World War 2 Guys

Happy V-E Day!!

It's V-E Day!

"With All My Love, Doc - A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Valor, and Tragedy" is coming to Amazon Books on May 18th, 2026. You can pre-order the Kindle version now. The paperback will go on sale on May 18th.

With All My Love Doc chronicles the lives of two people through a remarkable collection of three hundred heartfelt, in-depth letters exchanged during World War II. Their courtship unfolds almost entirely on paper, capturing not just their growing affection but also acts of heroism and the enduring impact those moments had on their futures. The narrative explores complex family relationships, including the challenges of a family that was not always supportive of their bond. Rather than offering a conventional happy ending, the story reveals how the scars of war can ripple across generations. At its heart, the book celebrates the power of the written word: decades later, a daughter who scarcely knew her father discovers through these letters how deeply she shares his passions, values, and ambitions. This book is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Sgt. Joseph and Mrs. Rita Hynoski.

Seven paratroopers of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment pose with their regimental mascot “Geronimo” before a training jump in 1943.
These men were part of the elite airborne force that would soon storm into Normandy on D-Day. But their story is a sobering reminder of the brutal cost of freedom.
Few in the 507th PIR made it through the campaign unscathed. Here’s what happened to the soldiers in this photo:
• Sgt. John Carson Smith (standing, left) — Wounded in action
• Pvt. William H. Witt — Killed in action
• Pvt. Lewis S. Toye — Killed in action
• Cpl. Walter L. Choquette (kneeling, left) — Executed by German forces at Graignes
• Pfc. John D. Williams — Injured in training
• Pvt. William McDade — Injured in Training
• Pvt. Bernard E. Kelly (front) — Taken prisoner of war
They smiled with their mascot one day… and days later faced hell in the skies and fields of France.
Never forget the price they paid.


(Photo from www.507th.com)

On Saturday, April 4, the World War 2 Guys held our highly anticipated annual Spring Training Day at Ft. Atkinson State Historical Park. The weather for the day was far from springlike with ominous clouds, temperatures in the 30s, and a biting wind all day long. But as always, our group knows how to bundle up and manage the cold. This was our inaugural event representing L Company of Nebraska's own 134th Infantry Regiment. We were all very excited to once again don the "Wagon Wheel" patch of the 35th "Santa Fe" Infantry Division. Our day started with a study of an Infantry Regiment's squad structure and organization. On the parade ground, we then went through the School of the Soldier without Arms, and then the Manual of Arms for the Rifle. We then had a unit break where we discussed various unit topics while eating K-Rations and Bryson's birthday cupcakes! Our afternoon consisted of classes on the history and organization of the 134th Infantry and a uniforms and equipment overview with demonstrations by Pfc. Green. We ended the day with a spirited road march and simulated attacks on scores of ill-fated Germans. It was such a fun day for all of us and an honor to represent our local heroes of the 134th! As the regimental motto defiantly declares, "All Hell Can't Stop Us!"

On Saturday, March 28 the World War 2 Guys held our first field event of 2026 with an Operation Varsity road march. Representing the boys of H Company 507th PIR were Will, Bryson, Donnie, Davan, Rhys, and the Sarge dressed in our M43 Field Uniforms with Jump Boots and a good amount of late war OD7 web gear. Our objective for the day was a road march headed east toward the Rhine River, practicing our field maneuvering as well as hand signals all along the route. When we finally reached our destination, we nestled into a tree line to try to avoid the wind-blown dust and sand. We weren't able to get a fire going because of the high winds, but Donnie read us a letter from home which helped in boosting our unit morale. It was a beautiful day to be together working as a squad in the field once again. Next weekend we will hold our annual spring training day which is always a highly anticipated event!

On Saturday, March 14, the World War 2 Guys marched in the 148th Annual Omaha St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade, which is organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, started a new chapter this year with an all new parade route. The new route begins on 16th & Capitol and finishes at 12th & Mike Fahey St. We were blessed with sunny skies and temperatures in the 40s which isn't bad for a March morning in Nebraska. This year we honored the brave paratroopers of the 17th Airborne Division and their epic jump as part of Operation Varsity. The March 24, 1945 jump involved more than 16,000 paratroopers and several thousand aircraft, making it the largest airborne operation ever conducted on a single day and in one location. After the parade we met at Brazen Head Irish Pub which is our traditional St. Patty's lunch favorite. In two weeks, we will be doing an Operation Varsity field event which will be an exciting continuation of our 17th Airborne studies. Stay tuned!