The Year 2005 marks the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II. My book, "90 Day Wonder - Darkness Remembered" is a true to life recounting of my experiences as a Naval officer during WWI. It may be a timely and appropriate read for that reason. Those who have read it have given it high marks as a gripping tale about abuse of power, murder, revenge, love and redemption. Read more about the book at our website www.90daywonder.net.
Historians generally agree that Allied combatants saved the civilization of the world. With the passing of the years it has been forgotten how close we were to losing the conflict with the Axis powers, Germany, Japan and Italy -- on so many occasions.
Thus...
Germany was ahead of the US in the development of the atom bomb. It was Albert Einstein's letter to FDR, warning him, that led to creating the Manhattan Project, and ultimately to the bomb. Late in the German research, Hitler directed his scientists decided to abandon their efforts, and concentrate instead upon conventional weapons.
With the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, the bulk of the German armies were thrown into the Eastern Front, leaving relatively fewer troops in the West. Otherwise, the Normandy invasion would have been a complete rout. As it was, General Bradley -- in charge of the invasion -- seriously considered withdrawing the troops upon learning of the heavy GI casualties at Omaha Beach.
In the Pacific...
The Japanese failed to follow up on the Pearl Harbor attacks. They could have landed troops on the West Coast with little resistance. After securing the area, they could then have proceeded East to capture Washington
"We were lucky," said Admiral Nimitz in winning the Battle of Midway, thereby destroying the Japanese fleet. A US Navy scout plane wandered off its assigned course, spotting the Japanese fleet. The US Navy dive bombers caught the four Japanese aircraft carriers in their most vulnererable condition, refueling their planes on the flight decks. In 30 minutes' time the Japanese Navy was virtually eliminated
There should be no doubt that if the Germans and the Japanese had prevailed, we would have been subjected to far more cruel actions than had taken place on those who had been conquered by the Axis -- simply because we had fought them.
So it is well to remind ourselves, at this 60th year, how much is owed to those who fought and died.
And to remember that wars always have unexpected results.
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