JRBLOG.typepad.com

The Early 60's And Vietnam: The Other Side Of History

I recently interviewed a Vietnam Vet that like John Kerry actively protested the war.  His venue was a little different.  While we traditionally think of the Nixon bashing of the late 60's early 70's, this man was of a group of 1964 Nam Vets.No M-16 toy guns, these were the all wood stock .308 M-14 days.  The Vet I interviewd carried no weapon.  He was a combat medic.After being gunned down by kids carrying AK-47s,  losing part of his left medial malleoli, bleeding profusely from a  severed artery and seeing a rice paddy from the ground up he fortunately managed to survive considering thathis boots and watch taken leaving him for dead.  He received two purple hearts.  His left forearm was also hit but two hearts were evidently deemed sufficient.  After rehab in New York, he and a group of Vets, approximately 500 went to visit the Johnson White House.  Along  with medals received they threw their duffle bags over the White House fence as well in protest.  The Secret Service intimated arresting them but evidently 500 Combat Vets were extended some courtesy for their service.He was against the war and never encouraged his children to enlist although interest had been shown.  He had gone from a cushy gig as an Army photographer for anewsletter in Germany to volunteering to become a combat medic and transfer to Nam.  Yes, volunteer.   How do you really  acknowledge someone that served his country, was there that actually there,  knows how useless it was and doesn't hesitate to say so?Our Veterans fight so we have that right.  What is so wrong with them exercising that right as well?  They came back and were labeled baby killers.  They were discriminated in some cases because they were Nam Vets.  And all they did was follow orders and serve their country.  I have spoken with several Nam vets, most have declined interview let alone being taped.  At least this Vet spoke his mind.  He didn't serve in WWII in Europe for the 18+- months that lasted nor WWII Pacific for the 5 years that lasted nor in Korea for the 3+ years of actual conflict before the Cease Fire.  He did his tour, he served his country and for this I thanked him.  More so, I respected his right to exercise his free speech and say what he truly felt about that war, what he did then and what he says now.  Maybe the Swift Boaters like to crucify those that oppose, much as the Bush administration that said anyone that opposes the Iraq was is unamerican, but as an American it's definitely this man's right or anyones to say whatever they damn well want.
James Robert Fellabaum

Some Place Called Monessen... A Mine Disaster Story Near The Area

This is a photo of Powhatan Mine Fire Monument. On the way home from Drs. in Moundsville, WV yestereday, stopped and took this picture.

The Mine Explosion in WV took me back to 1944. In June, we went through the Normandy Invasion; then on the Monday, 5th of July Powhatan had this tragedy.

I can still look down toward the old No. 1 Mine Slope and see the smoke bellowing out of the Portal; the afternoon shift siren rang as usual, execept this time it didn't stop for several minutes.

I was helping Grandma Fellabaum laundry the 'Pit' clothes in the old coal oil, double burner and laundry tub; it entailed 'shaving' bars of Fels Naptha Soap into the wash water. We always did Laundry on Monday.

In a short while Wives of teh miners began walking past the house' Grandma joined then and those ladies who walked the 6 milies out to Cat's Run Portal (which still stands-sealed). But, Grandpa Fellabaum had come out ot the Mine to meet the Afternoon shift Foreman coming on; he advised him the fire was raging out of control. They had tried to put it out by stomping it; but no use, without enoough water it took off down the main haulage road - 6 miles from one end at the river to Cat's Run. Then the mine was sealed. Grandpa didn't come home from work for about 4 days. The Mine was sealed and 2 years later they brougiht the last men out! They were a Father and Son  (Munas') who lived across the road where we had our 'gardens'. We lost the next two neighbors to the North of us in the 'Camp'; Aberegg and Emery. My what a time it was for little ofd Powhatan.

It also took me back to the Evans Mine on Brownsville Rd. (above Piney Fork Beach) where Aunt Florence and I 'drove' Mine Ponies hauling 'empty' and 'full' coal cars out to the Tipple; and those 'craZy' Carbide Lamps, with which I managed to 'singe' Florence's eyebrows and deep red hairline; Aceyline Gas is worse than Methane in the Mine. Not counting the 'flame' hazzard.

Ed Fellabaum

erf_usn@yahoo.com

 

You Too Interviews: The Economy Remembered...

This interview is with Dr. John "Jack" Durkin, a retired podiatrist from Chicago.  Jack has had a long history in the development of medicine, medical malpractice development as well as being a naval veteran of WWII follow by Coast Guard Auxillary service on the Great Lakes Region and South Florida.

Jack recounts stories about the history of his steel worker grandfather, and other family members along with other interesting things in his life.

 Download 1869 steel strike

Download Unions and economic history

Download GI Bill 5220 plan

YOUTOOINTERVIEWS: Marco Rubio U.S. Senate candidate and former Florida House Speaker

  Marco Rubio U.S. Senate candidate

I have recently extended an invitation to Marco Rubio for an interview on the blog.

Marco will be running against current Governor Charlie Crist for the seat.

YOU TOO: Harold "Wes" Culver and the WWII German Super Cannon

 

Download Wes Culver and the WWII German Super Cannon

Click On The File Above To Listen To The Interview

Interview by J. R. Fellabaum at the Lehigh Florida VFW

This is the war story of Wes Culver, who is a part-time Lehigh Florida resident and part-time Erie PA summer resident.  Wes was in th armored corp. The dreaded German Super Cannon that could lob a shell to London was run on railroad tracks and pulled out of train tunnels to shoot. Wes was at an armored servicing center when they were the missed target of an attack from this cannon. Wes tells his story. Afterwards, I let the tape run. I shared a little and as the tape ran Wes got to a portion of the story that probably has not been told asoften and hence the rest of his story... 

  

 

 

You Too Interviews Series: In The Question...

 

11/4/2008 was a historic day.  I decided to interview several and get their comments on why it was historic to them...

Download u_two_in_the_question_why_the_election_was_historic_1152008.mp3