History Channel's World War II in HD Series

Niles staff members recommend this current series. "It's World War II like you've never seen it. In full HD color." The first episode was broadcast November 15

Five Night Event
Continues Tonight at 9/8c

DARKNESS FALLS
Airing November 15

As Europe falls under Nazi control, America is unprepared for war and the attack on Pearl Harbor. The first bloody battles are fought on Guadalcanal and in North Africa.

HARD WAY BACK
Airing November 15

The Allies take on the daunting forces of the Axis, with victory far from certain. Charles Scheffel battles Rommel's forces in Tunisia and Jack Werner faces bitter combat in the northern Pacific.

BLOODY RESOLVE
Airing November 16

The Marines assault Tarawa in one of the bloodiest battles yet waged. MacArthur island-hops and Italy's front lines claim a casualty.

BATTLE STATIONS
Airing November 16

The Allies lay plans for the invasion of France; Bert Stiles and the 8th Air Force attempt to clear the skies over Normandy, while the Pacific remains a quagmire. D-Day arrives.

DAY OF DAYS
Airing November 17

The Allies are bogged down in Normandy's hedgerows in the aftermath of D-Day, while on Saipan, victory turns to horror.

POINT OF NO RETURN
Airing November 17

The Allies race toward Germany as American Marines battle for ground on Peleliu and across the bloody Pacific.

STRIKING DISTANCE
Airing November 18

American forces storm the Philippines while Shelby Westbrook is shot down over Europe. Jack Yusen battles the dangers of the deep when his ship is sunk after a heroic duel.

GLORY AND GUTS
Airing November 18

The Marine assault on Iwo Jima brings horror and glory. Pilot Bert Stiles engages a German fighter with disastrous consequences. Reinforcements arrive in Europe to push the Allies toward victory.

EDGE OF THE ABYSS
Airing November 19

The Battle of the Bulge pushes the Allies to the brink, and Rockie Blunt barely survives the fight. Okinawa erupts as the Japanese make their last stand. Hitler is handed a final ultimatum.

END GAME: Series Finale Episode
Airing November 19

With the end in sight, Okinawa is a bloody obstacle to victory. The third Reich ends with a single gunshot. America delivers the final blow to Japan and the world celebrates the fall of the Axis.

Veteran's Compensation, Application By Living Veteran

Bonus Payment
World War II
A bonus of $10 per month for domestic service and $15 per month for foreign service is payable to a veteran who was a resident of Illinois at time of entering service, served at least 60 days on active duty between September 16, 1940 and September 3, 1945, and received an honorable discharge. Survivors are entitled to a benefit of $1,000, if the veteran's death was service-connected and within the period specified.

Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Global War on Terrorism (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom) Conflict Bonus
A $100 bonus is payable for service during one of the following periods:

Korea - June 27, 1950 - July 27, 1953
Vietnam - January 1, 1961 - March 28, 1973
Vietnam Frequent Wind - April 29, 30, 1975
Persian Gulf - August 2, 1990 - November 30, 1995
Global War on Terrorism (OEF/OIF) – on or after Sept. 11, 2001
The claimant must also be in receipt of one of the following medals:

Korean Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Era or the Southwest Asia Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal or the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
The claimant must also be a resident of Illinois for 12 months immediately prior to entering service and have received an Honorable Discharge. Individuals currently on active duty who served in the Persian Gulf may apply prior to discharge by also including the Armed Forces Certificate [PDF, 15KB].

You can download a copy of the bonus application [PDF, 225KB], print it out, fill it in, and mail it to the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs

3rd Annual Veterans History Project Breakfast Photographs

On Wednesday morning, November 4, 2009, Linda Weiss, the Niles Library Director, Morgan Dubiel, President of the Library Board, and Chris Hanusiak, President of the Friends of the Library, welcomed the guests of honor and those present at the community breakfast. The Regency Rehabilitation Center co-sponsored the breakfast and the Battlefield Balladeers provided the musical entertainment on a Lincoln Bicentennial theme. The photographs were taken by Sasha Vasilic.

1st row: Martha Shipp, Walter Tymczuk, Paul Schneller, Sam Schechter, Judith Carlson for Norman Berkman, Charles Matz, Eugene Kopacz,

In the 2nd picture Harry Webber and John DeCecco can be seen sitting to the left of Mrs. Shipp in the first row.


2nd row: Bill Shipp, Niels Larsen, Chuck Jacobs, Matthew Wojtaszek, Max Kolpas, Irving Abramson, Mike Kozyra, Donald Spitzer



3rd row: George Terzian, Irvin Blaszynski, Leonard DeFabio, Kenneth Radnitzer, Matthew Potoczek, Don Lewan, Bob Dauber, Richard Vana,

Tom Vana, Martin O’Grady, Robert Crandall, Russell Zapel.

Gus Habighurst, who also attended the breakfast, appears in the last picture