A brief profile of my grandfather’s younger brother, Joe Robledo, Jr., and his service during World War II. Nineteen years after making the U.S. their new home, my immigrant great-grandparents now had multiple sons in the war.
#52Ancestors: Grandfather Benjamin Robledo, So Far Away in WWII New Caledonia
New Caledonia, in particular its port of Nouméa, became a strategic base for the Allies during World War II, serving as the base of operations for the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-43 and the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. Navy Station Nouméa is where I first find my grandfather serving in the war. My grandfather served here in 1944.
#52Ancestors: Who are the Parents of Grand Uncle Harry Flanagan?
My grand uncle Harry. J. Flanagan is the only sibling of my grandfather’s for whom I cannot confirm parentage. Both of the parents he claims were married to their first spouses at the time of his birth. And he is the only sibling for whom I cannot locate a birth or baptism record.
#52Ancestors: 17 Years Old Orphaned Michael John Flanagan Enlists 9 Days After D-Day
The story Mom says Grandpa always told his kids is that he had to get his priest to sign and vouch (lying) that Grandpa, the orphan, was 18 years old, not 17 years old. Who knows if a priest would be willing to lie and do this — it’s possible, if the priest felt this was Grandpa’s best opportunity to get good job skills and make a career and life for himself. Particularly since he had such a rough life as a foster child.
#52Ancestors: Lt. Colonel William Wallace Greene, M.D.
Sharing an autobiography written by my husband’s grandfather. Born in Arizona Territory, William Wallace Greene went on to Stanford medical school, because a surgeon, and served in WWII.
Michael John Flanagan’s Missing WWII Navy Years
My grandfather, Michael John Flanagan (1927 – 1997) served in the US Navy from June 15, 1944 to March 18, 1948. Grandpa never talked about the war, or his military service, in general with us grandkids. I only remember hearing him lecture us against tattoos anytime, as little kids, we would ask about the blue […]
Michael John Flanagan’s Final US Navy Duty Assignment, The USS Thompson
USS Thompson refuels from USS Arkansas, April 1944. Department of Defense photo. When my grandfather, Ship’s Cook 3rd Class Michael John Flanagan (1927 – 1997) left the USS Mervine on February 20, 1948, he transferred to the USS Thompson for his final month of service in the Navy. The USS Thompson (DD-627) was a Navy destroyer commissioned […]
