Wartime Memories

Author Unknown

We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, Iv think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

by Bill Hawksford

As a truck driver in the Canal Zone of Egypt in 1948, Billy’s duties involved delivering yeast to the small mobile bakeries in the desert from the garrison at Moascar, which was situated roughly in the middle of the Suez Canal.

Naval Historical Center / Associated Press

USS Indianapolis survivors arrive ashore in Guam in August 1945. After the heavy cruiser was sunk by a Japanese torpedo attack, nearly 900 of its crew drifted in the ocean for five days battling thirst, exposure and ravenous sharks. Only 316 crewmen survived.

Nightmare at sea

60 years ago,(+23) the USS Indianapolis suffered unforgettable ordeal

By JOHN W. GONZALEZ
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

By Betsy Gilbert

They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, but Charles Chambers must have missed class the day that life lesson was being taught. As a young Navy man during World War II, Chambers ship was the first to be hit and sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Less than a year later, his ship was hit and sunk in a pre-dawn sneak attack by the Japanese. Chambers came out of both incidents without a scratch.