Ray E. Boomhower
@rboomhower.bsky.social
Former reporter. Biographer of war correspondents Ernie Pyle, Richard Tregaskis, Malcolm Browne & Robert Sherrod. Writing biography about groundbreaking journalist Wallace H. Terry. https://rayeboomhowerbooks.com/
1. Find a subject you care about.
2. Do not ramble, though.
3. Keep it simple.
4. Have the guts to cut.
5. Sound like yourself.
6. Say what you mean to say.
7. Pity the readers.
Kurt Vonnegut
2. Do not ramble, though.
3. Keep it simple.
4. Have the guts to cut.
5. Sound like yourself.
6. Say what you mean to say.
7. Pity the readers.
Kurt Vonnegut
November 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
1. Find a subject you care about.
2. Do not ramble, though.
3. Keep it simple.
4. Have the guts to cut.
5. Sound like yourself.
6. Say what you mean to say.
7. Pity the readers.
Kurt Vonnegut
2. Do not ramble, though.
3. Keep it simple.
4. Have the guts to cut.
5. Sound like yourself.
6. Say what you mean to say.
7. Pity the readers.
Kurt Vonnegut
“There’s nothing romantic whatever in knowing that an hour from now you may be dead.” #VeteransDay
indianahistory.org/blog/the-las...
indianahistory.org/blog/the-las...
The Last Assignment: Ernie Pyle on Okinawa - Indiana Historical Society
In early April 1945, while covering the American invasion of Okinawa, an island located only 330 miles from Japan, two war correspondents, one a veteran of the Pacific War and the other a newcomer to ...
indianahistory.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:41 PM
“There’s nothing romantic whatever in knowing that an hour from now you may be dead.” #VeteransDay
indianahistory.org/blog/the-las...
indianahistory.org/blog/the-las...
"I consider writing an act of good citizenship."
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut
November 11, 2025 at 12:37 PM
"I consider writing an act of good citizenship."
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut
"I had no regrets about my own suffering in that war, or the blood I shed in it. I was honored to be in it with men I respected so greatly."
World War II correspondent Richard Tregaskis #VeteransDay2025
World War II correspondent Richard Tregaskis #VeteransDay2025
November 11, 2025 at 12:36 PM
"I had no regrets about my own suffering in that war, or the blood I shed in it. I was honored to be in it with men I respected so greatly."
World War II correspondent Richard Tregaskis #VeteransDay2025
World War II correspondent Richard Tregaskis #VeteransDay2025
Here’s to my late father-in-law Roy McKee, who served as a doctor for the U.S. Air Force in Korea. Gone but not forgotten. #VeteransDay2025
November 11, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Here’s to my late father-in-law Roy McKee, who served as a doctor for the U.S. Air Force in Korea. Gone but not forgotten. #VeteransDay2025
"We are here on Earth to fart around. Don't let anybody tell you any different."
Kurt Vonnegut, born on this day in 1922
Kurt Vonnegut, born on this day in 1922
November 11, 2025 at 11:18 AM
"We are here on Earth to fart around. Don't let anybody tell you any different."
Kurt Vonnegut, born on this day in 1922
Kurt Vonnegut, born on this day in 1922
On this day in 1942, publisher Bennett Cerf of Random House received a manuscript from an unknown journalist. Cerf's conclusion after reading it: "I've got to have this book." The result: Richard Tregaskis's "Guadalcanal Diary."
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2022/09/rich...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2022/09/rich...
November 11, 2025 at 10:53 AM
On this day in 1942, publisher Bennett Cerf of Random House received a manuscript from an unknown journalist. Cerf's conclusion after reading it: "I've got to have this book." The result: Richard Tregaskis's "Guadalcanal Diary."
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2022/09/rich...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2022/09/rich...
“Things are not so good. No support has come up. Somebody’s got to get through and ask for help.”
Some gave all. #VeteransDay
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-...
Some gave all. #VeteransDay
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-...
“The major’s dead”: Richard Tregaskis and Major Don B. Dunham
Throughout his time covering combat in World War II for the International News Service, correspondent Richard Tregaskis discovered many cap...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:57 AM
“Things are not so good. No support has come up. Somebody’s got to get through and ask for help.”
Some gave all. #VeteransDay
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-...
Some gave all. #VeteransDay
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-...
Proud to have published books with two university presses: @unmpress.bsky.social and @iupress.bsky.social. Happy #UPWeek
November 10, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Proud to have published books with two university presses: @unmpress.bsky.social and @iupress.bsky.social. Happy #UPWeek
Reposted by Ray E. Boomhower
Reminder: CfP active for next year's Midwestern History Conference hosted by Miami University of Ohio from April 30-May 1. Deadline for submissions is December 8. This thread contains more information that may help those who are thinking of but have not yet submitted a proposal. 1/x
2026 Conference — Midwestern History Association
www.midwesternhistory.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Reminder: CfP active for next year's Midwestern History Conference hosted by Miami University of Ohio from April 30-May 1. Deadline for submissions is December 8. This thread contains more information that may help those who are thinking of but have not yet submitted a proposal. 1/x
"The final purpose of art is to intensify, even, if necessary, to exacerbate, the moral consciousness of people."
Norman Mailer, who died on this day in 2007
Norman Mailer, who died on this day in 2007
November 10, 2025 at 5:22 PM
"The final purpose of art is to intensify, even, if necessary, to exacerbate, the moral consciousness of people."
Norman Mailer, who died on this day in 2007
Norman Mailer, who died on this day in 2007
“There’s more hell in there than I’ve seen in the rest of the war put together."
What was the toughest battle the Marine Corps fought in its history? My choice: Iwo Jima.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-...
What was the toughest battle the Marine Corps fought in its history? My choice: Iwo Jima.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-...
"The Greatest Possible Violence": Robert L. Sherrod on Iwo Jima
Very early on when American Marines landed on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945, in fine weather, war correspondent Robert L. Sherrod of Tim...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
“There’s more hell in there than I’ve seen in the rest of the war put together."
What was the toughest battle the Marine Corps fought in its history? My choice: Iwo Jima.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-...
What was the toughest battle the Marine Corps fought in its history? My choice: Iwo Jima.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-...
“Casualties: many. Percentage dead: not known. Combat efficiency: we are winning.”
Some inspirational words for the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday from one of its brave members.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/10/hoos...
Some inspirational words for the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday from one of its brave members.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/10/hoos...
Hoosier Warrior: Marine General David M. Shoup
Betio, part of the Tarawa Atoll , is a small, bird-shaped island along the equator in the central Pacific. Early in the morning on November ...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:41 PM
“Casualties: many. Percentage dead: not known. Combat efficiency: we are winning.”
Some inspirational words for the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday from one of its brave members.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/10/hoos...
Some inspirational words for the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday from one of its brave members.
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2020/10/hoos...
"The truth doesn't have to do with cruelty, the truth has to do with mercy."
Ken Kesey,
Ken Kesey,
November 10, 2025 at 4:09 PM
"The truth doesn't have to do with cruelty, the truth has to do with mercy."
Ken Kesey,
Ken Kesey,
“Every man, I supposed, considered the possibility of death, but nobody spoke of it. Death is something that happens to the other fellow. If men did not believe that, they would be more reluctant to go into battle.” #marinecorpsbirthday
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2019/06/with...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2019/06/with...
With the Marines on Saipan: Robert L. Sherrod
Early in the morning of June 4, 1944, Time magazine correspondent Robert L. Sherrod had his sleep interrupted when a telephone operator at...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:37 PM
“Every man, I supposed, considered the possibility of death, but nobody spoke of it. Death is something that happens to the other fellow. If men did not believe that, they would be more reluctant to go into battle.” #marinecorpsbirthday
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2019/06/with...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2019/06/with...
"The Marines simply assumed that they were the world's best fighting men."
War correspondent Robert Sherrod
Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, formed on this day in 1775
War correspondent Robert Sherrod
Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, formed on this day in 1775
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
"The Marines simply assumed that they were the world's best fighting men."
War correspondent Robert Sherrod
Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, formed on this day in 1775
War correspondent Robert Sherrod
Happy birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps, formed on this day in 1775
Stop by the White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library 1664 Library Boulevard, Greenwood, Indiana, at 6 p.m. Tuesday to learn more about a Hoosier war hero for Veterans Day, "Yank" photographer John A. Bushemi.
jcplin.libnet.info/event/14544866
jcplin.libnet.info/event/14544866
November 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Stop by the White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library 1664 Library Boulevard, Greenwood, Indiana, at 6 p.m. Tuesday to learn more about a Hoosier war hero for Veterans Day, "Yank" photographer John A. Bushemi.
jcplin.libnet.info/event/14544866
jcplin.libnet.info/event/14544866
“I am unjust, but I can strive for justice. My life's unkind, but I can vote for kindness. I, the unloving, say life should be lovely. I, that am blind, cry out against my blindness.”
Vachel Lindsay, born on this day in 1879
Vachel Lindsay, born on this day in 1879
November 10, 2025 at 12:34 PM
“I am unjust, but I can strive for justice. My life's unkind, but I can vote for kindness. I, the unloving, say life should be lovely. I, that am blind, cry out against my blindness.”
Vachel Lindsay, born on this day in 1879
Vachel Lindsay, born on this day in 1879
"I've enjoyed being a famous writer--except that every once in a while you have to write something."
Ken Kesey, who died on this day in 2001
Ken Kesey, who died on this day in 2001
November 10, 2025 at 12:33 PM
"I've enjoyed being a famous writer--except that every once in a while you have to write something."
Ken Kesey, who died on this day in 2001
Ken Kesey, who died on this day in 2001
“The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.”
Joseph Heller, "Catch-22," published on this day in 1961
Joseph Heller, "Catch-22," published on this day in 1961
November 10, 2025 at 11:02 AM
“The enemy is anybody who's going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.”
Joseph Heller, "Catch-22," published on this day in 1961
Joseph Heller, "Catch-22," published on this day in 1961
On this day in 1973, school officials in Drake, North Dakota, burned copies of Kurt Vonnegut's “Slaughterhouse-Five." I find it encouraging that students loved the book and would not give it up. School officials had to search their lockers to find the books.
indianahistory.org/blog/kurt-vo...
indianahistory.org/blog/kurt-vo...
Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Indianapolis, and Slaughterhouse-Five - Indiana Historical Society
On May 29, 1945, twenty-one days after German forces had surrendered to the victorious Allied armies, a father in Indianapolis received a letter from his son who had been listed as “missing in action”...
indianahistory.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:59 AM
On this day in 1973, school officials in Drake, North Dakota, burned copies of Kurt Vonnegut's “Slaughterhouse-Five." I find it encouraging that students loved the book and would not give it up. School officials had to search their lockers to find the books.
indianahistory.org/blog/kurt-vo...
indianahistory.org/blog/kurt-vo...
"The aim of the poet, or other artist, is first to make something; and it's impossible to make something out of words and not communicate."
James Schuyler, born on this day in 1923
James Schuyler, born on this day in 1923
November 9, 2025 at 9:33 PM
"The aim of the poet, or other artist, is first to make something; and it's impossible to make something out of words and not communicate."
James Schuyler, born on this day in 1923
James Schuyler, born on this day in 1923
"I am, each day,
typing out the God
my typewriter believes in.
Very quick. Very intense,
like a wolf at a live heart."
Anne Sexton
typing out the God
my typewriter believes in.
Very quick. Very intense,
like a wolf at a live heart."
Anne Sexton
November 9, 2025 at 2:29 PM
"I am, each day,
typing out the God
my typewriter believes in.
Very quick. Very intense,
like a wolf at a live heart."
Anne Sexton
typing out the God
my typewriter believes in.
Very quick. Very intense,
like a wolf at a live heart."
Anne Sexton
I have six free admission tickets to the annual Indiana Historical Society Holiday Author Fair, which will be held from noon to 4 p.m. December 6 at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. Let me know in the comments if you would like me to send you one. First come, first served.
November 9, 2025 at 2:23 PM
I have six free admission tickets to the annual Indiana Historical Society Holiday Author Fair, which will be held from noon to 4 p.m. December 6 at the Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis. Let me know in the comments if you would like me to send you one. First come, first served.
“Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. Books are proof that humans are capable of working magic."
Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan
November 9, 2025 at 2:20 PM
“Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. Books are proof that humans are capable of working magic."
Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan