Edwin Schwimmer - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Army 1SG World War 2 Edwin Schwimmer was born in the US but grew up in Czechoslovakia for his first 17 years until the German occupation forced his family to flee and bring him back to the United States in 1939. The Germans controlled the border and made it very difficult to get out of the country with money or positions other than what they could carry. Edwin and his brother joined the US Army on January 14, 1942. They both went to the recruiters’ office to join three weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Edwin attended boot camp in Galveston, Texas, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) before reporting to the 6th Army. Edwin was assigned to a Radar and Anti-Aircraft Searchlight division within the 6th Army, specifically attached to the 362 Signal Company B. This period marked the early stages of radar technology, and its utilization to support the front line was still being refined. Edwin and the 6th Army played a pioneering role, being the first unit of this type to report for duty overseas, contributing to the innovative development and application of radar in military operations. Edwin distinguished himself while serving with the 6th at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1943. In recognition of his leadership and contributions, he received a field promotion to the rank of First Sergeant for Company B. Following the intense battle, Edwin experienced a heartfelt reunion with his twin brother, Sid Schwimmer. Remarkably, both brothers had independently joined the US Army after being separated for two years. Their units coincidentally found themselves stationed in Finschhafen, New Guinea, turning the reunion into a blessing for the Schwimmer brothers. His unit and the 6th served in combat operations in Leyte, Luzon, Manila, Wawa Dan, and the Southern Philippines. Edwin and his unit were members of the final liberation of the Philippine Islands from 1944 to 1945. Edwin remembers that Manila harbor was “such a mess,” cluttered with destroyed ships and carnage, making it challenging to make it to the beach. The Sixth Army was to have provided the ground forces for the first phase of the invasion of Japan and were training for this operation when the Japanese surrendered. Much of the 6th served with the occupation forces until the unit was deactivated and everyone returned to the States. Edwin served for two years of active duty when he was honorably discharged.
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Edwin Schwimmer - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Army 1SG World War 2 Edwin Schwimmer was born in the US but grew up in Czechoslovakia for his first 17 years until the German occupation forced his family to flee and bring him back to the United States in 1939. The Germans controlled the border and made it very difficult to get out of the country with money or positions other than what they could carry. Edwin and his brother joined the US Army on January 14, 1942. They both went to the recruiters’ office to join three weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Edwin attended boot camp in Galveston, Texas, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) before reporting to the 6th Army. Edwin was assigned to a Radar and Anti-Aircraft Searchlight division within the 6th Army, specifically attached to the 362 Signal Company B. This period marked the early stages of radar technology, and its utilization to support the front line was still being refined. Edwin and the 6th Army played a pioneering role, being the first unit of this type to report for duty overseas, contributing to the innovative development and application of radar in military operations. Edwin distinguished himself while serving with the 6th at the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1943. In recognition of his leadership and contributions, he received a field promotion to the rank of First Sergeant for Company B. Following the intense battle, Edwin experienced a heartfelt reunion with his twin brother, Sid Schwimmer. Remarkably, both brothers had independently joined the US Army after being separated for two years. Their units coincidentally found themselves stationed in Finschhafen, New Guinea, turning the reunion into a blessing for the Schwimmer brothers. His unit and the 6th served in combat operations in Leyte, Luzon, Manila, Wawa Dan, and the Southern Philippines. Edwin and his unit were members of the final liberation of the Philippine Islands from 1944 to 1945. Edwin remembers that Manila harbor was “such a mess,” cluttered with destroyed ships and carnage, making it challenging to make it to the beach. The Sixth Army was to have provided the ground forces for the first phase of the invasion of Japan and were training for this operation when the Japanese surrendered. Much of the 6th served with the occupation forces until the unit was deactivated and everyone returned to the States. Edwin served for two years of active duty when he was honorably discharged.