Robert Capa: D-Day Photographer

       “If your pictures aren't good enough, you aren't close enough.” ~ Robert Capa

                            

               

      The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” certainly is true of the pictures taken from the Normandy invasion. Robert Capa, the photographer and war correspondent who took some of the pictures from D-Day, was a fascinating adventurer who risked his life many times to perfect his craft. Robert Capa did indeed live an exciting life. He was born in Budapest, Hungary on October 22, 1913 to Jewish parents. His name was Endre Friedmann before changing it to Robert Capa. He left Hungary when he was 18 years old to travel and eventually attended college studying journalism at the German Political College in Berlin. However, because of requirements restricting Jews from attending college, Capa abandoned his studies in journalism. Intrigued by photography because of money and the adventure associated with it, Capa left for Paris to pursue that interest. In a 1947 radio interview, Capa stated that he changed his name to Robert Capa because it sounded more American. Some people speculate that he invented the last name Capa after the famous movie director Frank Capra. As a young man, Robert Capa was known by a nickname Bandi, sounding somewhat like Bob. Thus, just as Robert Capa created his own image, he left some excellent pictures showing the devastation and victories of some of the most important battles of World War II. 

                     

      Robert Capa lived an adventurous and exciting life filled with many affairs including a relationship with the popular movie star Ingrid Bergman. He traveled to many countries and filmed many important battles including those from the Spanish Civil War, World War II, and the beginning of Vietnam. On May 25, 1954, Capa died at the age of forty from stepping on a landmine while trying to capture some of the fighting in French Vietnam.


                    
                                      Ingrid Bergman and Robert Capa

      Bob Capa was one of a few non-combat individuals involved in D-Day. He remarked in his memoir, Slightly Out of Focus, that he was fortunate to be one out of four photographers asked to capture the first hours of D-Day. He went on shore aboard the Samuel Chase as part of one of the largest armadas in history with the 116^th Infantry, 2^nd Battalion’s Company E who was part of the first assault troops landing on the section Easy Red of Omaha Beach. True to his lively and exciting personality, Capa played cards and gambled on board the ship before the action started. However, when the actual fighting began, Capa placed himself in the midst of war action that he hoped to convey on film. His pictures would become some of the most iconic pictures from D-Day. Capa later recalled how terrified he was noting that the one thing that kept his mind off the danger around him was taking pictures, which he did, until he used up all of the three or four rolls of film he had with him. Capa took 106 pictures but only 11 endured the Normandy invasion.


                    
                 Capa's picture depicting the invading Allied troops on D-Day

      John Morris was the man responsible for making sure Life magazine received Capa’s D-Day pictures. After receiving the pictures, Morris’s assistant informed him that because of the rush to meet the deadline the films were placed in the drying cabinet too long and thus destroyed. Morris did salvage 11 of the pictures and they appeared in the June 19, 1944 addition of Life magazine’s story on D-Day.
                                                                                                                                                                         

     These pictures, now known as the Magnificent Eleven, are a testament to the skill of Robert Capa’s photography because they convey the compelling and tragic nature of the invasion. These pictures have become famous images of the harrowing day of June 6, 1944. One of these pictures shows a young man swimming in the water trying to get to the beach. It is remembered as one of the most famous of the 11 pictures because it shows the struggle and determination of the young soldiers in D-Day in the first few minutes of the invasion. It has been a mystery as to whom this young man is and some people believe that it is Edward Regan from the 116^th’s Company K. Capa’s masterful images will remain classics for showcasing the early moments of one of the most important days in World War II history, the Normandy invasion.

                         
                          Capa's picture of a young soldier swimming at Omaha Beach

                                       Recommended Readings

Capa, Robert. Slightly Out of Focus. New York: Henry Holt and Company,
      1947.

Kershaw, Alex. Blood and Champagne: The Life and Times of Robert Capa.
      New York: Da Capo Press, 2002.

“The Magnificent Eleven: The D-Day Photographs of Robert Capa.” Skylighters.
      Accessed on March 17, 2014. http://www.skylighters.org/photos/robertcapa.html.

Whelan, Richard. Robert Capa: A Biography. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1985.

Women’s Contribution to World War II: We Can Do It!

                                     

 

      Women in the United States made great contributions to the war effort in World War II.  Their hard work and dedication are worth studying because their efforts aided Allied victory. How women entered the primarily male workforce is a fascinating story. Because of the war, there was a shortage of male workers, thus women filled the gap left by men away fighting in the war.

                         

      To recruit women to leave their homes and work in defense plants, there was a propaganda attempt by the government promoting advertisements of women with affirming slogans. One image in the Saturday Evening Post was of a Norman Rockwell painting depicting a woman as Rosie the Riveter stomping on a copy of Hitler’s book Mein Kampf. Another image was a poster of a woman in overalls and a red bandana flexing her muscle saying, “We Can Do It.” These posters and images certainly had an effect on millions of American women because they encouraged and inspired them to enter environments that were normally not accessible to them.  


                                 
                                                           Norman Rockwell painting

       A personal example of a Rosie the Riveter is my grandmother, Kathryn Carroll. In 1944, at the age of 17, she worked in a defense plant in Baltimore, Maryland for a week until the plant shut down because the war ended. She remembers the experience of working in the defense plant with fondness. She recalls that the other women she worked with were enthusiastic about making an impact on winning the war, and they were thrilled to have a job that paid well.

                                   
                                                  My grandmother Kate Carroll

      Women not only gave their time and talents to the workforce but also attempted to show their patriotism by entering the Armed Services. Over 350,000 women served in the Armed Forces during World War II. A politician from Massachusetts, Edith Nourse Rogers, petitioned the government and particularly the Army’s Chief of Staff, George Marshall about starting a corps composed of women for the Army in 1941. Marshall was favorable of the idea because of hearing Eleanor Roosevelt and various women associations endorsing the idea. Additionally, the British were a model to the Americans because they had allowed women to serve.

                                    
                                                                      WACs in training

      Rogers wanted the Women’s Army Corps to be different and not a part of the Army Nurse Corps. She was passionate about starting this group because she had seen women serve in World War I without receiving legal and financial recognition for their services. Public sentiment though disgruntled with accepting women into the Army was at the same time appreciative of the benefits and contributions that women could make. Thus, a compromise was given on May 14, 1942, with the creation of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps or the WAACs. This group was supplementary to the main or Regular Army.                          

                        

      However, because the group was not part of the Army they lacked military prestige and recognition, which prompted Edith Rogers in 1943 to submit another bill asking the WAAC to be part of the Regular Army. President Roosevelt responded to the bill by turning the WAACs into the WACs or the Women’s Army Corps. Thus, the WACs were finally given complete military status. By the end of the war, in 1945, there were over 100,000 women serving in the WACs in both the European and Pacific theaters of the war. They served in North Africa, England, Southeast Asia, India, Italy, Egypt, and Australia.

                                      

      Especially interesting were those who helped in the European Theater of Operations. Some of these women served at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) in England. And through their secretarial skills, translating abilities, and intelligence work, they contributed to the organization and planning of the Normandy invasion. Thus, their work was important to the overall Allied war effort. Through their bravery and strength, they helped the Allies achieve victory in World War II.

                           

      By entering the workforce and doing well making important military equipment, and by joining  the Women’s Army Corps aiding the Allies in many important battles and missions such as D-Day, women proved that they could help win the war by serving at home and overseas.

                           


                                             Recommended Readings

Bellafaire, Judith A. “The Women’s Army Corps: A Commemoration of
      World War II Service.” The Women’s Army Corps. Accessed on February
      24, 2014. http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/WAC/WAC.HTM.

“History of the Women’s Army Corps.” Women’s Army Corps Veterans’
       Association. Accessed on February 24, 2014.
      http://www.armywomen.org/wacHistory.shtml.

“Rosie the Riveter.” History. Accessed on February 24, 2014.         
      http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter.

“The Image and Reality of Women who Worked During World War II.”
      Rosie the Riveter: Women Working During World War II. Accessed on
      February 24, 2014. http://www.nps.gov/pwro/collection/website/rosie.htm.

“Women in War Jobs—Rosie the Riveter (1942-1945).” Advertising Educational
      Foundation. Accessed on February 24, 2014.       
      http://www.aef.com/exhibits/social_responsibility/ad_council/2150.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Andrews Sisters and the Glenn Miller Orchestra: Music that Entertained the Servicemen

“We were such a part of everybody’s life in the Second World War. We represented something overseas and at home - a sort of security.”~ Patty Andrews

                      
                                   The Andrews Sisters Singing with Glenn Miller

 

 

      Through their music, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller and his orchestra brought enjoyment to many people, especially to military men. The men in the armed services appreciated a reprieve from training and thinking about the horrors of war. Therefore, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller had an important role in encouraging the morale of the troops.
                           
                         
                              From left to right: Maxene, Patty, and LaVerne

      The three perky, peppy, and pretty Andrews Sisters were sure to bring a smile to the faces of the men watching and listening to their charming entertainment. Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne with their lighthearted and fun songs brightened even the gloomiest moods. They were the single most popular female vocalists of the 1940s big band and swing era. The Andrews Sisters were famous on the radio and even played in 17 Hollywood movies. Their songs were catchy and amusing, and many people enjoyed their talent. They sang different styles of music, which benefited their careers because it ensured that people with varied interests would enjoy what they heard. Their style ranged from big band and swing to jazz and country western.


                                
                                                             
      When the war years came, the sisters wanted to support their country, thus they offered to perform for the troops to boost morale. The Andrews Sisters performed in Hollywood canteens and USO shows entertaining the troops with their lively music. In 1945, they took their act to Europe as part of an eight-week USO tour to entertain the military men.

                              
                       The Andrews Sisters Performing at a Hollywood Canteen

      With hit songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree,” they were sure to bring enjoyment to the military men. Here are examples of the Andrews Sisters singing both songs:
                                   
                             

                                                                                                           
                              

      The Andrews Sisters sang and performed with other big celebrities of the late 1930s and 1940s. They included Abbott and Costello, Bing Crosby, Harry James, and Glenn Miller. Glenn Miller was a talented musician who established a name for himself before the United States entered World War II. He was popular for his big band style that entertained hundreds and thousands of people. The Glenn Miller Orchestra became famous for its distinct swing and jazz sounds. Glenn Miller played the clarinet and wanted it and the tenor saxophone to carry the melody. Glenn Miller and his orchestra also appeared in several Hollywood films.

                        
                                  The Andrews Sisters in Europe with troops
           
                        
                                Glenn Miller leading the Army Air Force Band

      During the war years, Glenn Miller wanted to do his part for the war effort, and he volunteered to serve in the armed forces. He decided when he was in the Army Air Force that he was going to bring the sound of his orchestra to entertain the troops. He attempted to make the army band more modern  and in 1942, he put together the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band.  With this band, he played all the popular Glenn Miller songs that the troops loved to listen to in the states. Some of Glenn Miller’s most popular and best-known songs included: “Moonlight Serenade, “String of Pearls,” and “In the Mood.” Here is an example of the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing “In the Mood” from the 1941 film Sun Valley Serenade:

                            
  
      Glenn Miller’s music was very popular with the troops. Unfortunately, while flying to Paris on December 15, 1944 his plane was mysteriously lost over the English Channel. Although Glenn Miller had a sad ending, his music and orchestra has left a lasting legacy to his greatness as a musician.


                                 

 

      Through their patriotic efforts, the Andrews Sisters and Glenn Miller boosted the morale of many military men needing to hear and see something besides the death and destruction of war. Thus, by raising the troops' spirits, they made a wonderful contribution towards helping the Allies win World War II.

                      

                                    Recommended Readings

“About Glenn.” The Official Site of Glenn Miller. Accessed February 09,   
      2014. http://www.glennmiller.com/about/bio2.htm.

“Biography.” The Andrews Sisters: The Official Site. Accessed February 09,
      2014. http://cmgww.com/music/andrews/about/bio.html.

“Glenn Miller: ‘Sustain the Wings.’” Wartime Entertainment in WWII.
      Accessed February 09, 2014. http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~knigh20c/classweb/
      miller.html. 

Ruhlmann, William. “The Andrews Sisters.” Allmusic. Accessed
      February 09, 2014.  http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-andrews-
      sistersmn0000043499/biography.

Simon, George T. Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. New York: Thomas Y.
      Crowell Company, 1974. 

General Eisenhower: Example of an Excellent Leader

“A human understanding and a natural ability to mingle with all men on a basis of equality are more important than any degree of technical skill.” ~ General Eisenhower

     General Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, knew how to lead and direct men. He also knew how to take responsibility for his actions. This is an admirable trait in any leader and needs examination in regards to Eisenhower’s leadership on D-Day. Eisenhower faced a difficult task with the invasion of Normandy. His decisions would affect the war, the soldiers, and their families in significant ways. Eisenhower knew that his decision to go along with the invasion regardless of the stormy weather conditions could receive criticism by some, but he took responsibility for the invasion and his actions. He waited until there was a break in the bad weather to issue that the mission continue on June 6, 1944, one day after the original date planned. He wrote a note of apology if the invasion were a disaster, in which he personally apologized for his failure and mistakes. He noted that the entire fault was his not the heroic men who gave their lives to accomplish the great mission. Thus, General Eisenhower exhibited qualities of an excellent leader by taking responsibility for his decisions in the Normandy invasion.

 

 

              

 
        Eisenhower was personally involved with the men under him and wanted them to know that he honored their service and sacrifice. This is a quality of a good leader because it shows a willingness to appreciate and respect those in a lower position. On June 5, 1944, the day before the invasion,  Eisenhower visited the 101^st Airborne Division. He wanted the men to know that he had confidence in them and the mission they set out to accomplish. Most of the men were nervous and apprehensive about the great task before them, but General Eisenhower’s reassuring words and confidence in them helped ease some tension.  Eisenhower showed, once again, that he cared about his men and wanted them to know that they had his full support.  

 

      Eisenhower also knew how to lead men into following his orders. His speech right before the invasion was encouraging and full of hope that what they set out to accomplish would benefit the Allied war effort for victory. General Eisenhower had full confidence in the common soldier, and this showed through to them in his speeches and actions. General Eisenhower respected his men and honored their sacrifice and courage by thanking and praising them for their devotion to their country. Eisenhower also was aware of the dangers and difficulties of this mission. He knew the Germans would be hard to beat, but he still had faith in the ability of the men to win. General Eisenhower proved influential in his rhetorical abilities by being able to rally the soldiers to the cause of victory that their mission had set out to accomplish.

      At the Normandy beaches on the twentieth anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Eisenhower shared some of his thoughts and reactions with Walter Cronkite of CBS. Eisenhower explained to Walter Cronkite that the major part of the victory at D-Day belonged to the soldiers and aviators who bravely accomplished the mission they set out to win. It is important to note that twenty years after D-Day, Eisenhower credited the victory to the brave men involved not to his skill and planning.

      Therefore, General Eisenhower exhibited true leadership skills by his attitude and actions as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. He showed humility and respect for the men he commanded, which is an admirable trait in a leader. His ability to rally around the men and support them on a personal level attests to his wonderful character and leadership abilities.

 

                                             Recommended Readings

Ambrose, Stephen E. “Eisenhower's Generalship.” Parameters 40, no.4 (Winter
      2010/2011): 90- 98.
      http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/867412831.  

Childs, Marquis. “General Eisenhower: Five-Star Portrait.” The Washington Post
     (Washington, D.C.), Mar. 24, 1945.
     http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/151760784.

“D-Day Leaders—Eisenhower.” Military.com. Accessed January 27, 2014.            
     http://www.military.com/Content/MoreContent1/?file=dday_leaders1.

D’Este, Carlo. Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life. New York: Henry Holt & Company,
     2002.

“Eisenhower Recalls the Ordeal of D-Day Assault 20 Years Ago.” New York Times
     (New York, NY), Jun. 06, 1964.
      http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/docview/115799573.

“General Eisenhower’s Message Sent Just Prior to the Invasion.” U.S. Army.
      Accessed January 26, 2014. http://www.army.mil/d-day/message.html.

Kershaw, Alex. The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day
      Sacrifice. Cambridge, MA: De Capo Press, 2003.

“World War II: D-Day, The Invasion of Normandy.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
      Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. Accessed January 
      6, 2014. http://eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/d_day.html.