1 Samuel

March 20, 2024

A recording of my WWII presentation at the LSU Military Museum

This presentation, “At First Light: How a Teenager Became a WWII Hero” was delivered at the William A. Brookshire LSU Military Museum in October 2023 as […]
March 19, 2024

March 19, 1944 – Not a single spot on Anzio Beachhead is safe from enemy gunfire

Journalist George Tucker wrote, “To appreciate Anzio it is necessary to remember that the beachhead is shaped like a fan, the handle of which is a […]
March 18, 2024

March 18, 1944 – To seize a beachhead like Anzio was one thing—to hold it indefinitely was another

The miserly affection with which the limited ground on the Anzio, Italy beachhead was coveted is shown by the fact that during March the 3rd Infantry […]
March 17, 2024

March 17, 1944 – Dad’s first medal of valor caused Mount Vesuvius to blow her top

Well, not really. But the two events occurred in close proximity to each other. Phil’s first medal of valor was the Silver Star the Army’s third […]
March 16, 2024

March 16, 1944 – Baptism by fire (Part 2)

“No soldier in any of our theaters of operations is better acquainted with this war than is the Infantryman, and no Infantryman knows war more intimately […]
March 15, 2024

March 15, 1944 – Baptism by fire (Part 1)

“In every battle, the last one hundred yards of the fight belongs to the Infantry. Armed with rifle and bayonet, Infantrymen must face and defeat the […]
March 14, 2024

March 14, 1944 – Skirmishes increase on the Anzio front line

The countless stone houses of standard design lined the few roads across the Anzio beachhead. To the front of Dad’s units the stone farm houses were […]
March 13, 2024

March 13, 1944 – Stories of Army nurses in WWII that will swell your heart

While writing the early drafts of my book, At First Light: A True World War II Story of a Hero, His Bravery, and an Amazing Horse, […]
February 19, 2021

Rejoice before the Lord

My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. … The LORD … filled them with joy. … Do not grieve, for the joy […]
March 5, 2021

I have chosen the way of faithfulness

Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. … The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. … Let love and faithfulness never leave […]
March 8, 2021

I will not leave you

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. … Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” … For […]
March 23, 2021

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. … Do not be afraid. … Do not turn away from the LORD, but serve […]
April 17, 2021

Many are invited, but few are chosen

You are the children of the LORD your God … for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples […]
April 27, 2021

Praise be to the Lord, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness

Show me unfailing kindness like the LORD’s kindness as long as I live … May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness. … He shows unfailing kindness […]