Staff Sergeant Irvin Schwartz's letter home on May 8, 1945 reflected on the end of World War II in the European Theatre.
Letters from War – Irvin Schwartz’s V-E Day letter to the West Schuylkill Press-Herald – May 8, 1945
“Night of Horrors” – Schuylkill County natives who survived the Johnstown Flood in May 1889
These former residents of the Coal Region faced death as a wall of water smashed the city of Johnstown to splinters on the afternoon of May 31, 1889.
The Gazette: Episode 6 – Flags go up, flags come down
This week's "Gazette" has flag raisings, assassinated US Army officers, talk of blockades and neutrality, and a letter from a Pittston soldier at war.
Letters from War – Sergeant Irvin Schwartz receives the Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry during the Battle of the Bulge
In 1945, Sergeant Irvin Schwartz was honored with the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroism during the Battle of the Bulge.
The Gazette: Episode 5 – Farewell Letter
We explore the story of Pittston's volunteer aid association, refugees from southern states, and an epic rant written by a Wyoming Valley minister.
The Gazette: Episode 4 – Camp Slifer
In this short episode of "The Gazette," we follow the Luzerne County soldiers in the 8th Pennsylvania Infantry to their camp near Chambersburg.
Letters from War – A photograph of the Nazi panzer destroyed by Irvin Schwartz in the Battle of the Bulge
In May 1945, the West Schuylkill Press-Herald published a photograph taken during the Battle of the Bulge showing a tank destroyed by Sgt. Irvin Schwartz.
The Gazette: Episode 3 – Excelsior on the March
In Episode 3 of "The Gazette," explore letters from new recruits in the US Army, flag-waving in Pittston, and the state of war in May 1861.
Letters from War – A powerful Memorial Day letter on the eve of D-Day, 1944
In this remarkable letter, Pfc. Irvin Schwartz reflects on the meaning of Memorial Day on the eve of D-Day and his first experience in combat.
Wynning History 