At the start of the New Year, many of us review personal or professional areas in which we would like to improve or expand our knowledge and capabilities. We thought that an examination of the Nine Essential Qualities of Leadership and some exemplary figures from American History may provide inspiration. On this two-part History with Mark Bielski podcast, Professor Harry Laver joins Mark to discuss the qualities of Leadership. Read More
Historian Kevin Hymel has had several of his WWII articles published in WWII Quarterly and WWII History magazines. If you watched Band of Brothers, you probably remember episode 4, "Replacements," where Lt. Bob Brewer, looking like Patton, was shot in the neck in the Netherlands. As the men of Easy Company rushed passed Brewer... Read More
The beginning of a new year has often seen major developments in U.S. history. To kick off the New Year on History with Mark Bielski, Mark reviews some of the key events that have happened in American History during the month of January, including the Battle of New Orleans and the Emancipation Proclamation. Read More
Christmas during wartime, just as in life, shines with a different glow than that in more peaceful years. Luxuries are often non-existent and even basics are scarce but soldiers and civilians find ways to celebrate. This week on History with Mark Bielski, Mark looks at the holidays in difficult times from the crowning of William … Read More
WWII History magazine has published two of historian Kevin M. Hymel’s articles. Kevin’s latest article, “Rescue Plane Down,” is about a C-47 filled with wounded Marines from Guadalcanal that disappeared over the Coral Sea, and the desperate efforts to find her. You can find it in the WWII History December issue at newsstands now. Kevin also has … Read More
Historian Kevin M. Hymel attended the dedication of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, on November 30. The 6888th was the only all-female, all-black unit to serve overseas during World War II. Back in 2009, Kevin wrote an article on the unit, interviewing three veterans for the story that appeared in On Point, the newsletter for the Army Historical Foundation. Read More
George Luz, Jr., the son of Easy Company member, George Luz, Sr., attended a celebration of the arts and veterans at a Band of Brothers Cast Reunion Event, a benefit called “Behind the Camera,” that was hosted by Ivan Schwarz of the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. Ivan was a producer on HBO’s Band of Brothers. It was a wonderful evening that brought together active duty soldiers along with veterans from every war and conflict. Read More
In honor of one of America's most hallowed holidays, we’d like to share a post from Bailey Martin of the National Archives History Office about the history of Thanksgiving, "A Thanksgiving Presidential Proclamation." But first, we'd like to thank our many guests who have helped us to promote the study and discourse of history by traveling with us to the places where history was made. We wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving! Read More
Before we jump into events that happening in history in the month of November during WWII, WWI, the Civil War and the American Revolution, we have some thoughts for November—be positive! “Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils.” - Cyril Connolly. Onward! Read More
Armistice Day, November 11, 2018, marks the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. From 1914-1918 millions of men fought each other across a brutal 475-mile long “No Man’s Land,” that stretched from the North Sea to the Swiss border. When the guns finally fell silent, 10 million soldiers were dead, century’s old monarchies were … Read More