people were shocked, saddened, and eager for answers.  To many, those answers came far too quickly.

According to the Warren Commission, Lee Harvey Oswald and Lee Harvey Oswald alone assassinated the president.  For many people, that has never been a good enough explanation for the events of November 22.

After reviewing some of the conspiracy theories, pick one that you find to be the most logical/believable.  In your post, explain the theory and why you believe it.

JFK Conspiracy Theories

WH2: The Industrial Revolution

Read the article here by Tyler Cowen and post your reaction to it by this Friday!

WH1 Reading Assignment

In addition to 10.1 this weekend....

Feudalism!

AH2: Wounded

We skip ahead a few months in 1944.  In the time we missed, the Allies have moved from Rome into southern France to prepare for a final assault on Germany.  These are the final entries from Larry's journal that we will be looking at:

October 30, 1944

Up at 0800, had a cup of coffee.  We are going to move our Aid Station up.  We all got our equipment on and started out.  About ¾ mile up the road in the Vosges Mountains (Foret de Mortagne) near St. Die, France, in a wooded area the Germans sent in 88 mm artillery barrage in our direction.  There was a jeep about 7 yards behind me and the first shell hit it.  A gragment hit me in the left thigh, middle third, posterior aspect at 10:00.  I was able to get half way back to the Aid Station then a jeep took me the rest of the way.  Other shells landed nearby.  I felt a stinging sensation in my left leg and my pants were full of blood.  Felt like I jumped in a tub of hot gravy.  A small fragment also hit my left ear.

My leg started to stiffen up.  Jack put a bandage on the wound.  I was lucky I survived.  There were other casualties and deaths.

I got into the ambulance along with others and was taken to the 59^th Evacuation Hospital about 12:50.  I was X rayed at 14:00.  They wheeled me to the operating tent at 16:00 for the operation to remove the shrapnel from my leg.  I was given a shot of sodium penathal and told to count.  I remember counting to 3 and I was in dream land.  I woke up in a recovery room later.  Wondering if my leg was still there.  Leg was heavily bandaged.

This was my brother (Harry Ronald Bennett) 14^th birthday.

October 31, 1944

The nurse gave me a bath and changed the dressing on my bed.  My wound bled all night.  I have been receiving shots in my arm every three hours (penicillin).  Arms are getting sore.  This bed pan stuff is for the birds, not comfortable.

November 1, 1944

I was able to get to the wash room on cruches.  All my meals are served in bed.  Leg is really throbbing.  Still getting shots in my arms.

November 2, 1944

Still in bed but leg does not throb so much.  There are a large number of casualties here in the hospital.

November 3, 1944

Another day on my back.  Can’t straighten my left leg out.  This is Dad’s (George Henry Bennett) 51^st birthday.

November 6, 1944

A hospital train pulled in at 13:00 and we were loaded aboard at 16:00.  I was carried on a litter.  Madlin Carol was the Red Cross worker on the train.  She played records for us and handed out tooth brush, paste, and candy, etc.

November 8, 1944

Another day in the hospital.  I am not feeling all that great.  Don’t seem to be getting any better.  They doped me up with some kind of medicine tonight.

November 9, 1944

I was operated on this morning about 09:40.  They gave me morphine beside the regular anesthetic.  I started to recover about 15:00 and I was sick to my stomach.  I was served some soup.  My leg is stiff and sore.

Shell fragment founds, unlike smooth bullet wounds, leave countless shreds of flesh as it tears through.  These shreds die and cause infection and gangrene unless removed.  The surgeon has to cut and lay open the route of the fragment and carve out the tissues.  The wound is left to drain.  Consequently a long recovery period.

November 10, 1944

My wound continued to bleed all day.  The nurse gave me a sleeping pill so that I could get some rest.

November 11, 1944

Another day, my leg is still bleeding and smells terrible.

November 15, 1944

Getting along about the same, no improvement.

November 16, 1944

Mom’s (Grace Lillian Bennett) 50^th birthday.  I’m still laid up.  It was just a year ago that I was wounded on Mount Rotundo in Southern Italy.

November 17, 1944

The Major (Doctor) changed the dressing on my wound this morning.  My wound had opened up again.  He said that it may have to be sewn up again in the next week.  I hope not, I’m getting discouraged.

November 18, 1944

I was a year ago thoday that we got relieved by the 36^th Infantry Division just south of Cassino in Italy and returned to Naples area (Pozzuoli) to train for the Anzio beachhead invasion.  A lot has happened since then but I’m still alive.

November 22, 1944 Wednesday

Received hot soaks on my wound, trying to take the infection out.  The smell is driving me nuts (must be the dead tissue).

November 23, 1944 Thursday

Thanksgiving Day, thankfull that I am still here.  We were served a very nice meal.  Roast turkey, potatoes, culaflower, cabbage salad, cranberry sauce, roll, coffee, and pie.

November 24, 1944 Friday

Received hot soaks to my leg again today.  I don’t know if this is doing any good.

December 4, 1944

I was discharged from the 35^th Station Hospital about 1530.  Boarded the Hospital Train at 16:00.  We pulled out at 16:30.  They served chow at 1800.  Headed south down the Rohn Valley to Southern France.

December 6, 1944

At 0630 this morning my wound started to hemorrahage and I had lost about a quart of blood.  They offered me a glass of water but I was too weak to hold the glass and dropped it.  I had a blood transfusion this afternoon.

December 7, 1944

I had a visit to the Dentist and started having my teeth fixed, several cavities.  Extractions of a front tooth (upper) and a partial made.  I haven’t had my teeth taken care of since I’ve been overseas.  My teeth are soft and need attention.  I went to a Church service here in the hospital.  Feeling better today.

December 25, 1944

My stay in the hospital continues and I spend Christmas here.  We were served a very nice dinner.  Luckier than the poor doggies (GI) on the firing line  This is the second Christmas that I have been unable to be with Betty, Family, and friends.  I feel a bit sad but I am one of the thousands of GIs away from home.

December 31, 1944

Today is Betty Rendell’s 20^th birthday and she is far away.  Can’t celebrate

January 1945

The Doctor checked my wound and decided to perform a skin graft to my wound to see if it would help the healing process.  An operation was scheduled and a layer of skin was shaved off the back of my right leg and laid over my wound.
As I continue to recuperate in the hospital my Division (3^rd) is involved in the winter fighting near Colmar and Strasbourg, France.

February 1945

Still remain in the Hospital in Southern France.  The graft did not help to heal the wound.

AH2: Anzio

In this entry, Larry joins the Third Division in their invasion of Italy.  This strategy was pushed by Winston Churchill, who insisted the Allies attack southern Europe before landing at Normandy.  Though the Allies eventually win the battle at Anzio, it is remembered for being a failure of leadership, as the troops were trapped on the beaches for months before advancing to Rome.  In your response this week, consider why Larry's entries become less frequent and, perhaps, less personal.

January 22, 1944

The American Sixth Corp (British 1^s and American 3^rd Division) landed at Anzio/Nettuno, 35 miles south of Rome.  This was to be the trump.  Drawing the Germans from the Cassino front.

36,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches.  We headed full speed ahead for shore at 04:00.  We hit a sand bar, the ramps were lowered, and disembarked into the cold Mediterranean water.  Our location was almost 4 miles south of Anzio.  We were lucky the Navy got us that close, the water was only about chest high.

The beachhead was eight miles deep and 15 miles wide.  Several small villages in the area Ponte Rotto, Isola Bella, and Campo Morto.  This was a strange place with drainage ditches criss-crossing the area and in the distance large mountains.

  

We were pinned down by a vastly superior German force of 80,000 to push us into the sea but we held.

February 20, 1944

After numerous attacks the Allies had lost another five thousand men to add to the 14,000 casualties already suffered before the German attacks.  I was really busy with all the casualties.

We had to go into no man’s land and retrieve the wounded casualties at night.  A very scary situation.  Very hard at times to locate and remove them.  Germans would set off flares that would light up the area.  You had to stop and not move for fear of being detected.

February 28, 1944

German shelling has increased with low clouds and rain.  Our air force is grounded and can’t help take out these targets.

The German armies are starting their counter attacks to push us off the beachhead and into the sea, it’s raining.  The attacks were by the Herman Goering Division and SS troopers.

Troops at Monte Cassino are having their problems trying to advance.  It was the intent that the invasion at Anzio (behind enemy lines) would cause the German line to fold and that the two fronts would be able to meet.  Didn’t happen.

The German fighter planes would approach the beachhead from the east (out of the mountains) coming low.  Often they would pass overhead so close you could see the pilot and read the numbers.  One pilot even waved to us on his way to the port.

March 2, 1944

We had a formation of B-24 Liberators (about two dozen) came in low.  They were giving us close ground support.  They came under intense enemy fire.  We liked the support but it seems costly for the Air Force.

Propaganda leaflets were fired at us in artillery shells that scattered them over the forward areas.  We had to wait until dark to gather them for souvenirs.  We found them amusing, they were inviting us to surrender.

March 15, 1944

The 3^rd Battalion, L-Company had high casualties.  We could only evacuate them after darkness fell.  Made it very difficult.  We couldn’t give our position away. 

Doc Sampson was born on the Anzio beachhead (a brown/white dog) of medium size.  He became our mascot and remained with the unit.

May 23, 1944

I was awarded the Bronze Star for carrying a wounded comrade on my back, under fire, to safety while crawling on my hands and knees.

June 4-5, 1944

We entered the city of Rome triumphantly.  Both sides had suffered heavy losses.  The Italian citizens welcomed us as we entered in battle lines. 

June 6, 1944

We received the flash announcement that the Allies stated the invasion across the English Channel to Normandy, France, and we are no longer front page news.  Rome is divided into zones, allotted to Regiments to establish guard and police duty.

 

AH2: On to Europe

We pick up where we left off with Larry.  In this section, he will complete his training and head off to Europe:

March 28, 1943

My 19^th birthday, a very sad day for me.  I felt very low, away from home.  Looking ahead to three months of basic training and regimentation.  With answering only yes sir or no sir.  Also started a series of shots.

April 1943

Getting used to the Army routine, up early (reveille), roll call, rifle training (Garand M1).  Hard to accept all of the regimentation.  Required to shave every day.  Inspections all the time (unannounced).  Continued with the required medical shots.  Both arms very sore and feel like lead weights.

May 1943

My second month at Camp Robinson.  Target practice on the firing range with the M1 rifle.  Infiltration course with live ammunition being fired over head, a little scary crawling in the mud under barbed wire and seeing white tracers overhead.

June 1943

Spending my time at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas, last month of basic training.

June 11, 1943

Betty was able to purchase a new pair of shoes with her ration stamp #17.

June 21, 1943

Race riots erupted in Detroit.  My cousin Robert (Bob) Mosher and Gladys were married.

June 25, 1943

My outfit was out on bivouac at Camp Robinson.  Had to watch for chiggers (bugs), sleeping on the ground.  They would get under the surface of the skin causing infection.  Also had has chamber drills with gas masks.  Walked into the chamber with mask off.  Gas was released and we had to put the gas mask on.  Had a little trouble but survived.

June 1943

We were alerted one day here at camp and much to our surprise President Franklin D. Roosevelt rode through as we stood at attention as he passed by.

September 1943

Departed from Camp Shelby at 16:00, Saturday afternoon by 2 ½ ton trucks and taken to the train station where we boarded a troop train.  We started out heading northeast.  The first big city was Birmingham, Alabama at about midnight.  Reached Atlanta, Georgia about 19:30 on Sunday.  Crossed South Carolina, North Carolina to Virginia.

We were taken to Camp Patrick Henry near Newport News, Virginia (Williamsburg).  This camp was used for the deployment of troops to the European Theater of Operation.

The one thing I remember well of this camp was the excellent chow.  I pulled KP (kitchen police) one day.  We only stayed here a couple of days.  We had a delicious roasted chicken dinner with all the trimmings.  One of the best meals I had in the six months of Army life.  Our stay here was short

Our orders were cut to go to Sicily but the swift Allied force had taken over the country with the Germans in fast retreat. 

September 14, 1943

We boarded a troop train in Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia, which took us the short distance to the Newport News shipping dock (near Williamsburg) where we boarded a Liberty ship.  Not a pleasant experience.  One hold was for 500 troops, the rest of the ship was loaded with cargo.  The ship was to be part of a large convoy heading for Africa.  We did not know of our destination at this time.  I became very sea sick during this long trip across the Atlantic Ocean (zig-zagging).  Seven days of misery.  We had been assigned to bunks in narrow aisles and stacked 24 inches apart and 6 bunks high.  Our helmets were hung on the bunk and they would sway with the motion of the ship.  This in no way helped my sea sickness.  It was very hot and stuffy in the hold.  Nothing was given to counteract the sickness.

October 4, 1943

After 20 days, the convoy reached the Straits of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean Sea.  We had barrage balloons attached to several ships (to prevent aircraft from strafing).  This was a very large convoy and reassembled in the Mediterranean.  Chow was served on the open deck out of very large pots.  I was unable to eat for the first seven days.  No place to sit except on the steel deck.  The latrine was a trough emptying into the sea.

Best days of the voyage, sea was calm and I worked KP.  Had a slice of bread and butter before I finished duty.  This was not easy to get because of the shortage of food.

There was no privacy in the head (toilets, latrine). 

We passed Oran, Algeria this morning but was unable to see the city.  We have been following the African coast all day.  There are mountains all along the coast.  In the afternoon I observed two whales about fifty yards from the ship.  This large convoy consists of tankers, Liberty ships, submarines, cruisers, and frigets.

Everything was so peaceful tonight when all of a sudden at 19:00 came 9 planes from the northeast.  They were quite high and flew right over the convoy.  They were forgotten.  Everyone was playing cards, checkers, and we all jumped and saw them to our north.  Two of our fighter planes were chasing them.  We could see the tracer bullets from our fighters.  One of the German planes was hit and came down in smoke.

Our Navy boys also had opened fire on them from our convoy.  A ship about 600 yards from us had a near miss by an enemy bomb.  That was enough for me.  I hit the deck behind cover.  The sky looked like a mass of fire with red and yellow tracers.  No one was standing on deck except the Marines and sailors who were manning the guns of which we have ten include a 3 inch and a 5 inch.  In all the raid lasted a half hour which was long enough for me.  Ships to our right were firing right over our heads.  The Navy fellows did a very good job.  That was the last we could see because it got dark.  I was told later that three of the convoy ships had been hit, one sank, and two were damaged.

Everyone stood around talking and waiting for the German planes to return.  It got to be 21:30 and no more activity.  I got my blanket and steel helmet and slept on deck.  The sailors and Marines slept by their anti-aircraft guns when not on watch.

October 5, 1943

Today is our 21^st day at sea.  I got up at 0600 with all the rest of the fellows because we expected another air raid by the German Luftwaffe.  We have about 12 barrage balloons attached to our convoy.  We passed Algiers about 08:00 this morning.  It appears to be a large city covering the side of a mountain.  It looked as if the buildings were all of brick construction.  We dropped off some ships at Algiers and picked up some for the convoy.  We could hear explosions to the rear of us all day but could not see any action.  About 13:00 this afternoon one of our ships shot off one of their guns and you should have seen the troops jump.  In fact all day we were uneasy at the least little bang.  After chow at 1630 the ships rails were lined with soldiers, sailors, and Marines scanning the sky looking for enemy aircraft.  At 1900 it got dark and the Germans had not shown up.  Two of the convoys barrage balloons got away tonight.  It started to rain at 20:30 so we didn’t have to worry about the German planes returning.  You have the feeling that you are a sitting duck out here in the sea.

October 6, 1943

Another day has come which makes it our twenty second day at sea.  We expected the enemy planes to return again this morning but they were a no show.  It was a very clear day.

October 7, 1943

Pulled into port at Bizerte, Tunisia, Africa, where we disembarked and were then loaded onto 2 ½ ton trucks and taken to a replacement depot on the side of a hill.  Stayed in this area three nights.  We were sheltered in 2 man pup tents.  Each soldier carries a shelter half and the two are snapped together to form the tent.  Not much room but serves the purpose.  Arabs would prowl around the area at night trying to steal.  It gave us an eerie feeling.  We were scheduled to go to Sicily but the advance by the fighting troops was so swift and the country was secured earlier than expected and we were not needed.

As a replacement I would be assigned to a fighting Infantry Division.  Our assignments did come and I was assigned to Compan L 3^rd Battalion 30^th Infantry Regiment 3^rd Infantry Division.

The invasion of Italy, Gulf of Salerno, south of Naples took place September 9, 1943.  Field Marshall Kesselring’s Panzer Division was the tough enemy.  The Allies had occupies Naples, Italy.

October 10, 1943

We boarded a British LST (landing ship tank) and sailed the Mediterranean Sea from Bizerte to Naples, Italy.  The ship really rolled with its flat bottom.  Met by 2 ½ ton trucks as we landed.  The 3^rd Infantry Division was crossing the Volturno River.  We were trucked to the replacement depot and then to the 30^th Infantry Regiment.

October 13, 1943

The 3^rd Division forged the Volturno River and defeated the savage armore and counter attacks of the Panzer Battle Group of the crack Herman Goering Division.

October 14, 1943

We marched to the 3^rd Battalion and onto L Company which was on the front line, as a rifleman.  Very mountainous terrain.  Artillery shells are falling and I am scared stiff.  Dug myself a fox hole for protection.  No more bathrooms, hot water, or hot food (D-Ration).

October 19, 1943

My first day of actual combat (small arms fire) fighting for the high ground near the town of Pietravairano.  Italian forces had surrendered several weeks before but the German troops continued the battle forcing some Italian soldierst to fight on their side.

October 21, 1943

We were moved into position for the attack in a wooded area during the night.  There was a four hour artillery concentration on the German positions to soften them up.  At daybreak we attacked across the valley and assaulted Mount San Nicola.  we encountered personnel mines, booby traps, and small arms fire.  We met close combat conditions.  I Was asked to go forward to seek out the German position.  I was close enough to have a grenade thrown at me.  I was able to duck behind rocks as it exploded.  It was a potato masher (concussion type grenade).  This really shook me up, thank goodness it wasn’t in a closed area.

The Germans threw Nebeliverfer fire at us, this is a mortar with multiple tubes, large shells with a thick casing.  It is a very nerve wracking, screaming shell.  The sound makes to tremble all over.

October 27, 1943

Captured the town of Pietravairano.  We had been without food and water because supplies could not reach us.  The valleys were cold and the roads muddy from all the rain.

Italy is a mountainous country.  One hundred miles wide, with mountains reaching 6000 feet.  No sooner one mountain or river has been crossed than another bars the way.  It was thought that with the modern weapons infantry would be obsolete but with the Italian campaign it was the only way.

November 1, 1943

The Italian campaign had stalled with the rough terrain.  The German Winter Line 1943/1944 or Gustav Line lay ahead.  Some of the peaks reached one mile high.  We advanced toward Mount Rotundo

November 6, 1943

The dog faces (infantry men) were physically exhausted by weeks of continuous fighting in the Apennine Mountains.  We had mules and burros carrying supplies, food, ammunition, water, wire, etc.  Some fell from the narrow trails to their death below.  Very treacherous terrain.  Encountered many mine fields, rain, mud, artillery rifle machine gun fire, and mortars.  It was cold and damp and heavy mist (foggy) in the high elevation.

November 10, 1943

We captured Mount Rotundo, this was a tough fight.  We encountered the German (Nebeliverfer).  This is a mortar with a shell about 4 inches in diameter.  They were mounted on trailers with banks of 2 to 6.  They had whistles on their fins and when fired, usually one after another, they screamed through the air.  It sounded like it would land in your hip pocket.  Great concussions when they exploded.  The weapon had a devastating effect psychologically on you.

With 2 depleted companies (I and L).  L Company had 55 men.  Lieutenant Maurice Britt was one of the heroes during German counter attacks to regain Mount Rotundo.  Lieutenant Britt was treated by the 3^rd Battalion (Doc Roy Hanford) for wounds received during the fierce battle.  Britt was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

Note: At a later date, I will be under Dr. Hanford’s command in the 3^rd Battalion Aid Station.

November 7-12, 1943

For this period the 3^rd Battalion 30^th Infantry Regiment received the Distinguished Unit Citation (worn over the right pocket of the uniform).  We had no food or water during this battle.

It was during this time I received a wound to the middle finger of my left hand.  Nothing serious (November 16^th my Mother’s birthday).

The narrow mountain roads are crowded with armored vehicles, supply trucks, artillery, and troops.  The roads are damaged, muddy, and also have blown bridges.  This is bad to have the artillery tied up lie this and not in firing position.  It’s miserable in the rain, no way to get dry.

November 17, 1943

Winter is just around the corner with a few snow flakes in the air.  We are relieved by the 36^th Infantry Division.  We had broken the German Winter Line and forced the first approaches to Mount Cassino to the north. 

It was a great relief to be off the line and able to relax.  Tension on the line is terrible.  We were taken back to a bivouac area to rest in squad tents.  Out of the elements for a couple of days.  New replacements would be arriving to fill the depleted ranks.

Started receiving hot food from the kitchen unit.  While here I found out the 3^rd Battalion Aid Station was looking for volunteers (litter bearers) so I turned my name in and became a permanent Combat Medic Aid Man.  Transferring from L Company to the 3^rd Battalion Aid Station.  In exchange for a rifle I carried medical supplies and litters (for removing battle casualties from the field).  Had a few snow flakes today.

The kitchen was set up and we were served hot meals (a first for a while).  One breakfast item was a scrambled egg (powdered) roll-up with jelly.  I ate this, I guess I must have been hungry.  We stayed at this site for a week before moving out.  Thanksgiving was just another day but with hot meals.

I had tonsillitis for a couple of days.  You really miss home when you’re sick.

December 1943

The Division was trucked (2 ½ ton trucks) back to an area just north of Naples in a town named Pozzuoli and set up in squad tents.  Located in an olive orchard, fig trees and vineyards.

New Divisions were arriving at the front.  Fighting had ground to a virtual halt.  Conditions favored the Germans (wet weather, mountainous terrain, etc.).  We had a noticeable number of colds and sickness among the troops.

Bill Maudlin (cartoonist) of the 45^th Infantry Division started having cartoons in the Stars and Stripes (military paper).  We looked forward to them because they portrayed the front line dogface (soldiers).  We were tired, bearded, and dirty.

The one nice thing that happened we got a shower.  Oil drums over head were filled with water, they had holes punched in the bottom.  Stripped off our clothes and went through the line with a bar of soap.  Toweled off and were issued new clothes (first in weeks).  Our uniforms were stiff with dirt and grime.

The Battalion was brought up to strength with replacements.  Our training was basically amphibious in landings, north and south of Naples from LCI (landing craft infantry) and rope ladders from the side of ships into small landing craft.  Also from DUKWs (2 ½ ton amphibious trucks).  We had exercises hitting the beach in full gear.  Really got wet and uncomfortable.  We would put anything valuable in our packets in a condom for water protection.

We had a couple of one day passes into Naples to see some of the sites.  The city was pretty well preserved.  Frank and I had our pictures taken.

December 25, 1943

Christmas was just another day in the life of a soldier.  I miss Betty and my family, but we have a job to do.  A Christmas dinner was served.

December 28, 1943

The Commanding General Fifth Army (Mark Clark) informed the Commanding General of the 3^rd Infantry Division (Lucian Truscott) that the Division would take part in an amphibious operation to be known as “Shingle” scheduled for about January 20, 1944.

December 31, 1943

1943 has come to the end.  What a year of events.  This was also Betty Rendell’s 19^th birthday.  It would have been nice to celebrate with her.

Post your reaction by FRIDAY!

WH1: Answering the Question of Ownership

As we saw in the film about the search for and discovery of the tomb of King Tut, the question of ownership becomes very important in the development of history.  In more simple terms, once we have found something (for example, King Tut), who owns it?

On the one hand, you have Howard Carter, who spent his life searching for the tomb and actually found it.

On the other hand, you have the Egyptian government, on whose land the tomb actually was and whose history it actually is.

This question comes up often, even locally.  Read the brief article here about the Griffin, a 17th century French ship found in the waters of Lake Michigan. 

Also, read this article from 1922 about Egypt seizing King Tut's tomb.

After you've read, post your thoughts on the question of ownership.  Who, ultimately, should be the owner of historical artifacts that are found?  Be sure to comment on the content of both articles as well as anything else you find relevant.

DUE MONDAY FEBRUARY 15

AH2: The Story of Larry Bennett

One of the most remarkable things about exploring World War II is the vast amount of personal histories that can be found.  For the next few weeks, we will be following the story of Larry Bennett, a Detroit native who served in the United States Army in the European Theatre.  Your blog post each week will be a reaction to his diary entries.  As you go through each week, be sure to consider, among other things, how Bennett's entries personalize the war for you.

This week:

June 1942

After completion of the first half of the 12^th grade at Edwin Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan, I started my vocation.  I applied for a defense job at Carboly Company on East 8 Mile Road, Warren, Michigan.  I was a cutter grinder on the afternoon shift.

July 1942

Purchased my first car, a 1937 Pontiac 4 door sedan (green).  Working afternoons.

August 1942

Continued working afternoons.

September 1942

Back to school, Edwin Denby H.S. for my last term and also working afternoons (full-time), a full day.  I begain seeing Betty Rendell working as a hall guard in front of the school library.  She was also in my first aid class and the driver education class “Ma in the Motor Car.”

December 25, 1942

Christmas at home with family.

December 26, 1942

First date with Betty Rendell, went to the Dawn Theater on Gratiot Avenue in Detroit to see Holiday Inn.  This was a double date with Betty Gable (cousin) and Bob Kruger.

December 31, 1942

Betty Rendell’s 18^th birthday.

January 3, 1943

Betty Rendell and I went tobogganing at Green Glen with some of my friends, Ed Miesch, Bob Kruger, Jean Kruger, etc.  It was fun and we had a great time.

January 10, 1943

Betty and I went ice skating at Belle Isle with Betty Gable and Bob Kruger on the canals.  This was one of my favorite things to do in the winter.  I really enjoyed ice skating.

January 22, 1943

Cap and Gown Day was our special day at Edwin Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan on Kelly Road.  Betty and I were able to share this fun time.

January 25, 1943

This was our class party day which we spent ice skating at Belle Isle.  A great time.

January 28, 1943

Graduation Day from Denby, again Betty and I were able to share this occasion.  My 1A classification was received in the mail from Uncle Sam but my mom (Grace L. Bennett) held this information from me until after the graduation ceremony.  Betty came back to my home (14033 Park Grove, Detroit, Michigan) and Mom prepared dessert.

January 30, 1943

This was the date for our Class Prom.  Betty Rendell was my date during a wonderful evening at the Statler Hotel in downtown Detroit.  I asked Betty to go steady and she accepted.  I was excited and was looking forward to a great relationship with her.  World conditions did not look good.  We were at war with both Japan and Germany/Italy.  With my 1A classification, I was sure to be drafted.

February 2, 1943

My preliminary physical examination for the draft was taken at Dr. Russell G. Cushing located at 13424 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit, Michigan at 2 PM.

February 8, 1943

Betty started taking college classes at Wayne University in Detroit, Michigan.

February 21, 1943

Betty and I went to the Builders Show at Convention Hall on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, Michigan.

February 28, 1943

Had a date with Betty, we went bowling.

March 8, 1943

Received my United States Army induction papers.  A.S.N. 36586414.

March 9, 1943

Bob Kruger (Park Grove friend) left for Camp Custer, Michigan.

March 17, 1943

Had my U.S. Army physical taken at a large warehouse on East Jefferson Avenue near downtown Detroit.  Terminated my employment at Carboly Company where I worked as a cutter grinder since June 1942 on defense work located on East 8 Mile Road, Warren, Michigan.

March 21, 1943

My mother (Grace Bennett) had all her relatives to the house (14033 Park Grove) to celebrate my 19^th birthday and bid me farewell and good luck in the Army.

March 24, 1943

The family, Mom, Dad, Elaine, Ron, and Betty, took me to the Michigan Central Station on West Vernor Highway and Fort Street in Detroit.  We said goodbyes.  A very emotional time for me.  Boarded the troop train with many other young men in the same situation, all strangers, and taken to Fort Custer, Battle Creek, Michigan, where we were inducted into the U.S. Army.  We were processed, clothing, etc., and assigned to units.  Stayed here for two days.  Experiencing a different kind of living.

March 26, 1943

Boarded a troop train and we were taken to Little Rock, Arkansas, Camp Robinson, for Basic Training.  Betty and I have now been steady for three months, but miles apart.

DUE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12

WH2: Biopic Trailer

There are many important figures that we explored in Chapter 17, many of whom are deserving candidates for a film to be made about their life.  Since Hollywood big-wigs rarely have the time or patience to listen to film pitches from high school students, you're going to bring more than your A game.  You're going to bring Animoto.

Using Animoto, create a movie trailer for the biopic starring any person from Chapter 17.  Be sure it includes brief biographical snippets or words that could describe your person, much like you would see in a movie trailer.

When you have completed the trailer, post it here.

DUE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10!

AH2: Winston Churchill

Two years before the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II, Europe had already plunged deep into the conflict.  Hitler's blitzkrieg and England's retreat from Dunkirk left continental Europe defenseless and England itself clinging to their last threads of freedom.  In the days that followed, Winston Churchill, prime minister of England, gave the speech that define the war for those then and generations to come.

Listen to the speech here: "We shall fight on the beaches..." (you'll need to scroll to the bottom to "External Links".  You want the first one that takes you to the Guardian.

You can also read along here: transcript

After listening to the speech, write your reaction to it.  Remember at this point, the United States had not entered the war.  Be sure to use supporting examples from the speech and to explain whether or not you believe the United States has a moral obligation to help England.

DUE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

WH1: The British Museum

The British Museum is a delightful museum in London that has the distinction of holding much of the ancient world within its walls.  It is unmatched in the scope and rarity of its items and exhibits, and is probably worth a visit if you ever find yourself in England.

Many of the places we will be covering in our review these next two weeks are on prominent display at the British Museum.  Explore the museum through the online tours found here: ONLINE TOURS!  CLICK HERE!

After you've looked through a few, select your favorite.  Choose three artifacts from this tour and place their pictures in your blog.  For each, explain what it is and its importance to the history of that place.

DUE MONDAY FEBRUARY 8!

WH2: Life Coaches

Somehow, someway, in the last few years, people have been able to make money by offering their services as something called a life coach.  Life coaches instruct you on how to live your life.  It's fairly self-explanatory.

After you have explored 17.2, consider the various philosophers and thinkers that are discussed.  If you had access to magical beans that could revive the dead, who would you choose as your life coach?  Explain why and how your life could change.

DUE WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3

Welcome!

This bear is happy because second semester has begun!  If you have had Mr. Burns in the past in American History, then you know the drill.  For everyone else, here is where you will find your weekly postings.  It will be a bit more confusing at first because we're bringing World History on board this semester, but if you're an able reader, you will be fine.

For World History 2:
The titles of your posts will be preceded here by WH2. Your blogs will be due on Wednesdays.

For World History 1:
The titles of your posts will be preceded here by WH1.  Your blogs will be due on Mondays.

For American History 2:
The titles of your posts will be preceded here by AH2. Your blogs will be due on Fridays.

Final Blog

The arrival of our final blog has made me very sad, almost as sad as this poor polar bear.  The only thing that gives me the strength to go on and continue teaching many of you in American History II is thinking of all the delightful memories we have shared together.  Hopefully it will make you happy as well.

For this final blog (or until early February for some of you), reflect on what you have learned in this class by addressing the following questions:

-Which topic did you most enjoy learning about?  Why? 

-Which topic did you find least interesting?  Why?  What could have made it better?

-Were there any projects or activities you wish we would have done?  If so, what?  Are there any projects that have been circling around in your mind just waiting to come out?  Please share.

I'm guessing that if you really enjoyed something or really despised something that it's probably sticking out in your mind, but if you need some refreshing, our units:

Civil War, Reconstruction, The West, Labor and Industry, Immigration and the City, Progressives, World War I, the Roaring Twenties, and (soon) the Great Depression.

This blog is due next Friday, January 22.

The USS Indianapolis

This Thursday we will be skipping ahead into American History II when we receive a visit from a survivor of the USS Indianapolis, the ship that delivered the atomic bombs that ended World War II.  To get some background information on the ship and its tragic story, visit these links:

USS Indianapolis Story
Eyewitness to History: USS Indianapolis

Your blog post this week will be your reaction to the guest speaker.  Make every effort to avoid illness on Thursday.  Though you won't have your material for this blog until Thursday, it will still be due on Friday.

Welcome back!