Ninety-seven-year-old Kerry man John “Jack” Mahony was named a Chevalier de La Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest honor, for his participation in the European theater of World War II. Mahony received his medal and commendation from Phillipe Ray, first counsellor from the French Embassy, in early December at a ceremony in Midleton, Co. Cork, where he and his late wife, Mary, … [Read more...] about Kerry WWII Veteran Receives
France’s Highest Honor
World War II
Kerry WWII Veteran Receives
Smoky the Lucky War Dog
The famous war dog who served in World War II, and Bill Wynne, the U.S. Army Air Force G.I. who adopted her. The first time Cpl. William Wynne saw Smoky, he found it hard to believe she was a dog. “She was as big as my G.I. shoe,” Wynne says. “She weighed all of about four pounds.” In addition, the animal was almost bald; someone had hacked off most of her fur in an attempt … [Read more...] about Smoky the Lucky War Dog
“Irish Dave” and the Yanks
Who Liberated Normandy
Belfast native David Ashe retired to Normandy, France, and became a champion for visiting GIs who had liberated his adopted homeland during World War II.
In September 2011, Guy Whidden, a World War II veteran from Frederick, Maryland, peeled off his 101st Airborne Division jump jacket in the men’s room of the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville, France. Whidden next … [Read more...] about “Irish Dave” and the Yanks
Who Liberated Normandy
Standing Proud
Mary Pat Kelly, director, producer, screenwriter and contributor to Irish America magazine, doesn't always pick topics that interest the mainstream media. In 1984, she was commissioned by Rolling Stone to write about President Ronald Reagan's visit to Ireland. While in the country, she covered the elections. "In those days there was still a lot of violence. The idea of going … [Read more...] about Standing Proud
World War II Story
Coming to Screen
The U.S.S. Mason's Irish Connection.
℘℘℘
The story of the U.S.S. Mason, the only WW II warship with an African American crew, is ready for the big screen. Starring Ossie Davis and Northern Ireland's Stephen Rea, the movie will go on general release in February. The little-known story of the Mason, whose crew served with distinction throughout the war, is the work of filmmaker … [Read more...] about World War II Story
Coming to Screen