William E Booth Jr...another Unfamous One

Bill Booth was a glider pilot stationed at Barkston Heath, probably as part of the 61st Troop Carrier Group. He took part in Operation 'Market Garden' in September 1944. He stayed in what became the US Air Force after the war, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He married Georgette Y Hartenstine, who had also served in the US Army Air Corps during the Second World War, and they had a son, William E Booth III. Their son would go on to join the US Air Force too. He married Doris Ann Klehm in 1972 and they had a son, Eric William Booth, in 1980.
For more information, visit The American Air Museum

We have just returned from Arnhem, visiting the former British Headquarters there, now a museum, the field where the paratroopers landed, the Airborne Cemetery, and the John Frost Bridge.  The full realization of what took place during Operation Market Garden is truly felt when visiting any one of these sites. We honor and remember those who perished, and those who survived.

Remembering another Unfamous One...

F/O George L. Amberg, 95th BG, 336th Bomb Squadron, 42-3462 "San Antonio Rose" bombardier, pictured here in class book (43-8) USAAF Flying School Big Spring, Texas 1943. He served in the same Bomb Group and Squadron as my father in Horham, England, however my father did not arrive at the base until March 1945.

Shot down by fighters on a mission to Brunswick, which was obscured by clouds, on 21 Feb 1944 in B-17F #42-3462 'San Antonio Rose' and crashed near Utrecht, Holland. Killed in Action (KIA). To read more visit...American Air Museum in Britain

Another Unfamous One...

Private First Class Frank Pomroy...click on his name to read his story
from the National WWII Museum

Medal of Honor Recipient - Bernard P. Bell, Niagara Falls, NY

A quiet man, Bernie Bell was a boarder at my mom's house in the 1940's. While my grandmother was cleaning one day, she discovered his war medals hidden behind the sofa. A Bronze Star, a Silver Star, an Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a second Silver Star, a Distinguished Service Cross and the ultimate Medal of Honor.

A Technical Sgt. in the U.S. Army during WWII, Bernie Bell later worked for the Veterans' Administration in Buffalo, NY after his discharge. He earned the nation's highest military honor after capturing a schoolhouse occupied by German troops near Mittelwihr, France on Dec. 19, 1944.

Then-President Truman personally awarded the Medal of Honor. Bernie Bell gave my mother this signed original photo and his original papers citing his Meritorious service. We recognize and thank Bernie Bell, a decorated hero in our nation's eyes, for his service and honor his memory as one of The Unfamous Ones.

A Veteran is a Veteran!

My grandfather, Wallace (Wopke) Asma, immigrated from Holland in 1920, he was 23 years old. He left his home in Holland for the U.S. two years after serving as a Border Guard along the Dutch-Belgium border in WWI .  He was sponsored to come to America by his older brother Henry Asma, who was already in the U.S., living and working in Niagara Falls, NY as a house painter. My grandfather joined his older brother in the House Painting business, and married my grandmother in 1926.  In 1942, at age 45, he submitted his U.S., WWII Draft Registration card in preparation to serve in yet another world war, only this time for his "new" country. He was never called to serve in WWII.

I'd like to recognize my grandfather as another of #theunfamousones

Capt. Dan Entrican another of #theunfamousones

When I was 12, our Girl Scout Troop rolled bandages for the Vietnam soldiers.  Our Troop Leader, Mrs. Rideout asked us if we wanted to send away for a POW bracelet.  Many of us did.  My bracelet read:  Capt. Dan Entrican USASF 18 May 1971.

My original bracelet was aluminum and I wore it until it broke. I remember checking the papers every day to see if he had come home after the war had ended.  I never found his name on the list. Over the decades,  I never forgot him.

When the Internet started, I did a search and found out what had happened to him, and that he had never been found.  It makes my soul weep.  I found a place online where I could replace my bracelet, this time with a stainless steel one that would not break. I wear it everyday so he is never forgotten.

In 2015, the traveling Vietnam War Memorial came to Lockport, NY and I went to pay my respects...but I could not leave my bracelet...it will remain with me until I join Capt. Dan.

He is another of  #theunfamousones who I would like to recognize.
My new bracelet says:  Lt. Danny Day Entrican, 18 May 1971 SVN/MIA (deceased)

Welcome to The Unfamous Ones...where we want to recognize any and all veterans we encounter, share a story, post a photo and just let them know that we value and appreciate them!

Do you know a military veteran? Have you met one in your travels? If so, we want to recognize them for their service. All branches. All conflicts. All roles from cook to Colonel.  Living or deceased. Post their name, branch, and conflict.  Add a photo, a story, a message.  We want to recognize the millions of military men and women for their unselfish service to our country.  https://www.instagram.com/the_unfamous_ones/.





I'll start with my birth father...

Frank G. Thompson, S/Sgt. Army Air Corp, WWII, 1944-1946 (deceased).