Living Histories
To Honor, Educate and Preserve our History by Remembering and Honoring our Veterans.
Ronald B Hanchett Interview
Ronald B. Hanchett is one of millions of Americans to have served his country honorably... He is an American Patriot! Thank you for your service! USS Tabberer – a small John C. Butler-class destroyer escort – lost her mast and radio antennas. Though damaged and unable...
A STORY OF FATHER & SON IN TWO WARS
My Father Raymond J. Norris I was born in June 1906 and I, his son Raymond J. Norris II, was born in July, 1945. This is the story of our journeys and service in World War II and the Vietnam War. Part I: Father Ray J. Norris I was working in Toledo, Ohio when he was...
My Brother’s Keeper in Vietnam
Left - Joe, Right - Mike DiRocco 1969 was the magic year for my brother Joe and me. I was six months into serving my third and final combat tour in Special Forces where I had found a home thirteen and a half years earlier. Imagine how excited I was to learn that my...
Tales of the North Pacific (My Father’s Abridged Account)
My father was an engaging and imaginative storyteller. As children, my sister and I listened wide-eyed as he regaled us with his adventures of Brucie and Mary, a fearless brother/sister duo who solved mysteries that would baffle Sherlock Holmes. Latimer Dexter Johns,...
Vietnam Army Ranger Tales
Vietnam Army Ranger Tales By Phil Mayrand Not all that happens in war is sad/grim/ugly. In 1969 while I was in Co. F, 75th. Inf. Rangers, several Ranger LRP (Long Range Patrol) Teams were sent TDY (temporary duty) to Tay Nihn. We were treated like 'redheaded...
I found this letter to Daddy in his files
I found this letter to Daddy in his files. It is from Mrs. Harriet Towers dated February 2, 1958. The postal service delivered mail then without all the “codes” they need now. Daddy knew “everyone” in the county and had written Mrs. Towers about selling property in...
George
GEORGE By Carl Burkhart George was thirty-seven years old when he went to prison. But that was okay…it meant that he was probably coming home. The prison’s name was Stalag 12B.A few months before his incarceration, although I was only four years oldI remember looking...
A Tank Commander’s Story and the Luck of the Draw
There is a group photo on my wall, from my wife’s side of the family. It was taken a couple of years before Sy Smolen died. In the photo are 31 people, including Sy, who sits in the middle leaning on his cane. But for three factors—the right landing beach, an Army...
Bill Hudson Silent Warrior
The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas has the goals of honoring veterans, educating young and old, and preserving our proud history. Joni Pavlik, a museum volunteer, helps achieve these goals with her interview of a veteran and his story below. Bill Hudson grew...
David B. Grant: Phantom Pilot and Prisoner of War
On June 24, 1972, U.S. Air Force Captain David B. Grant was flying a mission from Thailand into conflict-ridden North Vietnam when his F-4 Phantom took a direct hit and exploded.
Help us honor and celebrate Women in the Military at the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas. We will honor women who have served or are currently serving in the military in a special month-long exhibit during November.