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.