American Valor Quarterly Issue 8 - Winter 2010/2011 | Page 3
American Valor Quarterly
A Publication of the American Veterans Center
www.americanveteranscenter.org
World War II Veterans Committee
www.wwiivets.com
Winter 2010/2011
Articles
- In This Issue -
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Gallantry, Guts, and Gumption:
The Samuel B. Roberts and the
Battle off Samar Island
By Jack Yusen
The Battle off Samar, part of the larger Battle of
Leyte Gulf, was one of the great mismatches in
U.S. Naval history, where a small task force of
American destroyers, destroyer escorts and
escort carriers faced off against a powerful force
of Japanese battleships and cruisers. Yet, like
David vs. Goliath, the small American force more
than held its own.
Love, War and the Long Way Home
By Delbert Lambson
An American airman shot down on a bombing
mission endures brutal conditions at the hands of
his captors. Faith, hope, and love of his wife
ensured that, someday, Delbert Lambson would
return home.
Indispensable Men
Dwight D. Eisenhower and Andrew J.
Goodpaster
By Carlo D’Este
Three years ago, the American Veterans Center
inaugurated the Andrew J. Goodpaster Prize and
Lecture, honoring the memory of the former NATO
commander and decorated veteran of World War
II. Printed in this issue is the third lecture in the
series, by acclaimed historian and U.S. Army
veteran Carlo D’Este.
FORTITUDE
Stories of Survival
Victory in World War II did not come
without terrible costs. More than
400,000 Americans were killed during the war. Among those who returned, many survived harrowing ordeals, displaying a level of courage
that few knew they had. In this issue of American Valor Quarterly, we feature stories of survival,
courage, and fortitude from veterans of our Greatest Generation.
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The light carrier USS Princeton burning
soon after being hit by a Japanese bomb
while operating off the Philippines on 24
October 1944. The gallant stand by the
ships of Taffy 3 against overwhelming odds
in the Battle off Samar Island was
instrumental in securing victory in the
Leyte Gulf.
From the U.S. Navy to the Hall of Fame
Remembering Bob Feller
By James C. Roberts
Bob Feller, known as “Rapid Robert” was one of baseball’s
biggest stars when he enlisted in the Navy just after Pearl
Harbor. One of the American Veterans Center’s best friends
and biggest supporters, Bob passed away on December 15,
2010. Here, AVC president James C. Roberts remembers him.
We Needed to Step Up
22 By Bob Feller veteran and Major League Baseball
The U.S. Navy
Hall of Famer’s story, in his own words. From an
earlier issue of World War II Chronicles.
Limited copies Still in stock
The World War II Veterans Committee’s
2011 Commemorative Calendar
“Our American Boys in Battle”
Now Half Off!
A limited number of copies still remain of the World War II Veterans Committee’s 2011
Commemorative Calendar, “Our American Boys in Battle.” This oversized glossy calendar
features colorized images of some of the most famous photographs of the war, along with
daily commemorations of the major battles and events.
Calendars are now available for only $5 each (plus $3 per order for shipping). To order, call
703-302-1012 ext. 203, e-mail [email protected], or send a check or money order to:
World War II Veterans Committee / 1100 N. Glebe Rd. Suite 910 / Arlington, VA 22201
Visa & MasterCard orders are also accepted.
AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY - Winter 2010/11 - 3