Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution
Spring 2012 Programs
To register for one or all of these programs, call (732) 224-2315 or email cww2sconres@brookdalecc.edu
"Victory in Defeat: The Wake Island Defenders in Captivity, 1941-1945"
featuring Dr. Gregory J. W. Urwin
Author, Historian, Professor of History at Temple University
Dr. Gregory Urwin, acclaimed military historian, will relay in detail the story of the valiant defenders of the US Pacific base on Wake Island following their surrender to the Japanese on December 23, 1941. An amazing look at the base’s U.S. Marines, sailors, soldiers, and civilian contractors in captivity will be provided. After having done exhaustive archival research on the subject, Urwin interviewed dozens of POWs and some of their Japanese captors enabling him now to relate a very revealing insight into the Japanese prison camp system, its administration and how the defenders of Wake Island survived three-and-a-half years in captivity. They emerged with a much lower death rate than most other Allied personnel captured in the Pacific. Come and hear about the defense of Wake Island, the captivity of its defenders and learn why their brave actions inspired an America at a time when it was in desperate need of heroes. Their ordeal truly was a victory in defeat.
Tuesday, Mar. 6, 7:30pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee: $12 adults, $5 students.
"World War II vs. the Iraqi Conflict: Similarities and Differences in the War
Documentary"
featuring Brian Hemstreet
producer/director of Brookdale’s TV series “Triumphant Spirit” and Manager of Media Technologies, Bergen Community College
This engaging presentation will contrast the popular perceptions of World War II, described by many as the “good war,” with the highly controversial war fought in Iraq, 2003-2010. Brian Hemstreet with over 25 years experience in television and documentary production, will compare World War II combat films produced by John Huston to the documentaries recently produced by Brent and Craig Renaud, most notably Off to War: Welcome to Baghdad.” The talk will consider how the social and political elements of the respective eras influenced the work of the filmmakers as well as the effect of censorship on their films. Mr. Hemstreet earned a Master’s Degree in Film Studies from King’s College, London, England in 2007, focusing on the study of war documentaries. When at Brookdale, he produced the College’s noted TV series Triumphant Spirit: America’s World War II Generation Speaks.
Tuesday, Mar. 27, 7:30pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee: $12 adults, $5 students.
"Axis Sally: The American Voice of Nazi Germany"
featuring Richard Lucas
Author and Historian
Throughout World War II in Europe, all serving overseas were treated to the radio broadcasts of “Axis Sally,” an American who broadcast continuous appealing propaganda over German radio. She was the American voice of Nazi Germany and her name was Mildred Gillars. Author Richard Lucas, who has researched and documented Gillar’s career, will relate the life and times of this infamous broadcaster, detailing in particular her relationship with Hitler’s Nazi regime and her subsequent trial for treason after the war. Come and hear a fascinating story about one who was a key participant in the subversive warfare waged between Nazi Germany and the United States. Former US military personnel who heard these broadcasts are in particular welcome to attend.
Tuesday, Apr. 3, 7:30pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee: $12 adults, $5 students.
"America Strikes Back - The Doolittle Air Raid"
featuring Paul J. Frisco
WW II Navy Veteran, feature writer, coordinator of Center for World War II Studies and Conflict Resolution’s Veterans History Project
Manned by volunteers under the command of COL. James Doolittle, US Army Air Force, 16 B-25 medium bombers took off from the US Navy carrier, the USS Hornet, on April 16, 1942 to bomb Japan. Pressed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this was America’s first effort to attack Japan after Pearl Harbor. The raid caused minor damage but it shattered Japan’s feeling of invincibility. It also gave a much needed boost to American morale. Come and hear all about this daring raid and its consequences on the day of the 70th anniversary of the event. The NJ Alliance for the Preservation of the History of WW II in Asia will display an array of pertinent photos and memorabilia for all to see.
Tuesday, Apr. 17, 7:00pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee: $12 adults, $5 students.
"World War II in Europe from Beginning to End"
featuring Fred Fraterrigo, Professor of History at Brookdale Community College and John Fraterrigo, Assistant Professor of History at Ocean County College
Via a dynamic presentation enhanced by audio and visual techniques, come to understand how World War II evolved in Europe and its impact on the world. WW II is now considered the most significant event of the 20th Century. Listen to two noted professors of American history relate how and why it all happened. A display of memorabilia and historic flags will enhance the program.
Thursday, Apr. 26, 7:00pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee: $12 adults, $5 students.
"The Ablest Navigator: Paul Shulman"
featuring J. Wandres, Historian and Author
Before and after World War II, Americans by the hundreds, many of them military veterans, served in the military forces of other nations. One such veteran was former US Navy veteran LT. Paul Schulman who helped establish, train, and direct Israeli naval forces after the war. A 1944 graduate of the US Navy Academy and a veteran of the war in the Pacific, Schulman volunteered to help launch the Israeli Navy in 1948. He established Israel’s naval academy, commanded its fledgling navy and played a very key role in helping to protect the new nation. Come and hear all about it.
Tuesday, May 8, 7pm, Warner Student Life Center
Fee; $12 adults, $5 students.
