Remembering the five Sullivan brothers, World War II sailors who, serving together on the USS Juneau, were all killed in action on its sinking around November 13, 1942. November 8, 1942: the largest U.S. naval task force yet assembled for the battle of Guadalcanal sales out of Noumea, New Caledonia. Among the American warships was the year-old, light cruiser U.S.S … [Read more...] about Brothers In Arms
World War II
A Son of Erin Is Called Home
Remembering Thomas V. Murphy, WWII flyer. Thomas V. Murphy, Jr was born in Baltimore in 1922. A great-great-grandson of Terence Murphy, who emigrated from Tallanstown, County Louth, in 1863, Tom spent his youth doing what all boys do – playing ball, going to school, and, in those days, dodging streetcars. At the age of 16, his mother passed away and Tom stepped up to … [Read more...] about A Son of Erin Is Called Home
Tragedy over the Reeks
The MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range, stretches across the Iveragh Peninsula in the southwest section of the Emerald Isle. The area is steeped in ancient mythology and its scenic landscape is dominated by jagged, narrow spines cloaked in billowy clouds and flocks of sheep grazing in the glens below. Sadly, however, this picturesque setting also served as … [Read more...] about Tragedy over the Reeks
World War II “Eire” Landmark Restored
A historic Irish Second World War coastal landmark has been painstakingly restored by volunteers in Dublin. For six months, a team of up to 35 volunteers met on Hawk Cliff in Dalkey, Dublin, and worked tirelessly to restore a picturesque sign displaying the word “Eire” in giant white letters. One of 80 signs built along the Irish coastline during the … [Read more...] about World War II “Eire” Landmark Restored
Weekly Comment Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Shaw
December 2, 2016
Seventy-five years ago this week, the Japanese surprised the U.S. by attacking Pearl Harbor in the early hours of December 7th. One of the most iconic photographs from the from that day is of the U.S.S. Shaw, a ship named after an Irishman and early officer in the U.S. Navy. Following the attack, the Shaw, which was nearly destroyed, returned to battle and went on to become one … [Read more...] about Weekly Comment Pearl Harbor and the U.S.S. Shaw