DardenBiography

My father fought in Okinawa like this brave soldier, serving with the Army Corps of Engineers and did the island hop across the Philippines. #USACE #Okinawa #WWII #USArmy

The upcoming biography of Col. William A. Darden represents a combination of history & military research. Documenting his legacy as a civil engineer and WWII leader in the Pacific is a lifelong journey. More archival deep-dives to come! #WWII #History #Biography #MilitaryHistory

@nettermike That’s amazing!

After surviving the beach assaults in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio, on May 23, 1944, T/Sgt. Van T. Barfoot was ordered to lead an assault on German positions near Carano, Italy. He went out alone and crawled to within feet of a German bunker. He tossed a grenade inside, killing two Germans and wounding three others. He then moved to another bunker nearby and killed two more German soldiers with his Thompson while taking three others prisoner. As he made his way towards a third MG position, the enemy crew decided to just surrender. In all, 17 Germans gave themselves up to him. In retaliation, the Germans organized a counterattack on his position, sending three tanks toward him. Barfoot grabbed a bazooka and stood 75 yards in front of the leading tank. His first shot destroyed its tracks. He then killed three of the German tank crew members who had attempted to escape. The other two tanks, witnessing the destruction, abruptly changed directions, and left the field of battle. Returning to his platoon, he helped carry two wounded U.S. soldiers almost a mile to safety. For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor and a battlefield commission to 2nd Lt. He then went on to serve in the Korean War and later in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. His other military decorations included the Silver Star; 2 awards of the Legion of Merit; the Bronze Star; 3 Purple Hearts, and 11 Air Medals.

Today we honored the names etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial through the humble act of washing the wall. It’s our way of saying welcome home and remembering their sacrifice. It’s also a reminder to those in the future, that if you don’t step up as well, this freedom we have, is not there.

A nation remembers under candlelight. 🇺🇸🕯️ This Memorial Day, the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery will be transformed into a breathtaking evening of remembrance, reflection, and tribute to the heroes who gave everything for America. Join Freedom 250 on Monday, May 25, 2026 for An Evening of Stories and Service — featuring powerful storytelling, patriotic music, and a candlelit tribute honoring the fallen. Doors Open: 6:00 PM ET Program Begins: 8:30 PM ET Arlington National Cemetery One nation. One memory. One sacred night. RSVP NOW!

Every flag placed serves as a solemn reminder that freedom isn't free. 🇺🇸 The week before Memorial Day nearly 1,500 Soldiers plant flags in front of every tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery during the annual "Flags In" tradition. 📸 Elizabeth Fraser, Arlington National Cemetery

Welcome to the official page for the upcoming bio. of WWII veteran & civil engineer Col. William A. Darden. As a recent Marquis Who’s Who honoree, I'm sharing history, archival deep-dives, writing tips & more. Follow along for the journey! #WritingCommunity #History #Biography

This Memorial Day weekend, I’m reflecting deeply on the legacy of my father, Col. William A. Darden, and all who served in the Pacific Theater. Documenting his WWII journey is more than a biography—it’s keeping history alive. #MemorialDay #WWII #MilitaryHistory #RememberAndHonor

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 25th Infantry Division conduct final air assault operations to close out the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise (JPMRC-X) at Laur, Philippines. JPMRC-X, as part of Exercise Salaknib, integrates U.S., Philippine, and partner forces in realistic scenarios to enhance interoperability, refine multi-domain tactics, and strengthen regional readiness in the Indo-Pacific. 📍Philippines 📸 Pfc. Peter Bannister #IndoPacific #USArmy #25thID #Lethality #Readiness

This Memorial Day weekend, CENTCOM remembers and honors the lives and legacies of service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The rusted remains of the USS Utah in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii with 64 sailors still on watch. ⚓️

The Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand guard day and night, rain or shine, at @ArlingtonNatl. Here are five facts about this elite position within the @USArmyOldGuard, a role few can claim. (1/7) 🧵 📸 Elizabeth Fraser, Arlington National Cemetery

This day in 1941, the pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood, exploded and sank after being hit during battle with German battleship Bismarck. Hood sank with 1418 men aboard, only 3 survived. The loss stunned Britain and launched the hunt to “Sink the Bismarck.” #WW2

So honored to be recently selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. The recognition comes at a wonderful time as it coincides with my father’s induction 50 yrs ago. Join me for my father's WWII biography & new indie author resources! #WhosWho #WritingCommunity #Biographer

This day in 1945, members of the Flensburg Government, including Albert Speer and the successor of Adolf Hitler, Reichspräsident Karl Dönitz, are arrested by the Allies, the end of Nazi Germany. #WW2

This day in 1945, Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler commits suicide at the HQ of the British 2nd Army in Lüneburg. Himmler bit into a hidden potassium cyanide pill and collapsed onto the floor, and died within 15 minutes. #WW2

A Panzer IV and infantry of the 4th Panzer Army reach the Stalingrad-Morozosvk railway outside Stalingrad in August, 1942. #History #WWII

Had a wonderful time meeting readers at the Granville Mayberry Fest! Launching this page to share updates on my father’s WWII biography, regional history, Mayberry, and tips on how to promote your books on a shoestring budget. #Mayberry #history #indieauthor #WWII #TAGS