Results tagged “Jacob Loucks Devers” from York Town Square

York County industrial leaders turned out in large numbers for a dinner at the Yorktowne Hotel in World War II. The York Plan resulting from their cooperation became a national model. Background posts: All York Corporation/Johnson Controls posts from the start and Industrialist Thomas Shipley's 'enduring monument' in York did not 'endure' and York Corporation played role in Manhattan Project.

York County's homefront and war front efforts well represented what it took across America to win the two-front World War II.

And the best York County offered on the homefront - and it was significant - was the York Plan.

But ask a York County audience about the York Plan and surprisingly few know even the vaguest details.

So, here's a quick synopsis of the plan: ... .

U.S. President Harry S. Truman honors Gen. Jacob L. Devers upon his post-World War II retirement. Devers established the U.S. Army Field Band before leaving his high military post. Background posts: Field Band live from Farquhar Park and York native Jacob L. Devers' name still in service at Fort Knox, Ky. and Long Level and Pleasureville fielded bands?

The U.S. Army Field Band is the best-known military band with York links. York native and four-star general Jacob Loucks Devers started that band after World War II.

But the U.S. Air Force Drum & Bugle Corps had more York County members.

So says K.B. Oiler (kblor1@comcast.net), and the writer has contacted the York County Heritage Trust about placing some of the band's artifacts into its holdings.

Oiler provides some facts about the corps: ...

On the evening of Aug. 14, 1945, York County residents joined a massive national V-J celebration, marking the war's end. The largest county assembly occurred in York's Continental Square. Here, holding a special V-J edition are, from left, L. Allen Wolfgang, Richard E. Wolfgang and Lloyd E. (Pud) Wolfgang. Paul S. Wolfgang, who provided this photo, is at far left. Background posts: The first in (World) War (II), Perhaps the last in (World) War (II), 20 questions and answers to prove your York County smarts, Part III

The World War II Battle of Okinawa ended 63 years ago on Saturday.

And we're somewhere near the midway point between the often forgotten V-E Day - May 8 - and V-J Day - August 14.

So, here are 20 questions to focus us on York County's contributions to the war that spawned the Greatest Generation:

Gen. Jacob Loucks Devers, left, talks with Lt. Donald E. MacNutt, 85th Engineers, as light and heavy vehicles from the 10th Armored Division cross the Rhine River on April 1, 1945. The engineers installed this pontoon bridge across the Rhine at Worms, Germany, in nine hours, considered a major feat. The York County Heritage Trust plans a visit to Devers burial site in Arlington National Cemetery in April. Background posts: York native Jacob L. Devers' name still in service at Fort Knox, Ky. and U.S. Army Field Band: Live at Farquhar Park.

The York County Heritage Trust, still known by many as the York County Historical Society, is engaged in project to remember those who served in uniform on the warfront and in overalls on the homefront.

For example, an exhibit at the trust's Agriculture and Industrial Museum interprets life in the military in World War II. A nearby York Plan exhibit informs visitors about how York County factories got behind the military.

As part of this Defending Amerca's Freedom Project, the trust is sponsoring a motor coach trip to Washington, D.C., on April 10... .

Four-foot-tall "Little Johnny" is shown with 250-pound Charles Chester Stine during a visit to York Corporation during World War II. York Corporation played role in Manhattan Project and All Johnson Controls/York Corporation posts from the start and York County sacrificed on homefront and war front to aid Allies in World War II.

Hedy Lamarr made a well-publicized visit to York Safe & Lock to promote war bond sales in 1942.

A lot of people remember that visit.

York Corporation, another giant defense contractor, also brought in a celebrity to raise morale and investment in war bonds.

That was "Little Johnny" of Philip Morris cigarette fame... .