Knitting For Victory

Mary Barclay Brokerick was an unsung hero from WWII.  Americans jumped into action after the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7th 1941. Both the President and the First Lady took the initiative to mobilize our nation.  Here is another unsung hero who served as the Seattle Red Cross knitting chairman for the Puget Sound area.   She organized a fantastic  knitting for victory campaign the Pacific Northwest. It is also important to understand that the idea of Knitting for Victory was not a novel idea.  It was a repeat of the Wool Brigades of World War I.

Delano Grape Hero

The historic Delano Grape strike of 1965 lasted five years.  The efforts and struggles of the Mexican and Filipino farmers are well recorded.  The boycott and strike was led by Cesar Chavez.  During the strike he went on a hunger strike to support his cause. His bravery is well recorded in American history books.  But, did you know that Larry Itliong was the original labor leader to organize the farmers.  When the Mexicans went on strike, Filipinos were used as strikebreakers.  When the Filipinos went on strike, Mexicans were used as strikebreakers.  Itliong was one of the first to recognize this pattern.  (PBS Episode Huelga) The leadership and smarts of Larry Itliong is too often forgotten by history books.

From Slavery to the House of Representatives

Studying the trials of courageous Americans  is very important in the classroom.  George Washington was legendary hero.  George Patton on the battlefields of Europe is fantastic.  The soldiers of World War II storming the beaches of Normandy (La Point du Hoc Men) is unbelievable. Here is another brave soul who knew the consequences of his actions but continued.  Robert Smalls saved his family from the institution of slavery.  I found this unsung hero in a children's book called The Escape of Robert Smalls.

Dust Bowl Survivor/Hero

History often overlooks strong and resilient people who overcome insurmountable obstacles.  Discussing the long term and short term effects of the Dust Bowl is crucial to any unit studying the Great Depression.  I usually compare the economic struggles of the mid western farmers to the struggles of the northern city dwellers.  Here is a great unsung hero is a Dust Bowl Survivor: J.R. Davidson.

Jerrie Cobb

In 1978 Sally Ride became the 1st American astronaut in space.  Her success has been well recorded and documented. Sally Ride's achievement was made possible by earlier pioneers of the Mercury 13 squad.  Mercury 13 was led by a strong women aviator from Oklahoma.  Jerrie Cobb had to endure many obstacles while pushing the limits of the rights of women.  She was rejected because of her gender and had the "right stuff."  Her qualifications and strength were second to none.  She was rejected by Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson ,John Glenn and NASA.  Her story is amazing.

Survivor Hero

Ada Blackjack was an Alaskan native.  She was offered an opportunity to join an expedition to Wrangle Island (Alaska) in 1921.  Lack of basic necessities and family hardship led her to join this  dangerous expedition.  Read and compare the stories of Ada Blackjack and Sacagawea. The stories have a striking similarity.

Marcelino Cerna

In times of war courageous soldiers often rise up in the face of certain defeat.    Marcelino Cerna is a great example of one of these soldiers.  U.S. Army Pvt. Cerna was recently honored by President Obama and awarded various military honors.  His WWI experience is a great story to read.    This Mexican Immigrant fought for freedom and liberty.

American Revolution Rebels

Women could not fight in the American Revolution...or did they?
Compare these 2 unsung heroes to Paul Revere.  
#1  Sybill Luddington: Heroine of 1777.  At just 16 years old Luddington made a fantastic contribution to the American Revolution. She rode all the way from Putnam County, NY to Danbury CT. She rode over 40 miles to warn soldiers that the British were approaching.

#2 Betsy Dowdy: Heroine of 1775 goes on a very similar run with very little recognition in North Carolina. Enduring the wintry conditions, Betsy swam across Currituck Sound, rode through the Great Dismal Swamp, Camden, and then Elizabeth City, and then galloped inland more than 50 miles to Perquimans County, Her journey was more than 50 miles. I discovered Dowdy reading a children's book to my daughter. I found it in a children's book called The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy Paul Revere was a famous patriot who significantly contributed to the American Revolution. He participated in the Boston Tea Party and helped organize a network of soldiers to keep a surveillance on British military. He is famously known for his dangerous Midnight Run to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming. His Midnight Run included a boat ride across the Charles River and a horse ride through the country side. (Approximately 13 miles)

Determined Doctor

The life of  Alexander Augusta is inspiring and valuable to remember.  He was an African American in the late 1800's.  Augusta was a doctor, teacher, leader and hero.  He was a Virginia native who served as a surgeon of the 7th U.S. Colored Regiment.  His pursuit of education and social justice was sparked by his own personal convictions.  His burial at in Arlington Cemetery is a testament to his courage and bravery.

                                                     

Civil War Humanitarian

Robert Kirkland was the Angel of Marye Heights.  He was a Confederate soldier from South Carolina.  Hours after a dramatic Union loss he asked his superiors to help suffering Union soldiers.  Kirkland brought canteens and solace to soldiers in pain.  He risked his life to console soldiers before their death.  He deserves to be remembered as a brave hero because of his humanitarian  actions at Marye Heights.  

Kirkland exemplifies the concept: When you have a choice to be right and kind.  Choose kind.

 

   

Louis Bonacasa: Serviceman's Poetry

Teaching and discussing the sacrifice of fallen soldiers is very important on Memorial Day.  Here is a poem written by a brave soldier who had the lines of his poem tattooed to his chest before deployment.  Read: Daddy's Little Girl  by Staff Sgt. Louis Bonacasa.

Excerpt From Daddy's Little Girl:

Your pretty smile will melt my heart

And your sad cries will always tear me apart

Daddy will be there to wipe away your tears

And there to protect you from all your fears

Your sweet little laugh will be music to my ears

Journeys of Conviction

Paul Revere was a famous patriot who significantly contributed to the American Revolution.  He participated in the Boston Tea Party and helped organize a network of soldiers to keep a surveillance on British military.  He is famously known for his dangerous Midnight Run to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British were coming.  His Midnight Run included a boat ride across the Charles River and a horse ride through the country side.  (Approximately 13 miles) But did you know about these two runs?

Sybill Luddington: Heroine of 1777: At just 16 years old Luddington made a fantastic contribution to the American Revolution. She rode all the way from Putnam County, NY to Danbury CT. She rode over 40 miles to warn soldiers that the British were approaching.

Rosalie Gardiner Jones: Heroine of 1913: Rosalie Gardiner Jones was a dedicated supporter of the cause. Her fight to gain the right to vote covered many years.  In 1913, she hiked 200 miles in 20 days to present a petition for suffrage.  Her courage in the face of hostility, eggs and tomatoes was amazing.  Despite her many obstacles she said "I am equal to man!" 

Historic Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo soldiers were a very important part of American history.  They were African American soldiers who were historically not treated equally and under appreciated.  The phrase "Buffalo Soldier" was developed from Native American Indians who fought against them during the Indian Wars.  Buffalo soldiers served in the Indian Wars, Spanish American War and World War I.

Augustus Walley: He was born into slavery and freed as a result of the Civil War.  He was twenty when he enlisted as a soldier.  His courage under fire and strength led him to rescue troops on the plains during the Indian Wars.  Second, he fought along side Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders at the Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish American.  Last, he was promoted and selected to train troops during World War I.  He dedicated his life to protecting and serving the U.S. 

Cathay Williams  was born as a slave and freed as a result of the Civil War. Williams was the first African American to enlist in the U.S. Army.  In order to fight she disguised her gender.  She was a true pioneer.

Prisoners of War: 2003 and 1945

Jessica Lynch was a Prisoner of War in the 2003 Iraq War. She was part of the Patriot Missile Support Group. While traveling to Nasirayah her division got lost  and ran straight into enemy lines.  Many died as a result of this tactical error.  In addition, she was taken as prisoner.  During her captivity she was brutally beaten. A fierce group of soldiers were led to rescue her behind enemy lines.  She is a humble hero who testified before Congress about her experience.

Henry Mucci led a division of American and Filipino troops behind enemy lines to save hundreds of Allied troops held in a prisoner of war camp on the Philippines Islands.  Following the Batan Death March approximately 500 soldiers were taken captive and brutalized. Their captivity ended when Henry Mucci his men behind enemy lines to save them.  Mucci was a military genius.                 

Sacrifice in Vietnam

During the American Revolution Patrick Henry worked along side George Washington to spark a successful revolt against the British.  He helped organize the revolution and encouraged others to fight against tyranny.  His eloquent words and speeches are historic.  Patrick Henry is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice.  His  Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! speech is legendary.  Here is another symbol of sacrifice. On Jan. 16, 1969,  Garfield Langhorn was sent on a mission to find fallen soldiers from a downed helicopter crash.   He found their lifeless bodies and brought them back to camp.  Upon his arrival back to camp he saved many wounded soldiers lives by throwing his body on a live grenade. He sacrificed himself to protect his friends.   He was very brave.  Patriots like Garfield Langhorn should never be forgotten.

    

Unsung Hero Article

Unsung Heroes Add Depth to History Lessons

My article on Edutopia.org discussing strategies for finding and incorporating lesser known and forgotten people into your lessons.

Sacrifice in World War II

During the American Revolution Patrick Henry worked along side George Washington to spark a successful revolt against the British.  He helped organize the revolution and encouraged others to fight against tyranny.  His eloquent words and speeches are historic.  Patrick Henry is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice.  His  Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death! speech is legendary.  Here is another symbol of sacrifice.John Robert Fox was a member of the 92nd Infantry Div. during World War II.  His segregated unit fought all over Europe during the war.  He was sent to an Italian village called Sommocolonia for protection. In addition, he volunteered to remain in the village when safety appeared achieved.  In the following days the enemy soldiers, disguised as civilians, returned to re-take the lost land.  He was outnumbered and defenseless against the well equipped enemy.  In order to assist the Allies  J.R. Fox  ordered artillery fire on his exact coordinates. His sacrifice    helped the Allies achieve permanent victory in the Italian village.   Patriots like John R. Fox should never be forgotten.

American Warriors: Courage in WWI and Vietnam

In times of war courageous soldiers often rise up in the face of certain defeat.  During the Vietnam War and World War I two soldiers rose to such occasion. 

World War I: Abraham Krotoshinsky 

In November 1918 a regiment of approximately 500 Allied soldiers found themselves trapped and outnumbered by a German army in the Argonne Forest. With supplies and hope dwindling a volunteer stepped forward to relay a message of desperation to prevent surrender.  A Russian immigrant named Abraham Krotoshinsky saved the "Lost Battalion."  He is a great Hero to study.

Vietnam War: Col. John Ripley

In April 1972 a regiment of approximately 20,000 North Vietnamese soldiers were attacking a smaller and less prepared North Vietnamese regiment supported by American Marines.  With the North's imminent invasion approaching one Marine stopped them ALL in their tracks.  In order to prevent surrender John Ripley diagonally placed 500 pounds of explosives across and below the Dong Ha Bridge to halt the onslaught.  John W. Ripley's strength and courage should never be forgotten.

Lt. Detective Joseph Petrosino

Studying immigration during the early 1900's is a important part of the eighth grade curriculum. Highlighting the contributions of historic immigrants who had influence on society is invaluable.  Studying the contributions of Immigrants such as Andrew Carnegie, Albert Einstein and Joseph Pulitzer were fabulous examples. Here is another Italian Immigrant who was extremely valuable that is often forgotten.  The Black Hand met its match in the Italian Squad.  Lt. Detective Joseph Petrosino can be described with two words: integrity and courage.  He was the 1st Italian American New York Police Officer.  His commitment to fight crime despite insurmountable obstacles is proof of his heroic actions.  (Shield #285 and the Italian Squad)

Nisei: From Internment Camps to War Zones.

Patriotism can be found in many places in American history.  Very often it grows within small and large groups. (Jimmy Doolittle's Raiders, Sons and Daughters of Liberty, Freedom Riders, Knights of Labor, Minutemen, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC),  and the Continental Army.  )An overlooked large group of men to add to the list is the 442nd Infantry Division of WWII.  This group of 14,000 soldiers were mainly 2nd generation Japanese Americans (Nisei).  Their contributions to the war effort in World War II was invaluable.  Despite the construction of the many internment camps in America, thousands of Japanese American's signed up and fought for liberty.  They are the most decorated unit who fought during World War II.  Sen. Daniel Inouye was a soldier in the 442nd and an extreme patriot. (Sen. Inouye's valor).  The numbers speak for themselves:  9,486 Purple Hearts, 4,000 Bronze Stars and 21 Medals of Honor.
                                 


 

Francis E.W. Harper: Slavery Poetry

Teaching and discussing the treatment of freedmen during the Reconstruction Era is very important.  I usually introduce the Mississippi Black Codes, Jacob Lawrence, lynching and segregation.  Here is a fantastic poet that I use that is often forgotten.  Read the poems from Francis EW Harper.  She was a poet, teacher, suffragette and social activist.   I prefer to read Bury Me in a Free Land.  It is easy to understand and filled with emotion.   Read some of her other poetry.---Learning to Read.


Here is an excerpt from Bury Me In a Free Land

I could not rest if around my grave

I heard the steps of a trembling slave;

His shadow above my silent tomb

Would make it a place of fearful gloom.

Cryptologist, Nazis and Illegal Booze

It is not very common to find a person who was actively engaged in both WWII & Prohibition. Elizebeth Friedman is a great historical figure to study due to her valuable roles in both units.

Elizebeth Smith-Friedman

A Cryptologist who fought Nazis and Organized Crime. Her contribution to both conflicts were invaluable.

Would Have Been President

The American Revolution was a success because the Continental Army risked everything.  Patriots such as  George Washington, Paul Revere,  John Adams, Patrick Henry and the Sons of Liberty were brave and courageous. Here is another hero that many do not know about. 

Joseph Warren

Dr. Joseph Warren was a patriot, doctor, and soldier.  His actions and words speak volumes.

Walter Waters

                                                                   Walter Waters

At the end of World War I a Bonus Army of World War I veterans converged on Washington.  They came from all over America seeking their wages.  Textbooks usually mention this event, however, the complete story of the march and events prior to it are usually overlooked.  I encourage social studies teachers to read about the emotional roller coaster that was the Bonus Army March.  It begins with a caravan of hope and ends with a melee.

Walter W. Waters was an inspirational American hero.  In the face of complete defeat, Waters shouted to the crowd: "Sing America!"  Walter W. Waters should be in every textbook!

Morris Rosenfeld: Sweatshop Poetry

Teaching and discussing the conditions of factories is important detail of the Industrial Age.  The poems written by Morris Rosenfeld describes the factory experience with true emotion. Read In The Factory.    Morris Rosenfeld is an unsung muckraker and fits with any conversation of Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair.  The Jewish Daily Forward, published his poem about the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Triangle Fire Verse.

Excerpt From the poem:

Over whom shall I weep first?

Over the burned ones?

Over those beyond recognition?

Over those who have been crippled?

Or smashed?

I weep for them all.

Louis Tikas

Some of the largest labor protests can be found in the textbooks.  Students often study the Great Railroad Strike,  Haymarket Riot and the Homestead Strike.  Here is another tragic labor revolt in 1914 that is often overlooked.  In the Sangre de Christos Mountains of Colorado,  the Union of Mine Workers organized a large labor strike in 1913.  They fought for safer working conditions and workers rights.  The struggle led to the murder of the union leader Louis Tikas and a massacre of innocent families.  Read about in the Ludlow Article.



                                                       

Smokejumpers

The role of the Tuskegee Airmen and Harlem Hellfighters are well documented.  Their contributions to the war efforts were fantastic.  Thousands of African Americans were involved with these programs.  These soldiers fought with dedication, courage and loyalty.  But, did you know about the Triple Nickles?

The 555th Airborne division was know as the Triple Nickles.  These soldiers faced intense levels of racism, segregation and training.  In 1945,  they were ordered to jump over and fight blazing fires sparked by balloon bombs sent by Japan.  In one year the Triple Nickles answered 36 fire calls and executed well over a thousand individual parachute jumps.  

The 555th Airborne division contribution to WWII was significant.  However the story is rarely  shared.