John Vick, Author at The Andalusia Star-News

COLUMN -- FEATURE SPOT

Big Rodgers’ Socks: The story of Pfc. Thomas Lloyd Rodgers, U.S. Army, WWII

One week after the commemoration of the invasion of Normandy, the author is pleased to write about a brave young man from the Carolina community ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, June 11, 2021 3:05 pm

COLUMN -- FEATURE SPOT

D-Day, June 6, 1944 – 77 Years Ago

June 6, 2021 marks the 77th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy during WW II. Operation Overlord, the code-name for the invasion, was the ... Read more

by John Vick, Sunday, June 6, 2021 10:07 am

Lifestyles

Memorial Day 2021

On Monday, May 31 at 10:00am, the City of Andalusia will sponsor Memorial Day ceremonies at the Covington County Veterans Memorial Park behind city hall. ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, May 28, 2021 5:34 pm

Lifestyles

The story of CWO2 Michael H. “Mike” Andress, U.S. Army, 1st Aviation Brigade, Vietnam

In preparing the story about Mike Andress, the author asked one of his best friends to describe Mike. Charlie Thompson, also from Andalusia, said this, ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, May 21, 2021 5:25 pm

COLUMN -- FEATURE SPOT

James ‘Mike’ Sprayberry, Lt. Col., Armor, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Medal of Honor

Soft-spoken and humble, Mike Sprayberry belies the fierce actions of the young 1st Lt. who earned his nation’s highest honor on April 25, 1968. As ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, May 14, 2021 7:01 pm

Lifestyles

The story of Horace Gilbert Giddens, Jr. WO1, U.S. Army, 1st Air Cavalry, Vietnam, KIA

Warrant Officer Giddens was called Junior by his friends. One of his closest friends was fellow Warrant Officer Bill Gibson who had been with Junior ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, May 7, 2021 6:14 pm

COLUMN -- FEATURE SPOT

Ralph Gerald Dunn Jr.: U.S. Army Ranger, Vietnam KIA

On the Covington County Veterans Memorial, there are 20 names listed as Killed In Action during the Vietnam War. This week’s article will honor the ... Read more

by John Vick, Monday, May 3, 2021 10:10 am

Lifestyles

The story of John W. Kelley, Major, U.S. Army, 1st Air Cavalry Division, Vietnam

The Air Cavalry concept for the Army began in 1965 when the 1st Cavalry Division [Airmobile] was organized. Their purpose was to provide reconnaissance for ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, April 23, 2021 5:13 pm

Lifestyles

The story of Osmond Kelly Ingram, Gunners Mate First Class, U.S. Navy, WWI, Medal of Honor

The first U.S. Navy enlisted man to die in WW I was Gunners Mate First Class [GM1] Osmond Kelly Ingram of Pratt City, Alabama. The ... Read more

by John Vick, Friday, April 16, 2021 4:37 pm

Lifestyles

The story of Sydney E. Manning, Corporal, U.S. Army, WW1, Medal of Honor

Only two native Alabamians were awarded the Medal of Honor during WW I. They were Army Corporal Sydney E. Manning and Navy Gunners Mate First ... Read more