ACG WebOps (17 February 2007)

Jim H. Moreno

Welcome to WebOps, Armchair General’s weekly recon of links to military history news, articles, websites, and more. This week: a military history carnival is in the works, Mussolini’s diaries gives us a better understanding of Italy’s former dictator, details on a push to honor World War II Japanese-American veterans, and a slew of Announcements to fill up your calendar. Clicks away!

News

Veteran’s plaza in plans for Fort Thomas – Community Press

FORT THOMAS – Fort Thomas, a city steeped in military history, is planning to honor its veterans with a plaza.The Midway Steering Committee’s Streetscape Master Plan includes a plaza in front of the Fort Thomas campus of the Cincinnati VA Medical Center at the corner of River Road and South Fort Thomas Avenue.

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Legacy of the ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ lives on at elementary school – NJ.com

TRENTON –They were slaves who joined the military during the Civil War. For years, they traveled the Western Frontier on horseback, fighting Native Americans, outlaws and Mexican revolutionaries.

Their uncommon strength earned them the nickname of "Buffalo Soldiers," given to them by the Native Americans who admired their fighting ability.

Service honors military historian, photographer Stu Rothman – Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

Rothman was a photographer and Korean war veteran with two Purple Hearts. He served with the 17th Infantry Regiment and after his service, Rothman became integral in keeping the history of the unit alive. The crowd attending the memorial service at the chapel Saturday consisted of many soldiers and commanders that recently served with the 1-17 at Fort Wainwright.

Articles

Celebrating WWII’s winged women – Monterey County Herald

Women’s History Month is approaching, and it’s a time to celebrate the contributions of extraordinary individuals who overcame incredible odds to accomplish what others thought impossible.

Mussolini ‘diaries’ may solve war riddle – Guardian Unlimited

Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of Italy’s late dictator, has said newly found diaries, allegedly kept by her grandfather before the second world war, show that he took Italy into the conflict only with great reluctance.

Wristwatches of War – Trench Grilles and Hunter Guards – The Watchismo Times

Pocket watches were a pain in the ass to fumble around for during battle, something needed to be done to keep soldiers hands on their guns as well as synchronize combat.

Campaign Fights for Japanese American World War II Vets – New America Media

Before you lick your next postage stamp onto the electricity bill or a postcard from the latest family vacation, take a look at the variety of commemorative stamp choices you will have this year.
There’s the Marvel Super Heroes stamps, the Disney inspired ones, and a special "With Loves and Kisses" stamp just in time for Valentine’s Day. For history buffs there’s the Settlement of Jamestown stamp and Ella Fitzgerald is featured in the ongoing Black Heritage series stamp collection.

But missing again this year is a stamp honoring the heroic Japanese American World War II veterans – the 442nd Regiment, the 100th Battalion, and the Military Intelligence Service.

Announcements

In the Cause of Liberty: How the Civil War Redefined American Ideals – The American Civil War Center

After opening the Center’s flagship exhibit, In the Cause of Liberty, it is time to expand on that theme at the first conference bringing the public together with leading scholars to trace the Civil War’s influences on the evolution of our nation’s core values.

Military vehicle show and swap in April – dailyrecord.com

The Military Transportation Association of North Jersey will host a military vehicle show and swap meet at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ on the weekend of April 14 & 15, 2007.

Historical weapons at Prague Castle – ABC Prague

Prague Castle launched yesterday a new exhibition that focuses on historical weapons from Czech collections. The halls of Theresian Wing of Old Royal Palace are now filled with the best exhibits that the Military History Institute collected during its 80 years of existence.

Professor John Mosier speaks at National World War II Museum – Loyola University New Orleans

The University of New Orleans Metropolitan College will present a new series of discussions as part of the new Eisenhower Center Military History Roundtable.

Aggie Military Historian To Speak Monday On Vietnam’s Lessons For Iraq – Texas A&M University News

The TAMU History Club will present a lecture by James Willbanks (Class of 1969) on “U.S. Advisors in Vietnam – Lessons For Iraq.”

Blogs – Netcasts

Ancient Rome and Modern America – Military History Podcast

Comparisons between the fall of Rome and America now

Military History Carnival? – Investigations of a Dog

I’m thinking about organising a military history themed blog carnival, because as far as I can tell there isn’t one. If there is one and I’ve missed it, please someone tell me! There are lots of bloggers writing about war, armed forces, and related topics, so it would be good to bring them all together and showcase the best posts. I can’t do it on my own though. Every carnival needs hosts, contributors, and readers. Leave a comment if you’re interested, if you have any suggestions, or even if you think it’s a bad idea.

Cedar Mountain, Chantilly and Crampton’s Gap – Military History Blog on the Web

A return to our alphabetic American Civil War updates today with the battles of Cedar Mountain, Chantilly and Crampton’s Gap, all battles of the late summer and early autumn of 1862.

The Destruction of Baghdad (1258) – about.com: Military History

On February 10, 1258, a Mongol army under the command of Hulagu Khan (grandson of Genghis Khan) along with Guo Kan and his large Chinese contingent forced Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid caliphate, to surrender. The subsequent destruction of this culturally significant and wealthy city would be felt for centuries.

WebOps is a weekly report linking to military history news,articles, and blogs published online. Excerpts are taken exactly as they are on the noted source websites; quotation marks are not used. The hyperlinks are added by me as I can find them. Please visit the Armchair Forums to discuss the topics in WebOps and much more!

Stay Alert, Stay Alive!

Jim H. Moreno