American Valor Quarterly Issue 8 - Winter 2010/2011 | Page 3

American Valor Quarterly A Publication of the American Veterans Center www.americanveteranscenter.org World War II Veterans Committee www.wwiivets.com Winter 2010/2011 Articles - In This Issue - 5 10 15 Gallantry, Guts, and Gumption: The Samuel B. Roberts and the Battle off Samar Island By Jack Yusen The Battle off Samar, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf, was one of the great mismatches in U.S. Naval history, where a small task force of American destroyers, destroyer escorts and escort carriers faced off against a powerful force of Japanese battleships and cruisers. Yet, like David vs. Goliath, the small American force more than held its own. Love, War and the Long Way Home By Delbert Lambson An American airman shot down on a bombing mission endures brutal conditions at the hands of his captors. Faith, hope, and love of his wife ensured that, someday, Delbert Lambson would return home. Indispensable Men Dwight D. Eisenhower and Andrew J. Goodpaster By Carlo D’Este Three years ago, the American Veterans Center inaugurated the Andrew J. Goodpaster Prize and Lecture, honoring the memory of the former NATO commander and decorated veteran of World War II. Printed in this issue is the third lecture in the series, by acclaimed historian and U.S. Army veteran Carlo D’Este. FORTITUDE Stories of Survival Victory in World War II did not come without terrible costs. More than 400,000 Americans were killed during the war. Among those who returned, many survived harrowing ordeals, displaying a level of courage that few knew they had. In this issue of American Valor Quarterly, we feature stories of survival, courage, and fortitude from veterans of our Greatest Generation. 20 The light carrier USS Princeton burning soon after being hit by a Japanese bomb while operating off the Philippines on 24 October 1944. The gallant stand by the ships of Taffy 3 against overwhelming odds in the Battle off Samar Island was instrumental in securing victory in the Leyte Gulf. From the U.S. Navy to the Hall of Fame Remembering Bob Feller By James C. Roberts Bob Feller, known as “Rapid Robert” was one of baseball’s biggest stars when he enlisted in the Navy just after Pearl Harbor. One of the American Veterans Center’s best friends and biggest supporters, Bob passed away on December 15, 2010. Here, AVC president James C. Roberts remembers him. We Needed to Step Up 22 By Bob Feller veteran and Major League Baseball The U.S. Navy Hall of Famer’s story, in his own words. From an earlier issue of World War II Chronicles. Limited copies Still in stock The World War II Veterans Committee’s 2011 Commemorative Calendar “Our American Boys in Battle” Now Half Off! A limited number of copies still remain of the World War II Veterans Committee’s 2011 Commemorative Calendar, “Our American Boys in Battle.” This oversized glossy calendar features colorized images of some of the most famous photographs of the war, along with daily commemorations of the major battles and events. Calendars are now available for only $5 each (plus $3 per order for shipping). To order, call 703-302-1012 ext. 203, e-mail [email protected], or send a check or money order to: World War II Veterans Committee / 1100 N. Glebe Rd. Suite 910 / Arlington, VA 22201 Visa & MasterCard orders are also accepted. AMERICAN VALOR QUARTERLY - Winter 2010/11 - 3