Featured Photo – Frank Cadematori from Chicago, Illinois. He participated in the first set of maneuvers in June of 1941 as a tank driver. Frank’s son, Rick, found our Facebook page and messaged me to let me know he wanted to share his father’s photos, memorabilia and related war documents. His collection is impressive. I plan to write a blog dedicated to Frank. Stay tuned!
On July 3 2024, I was the guest on a WGNS-FM’s Roundtable Podcast hosted by one of my classmates from MTSU, Chip Walters.
He took notice of our group’s social media posts related to our efforts to remember the Tennessee Maneuvers and invited me to come to the WGNS-FM studios in Murfreesboro to chat.
I get asked this all the time! Most folks assume it is one of two reasons: I either have a close relative who served in the maneuvers or I just love WWII history —- in fact, neither is the case. Here’s the story!
The first heard about these large scale simulated combat training exercises in 2010. At this time, I was writing a full-page feature article for my hometown newspaper, the Carthage Courier. It was titled: Visions of Smith County.
The Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS) is excited to continue to operate our premier annual event, Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered. This event pays tribute to the significant World War II training exercises that took place right here in Smith County, TN.
In addition to our annual event, we are thrilled to introduce a new self-guided driving tour of Tennessee Maneuvers locations in Smith County. This project, scheduled for launching in the Fall 2024, will offer a deep dive into the rich history of our area.