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Medics are unsung heroes on the battlefield
“Rush To Danger: Medics In The Line of Fire”
By Ted Barris
(HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. 406 pg. $32.99)
Reviewed by MARTIN ZEILIG
During the Second World War, Alex Barris was a front line medic with the 319th Medical Battalion of the United States 94th Infantry Division in Europe.
“While others in the heat of combat on the front line might ultimately choose to flee from the perceived or real danger, it was his duty and moral obligation to rush toward it,” writes author Ted Barris of his father in this engrossing illustrated (with numerous photographs) book.
Ted Barris has now published 19 non-fiction books, a dozen of them wartime histories, notes his bio. For 50 years, he has worked as a broadcaster on electronic media in Canada and the U.S. He has taught journalism and broadcasting at Toronto’s Centennial College. His book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story won the 2014 Libris Award for Best Non-Fiction Book of the Year; while his book, Dam Busters: Canadian Airmen and the Secret Raid Against Nazi Germany, was a national bestseller and received the RCAF Association NORAD Trophy in 2018.
Sergeant Alex Barris earned a Bronze Star citation for retrieving four wounded US stretcher-bearers in Campholz Woods, Germany on 12 February 1945.
“His personal disregard for personal safety and his continual service to his organization over and above the call of his particular duties are in keeping with the highest of army traditions,” says the citation, which is shown in the book.
The story of Alex Barris, who went on to have a successful career as a journalist and author after the war, provides, as the author says, the thread that allows him to discuss military medics, surgeons, nurses, stretcher-bearers, dentists, orderlies and ambulance drivers. These are the people who were/are tasked with saving lives when others are taking them.
One learns in fascinating detail about the origins of the field ambulance by a man named Jonathan Letterman at Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1862 during the U.S. Civil War; the invention of gas masks during the Great War (First World War); about the role of medics at Dieppe, Bastogne, D-Day, and in the Pacific; saving lives in the Korean, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars; and much more.
In essence, the book is a panorama of military medical history.
“The book reminds us again and again of the quiet heroism of military physicians, nurses, and medics who have provided medical care to hundreds, sometimes thousands, of wounded and ill soldiers under enemy fire,” writes Brian Goldman, MD, in the Foreword. “Some were enlisted. Many were drafted in to the wars of their times. Others just rose to meet the challenge of a lifetime that they encountered by happenstance.”
For instance, he points to Augusta Chiwy, who was a 23 year-old-registered nurse originally from the Belgian Congo who just happened to be heading home to visit her parents in Bastogne, Belgium, in the days leading up up to Christmas 1944. She arrived just as Adolf Hitler had sent more than 400,000 German troops and 1400 tanks into the Ardennes as part of Operation Watch on the Rhine, “a desperate attempt to thwart the Allied advance toward Germany.
“Working beside U.S. Medic Jack Prior, Chiwy volunteered to lend her nursing skills to Allied troops. During a week-long siege of Bastogne, they treated hundreds of casualties while dodging enemy fire that destroyed the makeshift aid station where they worked.”
Then, there was Dr. Jacob Markowitz, a Canadian medical doctor who enlisted in Britain’s Royal Royal Army Medical Corps and served as surgical officer during the fall of Singapore.
“He was eventually captured by the Japanese. Despite being given no medical equipment and surgical know-how to tend to thousands of fellow prisoners of war, often working up to eighteen hours a day for many days at a time. He even risked his own life by hiding meticulous accounts of their working and living conditions in amongst the many bodies of prisoners who died in captivity.”
We learn about Airman 3rd Class Norm Malayney, a resident of Winnipeg, who served in 483rd USAF Hospital, the second largest military facility, n South Vietnam for during the late 1960s.
The hospital had 485 beds for general surgery, chest surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, urology, opthamology, and dental surgery and a 200 bed capacity casualty staging unit (CSU).
“Cam Ranh Bay served as one of three aerial delivery and mobility bases-the other two were at Saigon and Dan Nang— supporting the US war effort in Vietnam,” writes the author. “It was Malayney’s wartime address for a year. Until he landed at Cam Ranh Bay, Malayney had never had to deal with the dead. But, in Vietnam, the job of packing the body fell to medical corpsmen, including Malayney.”
He also helped save the lives of many wounded men.
“Whenever he found time, Malayney observed experienced nurses packing wounds; by the end of the tour he could handle the toughest dressing assignments as well as any of the nursing staff,” says Barris.
During an interview with the author, Malayney said that his experience in Vietnam was “one of the two greatest experiences of my life”, the other being attending the University of Winnipeg after returning home.
Canadian Armed Forces medic Master Corporal Alannah Gilmore served in the Panjawaii district during Operation Medusa, and in Kandahar City in 2006.
Her training as a medic in the CAF proved useful after returning to the civilian world. She helped save the life a woman in the immediate aftermath of a terrible automobile accident in Ottawa.
‘“Medics on the whole— we’re not a very familiar trade,”‘ she said to the author. ‘“I’m basically a glorified first-aider. I have knowledge and I will use whatever I need to. I’ll MacGyver whatever I have to, to make it happen.’”
Rush to Danger shines a much needed light on the lives of very invisible and often heroic people.
“They deserve to be remembered,” as author Barris states.
Features
Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says
Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.
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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion
Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.
Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos
Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.
In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.
Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.
After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.
Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos
Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.
- Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
- Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
- Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
- Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
- Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
- Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.
Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.
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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
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Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.