Author Archives: atcDave

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About atcDave

I'm 5o-something years old and live in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I'm happily married to Jodie. I was an air traffic controller for 33 years and recently retired; grew up in the Chicago area, and am still a fanatic for pizza and the Chicago Bears. My main interest is military history, and my related hobbies include scale model building and strategy games.

Darkest Hour

Posted on December 28, 2017 by atcDave

Or Dunkirk Part II I’m still resisting the idea movie reviews will ever be a regular feature of this site, but after watching this December’s Darkest Hour I did feel something needed to be said.  Especially since I commented on Dunkirk this last summer. This movie … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 6 Comments

“Little Boy” and “Fat Man”

Posted on October 11, 2017 by atcDave

The two atomic bombs dropped on Japan to close World War Two have been steeped in controversy ever since. The bombs were the product of the “Manhattan Project” that started in 1942 under Major General Leslie Groves.  This was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, USA | Tagged , | 10 Comments

Programming Note

Posted on September 25, 2017 by atcDave

No doubt things have been slow at PlaneDave this year. Obviously I have no one to blame but myself.  The Dave-cave is a total disaster just now as we get ready for a big basement remodel this winter.  Since that … Continue reading →

Posted in Administrative | 6 Comments

A Day at Fort Mackinac

Posted on September 12, 2017 by atcDave

Another of my slightly off topic posts. But as I’ve said since way back, I love military history in general, so this seem’s good to me! These days Mackinac Island is best known as tourist destination.  Grand Hotel, fudge and … Continue reading →

Posted in Museums | Tagged | 15 Comments

Thunder Over Michigan – 2017

Posted on September 5, 2017 by atcDave

This year’s Thunder Over Michigan was held this last weekend; the first in September which made it Labor Day weekend and the first three day event I remember them doing. As always, there were some familiar acts, and a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Show, Museums | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dunkirk

Posted on July 21, 2017 by atcDave

A Brief Commentary by a History Nerd I’m sure most readers of this site are well aware of this summer’s rare treat, an epic summer blockbuster done as a serious take on a historic event.  I’ve been very excited to … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 39 Comments

Memorial Day – 2017

Posted on May 29, 2017 by atcDave

For several years, my wife and I have attended the Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village on Memorial Day.  This is a well put together look at the Civil War era in this country featuring military actions, camps and music … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Countdown to Pearl Harbor by Steve Twomey

Posted on April 21, 2017 by atcDave

The attack on Pearl Harbor is already coming to be one of my most visited topics!  But I had to share a few words about this excellent book.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , | 23 Comments

The American Civil War by John Keegan

Posted on March 2, 2017 by atcDave

The largest war fought on the North American continent and the bloodiest war for the United States, the Civil War is a huge part of the heritage of every American. John Keegan is among the most respected historians of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , | 21 Comments

A Day at Patriot’s Point

Posted on February 20, 2017 by atcDave

I’m just back home after a week long vacation to Charleston, SC.  My wife would probably go on about the architecture, the awesome food or the perfect weather we had.  But we all know the real point is military history! … Continue reading →

Posted in Museums | Tagged | 17 Comments