World War II Daily: DDay to VEDay

[dayhiker]

I remember it being all over the news in B'ham when he died. I had forgotten about the CIA part of it until I checked out that wiki link.

I recently re-watched "A River Runs Through It." The part quoted below reminds me of the end of the movie where the dad asked Norman if there are any other details he can add about the death of his son. He says that every bone in his hand was broken. The dad asks, "Which one." Norman simply replies, "His right one." The dad then quietly walks upstairs.

According to members of a German television crew who were later trapped in the fort with Dave, Spann asked the prisoners who they were and why they joined the Taliban. They massed around him. 'Why are you here?' Spann asked one. 'To kill you,' came the reply as the man lunged at Spann's neck. Spann drew his pistol and shot the man dead. Dave shot another, then grabbed an AK-47 from an Alliance guard and opened fire. According to eyewitness accounts given to the German team, the Taliban fighters launched themselves at Spann, scrabbling at his flesh with their hands, kicking and beating him. Spann killed seven more with his pistol before he disappeared under the crus

 

[92tide]

I recently re-watched "A River Runs Through It." The part quoted below reminds me of the end of the movie where the dad asked Norman if there are any other details he can add about the death of his son. He says that every bone in his hand was broken. The dad asks, "Which one." Norman simply replies, "His right one." The dad then quietly walks upstairs.

after reading his wiki entry, i feel horrible for his kids. his oldest two lost their mother not long after he died.

 

[crimsonaudio]

i've seen signs up around that area with his name on them. did they name a section of highway for him?

According to wikipedia: "The Alabama legislature named a section of Alabama Highway 129 the "Johnny Micheal Spann Highway" in his honor."

 

[92tide]

According to wikipedia: "The Alabama legislature named a section of Alabama Highway 129 the "Johnny Micheal Spann Highway" in his honor."

thanks, the sign is probably where 129 heads out of haleyville. i will double check next time.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Yes.....have to remember the loved ones......

I shared out the photo of the young widow prone on the grave. It may be the most poignant pic I've ever seen...

 

[crimsonaudio]

I'm thankful today for those, past and present, who have signed up to serve to defend this great nation. All of them have made sacrifices, and I'm thankful for their willingness to serve.

My uncle and both of my grandfathers served (both grandfathers served in WWII). Three great men, I'm proud of all of them.

On the left is my uncle, Charles Templeton, In the middle are my maternal grandparents, James F. and June Templeton (Grandma and Papaw). On the right is my paternal grandfather, G.W. Blackwood (Poppa G). All of my grandparents have passed on now, I miss them.

 

[bama579]

^ Hard to say it too often, crimsonaudio . . . Thanks for this thread. Astoundingly good.

 

[cuda.1973]

When we returned from our "Taking Mom Home" tour, we stopped at the rest stop, on I-65, right after we left (thankfully!) 10RC.

Here are some pictures, that might be appropriate for this day.

I believe this one is from the Bryant Museum:

Thanks to all who have served.

 

[Gr8hope]

 

[Gr8hope]

Just one more: