World War II Veteran Featured at Skeptics

The Society of Skeptics program on October 24 featured World War II veteran Jim Cullen. His topic for the evening was, “Hitler’s Last Gamble: The Ardennes Campaign, 1944.” This campaign, also known as the Battle of the Bulge, is often referred to as the greatest single battle the U.S. Army has ever fought. Cullen is one of a group of New Jersey veterans who visit area schools to educate students about the war.

Despite the seriousness of his topic, Cullen displayed a sense of humor in telling his listeners of the cold, snowy weather; the uncertainty about the true identity of those they confronted (the German soldiers often donned American uniforms and disguised their tanks as American ones); the misinformation the soldiers received; the loss of life, and the types of weaponry used. He showed numerous photographs and artifacts, including leather gloves, a helmet, a shovel and a food package (K ration). Students were eager to ask him a variety of questions at the conclusion of his presentation.

Cullen, a graduate of Colgate University, served in the 36th Armored Infantry, 3rd Armored Division, as a staff sergeant/squad leader. He noted, “I went from Normandy, across France, into Germany and back into Belgium for the Ardennes Campaign. I was wounded in the Siegfried Line, returned to the Division in time for the ‘Bulge,’ then was wounded again at the end of that battle.” After leaving the Army in 1945, Cullen worked in sales for Keuffel & Esser Co. Updated 10/25/06

The Society of Skeptics lecture series occurs on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in Cowan Auditorium. Click here for a full listing of scheduled speakers.

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