Archive for 2016
National WWII Museum Event February 7, 2017
I was honored several years ago when The National WWII Museum hosted the premiere of the Wereth Eleven film in February, 2011. Below is a clip from that event.
9/11 Fifteen Years Later
As I mentioned I was at a TV studio preparing to do The People's Court television show before all hell broke loose. In the control room we watched the mayhem unfold. In fact I vividly recall watching Channel 4 News in a live report from the World Trade Center area when during the actual live report the second plane hit the second tower. The shocked reporter just took off running and so did the cameraman.
Cell phones did not work. Neither did landlines for that matter. The only way I got word to my wife about my situation was sending an email via AOL. Does anyone have AOL anymore? I had no idea if the email would reach her.
In the studio we simply did not know if we should stay or go. What was safer choice? After the plane hit the Pentagon the director turned to me and waved goodbye adding, "Good luck, get home safe." Home for me at the time was Bucks County, PA, 90 minutes to the south via Penn Station. So I headed in that direction. The studio was at 37th Street and 5th Ave. and I could look south and see the brown smoke rising above the towers. As I walked toward Penn Station I passed by several churches with hastily posted signs on which someone scrawled with a sharpie, "Come in and Pray." At one church I saw people actually kneeling on the sidewalk praying.
As I got to Penn Station it was bedlam but I saw a line of people going down an escalator onto a train. I joined them. I didn't care where the train was going - just out of Manhattan. As I got on and actually got a seat before the aisles filled up there came an announcement, "Attention all passengers by order of the NYPD, Penn Station is now closed. All must exit to street level and exit the building."
A collective groan was heard on the train as we all made our way out. My next thought was - water. There must be a boat I could get on. So I headed up 8th Ave. then onto 10th. Coming toward me down the avenue were thousands of people headed to Penn Station. As I made my way up 10th my next thought was cash. I was going to take as much cash out of an ATM as I could before they too were shut down. I dashed in a deli and took out as much as I could and then continued north.
Once I got to 12th Ave. I saw a line of about 500 people waiting to get on a Circle Line boat. I jumped right in behind them. We all boarded. The stuffed to the gills ship slowly pulled away from the dock. At that moment there was almost an audible sigh of relief. The boat was headed over to Weehawken, NJ and you could turn and look across the Hudson and see the Towers engulfed in brown smoke. You could also smell it. It smelled like an electrical fire. People on the boat were actually joking around trying to mask their fears. No one knew what the hell was going to happen next but at least we were off Manhattan.
When we docked at Weehawken I ran to a payphone to see if it had a dial tone. It did. I dialed my voicemail and heard a message from my now ex-wife that I will never forget. I will not detail it just to say it was filled with tears. I was able to call her back and told her I would try to grab a train from Hoboken.
I headed down there with thousands of others and the trains were going nowhere. At the station they had set up hundreds of gurneys with IV poles awaiting trains from the Trade Center. Trains that would never come. It was an image I'll never forget. But that was not the final enduring image I would remember from that day....the one that still gives me chills and I will never forget.
After leaving the train station I headed up to a Cuban bar / restaurant. I thought a beer was just what I needed at that point. There were actually only a few people in the place and at the bar. After a few moments a near hysterical woman who had to be 8 months pregnant ran in with someone who had to be her mother. Through her tears I overheard her say to her mother, "his last words were he'd meet us here." I turned to the bartender and he looked back at me, we were both speechless. The pregnant woman then headed into the Ladies room as the Mom stood by the bar.
As I turned to continue watching Peter Jennings anchor the coverage on the TV behind the bar a man bolted in who was covered with the dust. It was the same dust which had covered people who were seen on TV running from the towers. As the man came in the Mom started crying and they embraced. The bar fell silent. Then the pregnant woman emerged from the bathroom, saw her husband and ran towards him crying, overjoyed. No one in the place moved and many including myself teared up. It was scene I will remember till I die.
Several hours later the trains began to run and I was able to get one to Montclair where my wife met me. I don't remember what we said to each other we just held each other tight for a long moment before heading back to Pennsylvania.
Did the world change that day? Without a doubt. Did it change for the better? For a short while it did in the aftermath. We were united as one people and a nation that was wounded and hurting. Can we look back from today and say that we have grown or are safer as a nation? I am not certain we can. In many ways the world is much less certain and certainly much less innocent than before 9/11/2001.
But it remains up to us to make it the world in which we all want to live. And by live I mean live in peace. I am a spiritual person and I believe that the dark forces in this world have increased the level of terror and violence that they spread because they know their days are numbered.
More and more common everyday people especially those in the Middle East simply want to live their lives and raise their families in peace. The time is coming soon when killing in the name of God or Allah will not be tolerated, promoted or accepted by people of any faith on the planet. When that day comes...and I truly believe I will see it in my lifetime then finally there will be lasting peace on earth.
Tag :
9/11,
War on Terror
More WWII Films Coming, Allied, Dunkirk, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage
ALLIED
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Allied, stars Brad Pitt who is returning to WWII once again after the success of David Ayer’s, Fury. He stars as Max Vatan, a British intelligence officer who encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard) during a mission in Casablanca that forces them into a pretend marriage so their cover isn’t blown. The pair is reunited later in London and fall in love, though the horrors of war threaten to destroy their relationship.
DUNKIRK
Christopher Nolan will direct WWII film Dunkirk, based on his own original screenplay. The action adventure film, set during the legendary 1940 evacuation in France. The large scale film will be shot on a combination of IMAX 65mm and 65mm large format film photography, and shooting began in May. The British director will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner and wife Emma Thomas. (From the Hollywood Reporter)
USS INDIANAPOLIS: MEN OF COURAGE
Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage stars as Captain McVay, the captain of the doomed WWII heavy cruiser, the USS Indianapolis. After completing its top secret mission to drop off components of the atomic bomb, the USS Indianapolis crossed the Philippine Sea without an escort. The I-58, a Japanese submarined helmed by Commander Hashimoto of the Imperial Japanese Navy, spotted them and fired six torpedoes into the ship. The USS Indianapolis sank in a matter of minutes, leaving survivors in the water for days on end, awaiting rescue.
Hacksaw Ridge Trailer "Please Help Me Get One More."
WWII stories continue to engage worldwide audiences and Mel Gibson's epic forthcoming film, Hacksaw Ridge, in my opinion raises the bar. The official trailer was unveiled today. You cannot look away.
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American History Free on Kindle Today in Honor of July 4th
Today between the BBQ and fireworks you can grab two of my historical books on Kindle absolutely FREE. And you can get another historical book for .99 cents for a limited time. Below are the books and links. Have a happy and safe 4th of July holiday!
Hamilton at War
Free today at Amazon
As the story opens, young Alexander Hamilton marches with the Continentals at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He is frustrated by being relegated to the end of the line and missing out on the action. He desperately wants to make a name for himself. His fortunes soon change at the Raritan River when the vanguard of British infantry catches up to Washington's army.
Hamilton, and his cannons are the only defense line available to prevent the army from being destroyed. Successfully protecting the Continental army and allowing their escape with his rear-guard action, Hamilton catches the attention of George Washington.
The future President asks the twenty-year-old Hamilton to join his staff. Sent on one daring mission after another Hamilton s stature grows, creating great political mistrust among his rivals. When ambition overtakes Hamilton, he threatens to overthrow Congress, which he sees as corrupt. Challenging a Congressman to a duel who views Hamilton as treasonous immigrant his world nearly self-destructs.
With the end of the American Revolution looming and his visions of his own glory fading, Hamilton becomes determined to leave Washington s staff and return to the battlefield. Washington, the only man who can help him, does all in his power to deny him. One daring assignment remains, however, that will determine the outcome of the final battle and the entire war. It is at a place called Yorktown.
Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day
Free today at Amazon
Late December 1776.
A ragged Continental army has now put an icy river between themselves and the pursing British army. The men in blue and buff uniforms have known nothing but defeat and had once again made a narrow escape while the Congress at Philadelphia reflecting no confidence in their troops prepare to evacuate to Baltimore.
Washington’s besieged men reflect the state of a nation weary of war and a cause on the brink of extinction. They are an army in waiting - waiting for ammunition, blankets and reinforcements. But others, nearly half, are simply waiting for their enlistments to be up on January 1, 1777. Within days Washington would have no men with which to fight and the cause and the dream of independence would be over.
This is the backdrop of one of the most daring surprise attacks in American history - Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the subsequent victory at Trenton. Told in an urgent narrative style, Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day, reveals the cast of characters and many untold aspects of the Crossing that made the victory even that much more incredible.
Gettysburg Voices from the Front
On sale today at Amazon
A stirring collection of first-hand accounts from Privates on up to the commanding Generals at the Battle of Gettysburg woven into a dramatic and compelling narrative. The reader is transported back to the chaos and uncertainty of the sweltering first three days of July 1863 when Lee's Army of Northern Virginia invaded the North threatening Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington itself. Soldiers on both sides gave everything they had believing that Gettysburg would be the final epic battle in an already long and terrible war.
Free today at Amazon
As the story opens, young Alexander Hamilton marches with the Continentals at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He is frustrated by being relegated to the end of the line and missing out on the action. He desperately wants to make a name for himself. His fortunes soon change at the Raritan River when the vanguard of British infantry catches up to Washington's army.
Hamilton, and his cannons are the only defense line available to prevent the army from being destroyed. Successfully protecting the Continental army and allowing their escape with his rear-guard action, Hamilton catches the attention of George Washington.
The future President asks the twenty-year-old Hamilton to join his staff. Sent on one daring mission after another Hamilton s stature grows, creating great political mistrust among his rivals. When ambition overtakes Hamilton, he threatens to overthrow Congress, which he sees as corrupt. Challenging a Congressman to a duel who views Hamilton as treasonous immigrant his world nearly self-destructs.
With the end of the American Revolution looming and his visions of his own glory fading, Hamilton becomes determined to leave Washington s staff and return to the battlefield. Washington, the only man who can help him, does all in his power to deny him. One daring assignment remains, however, that will determine the outcome of the final battle and the entire war. It is at a place called Yorktown.
Free today at Amazon
Late December 1776.
A ragged Continental army has now put an icy river between themselves and the pursing British army. The men in blue and buff uniforms have known nothing but defeat and had once again made a narrow escape while the Congress at Philadelphia reflecting no confidence in their troops prepare to evacuate to Baltimore.
Washington’s besieged men reflect the state of a nation weary of war and a cause on the brink of extinction. They are an army in waiting - waiting for ammunition, blankets and reinforcements. But others, nearly half, are simply waiting for their enlistments to be up on January 1, 1777. Within days Washington would have no men with which to fight and the cause and the dream of independence would be over.
This is the backdrop of one of the most daring surprise attacks in American history - Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the subsequent victory at Trenton. Told in an urgent narrative style, Washington's Crossing: America's First D-Day, reveals the cast of characters and many untold aspects of the Crossing that made the victory even that much more incredible.
On sale today at Amazon
A stirring collection of first-hand accounts from Privates on up to the commanding Generals at the Battle of Gettysburg woven into a dramatic and compelling narrative. The reader is transported back to the chaos and uncertainty of the sweltering first three days of July 1863 when Lee's Army of Northern Virginia invaded the North threatening Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington itself. Soldiers on both sides gave everything they had believing that Gettysburg would be the final epic battle in an already long and terrible war.
Today Marks the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
"100 years ago today a flower of a generation marched to it's doom in a capture of less than five miles of bloody ground." From, How Canada Won the Great War. Available worldwide on Audiobook (itunes, audible) Paperback and ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other retailers.
The Battle of the Somme (French: Bataille de la Somme, German: Schlacht an der Somme), also known as the Somme Offensive, was a battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of upper reaches of the River Somme in France. It was the largest battle of the First World War on the Western Front; more than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
The French and British had committed themselves to an offensive on the Somme during Allied discussions at Chantilly, Oise, in December 1915. The Allies agreed upon a strategy of combined offensives against the Central Powers in 1916, by the French, Russian, British and Italian armies, with the Somme offensive as the Franco-British contribution. Initial plans called for the French army to undertake the main part of the Somme offensive, supported on the northern flank by the Fourth Army of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). When the Imperial German Army began the Battle of Verdun on the Meuse on 21 February 1916, French commanders diverted many of the divisions intended for the Somme and the "supporting" attack by the British became the principal effort.
The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles (9.7 km) into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than in any of their offensives since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. The Anglo-French armies failed to capture Péronne and halted 3 miles (4.8 km) from Bapaume, where the German armies maintained their positions over the winter. British attacks in the Ancre valley resumed in January 1917 and forced the Germans into local withdrawals to reserve lines in February, before the scheduled retirement to the Siegfriedstellung (Hindenburg Line) began in March. Debate continues over the necessity, significance and effect of the battle. (Source wikipedia)
The Battle of the Somme (French: Bataille de la Somme, German: Schlacht an der Somme), also known as the Somme Offensive, was a battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire. It took place between 1 July and 18 November 1916 on both sides of upper reaches of the River Somme in France. It was the largest battle of the First World War on the Western Front; more than one million men were wounded or killed, making it one of the bloodiest battles in human history.
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| Available in paperback, Kindle and Nook |
The battle is notable for the importance of air power and the first use of the tank. At the end of the battle, British and French forces had penetrated 6 miles (9.7 km) into German-occupied territory, taking more ground than in any of their offensives since the Battle of the Marne in 1914. The Anglo-French armies failed to capture Péronne and halted 3 miles (4.8 km) from Bapaume, where the German armies maintained their positions over the winter. British attacks in the Ancre valley resumed in January 1917 and forced the Germans into local withdrawals to reserve lines in February, before the scheduled retirement to the Siegfriedstellung (Hindenburg Line) began in March. Debate continues over the necessity, significance and effect of the battle. (Source wikipedia)
New Release this week, The London Vermeer - Serialized Novel
The London Vermeer:
Forensic Art Detective, Riley Spenser, returns in this fast-paced follow up to the, Russian van Gogh. With the $300 million dollar van Gogh returned safely to the Amsterdam Museum Riley relocates to London. She heads up the new Monuments Men UK office where her mission expands from locating stolen WWII masterpieces to contemporary art theft. Her primary mission is tracking leads in the 1990 Gardner heist.In this first installment of the three-part serialized novel an alarming development occurs. Riley's boss in the States calls with some shocking news. The Boston FBI has identified the original culprits in the Gardner theft. Riley is devastated but soon realizes that the FBI has no clue where the paintings actually are. This is simply a ruse to flush the thieves out of hiding.
Unfortunately for Riley it works. She has been the most visible investigator into the crime for the past 15 years. The Gardner thieves have have zeroed in on her as the pawn they need to secure an even bigger score than the Museum's standing offer of $5 Million for return of the paintings.
To make matters worse Justin is recalled from assignment in the Middle East. His covert mission has gone terribly wrong and he fears reassignment, demotion or worse. His SIS supervisor encourages him to take a few days off but Justin ends up in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. Filled suspense, The London Vermeer, features action that jumps off the page like a major motion picture and a storyline filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing from one page to the next.
Purchase on Amazon.
Hamilton at War Gets a New Cover
Kindle Version @ Amazon
Paperback @ Amazon
Audiobook
Synopsis:
As the story opens, young Alexander Hamilton marches with the Continentals at Fort Lee, New Jersey. He is frustrated by being relegated to the end of the line and missing out on the action. He desperately wants to make a name for himself. His fortunes soon change at the Raritan River when the vanguard of British infantry catches up to Washington's army.
Hamilton, and his cannons are the only defense line available to prevent the army from being destroyed. Successfully protecting the Continental army and allowing their escape with his rear-guard action, Hamilton catches the attention of George Washington.
The future President asks the twenty-year-old Hamilton to join his staff. Sent on one daring mission after another Hamilton s stature grows, creating great political mistrust among his rivals. When ambition overtakes Hamilton, he threatens to overthrow Congress, which he sees as corrupt. Challenging a Congressman to a duel who views Hamilton as treasonous immigrant his world nearly self-destructs.
With the end of the American Revolution looming and his visions of his own glory fading, Hamilton becomes determined to leave Washington s staff and return to the battlefield. Washington, the only man who can help him, does all in his power to deny him. One daring assignment remains, however, that will determine the outcome of the final battle and the entire war. It is at a place called Yorktown.
A Tribute to Joseph Small Exec. Producer, The Wereth Eleven
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| Joseph Small, 1961 - 2016, Executive Producer, The Wereth Eleven. |
Joseph Small speaking at the National WWII Museum.
What follows are those words from among some of Joe's closest friends. This will give you a glimpse into the character and heart of the man who personally became my closest friend. At the end of this tribute article I share my thoughts about him.
Here are some folks thoughts on Joseph Small.
"Let me start by saying that after reading the tributes we can all agree that Joe was certainly generous and was able to make friends very easily. I use to call Joe THE MAYOR cause he was always at his best in and around people. I can recall Joe's first visit to Normandy with me. As we all know Joe could drink coffee like no one else. One morning in Sainte Mete Eglise he disappeared into the local coffee shop I waited about 20 minutes for him and then went looking for him.
I found him holding court with several Frenchmen whom I am sure had a very limited knowledge of English and I know that Joe had no knowledge of French. Seems Joe wanted a coffee to go and the French do not have this custom so he decided to drink his coffee there and entertain the locals. This went on for several days until Joe came back from the coffee shop around day four with the French version of a coffee to go. This shows his great ability to make friends and his cheerfulness.
On location in Maryland while filming THE WERETH 11 I was bitten by a spider and my arm promptly swelled up. Joe was extremely worried about me and drove me home to New Jersey and stayed awhile with me. He then returned to Maryland for further filming.
On another occasion in Normandy while we were out walking the battlefields in our WWII gear I inadvertently became shocked several times by the electrical fences the local farmers put up to prevent their livestock from running off. I could see the look on Joe's face as he was concerned for my safety. In a flash he shed his gear hoped over a gate and was able to get the piece of metal that was connected from my web gear to the electric fence removed. This to me shows Joe's true friendship and his caring for his fellow human beings.
Joe will forever be linked to the WERETH 11. Many times Joe told me that he wanted this story of American soldiers told as he thought their dignity had been taken. This to me shows Joe's concern for his fellow man and to do what is right.
I have many fond memories of Joe. We would talk often as I only lived in NJ and he in NY. We were both sports fans of the local teams and would talk sports for hours on end. When I think
Of it now I will miss those Sunday night calls from Joe when we discussed the days past sporting events. In closing , farewell by dear friend until we meet again may God take care of you and protect you. Your Friend always."
Tommy McArdle, Historical Consultant The Wereth Eleven, Blood and Armor
"We've lost a good friend. Joe Small was the kind of guy who understood concepts like friendship, loyalty and sacrificing to make dreams come true. In an age of self-centered concerns, Joe was the kind of man who thought of others first and foremost. He was a rare individual with a great and abiding reverence for military veterans and their sacrifices, particularly during World War II. His keen interest in - and enthusiastic moral and practical backing for - film projects about wartime stories kept a lot of aspiring filmmakers afloat when it looked like we would never roll cameras. His spirit lives on in what we do." Dale Dye, Los Angeles
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| Robert Child and Joe Small accepting the top award at GI Film Fest (2011) |
Joe was a natural salesman who could make friends easily, and he had a knack for remembering details about people he was even just acquainted with. I think he could empathized with others -- always offered his help and his prayers to friends in need because of poor health, for example. I always enjoyed the way he signed all of his emails... "Your friend, Joe."
My sense was that Joe seemed to live very close to "the other side of the veil." He saw and heard angels, was visited by apparitions, talked to the Virgin Mary. He was a guy who you would want to pray for you if you needed help, because you got the feeling his prayers were heard better than your own. For such a big, masculine, physical presence, this was an unusual paradox.
And of course, Joe loved veterans, loved to hear their war stories, and always thanked them for their service. And he seemed to live for his World War II re-enactments, and told me once that Normandy was his "favorite place in the whole wide world." It was as if he had lived and died on the battlefields of Normandy in another life. I think some people took advantage of Joe because they could see that he had a heart of gold. Joe kind of knew that some people were taking advantage of him, but he couldn't help himself, probably because he always wanted to believe the best in people.
I'll miss his presence on this earth, as I'm sure it will be missed by a great many people who knew him much better than did I.
Godspeed, Jo-Jo Small. Your game will forevermore be "above da rim."
Your friend,
Steve Janson
Janson Media
"Joe was a 100% genuine good guy with a heart the size of a mountain. I am deeply saddened by this news, and speechless. he had so many good stories and historic lessons to share. The world is a lesser place without him."
Bryan Demory, Reenactor Coordinator, Historical Consultant, The Wereth Eleven.
"Joe:
Until we meet again!!! I know you are in heaven with Alex watching over me. I thank you for the time you shared your love with me. Your kindness, your generosity from the first day I met you in Wereth, Belgium with your Army shirt and black sweat pants (SMILE!!) ; you approached me as you could tell I was overwhelmed getting ready for the wreath laying ceremony. Of course I said I was good and invited you to come to the luncheon after the ceremony and again, you offered your help as you could tell I was overwhelmed and short individuals to help serve. Again, you offered your help this time I took you up on your offer; you helped clean the tables and throw away trash. That day we never got the opportunity to talk. When you left you gave me your card and we have been friends ever since. More than friends, family, my big brother. We have shared so many memories, good and bad.
The last words you texted to me was “I love you oh so very much”. This is what I will keep always in my heart the LOVE you had for people even when love was not returned the same as you gave it. I believe this is why God called you home because He is LOVE!!! His LOVE is GREATER!! He loved you first!!! I love you I know that you are watching over me!! Protecting me!! Until We Meet Again!!"
Your Sister Forever,
Lawanda Warthen
Joe Small was referred to me by Steve Janson and Rob Small. Joe hired me to assist him with legal issues related to his films “The Wereth Eleven” and “USS Franklin: Honor Restored.” We worked on many matters together to ensure he was protected. Joe’s passion for his projects was contagious. He had big ideas and an even bigger heart. He trusted everyone with whom he did business, sometimes to his disadvantage, but he was always honorable, and fair in his transactions. Joe made me laugh with his humor and impulsiveness. I thought of Joe as a friend. Rest in peace, my friend. I miss you.
Ted Hammerman Esq., The Ardennes Group, Entertainment Atty.
"It’s not easy to find the right words to honor Joe’s memory.
I think he had the first contact around 2008 with the president of our association, Mrs Adda Rikken
and with Mrs Anne-Marie Noël.
I can only write about mine which started in 2010 when I entered the association.
Here his first words of July 2010:
'Please give my congratulations to Solange and I wish
her luck. She sounds like she'll be a great asset to the team. I look
forward to meeting her in Sept. Regards, Joe'
I remember writing with him many times about the movie presentation on Feb 26th, 2011 in Medell.
He wanted to invite all Wereth and other villages. He wanted all generations to be present.
Joe wanted to make it on the big way and as you know his wishes were realized: more than 300 attended. The movie presentation was a big success and Joe, you, your entire team, our association, all were very happy.
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| Ken Arnold, Joe Small, Robert Child on the set of The Wereth Eleven |
We can say, thanks to Hermann those 11 soldiers were not forgotten and thanks to Joe, you (Rob Child) and your team “The Wereth Eleven” emerge from the shadow in their home country: The United States.
On January 16th, 2016 Joe was so proud to show us his granddaughter Cassandra Claire. At the same time he said he would definitively attend this year’s ceremony.
We know that he really wanted to attend but his different problems and health made it impossible.
We regret not having spent more time with him. Many seem to have it, but only a few really do and Joe was one of them, who have remembrance in their DNA.
Joe, we will never forget you and like Hermann, you will always be included in our mission: preserving “The Wereth Eleven”
to be erased by the memory of time.
Joe’s mails were very deep but always with a touch of humor. Joe was a good man; honor and respect were part of his personality. One of his preferred last sentence was: Pls slap....in the face for me.
So Rob, pls slap Joe in the face for us!
Solange Dekeyser
President, US Memorial Wereth, V.o.G
www.wereth.org
The Sailing Ship - Bishop Charles Henry Brent
What is dying?
I am standing on the seashore.
A ship sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.
She is an object and I stand watching her
Till at last she fades from the horizon,
And someone at my side says, “She is gone!” Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all;
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her,
And just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her;
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She is gone",
There are others who are watching her coming,
And other voices take up a glad shout,
"There she comes" – and that is dying.
(provided by Jamie Hobbis)
"Rob, I'm still in disbelief...
I am so deeply saddened to hear Joe has passed away. He was a most generous, kind hearted fella and I owe him more than he would believe. We’ve lost our leader and way too early…
“Joe, I hope that you are up there chinking beer glasses with the Heroes you told us about…
We’ll take a breath, we’ll get up, dust ourselves down and we’ll finish your film…”
So long buddy…
Toodle Pip (or Poodle Shit as you used to reply...)"
Jamie Hobbis, London UK
Cinematographer, The Wereth Eleven
"I found Joe to be both humble and inspiring. I didn't know him as well as you did, and I'm sure it's been extremely tough for you to handle - he was a genuinely engaging person who took interest in people.
I always felt that we were doing 'the right thing' when we were working on the Wereth documentary, largely because of the commitment you & Joe had to telling the story of people who couldn't speak for themselves.
I liked Joe, he was a good guy who cared about other people. You can't say that about everybody."
Jonathan Gibson
C4 Inc. Created all the visual effects in The Wereth Eleven.
"We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers, to the entire family of Joe Small, upon his sudden passing. When first meeting Joe a few years ago, we were not only impressed with his very big and welcoming personality, but his constant work and interest in all things military, especially The Ardennes.
As a daughter of a POW in World War II, and as a daughter of a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge in The Ardennes, we thank you Joe for all you did to keep our loved ones plight in the forefront for people to see how – ‘our fathers’ - kept our countries safe. Thank you! With great respect and sympathy," Maudy Fowler and Gail Hunt Violette. June 11, 2016
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| Joseph Small |
"I met Joe Small in September 2009 after giving a speech at the Wereth 11 ceremony in Belgium. I was introduced to him by 2 star General Byron Bagby who told me about this fanatical guy wanting to do a movie about the 333rd and the Wereth 11. I was immediately struck by his enthusiasm and commitment to making sure the men of the 333rd had their" dignity restored". Two weeks later Joe flew to Chicago and solicited my support on the movie project and he made me feel part of the Emmy nominated Wereth 11 movie team .At this point it was clear to me Joe was a true American patriot on a mission that would not be denied. I shared with him all I could remember from my dad's experiences and he educated me on the hell they encountered in the Battle of the Bulge. It is important to note during this time my mother was dying of terminal cancer and Joe would always ask me how she was doing and was she still with us ? He sent her a beautiful pink bath robe with her initials that she cherished to the day she died. I believe Joe's most endearing qualities were his empathy toward people , his kindness and his sense of humor ( i.e" My name is Joe Biggie Smalls I got hops").As Maya Angelou said" I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story in side of you". Joe in producing the untold story of the Wereth 11 did not have this agony. Instead he gave a voice to the courage and competence of the African American soldier in World War 2 The 333rd field artillery unit had the heart of the lion and 65 years later they were lucky to have Joe Small to be called upon to give their awesome roar. RIP my dear friend."
R.R Hudson Jr.
"It is with profound sadness that I write these few words about my friend Joe Small after learning of his passing. Joe's passion for defending the voiceless was epic. When he learned of the story of 11 black soldiers who were brutally murdered by the SS during the battle of the bulge, a crime that was never prosecuted even though plenty of evidence was available, he was outraged and took it upon himself to right the wrong that was done to 11 heroes of WWII. The film, The Wereth Eleven, was born and history was about to be rectified. Joe's love for his fellow man, his team and his family was real. He was one of the most generous human beings I've ever met. In so many ways. And he was the most tenacious sonofabitch when it came to defending good vs. evil. If Joe was born in another time (and often I felt he might've been), the SS would have had a formidable adversary in Joe Small. I will miss him and never forget what he has done for the Wereth 11."
Frederic Lumiere, Co-Executive Producer and Editor, The Wereth Eleven.
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"Joe you were not the oldest friend I had but you were the dearest and the closest. I know the word "brother" gets tossed around all too casually among male friends but with Joe and I every time we said it to one another it meant something. We said it often to each other at the end of calls...'hey, I love you brother. Love you too brother.'
We were both there for each other when we went through the hell of our respective divorces at exactly the same time. We leaned on one another and laughed with one another amid the tragedy of our families breaking apart. Joe was there for me when no one else on this planet was. You don't forget that in fact you take that to the grave. Yes we were different personalities but we saw life and our work the same way. He was dedicated and believed in what we had accomplished telling the story of Wereth and Franklin and there was no question that I did.
Joe was one of the few people I'd ever known who you simply had no doubt about. He was fearless. If you were in a war he is the guy you wanted in your foxhole. In fact Tom McArdle told me at Joe's service that during a WWII reenactment in France Joe essentially saved Tom's skin when he got tangled in an electric fence. But I'll let Tom tell that story.
Joe was a man who could make friends quicker than I'd ever seen. People wanted to be with him support him and help him and he welcomed everyone to his team. He was also the most caring and generous human being I've ever known a comment which has been echoed by others throughout this tribute. He put his heart and his money where his mouth was.
I was fortunate to speak with Joe just three days before he died. He called me last Tuesday morning and told me how excited he was to be moving forward with a new doctor for his back and a focus on the WWII script we had produced last year. He was upbeat and almost had a tone of trying to cheer me up. I was not downcast or depressed but his mood was infectious. He was happy and seemed at peace. Subsequently I learned from Tom McArdle that Joe in the days just before he died called or visited everyone who was close to him imparting the same positive upbeat tone. I and others are convinced that these calls and visits were Joe saying "goodbye." He knew his time was at hand and he simply wanted to have people remember him in a positive way with lots of laughter. In fact he ended our call with, 'Hey Rob, Sedaka is back!' which of course made me laugh and those were the last words I heard from him. He was such a caring soul that I know he has been welcomed into heaven with one gigantic party with departed souls gathering around roaring with laugher at his incredible stories. Many times he brought tears into my eyes he made me laugh so hard and that is what I am going to remember moving forward. No one will replace you Joe. You were one of a kind and touched so many lives in such a positive way - that's what you can take with with you. You done good on this earth - you done very good and I will miss you my dear friend for the rest of my life."
Love you Brother, Rob Child
*Please share this article in your social media circles. The more people who know about this man may inspire others to make this planet a better place.
*Please share this article in your social media circles. The more people who know about this man may inspire others to make this planet a better place.
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James Patterson's "Bookshots" - A Very Smart Move
I couldn't be more thrilled at this development because these are exactly the types of "novels" I write - fast paced, fun action packed stories that read like a movie. I come from a film and television background where you have a finite amount of time to tell your story. And I have brought that over to my authoring. I structure my novels in a very specific way that is all but invisible to the reader but the net result is folks keep turning the pages. My novels can be read in one sitting usually in two to two and a half hours the length of a movie. I started out writing ninety minute and one-hour documentaries then moved on to screenwriting so I brought these time constraints and structures to my novels.
Patterson calls himself a "disrupter" and I couldn't agree more. He and his publisher recognized that the number of people reading books has dropped off substantially not because there are no quality books to read but people's time is so fractured and distracted these days. Social media, video games and Netflix as well as other forms of entertainment have changed the way people consume content. A majority of folks simply cannot devote that much time to a 350+ page novel. They want to read a complete and satisfying story in the little free time they do have. The publishing industry has never cared for the shorter novel because economically it is costs about the same to print a short hard cover book as it does a long one. And of course the shorter book is priced lower. There is no incentive for them.
At this writing Patterson's first bookshot, Cross Kill: An Alex Cross Story, is sitting at number 15 in Amazon's kindle store. This is amazing and let me give you some insight based on tools I have to research this kind of stuff. Cross Kill, which was released yesterday has already sold 45,000 copies and grossed $180,000. Several bookshots have already been released so far by Patterson and his team of cowriters and he plans to release at least four new bookshots a month. They will span several genres including romance.
I truly believe Patterson and his publisher have peered into the future of reading and come up with a disruptive solution that will, if successful, increase the size of the book buying public and create a new category of book. If anyone can pull it off Patterson can. And I will keep writing my action-packed movie-length thrillers.
Check out the forthcoming novel, The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II,
based on the Wereth Eleven story. Available for pre-order now.72nd Anniversary of D Day / Ghost Carrier Free on Kindle
"I'm a sucker for time travel stories. But only good ones which makes the genre largely disappointing. The author overcomes the usual time travel issues—unbelievable, loose ends, contrived—by tackling the issues directly. A clever plot twist is the use of a time travel expert (making the reader believe that such an expert exists is another good job by Child) who attacks the issues directly with her explaining and debunking each one in plausible, entertaining and educational ways that compels the reader, at least this one, through the story. On top of that is the story—an exciting World War II "what if" tale."
- D. Bass, Amazon Review.
Check out the forthcoming novel, The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II,
based on the Wereth Eleven story. Available for pre-order now.The Lost Eleven is Now on Presale
- The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II
I can now officially announce the forthcoming narrative nonfiction novel I coauthored with Denise George over the past year. It is my first major publishing house release (Random House / Penguin) and it went on pre-sale just a few days ago. The official release date is February 7, 2017.
The story is based in part on the film I wrote and directed for the Ardennes Group and National Geographic, The Wereth Eleven. However this book brings in so much more that the film could not. - The story begins at the outset of Hitler's planning of the Ardennes Offensive. Then we travel back with the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion to Camp Gruber, OK and their early grueling training on the 155mm howitzer. This is not a dry history text book but a riveting story with dialog and vivid scenes which bring the tale of the Wereth Eleven to life. My coauthor and I believe the feel of the story is similar to the Civil War film, Glory. It also matches the well with Band of Brothers. That series of course followed "Easy Company" from their early stateside training into their deployment in the ETO.
I encourage you to check out the pre-order on Amazon and look more into the book at Penguin's website. It is available to order right now on Amazon and other outlets and I hope you will check it out.
Check out my forthcoming novel, The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II,
based on the Wereth Eleven story. Available for pre-order now.Ghost Carrier Amazon Kindle Giveaway Enter for a Chance to Win
See this #AmazonGiveaway for a chance to win: Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day (Kindle Edition). https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/
Check out my forthcoming novel, The Lost Eleven: The Forgotten Story of Black American Soldiers Brutally Massacred in World War II, based on the Wereth Eleven story. Available for pre-order now.Ghost Carrier Has Released Today
"The unforgettable story of the power of the bond between a father and a son."
Today just in time for our nation's patriotic holiday I am proud to announce that my paranormal military thriller, Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day, has officially released in both print and on Kindle. Below are the links to check them out and purchase. Also I'd like to wish every one a happy and safe Memorial Day Weekend!
The Ghost Carrier story...
Frank Rusk hasn’t been sleeping well lately. He’s approaching his milestone 70th birthday. Each night for the past two weeks indescribable scenes of horror have awakened him. He is on an exploding ship in WWII, which is sinking fast. Men are burning alive all around him. He hears sailors cry out, “A Japanese torpedo hit the bomb bay! We are all going to die!”
In these nightmarish visions Frank realizes he is not a spectator watching but a sailor living them. Everywhere he turns he sees buddies he knows taking their last breaths. Frank decides this horrifying scene must be what his father Joe Rusk experienced in his last moments alive before perishing on an aircraft carrier in November 1943. The sinking occurred just two months after Frank was born.
At his 70th birthday party before blowing the candles out on his cake Frank makes a wish he has kept secret his entire life; an impossible wish that defies time and the laws of the Universe. Frank yearns to rewrite history and have his Dad in his life. As Frank blows out the candles his father Joe's face materializes in the flames. Joe Rusk looks terrified and screams to Frank for help.
Frank Rusk hasn’t been sleeping well lately. He’s approaching his milestone 70th birthday. Each night for the past two weeks indescribable scenes of horror have awakened him. He is on an exploding ship in WWII, which is sinking fast. Men are burning alive all around him. He hears sailors cry out, “A Japanese torpedo hit the bomb bay! We are all going to die!”
In these nightmarish visions Frank realizes he is not a spectator watching but a sailor living them. Everywhere he turns he sees buddies he knows taking their last breaths. Frank decides this horrifying scene must be what his father Joe Rusk experienced in his last moments alive before perishing on an aircraft carrier in November 1943. The sinking occurred just two months after Frank was born.
At his 70th birthday party before blowing the candles out on his cake Frank makes a wish he has kept secret his entire life; an impossible wish that defies time and the laws of the Universe. Frank yearns to rewrite history and have his Dad in his life. As Frank blows out the candles his father Joe's face materializes in the flames. Joe Rusk looks terrified and screams to Frank for help.
Unbeknown to Frank his father did not die in 1943 but entered a parallel dimension when his ship sank. Joe Rusk and the crew of the carrier are trapped in time on a parallel earth fighting a far superior Japanese naval force and America is losing the war. Outnumbered and out gunned the crew’s only hope is the unbroken soul connection Joe and Frank share. But will the father and son bond be strong enough to bring the doomed crew home?
Announcing GHOST CARRIER Releasing May 27th
It is has been more than two years since I released my last thriller, The Russian van Gogh. Today I am beyond excited and proud to officially announce the release of Ghost Carrier: They Died to Fight Another Day which will debut exclusively on Amazon.com on May 27, 2016.
The epic story was written over the span of nearly three years with many starts and stops. As a writer one is compelled to write and I felt driven not only to finish this story but make it the no-holds-barred absolute best "pager turner" it could possibly be. Early beta readers commented back to me that the scenes within the book were so, "vividly powerful that they brought them to tears." Others reported that they simply "could not put it down."
This is the most complex and layered story that I have ever written because I wanted to explore several themes simultaneously while providing a clear premise and a dual storyline - the hero's journey of both a father and a son. The story will satisfy the military thriller reader as well as those seeking a paranormal twist with a little alternative history thrown in. While all this sounds mind numbing the result is I believe one of the most thought provoking stories I have ever written. But of course the reader will be the final judge.
The Story:
Frank Rusk hasn’t been sleeping well lately. He’s approaching his milestone 70th birthday. Each night for the past two weeks indescribable scenes of horror have awakened him. He is on an exploding ship in WWII, which is sinking fast. Men are burning alive all around him. He hears sailors cry out, “A Japanese torpedo hit the bomb bay! We are all going to die!”
In these nightmarish visions Frank realizes he is not a spectator watching these images but a sailor living them. Everywhere he turns he sees buddies he knows taking their last breaths. Frank realizes this horrifying scene must be what his father Joe Rusk experienced in his last moments alive before perishing on the aircraft carrier USS Liscomb Bay in 1943. The sinking occurred just two months after Frank was born.
At his 70th birthday party before blowing the candles out on his cake Frank makes a wish he has kept secret his entire life; an impossible wish that defies the laws of the Universe. Frank yearns to rewrite history and have his Dad in his life. As Frank blows out the candles his father Joe's face materializes in the flames. Joe Rusk appears terrified and screams out to Frank for help.
Unbeknown to Frank his father did not die in 1943 but entered a parallel dimension when his ship sank. Joe Rusk and the crew of the carrier are trapped in time on a parallel earth during WWII fighting a far superior Japanese naval force and America is losing the war. Outnumbered and out gunned the crew's only hope is the unbroken soul connection Joe and Frank share. Will the father and son lifeline be strong enough to bring the doomed crew home? Only time and history will tell.
All Titles Now in Print
Last month after seeing increasing sales of the few ebook titles I had in print format I created print versions of all my remaining books. Not an easy process but I had to remind myself people still like to read stories on paper. I myself purchase some books in print instead of ebook format so I can hold the book in my hand. I don't think print will ever completely go away like shooting movies on 35mm and 70mm film. It is simply a choice now. Although for the life of me I don't get the "return to vinyl" for albums. Playing records on a turntable to me was always such a pain. Plus every time the record is played you grind more plastic out of the groove making the recording sound worse. Skips, scratches and pops...this is desired? Oh well.
So when you're not playing your 33s and 45s pick up a copy of one of my titles in print format. Below are two of my best sellers and links to purchase them in print. Enjoy.
Blood Betrayal:
The bodies are piling high—36 unsolved gangland murders at last count—and FBI Supervisor Hans Bauer has to do the unthinkable: put tough, independent Special Agent Frank Murray back on the squad he was twice kicked out of, Organized Crime. Mafia Kingpin Nick Scarponi is back from prison and orchestrating the bloodiest reign of mob killings in Philadelphia history and Frank Murray, who tossed Scarponi in the can three years earlier, is his #1 target. The taunt, tense, visually gritty story leaps off the page and grabs you by the throat. The action-packed tale could only be crafted by someone who knows the art of cinematic pacing—acclaimed Director and Emmy® nominated filmmaker, Robert Child. Blood Betrayal is a classic, big city mafia crime story that cuts to the bone. It feels all too real because it is. The story is based on an historic FBI prosecution and investigation led by Charles "Bud" Warner the real life Frank Murray. FBI Director William Sessions, Attorney General Janet Reno and President Bill Clinton commended him for his extraordinary work on this case. Blood Betrayal is a thrill ride of twists and turns and vividly drawn characters such as "Center City" Charlie, mob con man Nick “The Crow” Consiglioni and Murray's wife, Marlene, a gold-digger whose affair with a doctor is brought to a screeching halt by Murray in a scene that has to be read to be believed. Former Philadelphia resident and director David Lynch chillingly described the city during the time of Blood Betrayal: "It was a very sick, twisted, violent, fear-ridden, decadent, decaying place. I felt like I was constantly in danger. But it was so fantastic at the same time. The people had stories etched in their faces." Purchase IN PRINT.
How Canada Won the Great War
For 100 years Canada's role in ending WWI sooner than anyone thought possible has gone largely unrecognized. Canadian soldiers unlike British "city boys" hailed from hard scrabble farms and logging camps. Their natural survival and hunting instincts were exactly what the Great War required. The Canadian Corp on the Western Front led by Currie, became the premiere allied fighting force. The fact that Canada was not yet a formalized nation but a Dominion at the close of the war may be the reason for the absence of recognition yet the record of the Canadian WWI military accomplishments is irrefutable. Currie took over command of the Corp after the ill conceived Somme operation and executed a brilliant strategy which led to Canada's greatest military triumph of WWI at Vimy Ridge. Purchase IN PRINT.
So when you're not playing your 33s and 45s pick up a copy of one of my titles in print format. Below are two of my best sellers and links to purchase them in print. Enjoy.
The bodies are piling high—36 unsolved gangland murders at last count—and FBI Supervisor Hans Bauer has to do the unthinkable: put tough, independent Special Agent Frank Murray back on the squad he was twice kicked out of, Organized Crime. Mafia Kingpin Nick Scarponi is back from prison and orchestrating the bloodiest reign of mob killings in Philadelphia history and Frank Murray, who tossed Scarponi in the can three years earlier, is his #1 target. The taunt, tense, visually gritty story leaps off the page and grabs you by the throat. The action-packed tale could only be crafted by someone who knows the art of cinematic pacing—acclaimed Director and Emmy® nominated filmmaker, Robert Child. Blood Betrayal is a classic, big city mafia crime story that cuts to the bone. It feels all too real because it is. The story is based on an historic FBI prosecution and investigation led by Charles "Bud" Warner the real life Frank Murray. FBI Director William Sessions, Attorney General Janet Reno and President Bill Clinton commended him for his extraordinary work on this case. Blood Betrayal is a thrill ride of twists and turns and vividly drawn characters such as "Center City" Charlie, mob con man Nick “The Crow” Consiglioni and Murray's wife, Marlene, a gold-digger whose affair with a doctor is brought to a screeching halt by Murray in a scene that has to be read to be believed. Former Philadelphia resident and director David Lynch chillingly described the city during the time of Blood Betrayal: "It was a very sick, twisted, violent, fear-ridden, decadent, decaying place. I felt like I was constantly in danger. But it was so fantastic at the same time. The people had stories etched in their faces." Purchase IN PRINT.
For 100 years Canada's role in ending WWI sooner than anyone thought possible has gone largely unrecognized. Canadian soldiers unlike British "city boys" hailed from hard scrabble farms and logging camps. Their natural survival and hunting instincts were exactly what the Great War required. The Canadian Corp on the Western Front led by Currie, became the premiere allied fighting force. The fact that Canada was not yet a formalized nation but a Dominion at the close of the war may be the reason for the absence of recognition yet the record of the Canadian WWI military accomplishments is irrefutable. Currie took over command of the Corp after the ill conceived Somme operation and executed a brilliant strategy which led to Canada's greatest military triumph of WWI at Vimy Ridge. Purchase IN PRINT.
Watch Pearl Buck film Tonight on WHYY (PBS) Philadelphia @7P
The film I wrote and directed last year for the Continental Film Alliance based in Doylestown, PA is a biographical portrait of the first American women to be awarded both the Pulitzer and Nobel prizes for literature.
This project was actually four years in the making as I had been invited to the Pearl Buck Foundation and historical site in Buck County to determine if "there was a story to be told". There most definitely was and myself along with my co-producers, Robert G. and Robert E. Campbell, of the Continental Film Alliance got down to work. This was a departure for me from my mainstays of war and history but a refreshing one in both the writing and execution of the film. I am exceeding proud of the final result and many folks who have seen it are quite emotionally moved for which I am gratified and humbled. I wanted to do justice to Pearl Buck and it was quite a tall challenge I set for myself; bring this literary icon to life, humanize her, cheer for her and cry with her and ultimately make you a devoted fan of hers. You can judge the final result for yourself when you hopefully tune in March 26th at 7P to WHYY in Philadelphia. If you can't wait the DVD of the film is is currently now on sale at Amazon.com as well as the Pearl S. Buck house gift shop in Bucks County. I'd recommend a trip there to see the site as well as meet the folks who are keeping her legacy vibrant and alive. It's well worth the trip!
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Pearl Buck,
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