Social Studies

Mr. Edward Clark Bowdle, born May 3, 1921, served in the Army infantry as a paratrooper. He describes his jump into France on D-Day. After recovering from an injury sustained during the battle, Mr. Bowdle's story continues with a jump into Holland to take the Rhine and recounts how he and other soldiers were isolated during the battle at Bastogne. Despite his experiences, Mr. Bowdle re-enlisted and also participated in the Korean War.

See how the Germans from Russia tried to establish the same kind of villages and lives they had back in Russia. Many of the villages were named after the first community leaders. Homes were built from sandstone, mud, and other materials indigenous to the area. Cellars were used everywhere to store vegetables until the next harvest. They tried to create "home" in America. It is said that American men do not cry, but men from the Germans from Russia background did, they cried for home. Their home-sickness caused a hole in their hearts.

Listen to WWII stories from Navy nurse Hjerdis Watson, Fargo, ND; Army Infantrymen Harold Bach, Dickinson, ND; and Russell Deserly, New Town, ND; Air Corps Pilot and POW George Ott, Dickinson, ND; and Canadian Sailor William Rolls tell their stories.

World War II veterans are extraordinary; their bravery inspires us and their sacrifices secured the freedoms we treasure. WWII Prairie Memories is an important collection of veteran voices, a precious piece of history that communicates the personal challenges and spiritual experience that define this generation of heroes. All three episodes are compilations of selected veteran narratives recorded at these locations: Veterans Bonanzaville USA, West Fargo ND; ND Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora ND; Prairie Public Studios, Fargo ND; Heritage Hjemkomst Interpretive Center, Moorhead MN; and Morris Legion, Morris MB.

JuniKae Randall interviews Dr. David Gipp, President of United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck and an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North Dakota. The discussion covers how education opportunities for Native Americans have changed and increased over the past 20 years, cultural influences, the challenges Native Americans have faced in terms of education, and what the future holds.

World War II was fought in the form of physical battles as well as psychological warfare. The surviving artifacts from the front lines of these struggles provide a window onto how World War II was waged. These lesson plans and videos are based on History Detectives episodes that examine how several objects played a key role in World War II, particularly the role of Japan and the Japanese in the war. They offer students opportunities to research and write about Japanese internment camps, the air war, and propaganda.

Helen Neal talks about moving to Wichita, Kansas during World War II for work in this video teaching module from the KACV's local perspective on "The War." She also recalls the Victory Gardens, which citizens were encouraged to have and watching the news reels at the theatre.

J.W. Armstrong talks about being one of many Americans fighting during the Battle of the Bulge in this video teaching module from the KACV's local perspective on"The War".  This video is available in both English and Spanish audio, along with corresponding closed captions.

Mr. Albert McMahan, born September 1, 1920, served as a Tech Sergeant for the Army Air Corps in Thurleigh, England where he flew as a tail gunner. Mr. McMahan was an Instrument Specialist for the 306th Bomber Group in the 369th Squadron aboard a B-17. His squadron flew over 41 missions to industrial sites in Germany with no losses. Albert McMahan talks about his days as a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, the numerous missions he fought in Europe, and how the war has changed and affected his life.

Bert Stumberg, born on October 19th, 1923, served first in the Army Infantry and then as a Quartermaster. He earned two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars. In his interview, he remembers fighting with the 84th Infantry Division in Europe, getting caught by German troops on Christmas day during a harrowing battle, life as a POW, escaping from a German prison camp, and the impact of the war on his life.

Arthur J. Upchurch, born in Georgia in November of 1921, served with the Army in Europe and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Upchurch remembers how difficult it was to believe that Japan would attack the United States, how frightening it was when enemy paratroopers landed on top of his unit, and how tough it was to point a gun at a fellow soldier who had gone mad with grief.

Gerald J. Boutin, born in Maine, enlisted in the Army, partly to serve his country and partly to get out of Maine. Mr. Boutin served in Europe where he saw quite a bit of combat. He discusses watching guard over a civilian in her occupied home, taking part in a number of skirmishes throughout the European countryside, and finding himself ambushed on three sides.

Judge Dan Winn, born on September 19, 1921, discusses his tour of duty as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, his night patrols in a B29 over the Marianas Islands, and he shares his impassioned opinion regarding the use of the A-bomb.

Mr. Donald "Bush" Bryan served as an Army Air Corp pilot in World War II. Mr. Bryan shares stories of combat engagements as a fighter pilot. He commends the efforts of his crew chief, whose ingenuity with the plane saved him on many occasions. Among his stories, he discusses being strafed on the ground by German fighters who blew up his plane and how he tried to shoot them down with a .45.

Charles Maddox was born in February of 1919 and entered into the Army. He was in Ft. Jackson when Pearl Harbor was bombed and realized that he would be going to war. He remembers nearly shooting a fellow soldier, why it's important to answer when a superior calls your name, and pushing across Europe.

JuniKae Randall introduces topic of Education, which takes many forms for Native Americans. An overview of Indian education is covered through interviews with Harold "Gus" Frank, Chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi of Wisconsin; Lucius Kyyitan, a member of the Gila River Indian Community of Arizona; Joni M. Ramos, a member of the Salt Riva Pima-Maricopa of Arizona; Curtis Ray Benally, Deputy Director of the Diné College in New Mexico; and Carol Tatsey-Murray, former president of the Blackfeet Community College in Montana.