Monopoly not just a kids game.

Monopoly's Hidden Maps Help World War II POWs Escape - ABC News
I came across this story and thought it was a good diversion from actually sitting down to my morning writing. Also, I love obscure historical events and trivia. This story delivers.

For me the best part is towards the end of the article. The writer quotes someone from the British producer of Monopoly as saying about 10,000 prisoners used maps, tools, and local currencies hidden in the games in their successful escapes to allied lines.

Of course this tidbit of info leads me to wonder how many allied prisoners were unsuccessful in their escape attempts?

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Researching My Grandfather's Service During WW II

I first started this project when I was living in China. There was little on TV and I had bought and watched all the bootleg movies I cared to. So I decided to begin looking into my grandfather's military service.

From stories my mother told me over the years, I knew he served in the Army Air Force. He trained as a Photographer at Lowery Field in Colorado and was stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

And so from there I began my investigation. I discovered he could have served with either the 5th Army Air Force, the 7th Army Air Force, or the 13th Army Air Force.

However I didn't know for sure which unit he was with, and there were quite a few Photo Recon or Photo Combat Mapping units. So I put it aside until I got back State side.

UPDATE: I looked at the medals my grandfather left me, and I see he was awarded the PUC. According to information here and here only the 5th Army Air Force was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Of course I am pretty sure the 8th Army Air Force was awarded the PUC as well, but it is not listed. I will start with the 5th AAF and see where it takes me. If only I could find his discharge papers, but I lost them. I have sent away to St. Louis for his records and they sent me back a questionaire. And so I called to Cook County to see if he deposited his discharge papers, as many returning vets were encouraged to do this. I am waiting to hear back from the clerk.

UPDATE II: I have taken to looking through my family's old pictures and picture albums. I across his certificate stating that he completed Photographery School at Lowery Air Field. And I came across a picture of a plane. I think it is a B-24 or B-25. The name on the plane is BeBe Eyes. I am not sure if this is the plane my grandfather served on, but it must be of some signifigance for him to have taken a photo of it.