A Consolidated B-24 Liberator of the 854th Squadron from the Eighth Air Force’s 491st Bombardment Group crashes into a field near the town of Udenhout in the Netherlands on Sep. 18, 1944. The pilot was Captain James K. Hunter, a Minnesotan who was flying his 21st mission. He and all but one crewmember died in the crash.
The B-24, with tail number 44-40210, had completed a low-level supply drop to members of the 101st Airborne during Operation Market Garden when it was hit by flak.
“With only seconds in which to work, Captain Hunter, considered one of the best pilots in the group, picked his spot and started to bring the B-24 in on its belly,” said a report. “At less than 50 feet, however, the right inboard engine burst into flames. The right wing dropped and was too low when the plane hit. The instant was captured by a camera in another aircraft.”
Waist gunner S/Sgt. Frank DiPalma was the only survivor, but he had been badly burned in the crash. Dutch citizens found him wandering along a road and hid him in the basement of a nearby asylum run by Franciscans. The Franciscans kept DiPalma secreted away from occupying German troops until the area was liberated by the Allies in October, and DiPalma was sent to hospitals in Belgium and Britain to be treated for his burns.
DiPalma had been born in Italy but settled in Rochester, New York, with his family when they immigrated to the United States. Eventually he was able to return to Rochester, dying there in 1989.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Battle of Gettysburg?
This battle took place in Pennsylvania's American Civil War (1861-1965). The Union Army led by General Ulysses S. Grant (1822-85) defeated Confederate soldiers led by General Robert E. Lee (1805-70).
The outcome of the battle had a profound impact on both sides. The battle marked the turning moment of the war for both the Confederacy and the Union. For the Union, it signaled the beginning of the end of slavery.
Lincoln's "Emancipation Proclamation" of 1863 freed slaves in rebellion states. He signed the 13th Amendment in the Constitution, which effectively abolished slavery throughout America.
General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, on April 9, 1865.
Lee was made prisoner of War after his surrender. He died in 1870.
Grant received the Medal of Honor for his leadership during the battle.
He died in 1885.
What is the significance of military history?
We've seen an unprecedented increase in conflicts around the world over the last few years. From Syria to Ukraine and Libya to Iraq, there seems to be no shortage of countries currently engaged in armed conflict. These wars keep on erupting. Why is there so much war? Is it possible to live peacefully in such close proximity?
Our collective memories hold the key to our collective understanding. We may not realise it but we live in a world of violence between countries. Simply put, our world is undergoing great change.
World War II ended 70-years ago. Yet it took place during a period of rapid technological advancement - including the development of the atomic bomb - which led to the creation of a global economy. This economic system in turn created the conditions that allowed for "globalization," which was a worldwide political movement.
As globalization continues, it is easy to forget how many strides we have made since 1945. The world is interconnected today; nearly 40% of global GDP is now international trade. Most Americans rely on foreign goods in their daily lives.
Despite the great changes brought about through globalization, humanity struggles with a fundamental problem: conflicts cannot be avoided. While it is understandable to desire peace and prosperity in all countries, it can also be unrealistic. As long as humans exist, they will continue to seek power and wealth.
This is precisely why we must learn from the mistakes of the past. If we hope to prevent future conflicts, we must recognize the underlying factors that lead us to fight each other.
Understanding the history behind war is key to developing strategies to prevent future conflict. Let's start with World War II. Was it the cause? How did it all begin? What were the main causes of war?
How did the Vietnam War begin?
As the war began, North Vietnamese Army (NVA), which had more troops, better equipment, superior training, and more men, was stronger than any other nation. American soldiers, however, had more firepower including air support or artillery.
The NVA also benefited from an overwhelming advantage in manpower; there were nearly twice as many Communist troops as U.S. soldiers fighting them.
After two years' of continuous combat, however, the United States military force grew stronger as its enemy became more weaker. In 1969, more Americans were killed in action than those who died during World War II.
This change in momentum was due to the development of new weapons systems and tactics. U.S. commanders had the ability to strike deep in enemy territory through the introductions of helicopter gunships as well as aircraft carriers.
This made the conflict less popular among the general population, especially young people. A survey found that less then half of college students supported this war effort. In this time, both the U.S.A. and South Vietnam were using chemical war against the VietCong. Students for a Democratic Society and other antiwar groups protested the use of chemical warfare against the Viet Cong.
Did the Black Plague contribute to the end of the feudal system in medieval Europe?
The Black Plague significantly impacted the feudal system in medieval Europe, but it was not the sole cause of its end.
The feudal system was a social and economic structure in Europe during the Middle Ages, in which lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and other forms of loyalty. The Black Plague's impact on the feudal system can be seen in several ways. Firstly, the massive loss of life caused by the plague resulted in a shortage of workers, which led to an increase in the value of labor. Peasants and serfs who survived the plague could demand better wages and working conditions, weakening the power of the feudal lords.
Additionally, the feudal system relied on the existence of a strong military force to maintain order and protect the land. The shortage of soldiers caused by the Black Plague weakened this military force, making it more difficult for feudal lords to maintain control over their territories. This resulted in a shift towards centralized monarchies, which had the resources to raise and maintain standing armies.
While the Black Plague contributed to the end of the feudal system, it was not the only cause. Other factors, such as the rise of capitalism, the growth of cities, and the development of new technologies, also played a role in the decline of feudalism. The Black Plague, however, certainly accelerated the process and weakened feudal institutions in medieval Europe.
Statistics
- Of all services, the U.S. Army has paid the heaviest price since 911, with almost 42,000 active, guard, and reserve soldiers killed or wounded while serving overseas, according to Department of Defense figures. (militaryhistoryonline.com)
- Of military historians, 0% are Socialist, 8% are Other, 35% are Liberal, and 18% are (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
history.army.mil
jstor.org
- JSTOR: The Fighting Future of Academic Military History
- Teetering on the Brink of Respectability on JSTOR
web.archive.org
- Documenting Shock and Awe: Researching Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
- HELLAS:NET - Warfare
How To
What number of countries were involved during the Korean War
1950 saw the Soviet Union supporting communist North Korea. The United States, along with other allies, supported the capitalist Republic of South Korea.
China signed a separate agreement with Communist North Koreans after the fighting began.
China sent troops across the 38th Parallel to support their ally. This however led to the Korean War.
The war was ended in 1953. The North Korean troops retreated to China.
The Armistice Agreement, signed June 25, 1953 was made. Both sides agreed on withdrawing their armies.
However, the agreement was never fully implemented. In the end, fighting resumed in August 1955.
It ended on 27 July 1953. All hostilities were stopped after a truce.
An estimated 3 million men died during the conflict. This is the deadliest conflict since the Second World War.
