Military Campaign Stories Archives - TogetherWeServed Blog

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 Hansen's Gate 1...

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...

Facts on the Spanish-American War

Battlefield Chronicles, Revolutionary War

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...

MOH Recipient SFC Fred Willam Zabitosky, U.S. Army (1959 – 1989)

Cold War, Profiles in Courage

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SFC Zabitosky, US Army, distinguished himself while serving as an assistant team leader of a nine-man Special Forces long-range reconnaissance patrol. SFC Zabitosky's patrol was operating deep within the enemy-controlled territory in Laos when they were attacked by a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army unit. SFC Zabitosky rallied his team members, deployed them into...

Heroic Pilot Just Managed to Land and Save His Buddy’s Life

Global War on Terror, Military Myths and Legends

Being launched off the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is a normal routine, but adrenaline junkie pilots love the radical feel of about 4 Gs. On July 9, 1991, an A-6 Intruder modified to be a refueling aircraft was shot off the Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf. Lieutenant Mark Baden was the pilot and had his friend and navigator (BN), Lieutenant Keith Gallagher beside him. It was Gallagher's birthday, and he advised Baden when they returned it would be his 100th trap recovery on an...

The Battle of Iwo Jima

Battlefield Chronicles, World War II

The Battle of Iwo Jima was an epic military campaign between U.S. Marines and the Imperial Army of Japan in early 1945. Located 750 miles off the coast of Japan, the island of Iwo Jima had three airfields that could serve as a staging facility for a potential invasion of mainland Japan. American forces invaded the island on February 19, 1945, and the ensuing Battle of Iwo Jima lasted for five weeks. In some of the bloodiest fighting of World War II, it's believed that all but 200 or so...

Desi Arnaz, U.S. Army (1942-1945)

Celebrities Who Served, World War II

Before Desi Arnaz was the co-star and producer of I Love Lucy, he was a member of the US Army. Together We Served looks at his life and service. Desi Arnaz, U.S. Army (1942-1945) Desi Arnaz of the US Army between 1942 and 1945 is perhaps most famous for his starring role as Ricky Ricardo opposite his real-life spouse Lucille Ball in the foundational modern TV sitcom I Love Lucy. Desi was already on his way to becoming a star when he was drafted into the US Army, but his time as a soldier gave...

Bennie Adkins, Vietnam Warrior & Hero, Dead at 86

Military Myths and Legends, Vietnam War

By George Winston Presented with the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in 2014, Bennie Adkins distinguished himself as a war hero during three tours of duty between 1963 and 1971, later creating a charitable foundation to help returning veterans to attend further education and settle into civilian life. President Obama said at the time, 'to be honest, in a battle and daring escape that lasted four days, Bennie performed so many acts of bravery we actually don't have time to talk about...

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