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Illinois Ordnance Plant
The Illinois Ordnance Plant or "Ordill" as it became known, employed upwards of 10,000 workers at the height of the war. Today, many of the buildings stand empty and fight overgrowth. Our cameras toured the facility as it stands today and captured interviews with former workers Helena Kelton of Goreville and Charles "Dutch" Stevens of Herrin.
Einar Dyhrkopp
The Destroyer-Minelayer USS Aaron Ward suffered six hits by Japanese Kamikaze planes while serving as a radar outpost during the invasion of Okinawa. Forty-two sailors were killed and scores were wounded. Fireman Second Class Einar Dyhrkopp of Shawneetown describes the ordeal of his shipmates as they fought to keep their severely damaged ship afloat.
The Ramseys
U.S.A.F. Senior Master Sargent (ret.) and Herrin native Walter Ramsey describes being shot down on one of his first missions - a bombing mission to Munich.
Ramsey's wife of over 60 years, Juanita, shares how she supported the war effort by building B-24 bombers in Detroit.
Ramsey's wife of over 60 years, Juanita, shares how she supported the war effort by building B-24 bombers in Detroit.
Tom Engram
U.S.A.F Lt. Col. (ret.) Tom Engram recalls his experiences as a B-24 heavy bomber pilot in in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Engram describes how his crew narrowly escaped disaster when their plane was struck by an aerial mine dropped by another member of his squadron.
Lawrence Breeze
Anti-tank gunner Lawrence Breeze survived bitter fighting in the Hurtgen Forest during the Battle of the Bulge and the invasion of Nazi Germany.
LST 325
After losing much of his military fleet at Dunkirk, Churchill needed a way to get troops and equipment on to or off of a ship - wherever it may be - even a beach. The United States developed what came to be known as an LST (Landing Ship Tank). Learn the history of the LST, its ties to this region, and the vital role it played in WWII.
