James Patterson Teams Up With an Army Legend for the ‘Most Important’ Work of His Career

James Patterson is the worldwide, best-selling creator of the "Alex Cross" and "Michael Bennett" series of books. Matt Eversmann is a U.S. Army veteran who received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor for leading a team of Rangers in Somalia in 1993. His exploits were depicted in the 2001 film "Black Hawk Down". The two teamed up to create a touching, thoughtful book about the U.S. military, the people who join it, and veterans of three separate eras of conflict, "Walk In My Combat Boots," on...

The Siege of Sadr City

Battlefield Chronicles, Global War on Terror

On Mar. 28, 2004, Paul Bremer, administrator of the American-led Coalition Provisional Authority of Iraq, ordered the closure of al-Hawza, an Arabic-language newspaper that was a sounding board for the Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Bremer shut down the weekly paper because he believed it encouraged violence against U.S. troops in Iraq. It was only supposed to last 60 days, but the action would spark a series of events that led to a four-year siege and a series of battles between Coalition...

Taco Rice and the Legacy of Marines on Okinawa

Military Myths and Legends, World War II

In 1984, Matsuzo Gibo added traditional Mexican-style spices to ground beef and put the spicy meat mixture on a bed of rice, then added lettuce and shredded cheese. He started selling it from his food stall as a quick lunchtime meal. The simple dish, now known the world over as "taco rice," conquered Okinawa faster and with far less resistance than the U.S. military did during World War II. Gibo, who died in 2014, was the owner of the Parlor Senri food stall outside of Camp...

Navy Corpsman Robert E. Bush (1944 – 1945)

Profiles in Courage, World War II

Robert Eugene Bush wasn't old enough to join the Navy when the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941. He was still in high school. His neighbor in his hometown of Raymond, Washington, was a Fireman aboard the USS Arizona. "He's still on board the Arizona," Bush said in a Veterans History Project Interview. Bush could barely stand the wait to join the war. He wouldn't be old enough until his 17th birthday in the Fall of 1943. He and a friend from school dropped out and enlisted...

William (Bill) Ralph Blass, U.S. Army (1943-1945)

Celebrities Who Served, World War II

Together We Served profiles Bill Blass, who gained a reputation as a fashion maven and designer, but also served in the highly unusual Ghost Army during WW2. William (Bill) Ralph Blass, U.S. Army (1943-1945) William (or Bill) Ralph Blass of the US Army between 1943 and 1945 is better known for his contributions to the fashion industry. However, his efforts during World War II are as remarkable as they are unusual. The Beginnings of Bill Blass, American Fashion Designer William Ralph Blass was...

Jeff Bridges, U.S Coast Guard Reserves (1967-1975)

Celebrities Who Served, Vietnam War

Did you know? As well as being one of Hollywood’s best liked actors, Jeff Bridges spent seven years in the US Coast Guard Reserves. Jeff Bridges, U.S Coast Guard Reserves (1967-1975) Jeff Bridges, of the US Coast Guard Reserves between 1967 and 1975, was a showbiz presence before he ever put on a uniform. The son of renowned Hollywood actor Lloyd Bridges, both his brother Beau and Jeff made appearances with their father on the TV series Sea Hunt between 1958 and 1960. Perhaps it was his...

Orville Richard Burrell (aka Shaggy), U.S. Marine Corps (1988-1992)

Celebrities Who Served

Together We Served recognizes the efforts of Shaggy, who went on from a position in the Marines to become a reggae icon and advocate for veterans’ rights. Orville Richard Burrell (aka Shaggy), U.S. Marine Corps (1988-1992) Orville Richard Burrell, also known as Shaggy, of the US Marine Corps between 1988 and 1992, came to live in Brooklyn as a teenager after leaving his home of Jamaica. While he showed early musical promise, he was in need of steady income, and the Marines were happy to take...

Charles Dennis Buchinsky (Bronson), U.S Army Air Force (1943-1945)

Celebrities Who Served

Charles Bronson is remembered for his intimidating screen presence, but did you know he served as a gunner on the B-29s that bombed Japan in WW2? Charles Dennis Buchinsky (Bronson), U.S Army Air Force (1943-1945) Charles Dennis Buchinsky (or Bronson) of the US Army Air Force between 1943 and 1945, went on to be one of Hollywood’s pre-eminent tough guys, the face of the Death Wish film franchise. However, his time as the silver screen’s top draw was preceded by a very humble childhood. Charles...

Robert (Bob) William Barker, U.S. Navy (1943-1945)

Celebrities Who Served

Bob Barker, the game show host with a glittering 50 year career, was a Navy fighter pilot before arriving in Hollywood. Together We Served honors his service. Robert (Bob) William Barker, U.S. Navy Reserve (1943-1945) Robert or ‘Bob’ William Barker of the US Navy Reserve between 1943 and 1945, is best known for hosting the iconic game show The Price Is Right between 1972 and 2007. His stint on the program made him a record-breaker, the longest-running daytime game show host in North American...

We’ll All Die As Marines

Military Book Reviews

One Marine's Journey from Private to Colonel By Colonel Jim Bathurst For seventeen-year-old high school dropout Jim Bathurst, the Marine Corps reputation for making men out of boys was something he desperately needed when he enlisted in March of 1958. What began as a four-year hitch lasted nearly thirty-six years and included an interesting assortment of duty stations and assignments as both enlisted and officer. We'll All Die As Marines narrates a story about a young, free-spirited kid from...

Air Force Hero Who Spared His Enemy’s Life

Military Myths and Legends

Brigadier General William D. Dunham was a highly decorated US Air Force hero. His achievements during World War II and beyond are well-documented. However, his most notable act arguably concerns an act of kindness rather than aggression. Back when he was a Major in 1944, Bill "Dinghy" Dunham - approaching his mid-twenties - was at the controls of a Republic P-47D. Flying over the Philippine Sea, he had a clear shot at a Japanese parachutist making a descent. The pilot was a sitting or rather...

Facts on the Spanish-American War

Battlefield Chronicles

On April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain following the Battleship Maine's sinking in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898. As a result, Spain lost its control over the remains of its overseas empire - Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines Islands, Guam, and other islands. Background Beginning in 1492, Spain was the first European nation to sail westward across the Atlantic Ocean, explore, and colonize the...

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