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The Christy Collection

Military Stories and Articles

The Lost Battalion

The Lost Battalion

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The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the final push of World War I on the Western Front, lasting from Sept. 28, 1918, until the end of the war, Nov. 11, 1918. The allied forces of Britain, France, and the United States advanced all along the front, making the largest offensive in U.S. military history, involving more than 1.2 million troops. It was also the deadliest, inflicting 350,000 casualties in less than seven weeks. The allies made relatively major gains, considering the course of the war...

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The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

The Battle of Guilford Courthouse

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The Revolutionary War Battle at Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina is not just an important moment for American independence; it's a good lesson for everyone to remember. There are times when, no matter how hard you fight or how badly you want to win, you might still lose. But that loss could lead to an even more important battle—and a greater, more important victory. The British Strategy Before the Battle at Guilford Courthouse After its 1777 loss at the Battle of Saratoga, the British...

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The Ship That Wouldn’t Die

The Ship That Wouldn’t Die

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The USS Laffey (DD-724) was laid down 28 June 1943 by Bath Iron Works Corp., Bath, Maine. She was launched 21 November; sponsored by Miss Beatrice F. Laffey, daughter of Medal of Honor recipient S1c Bartlett Laffey. Commissioned 8 February 1944, Cdr. F. Julian. Becton as her first "Captain". The USS Laffey's Heroic Beginning After shakedown, the Laffey traveled the world in the war effort. She was off the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Off Cherbourg, France where an unexploded shell bounced off...

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To Hear Silence by Ronald W. Hoffman

To Hear Silence by Ronald W. Hoffman

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Five years ago, the author returned to Vietnam on a battlefield tour with his wife, Nancy. In a conversation with the guide, Bill Stilwagen, he mentioned how his unit had accomplished a lot in its first 13 months in-country, yet when he looked on the internet, he couldn’t find anything. Stilwagen challenged him by saying, “Why don’t you write a book about it?” Hoffman took the challenge seriously.

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AE2(AW) LaTonya N. Davison, U.S. Navy (1996-2010)

AE2(AW) LaTonya N. Davison, U.S. Navy (1996-2010)

What Was Your Most Proud Moment From Your Military Service? What Made This Especially Memorable For You?:

Picture it, Atsugi Japan, 2003. I’m a ‘lowly’ E-5 aircraft electrician in VR-46 out of Marietta, GA, hand-picked for what’s known as a “Khaki Det (Detachment)”. The maintenance crew was all lower enlisted, chosen as the best mechanics and aircraft handlers in the command to accompany senior enlisted and officer maintenance administration and flight crew. I was one of 4 lower enlisted members of our 19 person crew.

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SrA Angela Hawks, U.S. Air Force (1992-1996)

SrA Angela Hawks, U.S. Air Force (1992-1996)

What Was Your Most Proud Moment From Your Military Service? What Made This Especially Memorable For You?:

Of all my experiences, sounding Taps at military funerals remains the most poignant and memorable. And it’s an experience that continues to this day, 30 years after my time in the Air Force. As a woman in service, it was particularly meaningful to be entrusted with this solemn duty. The military has changed significantly over the years, and I’m proud to have played a part in that evolution. The emotion in the air is still palpable grief, gratitude, and a profound sense of loss. Each time I play, whether for an active duty member or a veteran, I’m struck by the weight of their sacrifice. It’s a deeply emotional connection, one that has only deepened over the years, solidifying my understanding of the true cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who serve. It’s a privilege to continue this tradition, representing not only the Air Force but also the growing number of women who contribute so much to our armed forces.

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1LT William R. Belisle, U.S. Army (1969-1974)

1LT William R. Belisle, U.S. Army (1969-1974)

What Was Your Most Proud Moment From Your Military Service? What Made This Especially Memorable For You?:

ARMY COMMISSIONING On a beautiful summer weekend in 1968, I graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), located in Massachusetts. College graduation for the Class of 1968 was scheduled for two days. An ROTC Commissioning Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 8. On Sunday, we went through the formal college graduation ceremony and got our diplomas. Before the Commissioning Ceremony on Saturday, our Army Green ROTC attire was transformed into Class “A” Army uniforms. Stripes were sewn on the legs of our trousers and the sleeves of our blouses. We replaced all our school emblems and badges with brass appropriate for Active Duty U.S. Army uniforms. We each wore Officer’s insignia and a Gold Band on our caps. We were to make sure our uniforms and haircuts were of the highest caliber. Missing, however, was any rank on our shoulder epaulets! Our gold Second Lieutenant rank would be pinned on after the ceremony.

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Col John Russell, U.S. Air Force (1975-2005)

Col John Russell, U.S. Air Force (1975-2005)

What Was Your Most Proud Moment From Your Military Service? What Made This Especially Memorable For You?:

Originally sent in an E-mail on September 24, 2003 at 10:23 AM to a friend. Two months ago, I made a special trip to San Antonio with my First Sergeant to welcome home a team of my 307th RED HORSE troops coming back from Baghdad. They had been in southwestern Asia supporting the war effort for 5 months. Just as they were about to be rotated home, another mission was tasked. The Senior Officer of the 1st Expeditionary RED HORSE Group asked them if they would volunteer to extend. These guys, after spending 5 months in the sand, were asked if they would volunteer to go to Baghdad International Airport and repair all the runway and taxiway craters we had blown in our bombing campaign. These repairs were necessary so that medicine, food and other civilian aid could begin to be air lifted directly to Baghdad International Airport.

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LTC Leslie S. Lee, U.S. Army (1986-2009)

LTC Leslie S. Lee, U.S. Army (1986-2009)

What Was Your Most Proud Moment From Your Military Service? What Made This Especially Memorable For You?:

When I was a freshly minted 1LT in the JAG Corps in 1986, we were taken to the range to familiarize on the M-16. I had never fired a weapon in my life, so I listened closely to the instructions. I hit the target every time. When I later went to actually qualify with my first unit (1st Infantry Division – Ft. Riley garrison company), I shot expert. I remember being in the foxhole and hearing people asking who was in lane 4 as all the farthest targets were being hit. (That was me and I think, but can’t swear, the farthest targets were 300 meters). After everyone finished, it was announced that the new female JAG had the top score. I remember the gasps from the other officers in the room. I will never forget how proud I felt. I later won an Excellence in Competition badge for the 45 pistol in 1991, but nothing compared to seeing the shock on the faces of my fellow officers (some of whom were infantry) on that first expert qualification. How I wish I still had a picture of that scorecard!

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WW2 – The Battle of Iwo Jima

WW2 – The Battle of Iwo Jima

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The year 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most storied contests in American military history. Many are familiar with the myriad stories surrounding the battle, from the two flag raisings over Mount Suribachi to any of the 27 men who received the Medal of Honor for their actions on the island. What fails to get a mention in history books is the sheer scale of the battle itself and the defensive planning of the enemy's commander. The...

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Bullets in My Bottom Drawer: The Lighter Side of Combat by John Montalbano

Bullets in My Bottom Drawer: The Lighter Side of Combat by John Montalbano

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For some, finding humor in war and combat might seem to make light of a very heavy situation. Some might even find it offensive. But those of us who have served in combat know that humor, even dark humor, is sometimes the only way to break the tension, ease the pain, and build the camaraderie that comes with fighting in a war.  John Montalbano, a retired Vietnam veteran who was drafted into the Army in 1967, would not only agree that humor is important, even in war, but he literally wrote...

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