Leasing News - information, news, education and entertainment for the commercial bank, finance and leasing industry

######## surrounding the article denotes it is a “press release,” it was not written by Leasing News nor has the information been verified, but from the source noted. When an article is signed by the writer, it is considered a “byline.” It reflects the opinion and research of the writer.

GreatAmerica Places Half Billion Dollars in Bonds
Largest Independent, Family-Owned US Equipment Finance Co.

GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation announced that it closed its 23rd securitization of $549,277,000 in privately placed bonds. S&P and Fitch rated 93.4% of the bonds in the transaction as “AAA,” same as the prior six transactions from GreatAmerica. To date, GreatAmerica issuances have totaled $9.3 billion.

A $2.7+ billion company with life-to-date finance originations of over $15 billion, GreatAmerica was established in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1992 and has a staff of over 700 employees with offices in Iowa, Georgia, Minnesota, and Illinois.

GreatAmerica Executive Chairman Tony Golobic, said, “Our consistent access to the debt market is built on strong standards and strong relationships both inside and outside our organization.

He notes, “GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation is dedicated to helping manufacturers, vendors, and dealers be more successful and keep their customers for a lifetime.

“The culture throughout our organization places hard work, integrity, and excellence front and center, and those principles have been critical in building trust with investors, rating agencies, and banks.”

Proceeds from the transaction will pay off outstanding warehouse and revolving credit facility debt, resulting in substantial liquidity to support future originations and business operations. This liquidity in turn supports the business goals of GreatAmerica equipment vendors.

Investor interest was strong as evidenced by over $1.5 billion in orders placed, nearly 3 times the amount of bonds offered. There were 34 unique investors including 7 new investors, exceeding last year’s investor numbers of 29 and 6 respectively.

In addition to financing, GreatAmerica offers innovative non-financial services to help our customers grow. https://www.greatamerica.com/

(June 2012)
The Secret of Our Success
by Tony Golobic, GreatAmerica Leasing
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Jun2012/6_22.htm#secret

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New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Shawn Arnone was promoted to Group Head & Senior Vice President, KeyBank Commercial, Superior, Colorado. "He is Lead multi-billion dollar vendor and government financing business for Key Equipment Finance, a division of KeyBank." He is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnarnone/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnarnone/

Brian Thomas Breslin was hired as Vice President of Sales, Ascentium Capital, Kingwood, Texas. He is located in Suwanee, Georgia. Previously he was Director of Sales, Waste Funding Division of Time Payment Corp. (February, 2013 - May, 2013); Account Executive, Marlin Equipment Finance (2008 - 2013). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreslinyankees1/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbreslinyankees1/

Alexandra "Lexie" Dressman, CLFP, was hired as Legal Counsel, DLL, Wayne, Pennsylvania. She is located in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Previously, she was at Huntington National Bank, starting June, 2015, Sales Coordinator, promoted February, 2019, Sales Coordinator 3, promoted Legal Counsel, January, 2020, promoted Senior Legal Counsel, January, 2022; Attorney-at-Law, Law Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender (January, 2012 - June, 2015).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-lexie-dressman-clfp-1253b93b/

Bill Lynch was hired as Vice President, VP, Business Development Specialist, North Star Leasing, a Division of People's Bank, Burlington, Vermont. He is located in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Previously, he was Strategic Value Advisor, Oracle (September, 2021 - October, 2022); Business Development Executive, Intelligent Automation, ISG Information Services Group (March 2021 -September, 2022). Full Bio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blynch2/details/experience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/blynch2

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Leasing and Finance Industry Help Wanted
Highly Trained Operation Staff/Work from Home
Excellent Compensation/Marketing Support

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ELFA Reports March Business Volume Down
Both Month-to- Month and Year-to-Year

(Chart: Leasing News)

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) reports "...overall new business volume for April was $9.7 billion, down 8 percent year-over-year from new business volume in April 2022. Volume was down 7 percent from $10.4 billion in March.

(Chart: ELFA)

(Chart: ELFF)

ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said, “April data revealed some softness in new business volume reported by our respondents. It is not clear whether increased borrowing rates are constraining liquidity or if this decrease in originations is merely a blip in an otherwise healthy marketplace. Separately, a Foundation survey indicates that a growing segment of business heads is somewhat pessimistic about the short-term outlook for the economy, in general, and the equipment finance industry, specifically.

“We will be monitoring these and other economic data closely to provide useful insights to ELFA members as they navigate a choppy economy.”

Jeffrey LaLima, President, Financial Partners Group, said, “We all continue to navigate the ebbs and flows of a challenging economy. While that impact has been felt across all industries with unique circumstances, collectively, equipment finance appears to be well positioned. Companies and consumers remain resilient and are more mindful of the role financing plays as part of strategic long-term capital decisions.

“We’re coming from a period where access to capital was high, and the cost was the lowest we’ve seen in decades. Now, we’re seeing more thoughtful conversations and informed decisions—heightening the importance of relationships and experienced people to help navigate it all.”

Full Press Release:
https://www.elfaonline.org/knowledge-hub/mlfi-25-monthly-leasing-and-finance-index/view-mlfi/monthly-leasing-and-finance-index-april-2023

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NEFA Philanthropic Committee Raises $25,000
for Operation Open Water

The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is pleased to announce the tremendous success of the fashion show charity event at the 2023 Finance Summit held in San Diego, CA. The event, held on March 21st, was organized to raise funds for Operation Open Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using ocean and other open water experiences to help heal the mind, strengthen the body and raise the spirits of first responders and veterans.

The stage was taken over by 10 very fashionable models showing off various forms of stylish clothing, all the way from a suave James Bond look to a famous blue suit from a certain Jim Carrey movie you may remember. The crowd was filled with over 100 enthusiastic attendees, making it a fun experience for everyone.

The highlight of the evening was the overwhelming support received from attendees and sponsors who contributed to the cause. Through everyone’s generosity, the fashion show charity event managed to raise an astounding $25,340 in funds for Operation Open Water.

Danny Nichols, co-founder of Operation Open Water states, “On behalf of all of us at Operation Open Water, we are so grateful to everyone involved with NEFA for believing in our mission to support the health and wellness of every Veteran and First Responder through unique training programs, fellowship, and OpenWater adventures.”

NEFA and the Philanthropic Committee are committed to making a lasting impact in the communities and supporting charitable organizations in the cities in which our events are held. The success of this fashion show charity event further motivates their dedication to creating positive change and has started the wheels spinning to plan an epic event for the upcoming NEFA Funding Symposium in San Antonio on October 3-6.

Shawn Smith, Founder and Chair of the NEFA Philanthropic Committee, said, "We are thrilled and humbled by the response to our fashion show charity event," said. "The amount raised will make a significant difference in the lives of veterans and first responders who are struggling with mental health following their incredible service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, attended, and sponsored this remarkable event."

About the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA): The National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA) is a national trade association comprised of professionals serving the equipment leasing and finance. Our member companies are diverse and include independent and bank-owned lessors and funding sources, commercial finance brokers, specialty lenders, and various specialized service/product providers serving the needs of these equipment finance specialists.

### Press Release #######################

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Leasing News:
Special Memorial Day Edition
by Fernando Croce

For this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, check out these patriotic classic—ranging from harrowing to sensitive to irreverent—for a cinematic celebration of the courage and resolve of the men and women protecting country and freedom.

Paisan (1946): Having established the Italian neo-realism movement with “Open City,” director Roberto Rossellini turns his urgent, compassionate gaze to the human connections of war in this masterful collection of episodes. Taking place in different areas of Italy, each story focuses on the clash between locals, Germans, and American forces. In one, an American sentry struggles to communicate with the Sicilian maiden he’s been assigned to watch over. In another, a Neapolitan shoeshine boy runs into an African-American military policeman, who comes to learn of the extent of the city’s poverty. Episodes range from romantic (a Roman prostitute and an American soldier fall in love) to the humorous (military chaplains are welcomed to a monastery), building to a shattering conclusion. Not to be missed by serious students of cinema. With subtitles.

The Steel Helmet (1951): A pugnacious storyteller as well as a true-blue WWII veteran, Samuel Fuller brought unsentimental realism and grittiness to all his war films. Those qualities certainly apply to this remarkably tough tale of survival, which is set in battered Korean landscapes and centers on a hard-bitten, seasoned sergeant named Zack (Gene Evans). Making his way to an abandoned Buddhist temple deep in enemy territory, Zack is joined by a young Korean orphan nicknamed Short Round (William Chun) and becomes part of a ragtag platoon of G.I.s. Determined but outnumbered, can they hold on to their position long enough for reinforcements to arrive? Making up for its budget limitations with sheer visceral ferociousness, Fuller's stark masterpiece lacerates just as powerfully today as the day it first came out.

Hell Is for Heroes (1962): Two icons of masculine cinema, director Don Siegel (“Dirty Harry”) and star Steve McQueen, team up for this hard-hitting World War II drama set in 1944 France. McQueen plays Private John Reese, a brooding loner sent to an American squad led by Sergeant Larkin (Harry Guardino). Rather than heading home as expected, the men—who also include a wily scavenger (Bobby Darin), a skilled mechanic (James Coburn), and an impish company clerk (Bob Newhart)—are sent back to the frontline on a mission to destroy a German pillbox. Can Reese prove his soldierly mettle, or will his rebellious impulses keep him an outsider? Made with Siegel’s customary grit and feeling for visceral action, this is a sturdy view of battleground pressures and sacrifices.

Glory (1989): One of the thornier chapters of America’s past is examined in this stirring historical epic, set during the harshest days of the Civil War. Inspired by true events, the story follows young Union colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), who’s offered to lead the country’s first all-African American regiment. Included among these brave new soldiers are wise and grizzled gravedigger Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and rebellious slave Trip (Denzel Washington, in an Oscar-winning performance), who must face prejudice on both sides of the conflict. With a grand confrontation fast approaching, can the men push past their differences to fight together for their country? Directed by Edward Zwick with intelligence and force, this is a moving drama and a dynamic exploration of a complex time in America’s history.

Tigerland (2000): Better known for his slick and splashy blockbusters, Joel Schumacher (“Batman Forever”) turns to grit, surprisingly and effectively, in this taut and engrossing tale of young men in combat. In one of his earliest Hollywood roles, Colin Farrell already displays plenty of movie-star magnetism and sensitivity as Bozz, a taciturn Texan recruit who stands out at an Army training camp in Louisiana, 1971. His anti-authoritarian stance contrasts sharply with the eagerness of many of his colleagues, particularly aspiring writer Paxton (Matthew Davis). Before they head off to the jungles of Vietnam, the recruits are sent to a forest named Tigerland for warfare simulation, where platoons confront each other. Trading big-budget effects for documentary jaggedness, Schumacher offers plenty of robust filmmaking, amply supported by his talented cast.

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This Day in History

1607 - Captain Christopher Newport and 105 followers founded the colony of Jamestown on the mouth of the James River in Virginia. They had left England with 144 members, 39 of whom died enroute. The colony was near the large Indian village of Werowocomoco, home of Pocahontas, the daughter of Powhatan, an Algonquin chief. In 2003, archeologists believed that they had found the site of the village.
    1624 - After years of unprofitable operation, Virginia's charter was revoked and it became a royal colony. Chartered in 1606 and settled in 1607, Virginia was the first enduring English colony in North America, following failed proprietary attempts at settlement on Newfoundland by Sir Humphrey Gilbert in 1583, and the subsequent further south Roanoke Island (modern eastern North Carolina) by Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 1580s. The founder of the new colony was the Virginia Company with the first two settlements in Jamestown on the north bank of the James River and Popham Colony on the Kennebec River in modern-day Maine, both in 1607. The Popham colony quickly failed due to a famine, disease, and conflict with local Native American tribes in the first two years. Jamestown occupied land belonging to the Powhatan Confederacy and was also at the brink of failure before the arrival of a new group of settlers and supplies by ship in 1610. Tobacco became Virginia's first profitable export, the production of which had a significant impact on the society and settlement patterns. In 1624, the Virginia Company's charter was revoked by King James I and the Virginia colony was transferred to royal authority as a crown colony. After the English Civil War in the 1640s and 50s, the Virginia colony was nicknamed "The Old Dominion" by King Charles II for its perceived loyalty to the English monarchy during the era of the Protectorate and Commonwealth of England.
    1626 – Peter Minuit and Dutch colonists acquired Manhattan from unnamed Native American people, believed to have been Canarsee Indians of the Lenape, in exchange for trade goods worth 60 guilders, often said to be worth US$24.
    1738 – The conversion of John Wesley is deemed to have launched the Methodist movement; the day is celebrated annually by Methodists and Aldersgate Day and a church service is generally held on the preceding Sunday.
    1749 - Birthday of James Peale (d. 1831), Chestertown, MD. American portrait and miniature painter who painted portraits of George and Martha Washington and General Sir Thomas Shirley.
http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/gw/
http://www.butlerart.com/pc_book/pages/attribut.htm
    1764 - Bostonian lawyer James Otis denounced "taxation without representation" and called for the colonies to unite in demonstrating their opposition to Britain's new tax measures.
    1816 - Emanuel Leutze (d. 1868), obscure itinerant painter, was born at Wurttemberg, Germany. He came to the US when he was nine years old and began painting by age 15. He painted some of the most famous of American scenes, such as “Washington Crossing the Delaware,” “Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth” and “Columbus Before the Queen.” Painting all by his imagination. “Washington did indeed cross the Delaware, but not in the dramatic and elegant style depicted in Emanuel Leutze's famous painting,” as stated in Richard Shenkman's “Legends, Lies & Cherished Myths of American History.” “Washington probably wasn't standing, or course, that would have been, as one writer plainly put it, “stupid.” And Washington probably wasn't quite as impassive as Leutze portrays him (One is reminded of all those pictures which show Washington quietly atop his horse with bullets whirring speedily around him. As one critic commented, “at times, his horse seems more active than the general himself.” Furthermore, the American flag probably wasn't flying. While the flag was in existence at this time, it hadn't been yet adopted by Congress and there were many versions. Finally, Washington's boat probably wasn't filled to capacity. There wouldn't have been any need for crowding. Boats there were aplenty; it was men who were in short supply.” Historian Ann Hawks Hutton contends that Leutze, a German, painted the picture primarily to stir up Germans. Leutze, she says, hoped that by celebrating the American Revolution, he could help bring about revolution in Germany, where he painted the picture. He had returned to Germany where he painted many of these pictures where the conservative governments had recently crushed the Revolution of 1848.
http://www.art-prints-and-posters.com/Emanuel-Leutze.html
http://www.nmaa.si.edu/nmaa/images/text/artist_l/leute01x.html
http://www.honors.uiuc.edu/eng255/gallery/romanticism/leutze.html
    1818 - The Battle of Pensacola, considered part of the First Seminole War, took place when American forces, led by Andrew Jackson, captured Pensacola, then the capital of Spanish West Florida. Jackson felt it was being used by the Seminole for strikes against America. After the surrender by the Spanish Governor, Jackson established a temporary American provisional government in the city.
    1830 – “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sarah Josepha Hale was first published.
    1844 - The first US telegraph line was formally opened between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Samuel F.B. Morse sent the first officially telegraphed words "What hath God wrought?" from the Capitol Building to Baltimore where his assistant Alfred Vail received the message. Earlier messages had been sent along the historic line during testing and one sent May 1 contained the news that Henry Clay had been nominated as president by the Whig party, from a meeting in Baltimore. The message reached Washington one hour prior to a train carrying the same news.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/may24.html
    1861 - The first fatalities of both the North and South in the Civil War occurred in Alexandria, VA. Union troops occupied Alexandria, landing troops at the base of King Street on the Potomac River. A few blocks up King Street from their landing site, a commander, Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, sortied with a small detachment to retrieve a large Confederate flag displayed on the roof of the Marshall House Inn that had been visible from the White House. While descending from the roof, Ellsworth was shot dead by Captain James W. Jackson, the hotel's proprietor. One of Ellsworth's soldiers immediately killed Jackson. Ellsworth was publicized as a Union martyr and the incident generated great excitement in the North, with many children being named for him. Jackson's death defending his home caused a similar, though less lasting sensation, in the South. Alexandria remained under military occupation until the end of the war.
    1862 - The Union Army made use of the new communication device called the telegraphy. The first use was in the Peninsula campaign when a wire several miles long extended from the headquarters of General George Brinton McClellan near Williamsport, VA, to an advance guard at Mechanicsville, VA, commanded by General George Stoneman, chief of cavalry in the Army of the Potomac. McClellan was an idiot, had no idea what he was doing, and the telegraph seemed to confuse the cavalry even more. They were used to moving quickly, responding to events, but laying down wire and waiting for instructions due to the reliance on this telegraph invention cost many Union lives. The cavalry once mobile, waited to hear orders from McClellan, who was out to lunch.
http://www.bufordsboys.com/StonemanBiography.htm
http://www.ngeorgia.com/history/atlcamp.html
    1869 - The first exploration of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River by a white man was made by Major John Wesley Power, above the head of the Colorado River, emerging on August 29 with five of the nine men who had started with him. The Grand Canyon had been observed by Spanish explorers in 1540 and described by the Sitgreaves expedition in 1851.
    1879 – H. B. Reese (d. 1956), the creator of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, was born in York County, PA.
    1883 - Nearly 14 years in construction, the $16 million Brooklyn Bridge over the East River opened. Designed by John A. Roebling, the steel suspension bridge has a span of 1,595 feet.
http://www.endex.com/gf/buildings/bbridge/bbridgefacts.htm
    1893 - The Anti-Saloon League was founded by Howard H. Russell at Oberlin, OH. Efforts in that state were so successful that the Anti-Saloon League of America was organized in 1895. The League's permanent home became Otterbein College at Westerville, OH in 1909. The ban on alcohol products, called the Prohibition Era, actually worked. There were less deaths by alcohol recorded at hospitals, less drunk drivers, and statistics recorded a major decline in drinking. The crime empires of Al Capone and others in this era were established before prohibition. Incidentally, there were many country clubs and night clubs who had a large legal supply, as the law was against production and did not apply to what was already purchased and stored.
    1894 - Six inches of snow blanketed Kentucky. Just four days earlier as much as ten inches of snow had fallen across Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Six days earlier a violent storm had wrecked nine ships on Lake Michigan.
    1918 - The Croix de Guerre was awarded to an African-American in the American Army, Private Henry Johnson, 369th Infantry, 93rd Division, with the following citation: “Being on double sentry duty at night, was attacked by twelve Germans. He shot one and seriously wounded two others with his bayonet. Even though he had been three times sounded at the beginning of the action by revolver bullets and grenades, he went to the assistance of his wounded comrade, who was about to be carried off by the enemy, and continued the combat until the put the Germans to flight. It was a splendid example of courage and energy.”
    1928 - In a game between the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Yankees, 13 future members of the Baseball Hall of Fame took the field. Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, Mickey Cochrane, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins, Lefty Grove and Jimmie Foxx played for the Athletics. Earle Combs, Leo Durocher, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri and Waite Hoyt played for the Yankees. In addition, the two managers, Connie Mack and Miller Huggins, are also Hall of Famers.
    1930 - Babe Ruth homers in both games of a doubleheader, giving him 9 in one week.
    1933 - Jimmie Rodgers, knowing he only has a few days left to live, records 12 of the 24 songs for his last album. "Tea for Texass, Tea for Thelma, Tea for Ice-Tea, gonna be the death of me..."— Jimmie Rodgers (1897 - 1933)
http://www.jimmierodgers.com/
http://www.southernmusic.net/jimmierodgers.htm
http://www.eyeneer.com/America/Genre/Folk.bluegrass/Profiles/Rodgers/
    1933 - Michael White (d. 2016) birthday, Houston, TX. Jazz violinist, often played with John Handy, my late father's favorite modern jazz group, whom he met when they were both teaching at San Francisco State College.
    1935 - The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies by a score of 2-1, as more than 20,000 fans enjoyed the first night baseball game in the Major Leagues. The game was played at Crosley Field, Cincinnati, OH. By the way, the game was to have been previously held the night before, but rain cancelled the event.
    1938 - Birthday of singer Prince Buster, born Cecil Bustamente Campbell (d. 2016), Kingston, Jamaica.
http://www.georgwa.demon.co.uk/prince_buster.htm
    1940 – Igor Sikorsky performed the first successful single-rotor helicopter flight.
    1941 - The German battleship Bismarck sank the British dreadnought HMS Hood in the North Atlantic. 1416 died with only three survivors. CGC Modoc sighted the German battleship SMS Bismarck while the cutter searched for survivors of a convoy southeast of Cape Farewell, Greenland. British Swordfish torpedo planes from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Victorious circled Modoc as they flew towards the German battleship's position. The Modoc's crew then spotted the flashes caused by anti-aircraft fire from the Bismarck and then sighted British warships on the opposite horizon. The cutter then maneuvered to avoid contact with any of the warships and managed to steam out of the area unscathed.
    1941 – Birthday of Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, Duluth, MN. Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter: “Gotta Serve Somebody” [1980]; “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” “Positively 4th Street,” “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “Hurricane [Part 1];” actor: “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid,” “Renaldo and Clara” [w/Joan Baez]; inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [1988]; received Grammy's Lifetime Achievement Award [1991]; 1991 Golden Globe and Academy Award for song "Things Have Changed" from 2000 film "Wonder Boys."
http://www.bobdylan.com
    1943 – Radar was born. Actor Gary Burghoff, who played Cpl. Radar O’Reilly in the long-running hit TV series, “M*A*S*H*,” was born in Bristol, CT.
    1944 - Patti LaBelle was born Patricia Holt in Philadelphia. She sings with Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles (later shortened to LaBelle), which had the No. 1 hit "Lady Marmalade." The singer's solo career takes off in the 1980s and she has a No. 1 duet, "On My Own," in 1986 with Michael MacDonald.
    1944 - Top Hits
“Long Ago and Far Away” - Helen Forrest & Dick Haymes
“San Fernando Valley” - Bing Crosby
“I'll Get By” - The Harry James Orchestra (vocal: Dick Haymes)
“Straighten Up and Fly Right” - King Cole Trio
    1944 - ANTOLAK, SYLVESTER, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 24 May 1944. Entered service at: St. Clairsville, Ohio. Birth: St. Clairsville, Ohio. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945. Citation: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, he charged 200 yards over flat, coverless terrain to destroy an enemy machinegun nest during the second day of the offensive which broke through the German cordon of steel around the Anzio beachhead. Fully 30 yards in advance of his squad, he ran into withering enemy machinegun, machine-pistol and rifle fire. Three times he was struck by bullets and knocked to the ground, but each time he struggled to his feet to continue his relentless advance. With one shoulder deeply gashed and his right arm shattered, he continued to rush directly into the enemy fire concentration with his submachine gun wedged under his uninjured arm until within 15 yards of the enemy strong point, where he opened fire at deadly close range, killing 2 Germans and forcing the remaining 10 to surrender. He reorganized his men and, refusing to seek medical attention so badly needed, chose to lead the way toward another strong point 100 yards distant. Utterly disregarding the hail of bullets concentrated upon him, he had stormed ahead nearly three-fourths of the space between strong points when he was instantly killed by hostile enemy fire. Inspired by his example, his squad went on to overwhelm the enemy troops. By his supreme sacrifice, superb fighting courage, and heroic devotion to the attack, Sgt. Antolak was directly responsible for eliminating 20 Germans, capturing an enemy machinegun, and clearing the path for his company to advance.
    1944 - MILLS, JAMES H., Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, Company F, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 24 May 1944. Entered service at: Fort Meade, Fla. Birth: Fort Meade, Fla. G.O. No.: 87, 14 November 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Mills, undergoing his baptism of fire, preceded his platoon down a draw to reach a position from which an attack could be launched against a heavily fortified strongpoint. After advancing about 300 yards, Pvt. Mills was fired on by a machinegun only S yards distant. He killed the gunner with 1 shot and forced the surrender of the assistant gunner. Continuing his advance, he saw a German soldier in a camouflaged position behind a large bush pulling the pin of a potato-masher grenade. Covering the German with his rifle, Pvt. Mills forced him to drop the grenade and captured him. When another enemy soldier attempted to throw a hand grenade into the draw, Pvt. Mills killed him with 1 shot. Brought under fire by a machinegun, 2 machine pistols, and 3 rifles at a range of only 50 feet, he charged headlong into the furious chain of automatic fire shooting his M 1 from the hip. The enemy was completely demoralized by Pvt. Mills' daring charge, and when he reached a point within 10 feet of their position, all 6 surrendered. As he neared the end of the draw, Pvt. Mills was brought under fire by a machine gunner 20 yards distant. Despite the fact that he had absolutely no cover, Pvt. Mills killed the gunner with 1 shot. Two enemy soldiers near the machine gunner fired wildly at Pvt. Mills and then fled. Pvt. Mills fired twice, killing 1 of the enemy. Continuing on to the position, he captured a fourth soldier. When it became apparent that an assault on the strongpoint would in all probability cause heavy casualties on the platoon, Pvt. Mills volunteered to cover the advance down a shallow ditch to a point within 50 yards of the objective. Standing on the bank in full view of the enemy less than 100 yards away, he shouted and fired his rifle directly into the position. His ruse worked exactly as planned. The enemy centered his fire on Pvt. Mills. Tracers passed within inches of his body, rifle and machine pistol bullets ricocheted off the rocks at his feet. Yet he stood there firing until his rifle was empty. Intent on covering the movement of his platoon, Pvt. Mills jumped into the draw, reloaded his weapon, climbed out again, and continued to lay down a base of fire. Repeating this action 4 times, he enabled his platoon to reach the designated spot undiscovered, from which position it assaulted and overwhelmed the enemy, capturing 22 Germans and taking the objective without casualties.
    1944 - SCHAUER, HENRY, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Cisterna di Littoria, Italy, 23-24 May 1944. Entered service at: Scobey, Mont. Born: 9 October 1918, Clinton, Okla. G.O. No.: 83, 27 October 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 23 May 1944, at 12 noon, Pfc. (now T/Sgt.) Schauer left the cover of a ditch to engage 4 German snipers who opened fire on the patrol from its rear. Standing erect he walked deliberately 30 yards toward the enemy, stopped amid the fire from 4 rifles centered on him, and with 4 bursts from his BAR, each at a different range, killed all of the snipers. Catching sight of a fifth sniper waiting for the patrol behind a house chimney, Pfc. Schauer brought him down with another burst. Shortly after, when a heavy enemy artillery concentration and 2 machineguns temporarily halted the patrol, Pfc. Schauer again left cover to engage the enemy weapons single-handed. While shells exploded within 15 yards, showering dirt over him, and strings of grazing German tracer bullets whipped past him at chest level, Pfc. Schauer knelt, killed the 2 gunners of the machinegun only 60 yards from him with a single burst from his BAR, and crumpled 2 other enemy soldiers who ran to man the gun. Inserting a fresh magazine in his BAR, Pfc. Schauer shifted his body to fire at the other weapon 500 yards distant and emptied his weapon into the enemy crew, killing all 4 Germans. Next morning, when shells from a German Mark VI tank and a machinegun only 100 yards distant again forced the patrol to seek cover, Pfc. Schauer crawled toward the enemy machinegun. stood upright only 80 yards from the weapon as its bullets cut the surrounding ground, and 4 tank shells fired directly at him burst within 20 yards. Raising his BAR to his shoulder, Pfc. Schauer killed the 4 members of the German machinegun crew with 1 burst of fire.
    1945 - Food-O-Mat was installed in the Grand Union Company store in Carlstadt, NJ. It was invented by Lansing Peter Shield. The patented merchandise display fixture operated on a gravity-fee, rear-load principle. Stockmen working behind the unit placed cans, jars, and packages on inclined runways with the labels upright. The items reached the shopper with the brand name uppermost. As the customer picked out an item, another slid in place by gravity.
    1950 - ‘Sweetwater' (Nat) Clifton's contract was purchased by the New York Knicks. Sweetwater played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He was the first African-American player in the NBA.
    1952 - Top Hits
“Kiss of Fire” - Georgia Gibbs
“Blue Tango” - The Leroy Anderson Orchestra
“Be Anything” - Eddy Howard
“The Wild Side of Life” - Hank Thompson
    1953 - A previously unknown actor, Rod Steiger, starred in "Marty" on the "Goodyear Playhouse." Paddy Chayefsky wrote the original TV play and then adapted it for the Oscar-winning film
http://us.imdb.com/Bio?Steiger,+Rod
    1955 - Rosanne Cash is born, Memphis. Daughter of Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto. Among her numerous No. 1 country singles are "My Baby Thinks He's a Train" and "Blue Moon with Heartache."
    1960 - Top Hits
“Cathy's Clown” - The Everly Brothers
“Good Timin'” - Jimmy Jones
“Cradle of Love” - Johnny Preston
“Please Help Me, I'm Falling” - Hank Locklin
    1961 – Freedom Riders were arrested in Jackson, MI for "disturbing the peace" after disembarking from their bus.
    1962 - Aurora 7 Mercury Space Capsule. With this launch Scott Carpenter became the second American to orbit Earth, circling it three times.
    1964 - The Beatles' 3rd appearance on Ed Sullivan
    1964 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Love Me Do," The Beatles.
    1965 – Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a federal law allowing the post office to intercept communist propaganda.
    1966 - Leontyne Price, world renowned opera singer, opens Metropolitan Opera Season
http://www.afrovoices.com/price.html
http://www.triadntr.net/~rdavis/price.htm
http://www1.opera.it/English/Cantanti/Price.html
    1968 - Top Hits
“Tighten Up” - Archie Bell & The Drells
“Mrs. Robinson” - Simon & Garfunkel
“A Beautiful Morning” - The Rascals
“I Wanna Live” - Glen Campbell
    1968 - Charlie Musselwhite and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks appear at the Straight Theatre in San Francisco.
    1969 - Still riding high on the success of "American Woman," The Guess Who made their US Television debut on American Bandstand.
    1969 - Oliver entered the US charts with "Good Morning Starshine," which would reach #3 by July and go on to sell over a million copies. His real name was William Oliver Swofford.
    1969 - The Beatles hit number one with "Get Back." The song was at the top for over five weeks. The song featured an organ solo by Billy Preston, who became the only non-group member ever credited on a Beatles single.
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/49633/detail/
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/rickenbacker/beatleg/Let%20It%20be%20Disaster.htm
http://website.lineone.net/~johnpaulgeorgeringo/book6.htm
    1969 - Haight-Ashbury Festival in the Golden Gate Park Panhandle, San Francisco.
    1969 - BONDSTEEL, JAMES LEROY, Medal of Honor
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: An Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1969. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich. Born: 18 July 1947, Jackson, Mich. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Bondsteel distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company A, near the village of Lang Sau. Company A was directed to assist a friendly unit which was endangered by intense fire from a North Vietnamese Battalion located in a heavily fortified base camp. S/Sgt. Bondsteel quickly organized the men of his platoon into effective combat teams and spearheaded the attack by destroying 4 enemy occupied bunkers. He then raced some 200 meters under heavy enemy fire to reach an adjoining platoon which had begun to falter. After rallying this unit and assisting their wounded, S/Sgt. Bondsteel returned to his own sector with critically needed munitions. Without pausing he moved to the forefront and destroyed 4 enemy occupied bunkers and a machine gun which had threatened his advancing platoon. Although painfully wounded by an enemy grenade, S/Sgt. Bondsteel refused medical attention and continued his assault by neutralizing 2 more enemy bunkers nearby. While searching one of these emplacements S/Sgt. Bondsteel narrowly escaped death when an enemy soldier detonated a grenade at close range. Shortly thereafter, he ran to the aid of a severely wounded officer and struck down an enemy soldier who was threatening the officer's life. S/Sgt. Bondsteel then continued to rally his men and led them through the entrenched enemy until his company was relieved. His exemplary leadership and great personal courage throughout the 4-hour battle ensured the success of his own and nearby units, and resulted in the saving of numerous lives of his fellow soldiers. By individual acts of bravery he destroyed 10 enemy bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including 2 key enemy commanders. His extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
    1970 - ROCCO, LOUIS R., MEDAL of HONOR
Rank and organization: Warrant Officer (then Sergeant First Class), U.S. Army, Advisory Team 162, U.S. Military Assistance Command. Place and date: Northeast of Katum, Republic of Vietnam, 24 May 1970. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 19 November 1938, Albuquerque, N. Mex. Citation: WO Rocco distinguished himself when he volunteered to accompany a medical evacuation team on an urgent mission to evacuate 8 critically wounded Army of the Republic of Vietnam personnel. As the helicopter approached the landing zone, it became the target for intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Disregarding his own safety, WO Rocco identified and placed accurate suppressive fire on the enemy positions as the aircraft descended toward the landing zone. Sustaining major damage from the enemy fire, the aircraft was forced to crash land, causing WO Rocco to sustain a fractured wrist and hip and a severely bruised back. Ignoring his injuries, he extracted the survivors from the burning wreckage, sustaining burns to his own body. Despite intense enemy fire, WO Rocco carried each unconscious man across approximately 20 meters of exposed terrain to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam perimeter. On each trip, his severely burned hands and broken wrist caused excruciating pain, but the lives of the unconscious crash survivors were more important than his personal discomfort, and he continued his rescue efforts. Once inside the friendly position, WO Rocco helped administer first aid to his wounded comrades until his wounds and burns caused him to collapse and lose consciousness. His bravery under fire and intense devotion to duty were directly responsible for saving 3 of his fellow soldiers from certain death. His unparalleled bravery in the face of enemy fire, his complete disregard for his own pain and injuries, and his performance were far above and beyond the call of duty and were in keeping with the highest traditions of self-sacrifice and courage of the military service.
    1970 - New Musical Express reports the Beatles' "Let it Be" has set a new record for initial U.S. sales, with 3.7 million advance orders. The album goes gold within days of its release.
    1972 - The method of determining won-lost percentage changed in the NFL. Tie games, previously not counted in the standings, were made equal to a half-game won and a half-game lost.
    1974 – The last “Dean Martin Show” (1965-74) was broadcast. It lasted nine years with little or no rehearsal time with its star, who ironically said he was looking forward to not working so hard and going back to Las Vegas, the town that he loved. He returned to television, hosting “Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts” (1974-84).
http://www.deanmartin.net/index/rightframe/09tva/09tva.html
http://www.robertsenslerpresents.com/
    1975 - For the second show in a row, the Beach Boys, on tour with Chicago, literally have the place jumping. The second level at the Oakland Coliseum is noticeable shaking in footage taken by a local news crew; the concert the day before at Anaheim Stadium caused the mezzanine to vibrate as much as eighteen inches.
    1975 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Shining Star," Earth, Wind & Fire.
    1976 – The Judgement of Paris launched California as a worldwide force in the production of quality wine. A wine competition organized in Paris by Steven Spurrier, a British wine merchant, involved French judges in two blind tasting comparisons: one of top-quality Chardonnays and another of red wines (Bordeaux wines from France and cabernet Sauvignon from California). A Californian wine rated best in each category, which caused surprise as France was generally regarded as being the foremost producer of the world's best wines. Spurrier sold only French wine and believed that the California wines would not win.
    1976 - Top Hits
“Silly Love Songs” - Wings
“Love Hangover” - Diana Ross
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” - Elvin Bishop
“After All the Good is Gone” - Conway Twitty
    1981 - Bobby Unser finished first in the Indianapolis 500, but after the race was over, the stewards penalized him one lap for passing cars illegally under the yellow caution flag. The penalty vaulted Mario Andretti into first place, but Unser and Roger Penske, owner of Unser's car, appealed the stewards' decision to the United States Auto Club. Four months later, USAC ruled that Unser was guilty but that the punishment was too severe. The lap penalty was replaced by a $40,000 fine, and Unser recovered the championship.
    1982 - A benefit concert for the Vietnam Veterans Project is held in San Francisco's Moscone Center, where the Jefferson Starship, Grateful Dead, Boz Scaggs, and Country Joe McDonald appear. They raise about $175,000.
    1984 - Top Hits
“Hello” - Lionel Richie
“Let's Hear It for the Boy” - Deniece Williams
“Time After Time” - Cyndi Lauper
“To All the Girls I've Loved Before” - Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson
    1984 - No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: "Let's Hear It for the Boy," Deniece Williams. The song is featured in the film "Footloose." Williams is a member of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Wonderlove, from 1972-75.
    1986 – The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Calgary Flames, 4-3, to win the Stanley Cup, four games to one. For the Canadiens, it was their 23rd title, putting them one major-league championship ahead of the New York Yankees and their 22 World Series titles. Montreal won another Stanley Cup in 1993 and the Yankees now have 27 World Championships.
    1986 - Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All” climbed to the top and stayed there for three weeks.
http://www.whitney-houston.com/
    1988 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in the southeastern U.S. Thunderstorm winds gusted to 88 mph at Columbia, NC. Baseball size hail was reported near Tifton, GA.
    1989 - Thunderstorms developing ahead of a cold front produced severe weather across the Upper Midwest through the day and night. Thunderstorms spawned 30 tornadoes, and there were 158 reports of large hail and damaging winds. A strong (F-3) tornado caused $5 million damage at Corning, IA, and a powerful (F-4) tornado caused $5 million damage at Traer, IA. Thunderstorm winds gusting to 88 mph killed one person and injured five others at Stephensville, WI.
    1990 - Severe thunderstorms spawned two dozen tornadoes from Montana to Oklahoma. Four tornadoes carved a 109-mile path across central Kansas. The third of the four tornadoes blew 88 cars of a 125-car train off the track, stacking them three to four cars high in some cases, and the fourth tornado caused $3.9 million damage. The third tornado injured six persons who were trying to escape in vehicles. A woman was "sucked out" of a truck and said that at one time she was "airborne, trying to run but my feet wouldn't touch the ground." She also saw a live deer "flying through the air."
    1991 – “Thelma & Louise,” starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, premiered. "Thelma and Louise" made a huge splash when it was released and has since become a part of the pop culture lexicon. In it, a mistreated housewife and harried waitress stumble into an out-of-control - but totally liberating - crime spree. As bold and relevant as ever, it remains a vastly entertaining must-see.   It won Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen by Callie Khouri, and Best Actress in a Leading Role for both Sarandon and Davis
   1994 - Top Hits
“I Swear” - All-4-One
“I'll Remember” (From "With Honors") - Madonna
“The Sign” - Ace Of Base
“The Most Beautiful Girl In The World” -The Artist
    1994 - In a game against Milwaukee, Cal Ripken hits his 300th career home run.
    1994 - Four men convicted of bombing the World Trade Center in NYC in 1993 were each sentenced to 240 years in prison. A truck bomb detonated below the North Tower. The 1,336 pound urea nitrate-hydrogen gas-enhanced device was intended to send the North Tower crashing into the South Tower, bringing both towers down and killing tens of thousands of people. It failed to do so but killed six people and injured over a thousand. The attack was planned by a group of Al Qaeda terrorists who received financing from Khaled Sheikh Mohammed: Abouhalima, Ajaj, Ayyad, and Salameh. The charges included conspiracy, explosive destruction of property, and interstate transportation of explosives. In November 1997, two more were convicted: Ramzi Yousef, the mastermind behind the bombings and KSM’s nephew, and Eyad Ismoil, who drove the truck carrying the bomb.
    1998 - The first Native American Music Awards take place at the Fox Theater at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. The show is hosted by Wayne Newton, and presenters include Joe Walsh, Bruce Cockburn, Richie Havens and John Trudell. Lifetime achievement awards go to Robbie Robertson and Frederick Whiteface.
    1998 - In an official ceremony backstage prior to Van Halen's show at the CoreStates Spectrum, Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell proclaims May 24th Van Halen Day in Philadelphia. Each member of the band is given a personalized replica of the Liberty Bell.
    1999 - Top Hits
“Livin La Vida Loca” - Ricky Martin
“No Scrubs” - TLC
“Kiss Me” - Sixpence None The Richer
“Fortunate” - Maxwell
    2000 - Shawn Estes pitches a seven-hitter and becomes the first Giants pitcher in 51 years (Monte Kennedy-1949) to hit a grand slam en route to handing the Expos their worst defeat in franchise history, 18-0. The San Bernardino native just misses joining Tony Cloninger as the only Major League pitcher to hit two slams in a game.
    2000 - Mark McGwire becomes the fastest player to hit 20 home runs in one season reaching the mark in 35 games, six less than Mickey Mantle (1956) and his own record (1998).
    2000 - Sixteen Dodgers' players and three coaches are suspended by the commissioner's office for going into the stands during the Wrigley Field scuffle with fans on May 16. The suspensions totaling 60 games for players and 24 games for coaches is the harshest penalty ever handed down by Major League baseball.
    2001 - Cincinnati is shut out as Cubs' starter Jon Lieber one-hits the Reds, 3-0. The span of 208 of games without being blanked establishes a new National League record with the 1931-33 Yankees (308) and the 1978-79 Milwaukee Brewers (212) being the only teams with longer streaks.
    2007 - Art Garfunkel joined Paul Simon in a rare reunion in Washington, D.C. which commemorated Simon's receipt of the Library of Congress' first Gershwin Award, recognizing contributions to the popular song as an art form. Simon introduced his former partner by saying "My dear friend and partner in arguments, Art Garfunkel," before they launched into "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Cecilia." Also appearing on the show were Stevie Wonder and James Taylor.
    2009 - Billy Joel was sued by his former drummer for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid royalties. Liberty Devitto claimed that Joel hadn't paid him proper royalties for 10 years of his work. Devitto was Joel's drummer from 1975 until 2005, when he said he was abruptly kicked out of the band without so much as a phone call.
    2010 - John Fogerty's 1985 hit "Centerfield" was selected to be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, held on July 25, 2010. The event was the first time a musician or song has been honored in such a way. Along with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” it is one of the best-known baseball songs. In addition, Fogarty donated his custom-made, baseball bat-shaped guitar for display in the museum. Lyrics:
Well, a-beat the drum and hold the phone
The sun came out today
We're born again, there's new grass on the field
A-roundin' third and headed for home
It's a brown-eyed handsome man
Anyone can understand the way I feel

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine
Watching it from the bench
You know I took some lumps, when the mighty Case struck out
So Say Hey, Willie, tell Ty Cobb
And Joe DiMaggio
Don't say it ain't so, you know the time is now

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, I can be centerfield

Yeah, I got it, I got it

Got a beat-up glove, a home-made bat
And a brand new pair of shoes
You know I think it's time to give this game a ride
Just to hit the ball, and touch 'em all
A moment in the sun
It's a-gone and you can tell that one good-bye

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me (yeah), I can be centerfield

Oh, put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today
Look at me, gotta be, centerfield
Yeah

    2018 – President Trump posthumously pardoned boxer Jack Johnson for a racially orientated criminal conviction: transporting a white woman across state lines.
    2018 - Record US fentanyl seizure of 120lbs confirmed by police in Nebraska in April, enough to kill 26 million people, one of largest drug busts in US history.

Stanley Cup Champions:
    1980 - New York Islanders
    1986 - Montreal Canadiens
    1990 - Edmonton Oilers

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