Hello everyone, my name is Ryan Fitzgerald. I'm originally from Detroit, MI but I now live in Colorado Springs. I'm 42 years old and have been interested in World War II for many years, but it has picked up a lot more lately. I'm working on creating display cases for my grandfathers, 3 including a step-grandfather. My paternal-grandfather was a B-24 bomber pilot (15th Air Force), and was held as a POW in Stalag L3 and later Stalag L7. My maternal grandfather was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, part of the 10th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart. My step-grandfather is what brought me here - as I am struggling with finding his records. I do have his draft card. Over the years, my interest was mainly in the Pacific Theater. I myself served 20-years in the Air Force,with 11 of those years on Okinawa and Hawaii. It was a history buff's dream! Now my interest has shifted to the European Theater, especially now the Battle of the Bulge and USAAF bombing operations. I don't have many hobbies - sports and watching old war movies mainly. I do like visiting historic sites when I get the chance. Thanks and I look forward to learning a lot!
Well done Ryan, I was in the local Guerilla forces for a year so I do see the reseprct in your time in the army. Welcome!
Aloha..I served 4 years in Hawaii..Marine Barracks ....went to Wheeler a lot ...the name sounds Irish? ..yes, Hawaii was a dream duty station
