Knee Deep Into History Battlefield Tours

05/31/2026

Our 28th Inf. Div. Tour began on 27 May with a calvados and cider tour and tasting at the Ferme de la Sapiniere, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer. We learned a bit about the production process. Then we had the opportunity to do a tasting and, of course, purchase some bottles.

The division landed on Omaha Beach in late July 1944.

05/25/2026

Remembering those who died to protect our freedoms--including our Maltese allies. A few days ago I had the opportunity to participate in a guided tour of Imtarfa Military Cemetery (CWGC) in Malta. It was a fascinating tour, because it is so different from the CWGC cemeteries in France and Belgium. First of all, there were many types of grave markers, not just the usual tablet-shaped headstones. Second, being a military cemetery, not a war cemetery, soldiers who died outside of the war years were also buried there, as were a handful of spouses. Third, the unit crests included Maltese units.

In a few days our 28th Infantry Division Tour will visit three WW2 ABMC cemeteries. But one should never forget our Allies who also shared the burden during many wars.

05/19/2026

As an entrepreneur, the long flights between the U.S. and Europe provides time to slow down and reflect and/or to watch insightful shows. HBO's 2-part series, "Mel Brooks the 99 Year Old Man" hit both of those targets. It revealed the ups and downs that come with being a trailblazer, the importance of mentors and friends, and the need to break out of one's comfort zone to achieve even more. From the very beginning I was captivated by this comic genius and the insights this film showed. If you have access to the movie, watch it!

Watch videos instantly on Bing—enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.

05/13/2026

On Monday I attended a Fireside Chat in Manhattan titled: "When History and Film Connect: Inspiring the Next Generation of WWII Storytellers." Participants were Mr. Mathieu Billa, Director of the Bastogne War Museum and Tim Gray, documentary filmmaker and President & Founder of the WWII Foundation. Guest of honor was David Marshall, WW2 veteran of the 84th Infantry Division.

Thanks to the Consul General of Belgium, Mr. Filip Vanden Bulcke, and his team and the Battle of the Bulge Association for the opportunity to participate.

05/04/2026

Here's the latest blog post written for Slow Travel Tours. It provides a look at our guides. Enjoy the read!

Selecting the right battlefield tour guide is important to having an unforgettable slow-travel battlefield tour. Introducing our tour guides.

04/16/2026

Bridging cultures on our Colmar Pocket Reconnaissance Tour tonight. Ordered veal kidneys (les rognons) with Spätzle for dinner and Kougelhopf (volcano-shaped bundt cake or frozen ice cream in the same form filled with Mirabelle schnapps) for dessert. Both are traditional Alsatian foods.

I was not crazy about the texture of the veal kidneys, but everything else was excellent. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and try new things!

04/13/2026

Great War Expo, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historical Park--Post 2. As part of my pilgrimage I went to the local cemetery where he and his wife are buried. It's across from the church that they attended. Luckily, I had a beautiful golden sun for some pretty nice photos. It's amazing the number of coins on his grave! Proof that 100+ years later, people are still coming by to see him.

04/12/2026

Great War Expo, Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historical Park--Post 1. I participated in the park's Great War Expo yesterday and had a wonderful time, meeting lots of interesting folks, York family members, and interacting with the public.

For me, it was also a pilgrimage to a "holy" place of WW1 history. There are few WW1 sites in the United States that "speak" to me like the battlefields of the Western Front do; and the York Homestead in Pall Mall, TN is one of those places.

I made sure to take the tour of the house, built for York and his wife by donations in the early 1920s. York lived there until his death in 1964, and his wife lived there another 20 years before her death. In such a rural setting, it is hard to imagine the flow of VIP visitors and veterans that came with his post-war fame.

Enjoy the photos of the house, including his unique wheel-bed used following his strokes. The house is amazing and beautiful in its simplicity and faith.

04/01/2026

New Publications from KDIH

In the 2026 version of Knee Deep Into History’s “Europe Through the Broken Door” historians and tour guides Randy Gaulke and Markus Klauer will update you with the latest news from the battlefields of Western Europe. For example, learn how to select a ruined building or underground tunnel for shelter, avoiding expensive hotels. Expert advice is given regarding bushwhacking and driving along muddy, sloppy roads to find the best-preserved buildings and trench lines. If you want to get knee deep into history (and mud), you need a copy of this book. Signed copies can be purchased at https://kdihpublishing.com for the price of $29.95. Order your copy today!

Our new publication, “Military Landscaping: Somme and Verdun Edition,” will help you transform your yard into a masterpiece of military landscaping. Topics include how to layout a backyard trench and narrow gauge railroad network. Two special topics covered are “Working with German Concrete” by Markus Klauer and “How to Transform Your Back Yard in a Weekend While Your Wife is Away” by Randy Gaulke. If you’ve ever wanted to do transform your property, you need this book! Think of what the neighbors will say. Signed copies can be purchased at https://kdihpublishing.com for the price of $49.95. Order your copy today!

April Fools!