Stoessi's Heroes added two new WW2 characters to their range:
British Army Brigadier John Ormsby Evelyn ‘JOE’ Vandeleur
As Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion Irish Guards he led the breakout of XXX Corps during Operation Market-Garden. In the movie “A bridge too far” he is played by the famous actor Michael Caine:
Lt. General Horrocks:[…] “The Irish Guards, under the command of Colonel Vandeleur, will take the lead.”
Lt. Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur: [whispering to his adjutant] “Christ, not us again.”
Lt. General Horrocks: [Hearing Vandeleur’s statement to his adjutant] “What do you say to that, J.O.E?”
Lt. Colonel J.O.E. Vandeleur: [getting up from his chair and addressing General Horrocks] “Uh, delighted, sir. Truly delighted.”
US Airborne Major Julian Aaron Cook
Julian Aaron Cook gained fame during WWII for his crossing of the Waal river during Operation Market Garden in 1944. As Cook’s first wave began their crossing, the wind blew away the smokescreen, leaving the men in the water open and visible to the German guns. As a Catholic, Cook loudly recited Hail Mary during the crossing, spurring his men on under the withering fire. He took charge of the boats and pushed the men along. Once ashore, they cleared the river bank, assaulted the railway bridge over the highway leading to the main road bridge in the village of Lent. Cook was subsequently awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
Link:
Stoessi's Heroes
