Newsletter - Central Connecticut State University

VHP Newsletter — November 2013
TEACHING THE VIETNAM WAR
IN THIS ISSUE:
TEACHING THE VIETNAM
WAR
THE VHP HAS MOVED 1
NEW ENGLAND AIR MUSEUM
EDUCATES CONNECTICUT’S
YOUTH
TUSKEGEE AIRMAN
HONORED
VETERAN SPOTLIGHT,
ROBERT GROSS 3
MORTON KATZ RECIPIENT
OF THE LEGION OF MERIT 3
IN MEMORIAM 4, 5
FIRST COMPANY GOVERNOR’S
FOOT GUARD MUSEUM
SEEKING MEMORABILIA
KOREAN WAR
COMMEMORATION
NEW STAFF MEMBER:
PAUL MIRABELLO
1
2
3
6
6
6
On October 15, CCSU History Professor Dr.
John Tully and Salem State History Professor Dr.
Brad Austin presented a workshop to high school
educators on “Teaching the Vietnam War.” Tully
and Austin addressed the challenges of teaching the
Vietnam War and demonstrated strategies to engage
students using digital resources, primary sources,
music, and literature. The Veterans History Project’s
collection of first hand accounts of the war,
photographs, and documents is an example of a
valuable resource used in the classroom.
This was the first in a series of workshops
sponsored by the Veterans History Project at CCSU
to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the Vietnam
War and to help educate a new generation of young
Americans who did not experience the turbulent and controversial Vietnam era
first hand. The Vietnam War had a deep and lasting impact on American
culture, politics, and foreign policy. Drs. John Tully, Brad Austin and Matthew
Masur recently authored the timely book, “Understanding and Teaching the
Vietnam War” for use in high school and college classes. Their book will be a
wonderful resource for teachers throughout the United States not only during the
Commemoration period but into the future as well.
THE VHP HAS MOVED
After many years of calling DiLoreto Hall home,
the Veterans History Project has moved to the CCSU
Downtown Campus at 185 Main Street, New Britain, CT
06051. While many of our veterans and volunteers are
familiar with our former tiny office, this new location
offers all of us new opportunities. Although we were sad to
leave our old office, we take many fond memories with us.
Our dedication to and work with veterans will continue as
usual. Please stop in and visit us at our new location!
Veterans History Project
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NEW ENGLAND AIR MUSEUM:
AVIATE YOUR MIND by Buckley Morgan, III
This is the second article in a series on the New England Air Museum (NEAM) and its varied contributions to
the community and the state of Connecticut in the area of the history and future of aviation. These contributions
include expanding the minds of our youth with a strong emphasis on aviation and the physics of flight. The NEAM
accomplishes this through an endless variety of programs and events aimed at
youth of all ages. I visited the New England Air Museum for a second time
recently and had the opportunity to meet Caroline d’Otreppe, pronounced
“doetrepp”, the NEAM’s Director of Educational Programming. Caroline has
been with the New England Air Museum for
almost 14 years. Caroline and seven part-time
educators work tirelessly to create educational
programs that serve to not only educate but to
keep students and visitors interested and
excited about what they are seeing and
learning. From simple “Build and Fly”
activities that include rockets, hot air balloons,
air trolleys, and blimp projects to a parachute
drop, egg drop and bottle rockets. The focus this year has been to further develop the
“Build and Fly” activities and make them activities for the whole family to work on
together or to compete against each other. The NEAM, in cooperation with Lego and
NASA recently asked young visitors to build something that they may find in space (currently or in the future) using
the museum’s tremendous amount of Lego pieces. I was given the honor to help judge an event that just finished up.
This event was sponsored by Sikorsky and the idea was to build a rotary winged craft out of Legos. The idea presented
was to build a craft that was environmentally friendly and would be beneficial to what life in the future may be like,
thus requiring the participants to use their imagination. Caroline is also deeply involved in developing programs with
Connecticut's schools. Between 100 to 150 classes from different schools come through the museum’s educational
program each year. All education programs are funded by donations from a variety of sponsors. This program is
entirely free to the schools.
The museum has truly become an integrated part of the learning process for each of the schools that
participate. The students spend time in the classroom learning about the laws of motion. They then come to the
museum for hands on training and experimentation to prove their hypothesis or ideas. After some time at the NEAM
they are then able to go back to the school classroom and complete their lessons having the knowledge and
conclusions that only hands on experiences can truly provide.
The NEAM is not just for kids. There are numerous events and
activities in which adults participate and enjoy. Often times they will hold
“Open Cockpit Day”, which is loved by the children and many adults. This is
a time for you to get into the cockpit of some of the aircraft that are on
display at the museum. Kids and adults
alike are able to try their hand at flying,
using one of the five flight simulators at
the museum. You will receive your
pre-flight training from one of the
NEAMs’ educators. They will have you
in the air and flying in no time. Anyone
who tries out the flight simulator will tell you the real trick is in the landing.
Connecticut is very fortunate to have a museum that is so dedicated to preserving
the history of aviation in Connecticut and ensuring future generations understand
the importance of aviation in our history and our future. Be sure to visit
www.neam.org to learn more or to get directions to visit or volunteer.
Veterans History Project
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TUSKEGEE AIRMAN NAPPIER HONORED
The fifth annual Golden Kielbasa (GK) Veterans Open, held at Stanley Golf Course
on September 27, 2013, raised $10,000 with this year’s proceeds going to benefit DAV, the
House of Heroes Connecticut, and Friends of Fisher House Connecticut. A local veteran is
honored each year at the closing ceremony and barbecue. This year’s honoree was long time
New Britain resident and Tuskegee Airman, Connie Nappier, Jr., one of the few surviving
Tuskegee airmen. Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner Linda Schwartz, New Britain Mayor
Timothy O’Brien, many of Connie’s friends, family and 200 guests were on hand to thank
and honor Connie.
Connie is one of a very small select group of African Americans who participated in
the famous Tuskegee Experiment (later changed to Tuskegee Experience) during WWII,
living through a troubled and historic period of American history. To hear Connie’s inspiring story and learn
about one man’s journey to become an elite aviator, visit our website at www.ccsu.edu/vhp.
VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: ROBERT GROSS
Robert Gross, born in Hartford, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in
1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. After completing his basic training at Fort
Aberdeen, Maryland, Gross was assigned to the 34th Heavy Bomb group of the 8th Air
Force and flew bombing missions out of Medlesham, England. During the war, Gross was
injured when his plane crashed during take off. In the crash Gross suffered burns from
friction fire caused when the top turret came down on the back of his head. Due to his
injuries, Gross was forced to spend two days in the hospital. Knowing that a prolonged
hospital stay would ground him from flying, Gross left the hospital without permission, went down to the
flight line, and flew a mission with the rest of his crew.
He was scheduled to take part in the Invasion of Normandy, but on the eve of the invasion navigators
like Gross were told they would not be needed. With over 4,000 planes in the air, pilots would be able to
follow the group to their targets and therefore the need for a navigator in each plane was redundant. It turned
out to be a blessing for Gross because the B-24 bomber he would have been on crashed while returning to
England after a bombing mission over France. After the war, Gross spent his time tracking down the relatives
of his lost crew. As recently as August, 2013 Gross tracked down and met Imogene, the sister of gunner
Jerry Helget, a crew member of the doomed aircraft.
MORTON KATZ RECEIVES FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR
The Ambassador of France to the United States, M. Francois Delattre, presented the
Legion of Honor, France’s most prestigious award, in the degree of Chevalier to Colonel
Morton N. Katz (ret) for services in the liberation of France in World War II. Katz is a prior
recipient of the Medal of Liberated France.
Katz served as a Lieutenant in the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion in combat
operations in Italy at Venafro and the Anzio amphibious invasion, in Southern France and in
the Ardennes Campaign in Belgium. When the 509th was disbanded after heavy losses in the
capture of St. Vith and Trois Ponts, Belgium he was transferred to the 505th Parachute Infantry, 82nd
Airborne Division and served in operations on the Rhine River, the Elbe River crossing and the liberation of
the Wobbbelin concentration camp at Lubwigslust.
He retired out of The Pentagon where he served with the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for
Intelligence (G-2) and DIA, having reached the rank of Colonel. Colonel Katz has received the Combat
Infantryman Badge and the Bronze Star Medal (V), along with nine campaign stars and invasion
arrowhead.
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James T. Andrini, 98,
passed away on March
26, 2013. He enlisted in
the U.S. Navy the day
after the attack on Pearl
Harbor, serving aboard
the USS Chandeleur,
the USS Dufilho and the
USS St. Louis. He
served as a damage
control seaman, assigned to prevent the
overflow of water from a flooding
compartment. After WWII, Andrini went on
to work 37 years for General Electric, while
also spending his summers coaching little
league baseball.
Stanley J. Buczacki, 94,
passed away on February
11, 2013. Drafted into
the U.S. Army during
WWII, Buczacki was
assigned to the 1884th
Engineer Aviation Battalion. He was
deployed to the Pacific, serving in the
campaigns of Peleliu, Guam and Okinawa.
During his service in the Pacific, Buczacki
oversaw several construction projects, such
as building airfields on the islands of Palau
and Okinawa. Upon his return, Buczacki
spent 35 years working for the New England
Telephone & Telegraph Co. before retiring in
1981.
George G. Butenkoff, 80,
passed away on April 27,
2013. He was drafted in
1953 and became a member
of both the U.S. Army and
the Merchant Marines.
During the Korean War, Butenkoff arrived
in Pusan, Korea to deliver Quonset huts but
was forced to abandon the mission when
Chinese troops crossed over the Yellow
River. After the war, Butenkoff took
advantage of the G.I. Bill, earning a degree
in electrical engineering, as well as an MBA
and a JD. He also stayed active in the
veteran community, serving on the Veterans
Commission in East Windsor.
IN MEMORIAM
Thomas J. Casey, 89, passed
away on April 26, 2012. He
was drafted into the U.S.
Army in 1941 and was
assigned to the 6th Infantry
Battalion, 1st Armored
Division. During WWII,
Casey was stationed in the
European Theater, first going
overseas to Italy where he
experienced his first taste of
combat. During a mission to
take a mountain in the Marche
region, Casey suffered a
wound when he was hit with a
piece of shrapnel. Although he was injured, Casey
felt good knowing that now he would receive a
decent meal and a bed in which to sleep as a result
of his injury. Upon his recovery, Casey and his
unit linked up with the historic 10th Mountain
Division, fighting in and around Po Valley, Italy.
For his service, Casey was awarded the Bronze
Star and Purple Heart. After the war, he would go
on to work for the Colt Manufacturing Company.
Gerald Chamberland, 66,
passed away on May 28,
2013. He enlisted in the
United States Army in
1964, following in the
footsteps of previous
generations of his family
who had served in the military. Upon completion
of basic training, Chamberland was sent to Europe.
While in Germany, he was assigned to a nuclear
weapons outfit before being reassigned to the
Military Police, a duty that included guarding the
gates around the nuclear facilities. During his time
in the service he was awarded the National
Defense Service Medal and the Marksman Medal.
Chamberland stayed active in the military
community in his later life, serving as a member of
the Connecticut National Guard Military Honors
Unit in 2007. He was also the Vice-Chairman of
the Bristol Veterans’ Council, a member of the
Franco American Veterans’ Organization, and
served as Adjutant, Chaplain and a Senior Vice
Commander.
Veterans History Project
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John W. Jones, 88, passed away
surrounded by his family at his
home in Killingworth on August
24, 2013. He enlisted in the U.S.
Navy after graduation from high
school and was stationed aboard
the USS Hyman DD-732. During
his time in the Pacific, Jones
participated in the Battle of Iwo
Jima, providing bombardment
support for the troops who stormed the island.
His ship took causalities during the Battle of
Okinawa when a torpedo hit the ship. Jones
received advanced training at MIT after the war
and pursued his career as an electrician.
Edwin M. Lavitt, 92, died
on June 24, 2013. In
1943, Lavitt enlisted in the
U.S. Army Air Corps and
became a member of the
44th Bomb Group, 67th
Squadron, 8th Air Force.
Beginning as an instructor, Lavitt was
promoted to Captain and was the lead pilot for
12 of his 29 missions over Germany. For his
service, Lavitt was awarded 3 Distinguished
Flying Crosses, 5 Air Medals and the French
Legion of Honour. Following the war, he went
on to graduate from Boston College and
practice law.
Harry B. Mulliken, 85, died
on September 19, 2013. He
enlisted in the U.S. Marine
Corps at the age of 17 in
1945. Following WWII,
Mulliken worked in the
mines in Colorado before
being activated for the
Korean War. He was shipped
to Korea, where he started off as a Squad
Leader before being promoted to Platoon
Sergeant. On a mission to knock out a Chinese
bunker build up, Mulliken was shot in the hip
but kept on fighting and was awarded the
Purple Heart for his actions. After the war, he
graduated from the University of Colorado and
worked at Hamilton Standard before moving on
to Combustion Engineering.
IN MEMORIAM
John Repp, 88, died
August 8, 2012. In an
attempt to pre-empt
the draft, Repp enlisted
in the Air Force in
1943. He was the copilot
of a B-24 bomber
based in Italy during
WWII. After four
successful bombing
missions over
Germany, Repp and his crew were shot down
on their fifth mission. After being hit several
times from ground fire, Repp lost control of
the plane and was forced to parachute out.
Captured as a prisoner of war, he was taken to
Stalag Luft 1 and held captive until being
liberated by the Russians. After the war,
Repp took advantage of the G.I. Bill and
graduated from Rensselaer Polytechinc
Institute. He would go on to work for Pratt &
Whitney.
Walter Swokla, 89, passed
away on May 16, 2013.
Enlisting in 1942, Swokla
became a member of the
U.S. Merchant Marine
Corps. During his service,
Swokla would ship out of
either New York or
Boston, usually delivering
goods or services to
England. Swokla’s first
encounter with German soldiers was when his
vessel was ordered to transport German
prisoners of war back to the United States.
Some of Swokla’s fellow Merchant sailors
informed the German POWs of Swokla’s
Russian ancestry, which made them fearful of
Walter. His ships also delivered supplies to the
Soviet Union but did not have much interaction
with Soviet soldiers because their government
looked down upon interaction with Western
Merchant Marines. Following the war, Swokla
went on to work at Sealtest Foods, serving as a
Pasteurizer and at Mercer and Dunbar Security
as an armed guard.
Veterans History Project
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FIRST COMPANY GOVERNOR’S FOOT GUARD MUSEUM
SEEKING MEMORABILIA
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Museum, located at 159 High Street in
Hartford, CT, is the repository for Pacific War memorabilia and is seeking the donation or
loan of WWII memorabilia, especially anything relating to the battle of Iwo Jima. Full
credit and acknowledgement to donors will be made. The museum’s historian is seeking
personal artifacts, photographs and historical papers from all members of the Armed Forces
who served in the Pacific during WWII.
Visitors may view the museum by appointment by calling 860-522-1337. For more
information on the museum visit www.governorsfootguard.com.
KOREAN WAR REMEMBRANCE
The Veterans History Project and the Connecticut Department of Veterans’
Affairs co-sponsored a day of recognition and remembrance for Korean War veterans
to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice. A large group
of veterans and civilians gathered on July 26, 2013 at Camp Niantic to take part in
the commemoration event. It was a day to recognize those in attendance as well as
those who paid the ultimate price. After a few brief speeches there was a reading of
the 316 names of Connecticut's own who did not return home. The event was a great success. Every Korean
War veteran in attendance received a coin in recognition of his service. The event closed with a picnic,
music by the Sin Sisters and time for everyone to visit. For more pictures of this event please visit
www.ccsu.edu/vhp and click on “VHP News and Current Events”
Remember Our Heroes this Veterans Day.
NEW EMPLOYEE
Paul Mirabello is a
junior at CCSU pursuing a BA
degree in History with the goal
of becoming a public historian.
While growing up, his
grandfathers and grand uncles
told him stories from their time in WW II. It was
because of these stories Paul became interested in
the preservation of history. Paul’s appreciation for
veterans continues to grow as Paul progresses with
his history education. The Veterans History Project
is a way for Paul to not only preserve and hear the
stories of so many other veterans like his
grandparents but to take part in archiving those
stories. Mirabello commented, “The opportunity to
preserve memories for generations to come is an
incredible opportunity not only for future
generations, but also as a way to honor our
veterans”.
CENTER FOR PUBLIC POLICY &
SOCIAL RESEARCH AT CCSU
For more information or to
participate please contact:
Eileen Hurst, VHP Director
Room 2100300
185 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06050
Phone: 860-832-2976
Fax: 860-832-2981
Email: hursteim@ccsu.edu
Visit the Veterans History Project!
Online at http://www.ccsu.edu/vhp
On YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/ccsuvhp
On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/vhp.ccsu
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