Harold Bray, a Benicia resident and World War II veteran known for being one of more than 300 people to survive the sinking of a Naval cruiser, is celebrating his 90th birthday today. In 1944, Ironwood, Mich. native Bray enlisted in the Navy as a senior in high school. He began attending boot camp in […]
Local authors write World War II novel with a twist
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette Special to the Herald Two longtime friends have collaborated on a World War II novel with a twist that has been flying off Amazon’s shelves even before its formal release date. The book is called “Fata Morgana,” named for both a specific type of mirage and a sorceress from […]
Throwback Thursday: Week of April 20, 1942, 1967 and 1992
Compiled by Nick Sestanovich 75 years ago Sugar rationing begins April 10 (April 23, 1942) Benicia swings into line with the rest of the nation next Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29 when all business establishments must register for sugar rationing. This was announced by Paul Wetmore, rationing administrator for Solano County. All stores […]
Former bombardier returns to old WWII position in B-17
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News Gazette William Hermann has been Chevron’s chief economist, and at 92, he’s an honored Golden Gate University professor. But Monday, he returned to a position he held back when he was 20 – seated in the nose of a B-17. Hermann was a lead crew bombardier during World War […]
Descendant of World War II co-pilot flies aboard B-17
By Donna Beth Weilenman Martinez News-Gazette William Binzen knew about his father’s accomplishments as a B-17 co-pilot during World War II through the collection of letters and other papers the veteran assembled as a legacy for his children. But Binzen will never read those letters the same way again. For about a quarter hour Thursday […]
Benicia WWII veterans share stories at Liberty High School
Two World War II veterans from Benicia shared their experiences in Liberty High School’s gym on Thursday morning. All of Liberty’s students came out to hear Bob Hitchcock and Harold Bray speak, as did Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Councilmember Mark Hughes, Benicia Unified School District Superintendent Charles Young, BUSD Trustee Diane Ferrucci and Assistant Superintendent Dr. […]
Letters: Seeking WWII veterans for Memorial Day ceremony
Seeking WWII veterans for Memorial Day ceremony This year’s Benicia Memorial Day ceremony will be on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 a.m. at the historic Benicia Military Cemetery. The ceremony is sponsored by the Benicia Historical Society, and all are invited. Each year we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our […]
Getting to know a veteran residing in Benicia: Joseph Bruggman, Lieutenant Colonel, Ret.
By William Emes Special to the Herald Joe Bruggman is a very special sort of soldier. He isn’t the sort of man the Army can train to become the soldier an army usually wants. He is the sort of soldier every army needs but cannot train. General Douglas McArthur was often accused of being pompous. […]
Richmond park to honor Rosie the Riveter on Saturday
Richmond’s Rosie the Riveter World War II/ Homefront National Historic Park will celebrate the era of Rosie the Riveter with a rally and festival on Saturday, Aug. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come in a Rosie costume, to help take back the World Record title that the park lost last […]
Matt Talbot: A look back at Archie Bunker and ‘The Greatest Generation’
In the early 1970s, the most popular show on television was “All in the Family,” a sitcom produced by legendary writer and producer Norman Lear. The show traced the ups and downs of the Bunker family, and was a groundbreaking show for its day. While sitcoms in the 1960s – shows like “Gilligan’s Island,” “Bewitched” […]