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The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

1LT James Earl Jones, U.S. Army (1953-1955)

1LT James Earl Jones, U.S. Army (1953-1955)

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Before gaining fame as the iconic voice behind Darth Vader in 'Star Wars,' James Earl Jones had a significant chapter in his life. During his youth, Jones responded to his country's call and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His military experience profoundly influenced his character and laid the foundation for his exceptional journey in the entertainment industry. James Earl Jones’s Early Years James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi. His...

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Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr

Targeted: Beirut by Jack Carr

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If the name Jack Carr sounds familiar, that's because the former Navy SEAL and podcaster is also the author of "The Terminal List," a New York Times bestseller. The paperback thriller has been adapted into a hit television show on Amazon Prime Video, starring Chris Pratt as the main character, Navy SEAL Lt. Cmdr. James Reece. There is even a prequel series in the works at Amazon Studios starring Taylor Kitsch.  Targeted: Beirut Explores a Tragic Day in Marine Corps History Earlier in...

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The Mysterious Death of Davy Crockett

The Mysterious Death of Davy Crockett

Among the towering figures of legendary Americans, few loom larger than that of Davy Crockett. His exploits as a militia scout during the Creek War, an Army forager during the War of 1812, a U.S. Representative, and, of course, a frontiersman are legendary and led to his nickname "King of the Wild Frontier."  Davy Crockett Gains Fame as a Frontiersman Crockett made his living in a number of varied, often surprising ways, but much of his renown comes from his day hunting bears in the wilds of...

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Cpl. Dakota Meyer, U.S. Marine Corps (2006-2010)

Cpl. Dakota Meyer, U.S. Marine Corps (2006-2010)

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Dakota Meyer never planned on joining the Marine Corps. Growing up on a cattle farm in Columbia, Kentucky, he planned to play college football after high school. He played running back for his high school team and wanted to play on a bigger stage. In 2006, when he was just 17, a Marine Corps recruiter visited his school and told Meyer that playing football was a good idea because he could never be a Marine. Dakota Meyer Joins the Marines and Begins a New Path Dakota Meyer signed up for the...

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WW2 – The Angels of Bataan

WW2 – The Angels of Bataan

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When Americans woke up Sunday morning on December 7, 1941, they were stunned to learn Japanese naval aircraft had attacked Pearl Harbor. What they would soon find out that was only the beginning. Pearl Harbor was just one part of the Japanese plan for the day. Within hours, Japanese naval and ground forces attacked and invaded Wake Island, Guam, Malaya, Singapore, Honk Kong, Thailand and Burma. The Onset of War: The Angels of Bataan Face Their First Test Ten hours after the devastating...

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Sgt Bill Mauldin: The Foot Soldiers’ Cartoonist

Sgt Bill Mauldin: The Foot Soldiers’ Cartoonist

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During World War II, the glimpse most Americans got of the real war and the American combat soldier who fought it came through the cartoons of infantry Sgt. Bill Mauldin. Week after week, Mauldin defied Army censors and Gen. George Patton's pledged to "throw his a** in jail" to deliver his wildly popular cartoon, 'Upfront' to the pages of Stars & Stripes and hundreds of newspapers back home. Bill Mauldin: The Voice of the Common Soldier His cartoon character were Willie and Joe, two...

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The Amazing Story of the USS Kirk

The Amazing Story of the USS Kirk

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Launched in September 1971, the destroyer escort USS Kirk (FF-1087), with a compliment of 18 Officers and 267 Enlisted, sailed the high seas of the Indian Ocean, South America and much of the Pacific Ocean, including the waters off Vietnam. USS Kirk's Unexpected Humanitarian Mission She was a warship in every sense: an efficient, deadly fighting machine with the mission of hunting down, pursuing and destroying her submarine prey. Yet her finest hours were spent tending pregnant women, soothing...

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Codename Nemo by Charles Lachman

Codename Nemo by Charles Lachman

On June 4, 1944, the escort carrier USS Guadalcanal and its escort destroyers picked up a sonar ping. A U-boat was hiding off the coast of Cape Verde. U.S. Navy Captain Daniel V. Gallery was in command of his second hunter-killer cruise as skipper of the Guadalcanal. Having already sunk three U-boats, he was determined to capture one and get the trove of valuable intelligence information hidden aboard it. He was so ready to make history; he had several boarding teams and a film crew ready and...

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VA Updates: What Can I Do to Help Expedite My Claim For My Veterans Benefits From VA?

VA Updates: What Can I Do to Help Expedite My Claim For My Veterans Benefits From VA?

Applying for disability compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be time-consuming and frustrating. This frustration is made worse by the time it takes to get a decision. Often, this wait is extended because needed information is missing. When that happens, additional time passes as the Veteran and VA search for that information. One way to avoid this additional time and help the VA complete your claim faster is to present all the information needed when initially...

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WO1 Craig Morgan, U.S. Army (1982-1997, 2023 – Present)

WO1 Craig Morgan, U.S. Army (1982-1997, 2023 – Present)

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Craig Morgan, the renowned country music artist, is known for his remarkable military service. Before pursuing a successful career in the entertainment industry, Morgan dedicated over a decade of his life to serving his country in the United States Army. Rising through the ranks, he served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and later as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Today, Craig Morgan continues to significantly impact military organizations through his advocacy and support...

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SSgt Salvatore Giunta, U.S. Army (2003-2011)

SSgt Salvatore Giunta, U.S. Army (2003-2011)

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On October 19, 2007, American and Afghan forces loaded up onto UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook from Afghanistan's Korengal Outpost. The mission was Operation Rock Avalanche: an insertion into the southern area of the Korengal Valley to prevent Taliban fighters from fleeing the region while reducing their ability to operate against U.S. and friendly troops there. Salvatore Giunta: The Second Deployment to Afghanistan This was Salvatore Giunta's second deployment to Afghanistan. During his...

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Vince Speranza’s Epic Beer Run During the Siege of Bastogne

Vince Speranza’s Epic Beer Run During the Siege of Bastogne

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The Siege of Bastogne was one of the most crucial fights of World War II, and it came amid the largest battle the U.S. Army has ever fought – the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans caught the Americans by surprise on Dec. 16, 1944, mustering more than 400,000 men, 550 tanks, and hundreds of other vehicles for one last offensive. The goal was to push the Allies back toward the sea and recapture the critical port of Antwerp.  The Siege of Bastogne: Defending Against the German Forces German forces...

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