Dulce et Decorum Est
Military history has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. The driving force behind my passion for the study of war has always been my vivid imagination. As a small boy, my love for military history began with the Romans, and their insatiable hunger for conquest. Later, when I was nine years old, my passion and attention turned to the . . .
Alex Penkala
KIA January 10th, 1945
Alex Mike Penkala
Born: Niles, Michigan, August 30th, 1924
H&W: 5’9” 160 lbs. (175cm / 72 kg)
S/N: 35549002
Enlisted: Feb 27th, 1943. Volunteered for the Airborne shortly thereafter.
Unit: Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
Nickname: Junior
Resting . . .
Lieutenant James E. Wright
77 Years MIA: Home at Last
On what would have been his 103rd birthday, I would like to take a moment to remember the story of Lieutenant James E. Wright of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina.
James Earl Wright
In September 1944, Lieutenant Wright of the 11th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division was fighting in France along the Moselle River. . . .
Memorial Day 2020
Memorial day is a day to remember and honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who, since April 19th, 1775, have given their lives in the service of our country.
Photo by Richard M. McErlean Jr.
Since Project Vigil's inception in 2013, we have taken literally thousands of pictures. These pictures have . . .
WWII Airborne Demonstration Team
A beautiful tribute and a noble cause
The WWII Airborne Demonstration Team is an organization that states its mission as being: "Remember, Honor, Serve" our WWII Veterans and those who have followed in their footsteps. Their vision is to keep the stories of our WWII Veterans alive to inspire a new generation. I recently came upon this organization when one of its . . .
The Christmas Truce
December 24th, 1914
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.
Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht,
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Halleluja,
Tönt . . .
Veterans Day 2019
The soldiers I've met along the way
August 2nd, 2017, Fort Campbell, KY.
As Project Vigil reaches its 5th Anniversary, and this being Veterans Day weekend, I decided to dedicate a blog post to the active duty soldiers and veterans whom I've had the honor of meeting over the past few years. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the US . . .