What's that in the sky? A bird? A plane? NO IT'S CABRERA PATEL!!!!

I remember the stories of my father, Alistair Patel, have told me when I was a child. He always tells me about his experiences in WWI. He talked about how he help defended Belgium from German invasion. He often informed me about the terrible living conditions of trench warfare. He even lived the the effects of poison gas. He hoped that I would never go through the same things he went through.


I, Cabrera Patel, was fascinated by such adventures of war. I got excited how great it must be to defend your own country. Little did i know, fate had hit me hard. Germany was angry at the restrictions placed on them by the Treaty of Versailles and they wanted to retaliate.

I was 18 at the time. So after France were breached, i was immediately drafted along with my friend Adam Savage. Were were placed in the same squad. We stuck together through thick and thin. Our first assignment was to rescue the Allied troops across the English Channel. We were stationed at the coast and see the troops off. Our mission was succcessful.



I thought our previous mission really represented what being a soldier was about. I was so wrong in so many ways. Sometime in September, Adam and I, Cabrera Patel, peeked out the window of our base and witnessed few hundred bombers flying toward London, Plymouth, and Conventry. I sounded the alarm but it was too late. London, Plymouth, and Conventry's major factories and industrial streets were reduced to rubble. I got angry thinking my own family could have been there. I questioned some of the other troops and shouted! "Why weren't they detected on the RADAR!?!" They say they already saw it coming but we weren't ready to retaliate. Few days later we set off in our aircraft carriers to share our fate with Germany.

They never saw it coming. We successfully induced maximum damage on their own factories and industrial streets and returned. We celebrated our successful mission. But it will take much more than one bombing to keep Germany down.



We were about to set off to do another assault. We were going to blow the entire city of Berlin.
There were about 1000 of us. But before we even went for a few miles we saw their fleet of 4000 of them. I remembered Churchill's words ringing through my head. This was the final stand. It was time to end this war. We flew straight in. Rockets were flying by our ships. Alistair and I witnessed a few ships behind us immediatley combusted into flames. Adam shouted to me and complained that he didn't want to die. His voice was shaking over the speakers! Then the most horrible thing happened I witnessed a rocket flying toward HIS ship! I wanted to say something but I was scared stiff as I saw his plane fall apart in a fiery explosion with pieces of the plane flying out in every direction. Holding back my tears, I took evasive actions and blew up like 3 planes! Then I felt some violent shaking! A bullet grazed my engines! I was still able to fly but one of my squad members told me over the radio to land back at the base. I went back with my head down, mourning for Adam. We had to fight like this for a few more days.
In the end, the Allies pushed Germany into submission and they surrendered. All of us back in Britain celebrated. I went back to my friends and family who wasn't hurt at all! (R.I.P. Adam Savage) We were all pleased to be together again. WWII was a big part of my life and nothing could change that.

An unforgetable day

May 1, 1945
Dear Journal,
Ace! The war seems to slowly be cooling down and as I write this journal entry while in a cafe smoking my baccy. It seems safe to be out in the open rather than it was for the past ten years or so. Today, I woke up from my bunk and walked down the street to the Market as I pass by a propaganda about the Germany suffering which gave myself an uplifting feeling. I came home that night and told my family at the dinner table what I saw on the way to the market. They thought it was too good to be true and that their powers will restore. Let's see what lays ahead of us.

May 7. 1945
Dear Journal,
Holy shmokes! Breaking News! GERMANY SURRENDERED. But does that mean the war has ended? It must mean that right? It would make no sense to continue a war. Hitler was in charge of most of the military and made stupid decisons! He underestimated our army and the ability to fight against his. His decisons made us fall right into path to defeat and possibly end the war!

May 8, 1945
Dear Journal,
THE WAR IS OFFICIALLY OVER and Europe is in peace. We can all sleep in our beds without worrying or hearing gunshots. Today was probably the most memorable day of all the history of Britain. I went to the city to see many people partying, having beers, cheering, and crying. The troops came back and was able to feel their firstborn's touch. Thousands gathered together and celebrated the tremendous news! As I'm writing this journal entry on the sidewalk, I hear the tears and cries of joy. Now that we are at peace, it's time to fix our economy.

June 20, 1945
Dear Journal,
It's been a litle bit over a month and Britain still continues to party. I'm not used to hearing peace at night and sleeping restfully on my bed. Ever since I was a small child, the breakout of the war was intense. The newspapers seem to be selling out with all the news that has been going on. Word on the street, Hitler died the next day he surrendered. Hoorah! Let's keep it this way.

More Than Good, Just Good Enough

It was the day we got called in to help evacuate the soldiers in Dunkirk by boat. As we approached the dead, cold bodies floating in the water, I noticed a boy. He was particularly young, and was very weak willed. I could tell by the look in his eyes he couldn’t handle the horror of seeing these dead bodies. “Just walk away son, it’ll only get worse” was what I said to the boy I’ll never forget, Philip J. Butler.

The name’s Hugh, Hugh Colt. I am quite a young fellow myself. I grew up in ze slums of Dunkirk. I never considered myself to follow in the footsteps of my father. He was a great father, but even a better general. I always looked up to him and hoped one day I would be as great as he was but I knew I wasn’t good enough after he died in World War I. That just crushed my little heart. When I was 15 my brother was 18, the man of the house. It was time for him to go and join the military so I knew it was my turn to take over the household. A few years passed and it was my turn to join. My mother was devastated. She couldn’t stand the fact she might lose her children too. My story begins here.

It was quite a foggy day, not like the others. We were camped out by a river. I came out of my tent to just sit and get some fresh air. There weren’t many of us, maybe 4,000 or so. We were on our way to France. General Adaams approached me; he was my father’s dear friend. “You know, following in your father footsteps is quite hard, but I think you got what it takes to be a general like him.” I then knew it was my duty to fulfill my father’s wish. I went back to my tent and could barely sleep that night.

The next morning we were awoken with sudden yells of the generals. General Adaams took me with him and gave me my fathers pin. I put it on with pride and took a few troops with me to head on towards France; when we suddenly got an urgent message:

“Dépêchez-vous! Les Allemands envahissent la France. Nous avons besoin de troupespour venir l'aider à évacuer la ville de Dunkerque!”

It read to us that we must hurry to Dunkirk. The German’s were invading and we were needed immediately to help evacuate Dunkirk by boats. We set off right away.

It’s that point in the story now where everything’s all caught up. Philip J. Butler was like a little brother to me. I barely knew him but I could see a part of myself act as he does. We were both determined to save these soldiers. But when I saw him look at those soldiers, dead, I didn’t think he could handle it. But I knew he was strong like I was. We got to Dunkirk and it was time to start evacuating the soldiers, loading them onto the boats as fast as we could. Until one soldier, one soldier I just had to save. One more, one more I thought could be saved. I jumped into the water with hope this soldier and I would make it. I jumped. It felt like I was falling in slow motion, until I hit the water. My whole body just went numb. I couldn’t give up now, I had to save this one soldier and get back to the boat. I felt like I was slowly dying. Freezing to death. But I got that soldier and paddled back to the boat as fast as I could. My soldiers grabbing my hands pulling me in. I didn’t think I’d live. I pulled Philip in closer to me, “I hope you can be as good a general as a soldier.” Handing him my pin, I was gone.

Find Your People

My third interview was with Rose Black, it was fantastic. She's a poet, and I had a great time talking with her. The thing she told me was to "find your people" and to not be afraid of critique. This applies to everything in life, so I'm just throwing that out there.
I realize this is our last interview, but I guess for future reference (if you ever have to find an interviewee for something), don't be afraid to ask everybody. Don't hesitate, some of the people you'd least think to ask will be the most help to you. Possibilities are endless, don't shy away.
I've spent a lot of time letting opportunities pass me by, or being shy. It's a waste of time.
Step outside of yourself, find and pursue something you love, and you'll find the world isn't what it seems to be. It's often better. "Or worse. Either way you're stuck here." (Auriana Viegas Telephone Interview) ....Isn't the pessimism BEAUTEEFOOL?

Super Fictional Story

One day playing outside with my friends I heard my mom shouting inside the house so I ran inside and asked what was happening. She just starred at me like if she was hopeless, I didn’t know what to say. Just by the look of her face I knew their was something wrong but I didn’t know exactly what it was. Running up to my mom she hugged me tightly, something she never does to me. Telling me that everything would be alright, when I didn’t even know what was happening I was just 13. Everyone calls me Boose in my family but my real name is Jack Daniels. My dad said he was going on a trip with some of his soldier friends but since I caught him one day with his suit, I knew he was a soldier.

Mom said she couldn’t tell me what she was screaming about until she got more information on what was happening. Seeing that my Dad hasn’t been home on the day he said he would be I knew it had something to do with him. Late at night when my mom had fallen asleep I sat on my bed, thinking that I was eager to know. So I went off sneaking into my moms rooming hoping to get the newspaper she read and I was successful. I started to read carefully and I saw that very serious event were happening not to long from where I live. Having the thought that my Dad could be in their gave me a sick feeling to my stomach making me want to fall asleep to stop thinking about it.

The next day I told my Mom that I found out what she read about and she started to cry. She told me that she didn’t know what to do, and holding her tightly I tried to cheer her up telling her everything would be alright. Waiting for the next newspaper it finally hit our house, the headline was “Belgium in Danger?”. I was scared I am not going to lie because finding out that Germany is getting closer to us terrifies me in the way of what I heard what they did to the other countries. Me and my mom started getting prepared for the worst, getting warned everywhere that the invasion had been getting closer. Since my father was not around I knew I had to stay tough and hope for the best.

Later on the week, I couldn’t sleep it was midnight and I had waken up because of gun shots that were being fired not to far from my home. My mom rapidly got up, came to my room and took me with her, she just wanted to make sure I was okay. Wanting to check outside I did, when my mom wasn’t looking but I found a other newspaper that looked freshly print. Reading that how Germany got through Belgium and was starting to invade France. My heart dropped for a second as if I was being chased by death, adrenaline started to kick in. The only thing that was in my mind was my father, the time me and my mom need him the most he’s not here.

Germany coming through invading, everyone was scared. France ended up surrendering as we all had to but the battle wasn’t over. The last newspaper we ended up getting was that soldier evacuated through Dunkirk and that their was new plans and strategies that were going to be used. Making me happy at the moment was good but knowing that I’m still in the present of what’s happening right in front of me was all bad. Thought we might, just might have a second chance to turn it around but knowing that Germany is powerful I also had second thoughts. Hopefully we get them back and my Dad returns back to me and my Mom that’s all I want.

My days on the front lines

Journal entry 1: August, 1939

My name is Nikolai Belinski. I'm a 35 year old Russian soldier who is about to be enrolled into the military. I don't know much about it but I want to look back on my past if i can. So for that reason, i created this journal. My father Schoshovick Belinski was a one of the USSR's finest Generals. As i grew up without ever seeing him, i heard so many great stories about him. But even after this, i still wasn't interested in the military. But today i must go and leave my family because I have been called in to duty..

Journal entry 2: Day 1, September, 1939

A truck came by my house to pick me up to bring me to the sign ups. As i peered inside, i could see many men with grueling faces awaiting for my arrival with them. I was nervous to go out to war because i don't know a lot about it currently. When we arrived at the embassy, we get briefed that there was something called the "Munich Pact" made with Germany involved. Great! Anything with Germany involved to me is always a bad thing. Ever since that Hitler guy or whatever came to power, Germany has been getting a lot power. I wonder how he is gonna use this power. I hope we don't eventually go to war with them..

Journal entry 3: Day 26, September, 1939

A lot of training has gone by and I've been learning more about being a true Russian soldier. I have wounds so bad that i need bandages. One soldier went ballistic and cut me a few times with a ballistic knife. Damn did that hurt. And to bring this day down for me, is that we got informed earlier that we made a Non-aggression Pact with Germany which apparently says that us and Germany wont attack each other. Blah! I hate Germany! But our sergeant has informed us that we are invading Poland along with Germany. WWII will officially begin tomorrow..

Journal entry 4: Day 145, October, 1939

I have returned back from the invasion but not in good condition though. I was shot in the shoulder and I'am now in the infermery. This pain is unbearable! But to bring some good news, the invasion was a success and we now have control of Poland. As I left early because of my injury, I have heard that Germany has also annexed Poland. What great victory that we have achieved! As the battle lasted quite awhile and difficult, i'am glad that i could be there to fight for my country! Soon i will be out of the infermery and get back into the action!

Journal entry 5: November, 1941

It is sad for me to say but..but Nikolai has died as a result of war. He and I were stationed on the front lines to oppose the invasion of Germany when he was shot by a German sniper. He was a good soldier that loved this country. I'am Kliment Voroshilov who has been his friend in this god forsaken war with him. I'am writing in his journal to concluded his story. He knew that Germany would one day betray us, and he lived to see that his assumption was true. Rest in peace Nikolai..

Viscount Auchinleck

My name is Viscount Auchinleck, and I was born on August 21, 1905. I had one older brother and two younger and one younger sister. My older brother was pretty much a perfect kid; well at least my parents thought cause he never got caught doing anything and then later on became a wealthy investor. My sister always got what she wanted no matter what it was. She later on got married and I haven’t heard from her since. My brother after me was just about to move out because he finally is old enough to but he was a little spoiled by my father but not a whole lot. There isn’t much to say about my youngest brother. Now for me I was never really good at school, always got caught doing things I wasn’t supposed to and just felt like I was a burden to my parents and tried not too by leaving but they found me. After I left I figured I would actually try and do something with my life for a change.

I was about 10 at the end of World War 1, and that’s what made me want to be in the military after awhile because I thought there was nothing else to do for me really. I joined when I was 18 in 1915. After that I became a general after 16 years in the military. To become a general isn’t the easiest thing to be able to do. By the time it was World War 2 I was about 34 when the official war started. It started from the Germans and Russians invading Poland on September 1, 1939. The thing is if we didn’t give in to the Germans and what they wanted this would not have happened.

One event that led to this invasion was because the fact we gave what the Germans wanted from the Czech’s. Hitler demanded that he gets the Sudetenland that belonged to them in Czechoslovakia. So then came the Munich conference were Hitler was appeased. In this Munich conference the Hitler would get the land he desired but he would not be able to go further and get more land. After hearing all of this France was pleased to hear that Hitler would not be trying to get more land. The thing is the Germans didn’t stop with gaining land. This appeasement left Hitler wanting more land for his country. Hitler didn’t stop at jus Czechoslovakia.

On September 1 of 1939, is the day I remember the most. This was the day that Hitler and the Russians invaded Poland. I was one of the generals that were sent to help Poland on short notice because we didn’t expect this attack on them. When the French and British hears this we declared war on Hitler and the Germans for there actions and going against the Munich conference. They invaded from every side except the east. The polish had to withdraw. We and the French tried to help them but we were very limited on such short notice. It wasn’t for long until they had complete control over the polish people and there land. This was the very beginning of a very tragic war…..

On the 25^th of February, 1893 at the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota a baby called William Gardner was born at the time of 6 with 15 minutes in the early morning, which is how your story begins. Your family has been living in the United States in the zone of the North East for a long period since the early time of the 1800’s. You were the common typical boy whose eyes were round blue like the sea, blonde soft and straight hair, and a really light, delicate against the sun, white skin. You look just like your mother but you still have some aspects that make you look in some ways like your father. The time passed by, you were a very happy kid until one day your parents began to fight. That was how your family crisis started. Three years later after hearing your parents all the time yelling at each other, they separated and months later they got divorced. You felt so useless and went into depressive mood. You wanted to help mom and make yourself useful while the crisis was passing by and getting over.

On 1909 you were 16 years old, it had been a year since you only live with your mom, you got a project at school where they asked what were you planning to be when you grow up, then it’s when the idea of join the army popped out into your mind. Decided and determined for join the army, after years of feeling useless and ashamed of whom you are, at the age of 19 after graduate you joined the army. You were accepted for the U.S army when you turned 20, which was on the 1913.For over a year or maybe a little bit less you had to be training with your team in the army preparing for anything that could come, any trouble or war that could harm the united states, so the soldiers, who you are part of, would be ready to protect your people.

William Gardner, was working really hard to be a honored soldier, and to feel proud of himself without knowing that a year later, after his first year of preparing, he would have to go to World War I. Some days before going to war he was really nervous and acting like gone all the time around the other guys that shared room with him. He needed to be brave but at time he was scared and anxious to see if he would survive to the war, it was the first time he would sacrifice and risk his life this way, but he was feeling really proud of himself since he was being part of the U.S army always thinking: “If I die I will proudly die for my country”. And then couple of days before going to the action he wrote a letter to his lovely and now lonely mother to express her the way he was feeling and maybe to say good bye to her for the last time.

A lot of years later that World War I passed, as you survived to the war you decided to still be a soldier for the U.S army and still be honored for your country. World War II was coming and you knew it, sadly for your excitement on going to defend your people, well it was in vain because this war took place in Europe where United States didn’t belong like to fight this war, practically it wasn’t your business to get into this war otherwise if your team would of got involved you guys would of give Germany reasons to be in war with your country. The general O’Donnell really wanted to do something since you all agreed that you guys not only had to protect your country, but your neighbors and the ones who needed of you all, but it would of be a bad plan and strategy to just invade to try to liberate the others. So the president of the 1900’s decided to make conferences to could help the other countries and that way could have a plan and a right strategy that would defeat Germany, win the war, and liberate the countries such as Poland or at least the polish people who was being captured by Hitler.

You knew you and your whole team had to stay neutral for a while, until it was time to really get into the war and do something about it. You and all the members from the army would have a meeting at least once or twice a week after Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin’s meetings and agreements to could create a successful strategy and a plan that would really work against the allied countries who were making the war, and also to could do something about the poor polish people who was suffering in hands of Hitler. You felt really sorry for it but it wasn’t something that you or your partners could really do about it. You guys stood neutral for a couple of years until 1945 that is when the Allies and the American army had everything to could win this war.

Again you had the excitement but disillusion feeling, this time was less excitement, you were old already not that young and strong as you were in World War I, but you still wanted to fight and keep being on the U.S army because you felt really good to protect your country as the first time you fought in World War I. As you were old the general O’Donnell told you he shouldn’t let you participate in this, they had enough people but he needed somebody like you who was fighting more for excitement and love for the country that somebody who thinks it’s kind of forced to fight and risk their lives. For the health issues you could have during this period he told you to be with the red cross, receiving the polish people, if everything worked as planed you would help them out and again, you survived after this war once again American people didn’t react as happy as the Polish, and French people because with the help of the American army were you were, the war was over, but guiltiness and happiness at time was a feeling too because of the suicide that Hitler committed.

Your mom wasn’t here anymore to say congratulations again, neither the dad you never saw again after your 17 years old. But you had the pride of your wife who you met during World War I and the wonderful daughter she gave you. Now you realized that all the strength and the sacrifice of risk your life was worth it because you loved your country, the country were your two actual love live. War was the worst experience you and your team, specially the ones who sadly died, went through and that everybody hopes that this kinds of stories don’t happen ever again.

Dunkirk and Joe

Nathan Trutner

Period 3

Mr.shawn

World history

May 16, 2011                                   Joe Dunagan

            Posters and billboards are strung up depicting what the so call “WWII” is like. The government shows media through television screens and radio, saying what is happening in Europe and what evil Germany is doing. You, a 18 year old boy, tall, strong, light skinned, and opened minded walking through the city of New York, 1939 looking at propaganda trying to see the truth in the war. Recently drafted, not by your choice, you are frightened and nervous from the stories you have heard. You pray to god so you can stay home and not have the day come where you see from the front line the real and true disaster

            YOU are scared, YOU are alone, and YOUR name is Joe Dunagan.

            It is now 1940, factories have stopped producing goods and are now building army equipment. U.S. government produces things called war bonds. They are investments in the war, like if your country wins you get money. You think it’s a bunch of malarkey and is pointless. You arrive and the army base and salute to your fellow officers. You do not act more stronger or in more command because you are humble and know where you stand. You sit down and wait to hear the briefing of what the seargant is about to say.

            Your Seargant discusses the invasion on Norway and Denmark called a “blitzkrieg”. Hearing the destruction in England you see the real cruelty of Hitler’s reign. The british were able to flee back to their homeland, they made it safe back home in Dunkirk. You hear for the british that this was a miracle. You realize if you were to help now the war can be won. You become more impowered to stop this madness than ever, and now for the first time cant wait to fight and help others. But there was another plan hitler had for the british.

            Fellow soldiers are talking in a group as you walk by you over here the news they discuss. They same something about an operation by the germans to bomb britian. You stop to hear more imformation about this theory. Months past and now its August, germany has bombed briatain coast and you remember the other soldiers stories were true. The german operation happpend. You and thousand of men are called up to help Britain. You think of the propaganda you saw and are now feeling hatred to germany as well. You land in England ready for your mission to be complete.

            You are in an armored boat helping british soldiers return. A staff seargant calls you to be in a invasion. You agree willingly. You sail across the sea heading to Normandy. The coast appears you see disaster and destruction. Your life goes by you in a second. Your scared, nervous, and unwilling. The world around you and fades. Everything is black. Then you awake. Your in your bunk bed back at the base. Your freaking out wondering if everything was a dream. Which it was. But the reality is about to kick in as you are flying to Britain to help britsih soldiers escape back to Dunkirk. And you see that the reality is worse than the dream.

           

           

I am Rictofen Amsel

My name is Rictofen Amsel. I was born on April 13 1922. When I was 13 my family died in a car crash. I became one of Hitler’s youth at the age of 14. I was one of them until I joined the Nazi Army at 17. I am now 19. It is June 22 1941. I was issued into operation Barbarossa.

June 22 we were sent by vehicle to the border of Germany and Russia. From there we marched. We marched to Stalingrad. By the time we got there on June 30 the first wave had already cleared the area of Russians. We were commanded to hold down Stalingrad. For the first few weeks it was easy. We had no problem. Then we started to run low on food. This was planned, we were to go into Russia and raid the towns. That is where disaster struck.

August 18 was when things turned for the worst. We decided to make our first raid. We thought it was weird, after 5 miles there was nothing but burned houses. We were told not to go past a 25 mile perimeter. We got to 20 miles, still nothing. That is when we got worried. At 25 miles we were exhausted and found nothing. Everything everywhere was burned and gone. This we were not prepared for and this could change the entire war.

August 20 we returned to camp in Stalingrad. We broke the news to the general that everything within 25 miles was gone. He asked us what we meant, we told him what we saw and how everything was burned.

September 1 there are no supplies left. We are starving. Our general sent a letter to Hitler himself begging for a retreat. Our numbers are diminishing.

September 28 we fought off a Russian attack today. It was only now I realized how week I have become. There are not many of us left. Only about 70% of what we originally had. Things are getting worse, I’ve been hearing about people resorting to…. Cannibalism.

October 13 those were not rumors. Today we found 8 SS soldiers feasting upon the dead. They were killed. I am debating whether or not they were doing anything wrong. I’m so hungry I would do anything for food.

October 19 there was another attack today. There are some Russians still inside the bunker. I’m hiding in my room with my PPSH-41 pointed at the door. I haven’t slept for two days. I won’t last much longer.

October 20 finally help arrived and I was rescued from my room. In haven’t eaten now in 18 days. I was given a small ration and actually felt like I was alive for a moment. That diminished as soon as I heard the siren go off, which meant another attack may be coming.

September 1 there was no attack that day. I ate a piece of paper from this notebook today. I couldn’t help it, I’m starving. It actually tasted good.

September 23 if I die and someone finds this notebook, pay no attention to the ripped out pages in the back. I feel like I should tell you to tell someone I love them, but there’s no one to tell it to. Everyone I’ve ever known or been close with is dead or here suffering with me. We must stay strong though. The Nazis never give up!

On December 4 1941 at 8:09 AM Rictofen died from malnutrition and shrapnel of a grenade thrown into his bunker. At 7:00 on this fateful day Russians snuck near the Nazi camps. At 8:00 they attacked shooting lead and throwing grenades. At 8:07 they retreated and we were to find out the damage caused. At 8:08 I found Rictofen still in his bed bleeding heavily. By 8:09 he was dead.

Pure Luck: The Story of Phillip J. Butler

  I never truly understood how these men survived. It was an experience that I'll never forget. 

 We were just ordered to help evacuate the soldiers in Dunkurk by boats. We got all the boats we could, rushing just to save them. I was lucky enough to get on one of the naval vessels rather than a pleasure or fishing boat. As we were crossing the channel towards the stranded soldiers, I couldn't help but notice several strange objects floating in the water. Then, I realized, when we were closer, that they were bodies. The bodies of those soldiers that we were sent to save. I knew I needed to work fast now. There wasn't much that I could do besides pulling bodies of the ones that looked alive still. I felt helpless almost. Oh well, it was better than feeling useless, unwanted, and out-casted back at home. The explosions that were sounding made everything go by so quickly. It felt as if I wasn't really there. It made everything seem more like a nightmare. I kept thinking that if I just killed myself, I would wake up. I couldn't believe the amount of blood I was seeing, the missing faces from bodies, arms, and legs. You couldn't tell what was what. Everything was a blur. A quick, soundless, blur. 

  I never planned on doing what I did, saving all those soldiers. Back when I still lived with my parents, I was only sixteen years of age. My father was never home, always claiming to be working. He was never working. My mother used to work at a factory nearby, that is until she passed away three years ago. I hated my dad. I was abused when I was younger for just being born. My mother never found out about this. I hated everything about that man, so I decided to run away from it all. I had no idea where to go, then I stumbled upon a poster on the ground that said soldiers were needed for the war. This was my new beginning, my chance at a new life to just forget it all and start over.

  

   As I was taking in my the last soldier that I could, he managed out of his barely breathing body, a simple look of thankfulness and gratitude. You could see in his eyes how there was once fear in them but that fear had turned into hope. After taking him on the ship, we had to evacuate. I couldn't help but look back as we were leaving, watching all those men who were still alive try to swim themselves toward us. It was pointless, to just stare, but I couldn't help myself. I had experienced nothing like what I was that day. It will live with me for the rest of my life, maybe flashing back to me at any given time.

   But right before leaving, with all the soldiers that we had saved, my general, who was a brother and best friend to me, decided to jump into the water to try and save another survivor. I didn't want him to do it, not only because I didn't want to lose him but also because I knew he wasn't going to make it. Well, he proved me wrong, almost. As he jumped into the water towards that last survivor, I yelled at him. He was the only one that actually kept my senses together. Paddling back to the boat, you could see the determination in his eyes, and almost a look that seemed as though it came from his father. He just had a look that wasn't himself. Then, coming up to me still in the water, he handed me his pin, tears in both of our eyes, and barely said, “I hope you can be as good a general as a soldier.” And then he just let go of me, as if something was slowly dragging him away. He was gone. It felt as if I had something ripped right out of my heart. He was the closest I had to a new life. And then to just see him go, it's just something I can't bare to explain. I'll never forget that man, General Hugh Colt.

WWII Battle of Britain Reid Riegelsberger Period 3

Reid Riegelsberger

Period 3

5/19/11

Battle of Britain

Birmingham didn’t get it as bad as London. I received a frantic phone call from my mother just minutes after 5 in the morning on Monday. My heart raced as she described to me the events that unfolded: bombs falling from the sky, nothing but screams, explosions and fire. I told her to get underground, perhaps the subway station, whatever she thought best. I then immediately got into my car and drove to her; the Germans could’ve been back any minute.

I made it to London in record time, and went straight to the subway station to look for my Mother and darling sister, Abigail. She was only six Running through town was horrendous; there was fire everywhere, women and children screaming and crying, more explosions. I turned onto Baker Street and I saw them. Only I wish I hadn’t. They saw me and ran to me, as the flaming bakery came crashing down on top of them. I ran to them, and tried to free their bodies. But there was no hope; they were gone. I cried as I said my final goodbye then ran away, not knowing or caring where I ended up, or if I would even make it.

I ended up on a destroyed street that I couldn’t make out, and there was a dead policeman lying on the ground. I took his pistol mechanically. I slowly raised it to my head, and pulled the trigger. I remember my last living thought, “I’ll be with you soon Abigail.” And I pulled the trigger.

The Struggle of Omaha

June 6th, 1944, I was aboard the USS Augusta, I watched in the water as Operation Overlord unfolded before my very eyes. I remember the day to every detail, the smell in the air, the voices, every last one of them, the feeling of tension. I commanded a team against the best trained German infantry divisions on the beach, we were up against a monster. I saw across the black smoke, the explosions and the bodies, as machine guns flashed and my men fell. Omaha was dead, it was over, our points were of the most fortified on Normandy, it would be impossible to succeed at this point.

Casualties were heavy and as we began to consider abandoning the beachhead, I made a snap decision. I yelled at my troops to begin forming small groups to infiltrate through the defense, it was hard to communicate however. As time pushed on, I realized the makeshift plan had taken success, it was a small amount, but it was something. Over time, my troops continued to use the initial infiltration to push forward and set up isolated footholds. The feeling of pride filled me, we were making progress, the Nazi's would soon fall. They wouldn't handle our numbers. At this point, maybe I was over thinking everything, but it didn't effect me negatively.

It took days to accomplish what we had originally hoped, possibly a little too ambitiously, but our beachhead expanded and we had control. As time went on, harbors became operational on Omaha, as I commanded my infantry along with other commanders into France. Furious storms impeded our progress however, and destroyed the Omaha harbor, that didn't hold us back though. Counterattacks and smart strategies kept us going strong, all the beaches were secure and the Normandy Landing was successful despite previous thoughts.

The Nazi's were being pushed harder, they couldn't handle the amazing crushing force of our armies and men, we had occupied cities and peninsulas by the time Operation Overlord was completed, and we forged ahead into Operation Cobra. I was proud of what I had done, although at times it seemed as though we had problems, it became obvious that even Germany's strongest and most skilled teams couldn't stop me and my troops.

Letter To A Soldier At War

Dear Edgar,
While there was premature spontaneous celebration yesterday, today was officially declared VE day by President Truman at 9 o'clock this Morning. He delivered an 800-word speech, which took exactly 7 minutes. He was followed immediately by Prime Minister Churchill and ended with the National Anthem. Just as Truman started speaking we could hear the boat whistles, no sirens though. All day long there have been VE special programs coming from Washington, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Philippines, Guam, England, and Paris. Each time Paris has been on I wonder if you had anything to do with the hookups . There is also a special VE television program tonight at 8 o'clock. Naturally, we would love to see how you and all the boys took the news of victory. Angelina (Aunt) called us up at 8:30 this morning to tell us about her letter from you dated April 28th. I was glad to hear you will eventually get into radio. I am writing this on VE day but am not going to mail it until we receive your new address. And when we do get that address, I hope to mail you a package. I was wondering today if it might be an idea to send you a camera and film. Then maybe someday before you come home, you would get a chance to go to Uncle Fredo’s grave (Note: Uncle Fredo died during the war) and take a picture of it. I sent you all the details as to place and grave in a previous letter but will send them again when you get settled. Of course, with all the programs being dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives, we have thought of him a good deal. I know Granny Mary and Juana, and Grandpa too, will feel it even more today. I believe he must (Grandpa) know the truth because the insurance checks have been coming in regularly. He doesn't say a thing though. I have just returned from the store and it has been the first time my butcher has had a sign on the door "no meat." Tonight the Statue of Liberty will be flooded with all her new lights for the first time, as well as the Dome on the National Capitol. The brownout has been lifted, so Pop can now light up his store again. I wrote you a special E mail yesterday to tell you Mrs. Emely received her first letter from her son since he was reported missing Jan. 20th. He was a prisoner the last three months and hopes to be home soon. This will be all for now. I'll add to it again when I have more news.

Your brother Alexis

The Story Of Luke Powers

I was born on May 6, 1924. I go by the name of Luke Powers. I was born in a small town in Washington. My family and I owned a small store near our town, but sadly it was not making any money. I was really worried about my mom and dad. They seemed to be going through hard times and I wanted to help them. My dad eventually closed the store and found a job in a different store. He did not make good money, but he was still happy that he was making money. That is the part I liked about my father, he was very grateful for what he had.

My life growing up as a kid was very tough. My parents did not have enough money to send me to school so I had to help around the house. I wanted to go to school very badly, so I decided to ask my parents for the last time if they would let me go to school. Like always, they said they have no money to send me to school. I was very upset. I didn’t know what to do with my life. Sometimes I thought I had nothing to live for. I thought about this since I was five years old, I thought that since I can’t go to school maybe I should become a soldier.

I decided to go to the army because of many reasons. First I wanted to do something with my life and I had a lot of pride for my country. I really wanted to fight for my country. If I could not go to school, what else should I have done? I believe back then I made the right choice, I had no regrets for what I had done. I was not scared, maybe I was a little nervous but not scared. In June my troop had been called up to go to Normady, France. My parents broke down as they saw me leave. I felt so bad and I didn’t know what to do. I promised them that I would return as soon as the war ends.

I landed In Normady In June 5, 1944. I was involved in a big war with Germany. Germany was trying its best to attack us. Luckily I wasn’t wounded. Sometimes I got a feeling that I bit off more than I can chew but I remebered that im fighting for America and that got me going. I didn’t stop, I kept going, not for me but for America. I saw many soldiers go down and I thought how are going to defeat Germany if soldiers keep dieing. At the end, we the Allies were victorius against the axis powers, regardless of the death of many soldiers. I will always remember them in my heart. At that young age, when we defeated them, I felt that I did something with my life and the most important part, I helped my country, The United States of America.

My Story.. Steven Willows

My name is Steven Willows I was 13 years old when I was in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The war was a brutal time of my life. Everything that happened to e impacted my life as well as my mental and physical abilites. The years of harsh war against the most hateful, powerful facist leader known around the world known as Adolf Hitler. I at that time i did not know to much about what was going on in Germamy at that time because i was so young, and Iwas back in the United States for training. I was sent from Britain by ship to train there safely and get prepared to fight. I decided the only way i could get way from my abusive parents was to join the army and never go back again. My parents had beaten and threatened me.

The Battle of Britain was an event i will never foget Bloody massacre, limbs flying, heads blown off, it was unbelieveable. I met one of my best friends, Richard Scott, that i met back in the US. When we left back to Britain, alot of tension i could feel in everybody that passed me and the tones the Generlas' had with the soldiers and eachother. General Smith called for a meeting and informed us that Hilter defeated France and rumors were being spread that Hitler was headed for Britain. The General knew that the Fall of France was not good enough for Hitler he needed every country in his possession. For about a month, the military bases, camps, airlines, and ships were all prepared for battle at any moment. Planes were aligned on the run-ways. I stood and look out over the water in shock. At any moment in time we could be in war and i was absolutely not ready for it. Then August 12,1940 it happened.

After the defeat of France, Hitler assigned his military and leaders to organize an attack on Britain. We knew that we were Hitler's next target. I had overheard from one of the soldiers at breakfast the rumor from other countries that the war was over. I did not believe it one bit. From what I was hearing from our Generals I knew for a fact we needed to be ready for battle. Germany had attemped to gain air control over England so that they could launch an attack over sea. This happening the end, Germany's force was wiped out. At the beginning of his plot, his plan called the Sealion, was to strike Britain's islands Nation through thI was flying the Blue JaySR56 I was assigned to fly into the on coming German force, and successfully parachute out. It was a horrible, life threatning experience. Not knowing anything, the only thing I had was my common sense, fast relfexes, and my knowlege. Watching my life flash before me as i was soaring through the air to the ground, I seriously thought it was the end of Steven Willows. As soon as my feet caught on the ground, I knew right then and there i fell from Heaven. There was no time to pause i unhooked the parachute from my back strap and sprinted to a near by bomb hole. As i sat in the hole to catch my breath, all i heard were guns being shot, airplanes plowing to the ground, i heard men yelling in pain, and men communication to eachother. Dreadful scene. On the side of this, Axis armies also pushed into North Africa and the Balkans. Mussolini ordered forces from Libya. Hitler's operation was a complete failure.

There were many causes of of Germany's failure, but the main cause was the knowlege of the British miliary and the Royal Airforces. Instead of bombing Britain's airforce bases, military camps,factories, Hitler bombed only the cities which included civilians, stores, houses, etc.British Royal Airforce outsmarted the Germans, there airports and military bases were too far out of Hitler's destruction route to even realize that there are islands around Britain. The were many reasons for Hitler's love for war. He believed that every human or Jew, should be nothing other than German. He wanted to take over all of Europe amd make it his. His extreme personality, anti-democratic, anti-republican views, he was mostly hysterically anti-socialist.

Winston Churchill became prime minister in 1940, During World War 2 his constant radio talks amd messages to his people not only encouraged his people, gave hope to every out there in need of it. His speeches impacted the people in a everyone will never forget. One of my favorite quotes of his was " We shall show mercy, but we shall not ask for it". That second i heard that heart, didication, and courage raced through my blood. Til this day i thank God every day for my presense and i will live through my life by this said by John Locke "All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions".

My Sad Story

I am covered in blood. I could smell my blood gushing out of my leg and my stomach, the sun is giving me the heat of hell. I am dying, I don’t want to and I can’t ask for help. I look around and saw a lot of people like me, a soldier, lying on the ground having the same problem as mine, asking for help to survive. I am losing conscious. I can’t die yet; I wanted to at least have a good time with my family. I can’t lose conscious. Is it night already? Why do I see the night sky?

I open my eyes and I am amazed that I survived. I am all bandaged up on my body. There are many things I want to ask. What happened to war? Did we win? Where are my buddy and friends? Why do I see a lot of injured people? I don’t have the energy to speak, even lift my hand or finger. “How are you feeling today, sir?”, “Welcome to Britain.” Said a nurse. A certain burst of happiness and pride rush upon me, I was happy that I lost conscious again.

This time I hear a loud of cheering outside the hospital. I tried to get up and want to take a good look outside. There’re thousands of people cheering for the ending of war in Europe. I wanted to join them. Suddenly, I remember to look for my friends. “Sorry buddy, your friends didn’t make it,” a guy who’s lying beside me on the bed said in a sad voice. “I usually saw you with three of them everyday during war but I don't think any of them make it.” I don’t know what to fell that time, to feel happy with the people outside or feel sad and guilty for being alive and notice that my friends didn’t make it. I don’t know what to think I just lost all my strength from all the shock I got and lost conscious again.

D-day

June 10, 1944

Being wife to a soldier during world war was terrifying the thought of loosing him was always in my mind. The few photos and letters he send me were astounding. I wouldn't show the photos to our two daughters, Laila and Kaila but would reed part of the letters to them. The fact of not knowing when and if he was coming home we would usually go to his favorite restaurant. During D-day operation overload he was killed. I heard it from his closest friend that also was drafted but was able to survive with minor injuries. On June 9 to celebrate our oldest daughter 8th birthday. He told us the whole story in details.

He said

"It was on June 6,1944 that Operation Overlord - the long anticipated Allied invasion of Nazi-held Europe - went into action." He stopped for a minute took a deep breath and mumbled "We came, rank after relentless rank, ten lanes wide, twenty miles across, five thousand ships of every description. There were fast new attack transports, slow rust-scarred freighters, small ocean liners, Channel steamers, hospital ships, weather-beaten tankers, coaster and swarms of fussing tugs. Some ships were almost 350 feet long. Barrage balloons flew above the ships. Squadrons of fighter planes weaved below the clouds. And surrounding this fantastic cavalcade of ships packed with men, guns, tanks, motor vehicles and supplies ... were a formidable array 702 warships. The Longest Day and also the death of my good friend” Then the room was silent. with that came the unexpected. He said "On the shore line another set of soldiers went (including your husband and I). In seconds they fell, and lay there dying, those who were left alive you could hear them crying in pain. Hundreds lay dead, in those first few minutes. Now a friend laying there breathless, I was in TERROR I couldn't bear the pain and guilt.

You would not tell a child with such enthusiasm, What it is like, yet children seem anxious to fight. Since little, I always dreamed to be a soldier, But now being though this harsh and cruel reality. I have realized I would’t wish on my worst enemy.

If I didn't make it. I had told him my last few words and asked him to tell my friends and family, since then all I remember him saying is tell my wife and kids I love Them. I wouldn't feel comfortable living you and your family here after all this tragedy. I would be honored in having your family and you staying at our house.

Battle Before VE Day

Entry one: Preparing for battle April 27^th 1945

Tomorrow I will fight for the freedom of Europe and the rights of human beings; I can tell the war is starting to come to an end. I am now twenty three and the war is now all I know. Since I joined the war at the age of seventeen it will be a hard transition onto civilian life when it’s over. Tomorrow we lead the biggest attack so far on Hitler and plan to take over Berlin. Since I’ve been in the war I have missed my family greatly. I ran away to the war to escape my parents but now being away so long I miss the family farm and my homeland Britain. I have to admit being away for so long and only contacting home once has changed my life greatly and I want to go back and tell my family of my accomplishments. I started in the military at the lowest position and fought my way through to general. The war has changed me from a boy to man and private to general. Tomorrow will be my biggest battle, Hitler has controlled Germany for to long and is responsible for at least six million deaths we need to bring him down. The Nazis are pushed back to Berlin and the allied forces have done a great job. Now it is my job to take my men and take down the leader of the third Reich and the Nazi regime. Adolf Hitler

May 7th 1945

We did it! We have successfully infiltrated Hitler’s bunker in Berlin. The coward committed suicide before my army could get to him. We took Hitler down and took out his whole plan. I never thought I would be the leader of the mission to take down the most hated man of my time. I am very proud of my accomplishments and cant wait to return home and tell my family. I think the war is pretty much over but it is not official yet. Sadly I did not escape the war without injury as we moved toward Berlin we had to cross a bridge, it was heavily guarded and we wore ambushed, I was clipped in the left shoulder but our medic patched me up and I hung in there. We took out the bridge and moved on towards Hitler. Im so happy I can go home. I have know idea the condition of my family other than a few letters, I miss them. Hopefully my father and brothers could handle the farm without me. I also miss work on the farm, my favorite thing to do was collect eggs from the chickens. I remember betting my mother how many eggs each chicken would have. Im excited to go home

May 9^th 1945

All our hard work has paid off we are clear winners of world war two. I ship out in a week, I have already notified my family and they are very excited. I am in a bit of trouble though. My arm did not get cleaned enough and It is infected. I am cleaning it with antibiotics but if it doesn’t heal soon I could lose my arm. That would only be the second worse scenario, it could lead to death. I heard the streets of Britain are filled with people celebrating, I cant wait to go and be rewarded for my hard work. The celebration will be great. I cant wait to go home and begin a normal life. I will retire with a purple heart and i am ready to go home

It's all over!

Yesterday I finally finished my final interview. It went pretty swell...He kind of talked like a philosopher though. It was interesting trying to interview this guy. I ask him one question and he starts talking for like 10 minutes! Regardless, it was a really casual interview like usual and no awkward silences or anything like that. I could finally relax as I go through the final part of this project!