By J. William Middendorf II, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (2011), 213 pages. Reviewed by Captain Roger F. Jones, USN (Ret) J. William Middendorf II was an undergraduate at Harvard when World War II began; he soon signed up for the Navy V-12 program and then shifted to NROTC (which took him to Holy Cross).
In 1906, Congress appropriated a sum of money not to exceed $100,000 for the repairs and restoration of Constitution. Despite expenditure of these funds, by 1924 the condition of the frigate was such that if she was not rebuilt, the Navy’s only two choices would be to break up the ship or let Constitution sink
The History Department of the United States Naval Academy invites proposals for papers to be presented at its 2013 McMullen Naval History Symposium in Annapolis, Maryland, on 19-20 September 2013. The 2011 symposium was extremely successful, with over 250 in attendance, and over 125 papers presented. Proposals dealing with any aspect of naval and maritime
By Angus Konstam, Illustrated by Tony Bryan, Osprey Publishing, Oxford, UK (2011) Reviewed by Captain Roger F. Jones, USN (Ret) This small gem is one of Osprey’s comprehensive series of books on military history, units, and warriors. Despite the date in the book’s title, the history of western nations’ gunboats patrolling the Yangtze River goes
From time to time, we get the opportunity to assist a veteran who wants to recognize a ship or shipmate. Stanley Morrison served on board the amphibious force flagship USS Biscayne (AVP 11/AGC 18) during World War II. Now 93 years old and living in Pennsylvania, this radioman has a fond place in his heart
The Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame is working to bring the decommissioned aircraft carrier ex-USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) to Rhode Island. The group hopes to open the carrier (the last non-nuclear carrier to be commissioned by the United States) as a museum and educational center on Narragansett Bay. At this early stage
By Capt. Vadym V. Utgoff., NRA Associates, Annapolis, MD. (2006). Reviewed by Charles Bogart This is the story of one man’s love affair with flying. We follow the author’s path from growing up as the child of an immigrant Russian naval officer; entrance into the Naval Academy; winning his naval wings; service in PBYs in
With formal presentations by our second group of four teachers on Friday, 3 August, the 2012 Naval Historical Foundation STEM-H Fellowship Program completed its second successful year. The NHF program brings concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to students through a study of the History of the U.S. Navy. The teachers in the program
By Taylor Hitt, NHF Intern The danger of combat often brings out the best in people. A way to honor the individuals who have acted with “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his [or her] life above and beyond the call of duty” “while engaged in action against an enemy of the United
By Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, USN (Ret.), Fortis Publishing, (2010) Reviewed by Rear Admiral Ed Keats, USN (Ret.) Greg Slavonic, justifiably proud of rising from Seaman Apprentice to Rear Admiral in the Navy, considers the United States military services to be a superior clan. This conceit has caused him to write Leadership in Action and
We’re pleased to announce that we recently launched a new online store supporting the National Museum of the United States Navy. In late 2011 we renovated the interior of the store and stocked an entirely new selection of merchandise. Now, selected portions of our catalog can be purchased online. We’ve got a wide range of
Author Michael Mink recently contacted us about articles he writes for Investors Business Daily’s Leaders & Success page. “Leaders and Success,” looks at great leaders of today and the past, from fields as diverse as computer technology, professional sports, and the military. Just last week, Mink wrote a story on Rear Admiral Richard Antrim. As
Recently the Federation of Genealogical Societies announced the donation of $135,000 to the “Preserve the Pensions” War of 1812 Pension Project. The donation is a generous gift from the estate of the late Jon Stedman in memory of his mother, Ardath Stedman. It will be used to help preserve and digitize the War of 1812
By J. Wandres, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD (2010). Reviewed by Kempton Baldridge It is a special treat to learn about a 20th century naval hero who has, until now been little more than a footnote in history. The name Paul Shulman might not ring any bells for many naval historians, but thanks to the
On Friday, 20 July, our first group of STEM-H Teacher Fellows completed their 2012 summer workshop with final presentations of lesson plans developed during an intense two week program. The four teachers in the first group were: Benjamin J. Barris (A.C. Jones High School, Beeville, TX); Janice Cunningham (Berkeley County School District, SC); John Clark
