The War: Stories from the Northwest

As America remembers its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, KCTS 9 Connects is paying tribute to the sacrifices of the greatest generation during World War II. Last fall, KCTS 9 brought viewers The War: Stories from the Northwest: WWII , a collection of powerful stories of Northwest men and women caught up in the greatest cataclysm in human history. This week, we honor all men and women in uniform with more of these incredible stories. Meet Jack Steidl, an 86-year-old taps bugler, one of the last of his kind, who is devoting his life to keep this fast-fading ritual alive. And hear the story of Ben Iyall, a Native American who went to fight for his country despite facing terrible racism at home. Plus, we’ll feature a special preview of the new Flying Heritage Museum, opening in June with new exhibits and artifacts to inspire and educate Western Washington about World War II.

Fort Lawton Lynching Update

Updating a story CNX first reported in November, a group of African-American soldiers wrongly court-martialed during World War II might soon receive some financial justice. In 1944, an Italian prisoner of war was lynched after a riot at Seattle’s Fort Lawton, now the site of Discovery Park. In the aftermath, 28 African-America soldiers were court-martialed on various charges, three for the actual lynching.

Late last year, the Army overturned those convictions and agreed to compensate the soldiers who are still alive. One of them, Samuel Snow, received a check for $725 dollars -- the amount of army pay he lost while serving a year in jail.

But many people felt that amount was inadequate, including Washington Congressman Jim McDermott. Now, McDermott has introduced language into the Department of Defense Authorization bill that would seek further compensation for Sam Snow and the other Fort Lawton soldiers. If approved, Snow could receive up to $80,000. CNX will keep you posted on how it all plays out.

In the meantime, a public tribute is being organized in Seattle to honor the veterans of the Fort Lawton courts-martial, and is scheduled to take place July 24-27. To find out more, or to find out how you can help with the event, visit Jack Hamann's web site.