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Ray E. Boomhower

@rboomhower.bsky.social
4.2K followers 5.2K following 8.2K posts

Fact writer. Biographer of Ernie Pyle, John Bartlow Martin, Richard Tregaskis, Malcolm Browne, and Robert Sherrod, among others. Bio about journalist Wallace H. Terry available Oct. 6, 2026: www.unmpress.com/9780826370150/wall…

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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 16h
“Don't join the book burners. Don't think you're going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 20h
static.klipy.com
Child's RE2PECT Hat Tip
ALT: Child's RE2PECT Hat Tip
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Jack El-Hai @jackelhai.bsky.social · 20h
"Smashing barriers." Today's #history book pick from Damn History, a free monthly newsletter for readers/writers of #popularhistory. Congrats to author @rboomhower.bsky.social & @unmpress.bsky.social! Read/subscribe to Damn History: damn-history-16d93f.beehiiv.com/subscribe
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 20h
“Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.” Dwight D. Eisenhower, born on this day in 1890
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 20h
“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.” E.E. Cummings, born on this day in 1894
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 22h
"The great art of writing is knowing when to stop." Josh Billings, who died on this day in 1885
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
My nine books.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
OTD in 1944, Richard Tregaskis followed two battalions of the 26th Infantry regiment as they stormed into Aachen, Germany. Lt. Col. Derrill M. Daniel told Tregaskis that he and his men had come up with the slogan for the upcoming fight: “Knock ’em all down.” rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2023/06/char...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
Charlemagne’s City: Richard Tregaskis Reporting from Aachen
Peering through the flickering candlelight that offered the only illumination in a massive pillbox that helped make up part of the Siegfried...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
What’s one thing these 3 war correspondents had in common? They weren’t “communique commandos” waiting for news safe behind the lines. They went into combat to witness the action firsthand.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Tough being a biographer— all my subjects die.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
“You become a good writer just as you become a good joiner: by planing down your sentences.” Anatole France, who died on this day in 1924
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Andy Oler @andyoler.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
James Whitcomb Riley & 528 Lockerbie St—the Hoosier Poet’s background as a newspaperman, and how he ended up living in his final home in Indianapolis. #LiteraryLandscapes by @rboomhower.bsky.social. #JamesWhitcombRiley #Indianapolis #Indy #Indiana newterritorymag.com/literary-lan...
newterritorymag.com
James Whitcomb Riley – Indianapolis, Indiana | The New Territory Magazine
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Kalb, who joined remotely, called Boomhower’s newly released “Wallace Terry: From Selma to Saigon to Bloods,” “simply terrific,” adding that, “I say that as a harsh critic.” Write up of last week’s Wallace Terry panel in DC (scroll down). www.journal-isms.com/that-time-st...
journal-isms.com
That Time Stevie Wonder Was Done With the Press - journal-isms.com
Musician Chose Dignity Over Damage Control
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
"In America, with all of its evils and faults, you can still reach through the forest and see the sun. But we don't know yet whether that sun is rising or setting for our country." Dick Gregory, born on this day in 1932
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
On this day in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson visited Indianapolis as part of activities for Centennial Highway Day for the state’s 100th birthday. rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2025/06/cele...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
"I don't believe in writer's block or waiting for inspiration. If you're a writer, you sit down and write." Elmore Leonard, born on this day in 1925
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
“Write your stories as you would tell them to people whose attention you want to catch," the style book said. "If you ramble, they get bored. The same is true with writing." The “Indianapolis Times” ceased publishing on this day in 1965 rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2017/04/writ...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
Writing and Editing Advice from the "Indianapolis Times"
From its start in 1888 until it ceased publication on October 11, 1965, the Indianapolis Times produced "lively and sometimes courageous jo...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect." Eleanor Roosevelt, born on this day in 1884
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
9 more albums.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
"The history of the human race is a continual struggle from darkness into light. It is, therefore, to no purpose to discuss the use of knowledge; man wants to know, and when he ceases to do so, is no longer a man." Fridtjof Nansen
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
static.klipy.com
Hornblower's Hat Tip on the Ship
ALT: Hornblower's Hat Tip on the Ship
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Had a great time, as always, talking to Rob.
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Rob Burgess @robaburg.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
I just published the latest edition of my Substack! On this episode, regular guest Ray E. Boomhower returned to discuss his new biography of journalist Wallace Terry. Subscribe here: therobburgessshow.substack.com/p/a-reporter...
therobburgessshow.substack.com
‘A Reporter's Journey from Selma to Saigon to Bloods’
Regular guest Ray E. Boomhower returns to discuss his new biography of journalist Wallace Terry.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
“I love writing. I’m just nuts on writing. Just give me an inkpot and a paper and a pen, and away I go.” Janet Flanner’s “Letter from Paris” under the pseudonym Genêt first appeared in “The New Yorker” on this day in 1925 rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-le...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
A Letter from Paris: Janet Flanner and The New Yorker
As a young girl growing up as part of one of Indianapolis’s leading families, Janet Flanner had a path in life already set for her by her m...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
"I say, play your own way. Don’t play what the public wants. You play what you want and let the public pick up on what you’re doing even if it does take them fifteen, twenty years." Thelonious Monk, born on this day in 1917
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
“Have you not succeeded? Continue! Have you succeeded? Continue!” Fridtjof Nansen, born on this day in 1861
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Me and Wally therobburgessshow.substack.com/p/a-reporter...
therobburgessshow.substack.com
‘A Reporter's Journey from Selma to Saigon to Bloods’
Regular guest Ray E. Boomhower returns to discuss his new biography of journalist Wallace Terry.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
A good discussion with @robaburg.bsky.social about my new biography of Wallace Terry from the @unmpress.bsky.social and my next book project.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
For John Lennon's birthday (OTD 1940), here's an article I did for the "Indiana Daily Student" about a memorial service for him following his murder in December 1980. I remember the piece as one of the best I produced during my three years at the student newspaper.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
On this day in 2010 Scott Russell Sanders (center) won the national award in the Indiana Authors Award. Greg Schwipps (right), from Milan, received the emerging author award. And I was fortunate enough to be named the regional honoree. Quite a day.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
"Even the most painstaking history is a bridge across an eternal mystery." Bruce Catton, born on this day in 1899
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
static.klipy.com
Man Tips Hat
ALT: Man Tips Hat
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Bruce Rosenstein @brucerosenstein.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
“What touched Terry the most, however, was the reaction to his #book from Vietnam veterans.” – Ray E. Boomhower in his new @deborahkalb.bsky.social #author Q&A #journalism deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com/2026/10/q-wi... @rboomhower.bsky.social @unmpress.bsky.social
deborahkalbbooks.blogspot.com
Q&A with Ray E. Boomhower
Ray E. Boomhower is the author of the new book Wallace Terry: A Reporter's Journey from Selma to Saigon to Bloods . H...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Your dad did a great job 👏 last night.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
"Freedom is an indivisible word. If we want to enjoy it, and fight for it, we must be prepared to extend it to everyone, whether they are rich or poor, whether they agree with us or not, no matter what their race or the color of their skin." Wendell Willkie, Indiana's own, who died OTD in 1944
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University of New Mexico Press @unmpress.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
TONIGHT! Ray E. Boomhower celebrates the release of his new book, Wallace Terry: From Selma to Saigon to Bloods, at the NYU John Brademas Center in D.C. He will be joined in conversation with and Lisa Terry; Marvin Kalb—Edward R. Murrow Professor of Practice, Emeritus; and moderator A’Lelia Bundles.
TONIGHT! Ray E. Boomhower celebrates the release of his new book, Wallace Terry: From Selma to Saigon to Bloods, at the NYU John Brademas Center in D.C. Boomhower will be joined in conversation with and Lisa Terry—writer, lawyer, and Wallace Terry’s daughter; Marvin Kalb—Edward R. Murrow Professor of Practice, Emeritus; and moderator A’Lelia Bundles—author and journalist.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
static.klipy.com
Jake Gyllenhaal See What You Did There Meme
ALT: Jake Gyllenhaal See What You Did There Meme
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
While birthday boy William Zinsser is best known, of course, for his classic "On Writing Well" book, I highly recommend his memoir, "Writing Places: The Life Journey of a Writer and Teacher." If you're a writer, you will want to check it out.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"I've just been through a terrible experience. I was up all night--having a poem." James Whitcomb Riley, born on this day in 1849
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Landed in DC for program tonight about my new Wallace Terry biography from the @unmpress.bsky.social. Should be fun.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"Four basic premises of writing: clarity, brevity, simplicity, and humanity." William Zinsser
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it's because it is hard.” William Zinsser
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Still amazed that William Zinsser, born on this day in 1922, took only a few months during the summer of 1974 (June to Labor Day) to finish 85 percent of what became a book that has sold more than 1.5 million copies--"On Writing Well." The idea for the book came from his wife Carolyn.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
“As a Hoosier, I am proud that Indiana led the nation in buying Liberty Bonds in the last war. I want to believe that Indiana will lead every other state again this time—and we will!" Hoosier actress Carole Lombard, born on this day in 1908 rayboomhower.blogspot.com/2022/10/caro...
rayboomhower.blogspot.com
Carole Lombard: Hoosier Actress
Before the days of cable and satellite dishes, when there were only three major networks available for viewing, one of the few things on tel...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Always nice to get a blurb from a Pulitzer winner!
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
“The thing is awful. It is terrifying. Unless man does something to regulate it, and regulate it soon, there is a possibility, yes a probability, that mankind will just destroy itself.” FYI President Trump, maybe listen to Wayne Guthrie outrider.org/nuclear-weap...
outrider.org
The Reporter and the Atomic Bomb
Wayne Guthrie and the Bikini Tests
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Correct! DM me your mailing address.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
It's launch day for my new biography about journalist Wallace Terry from the @unmpress.bsky.social. Time for a comp copy of the book to the first person to name the sport Terry played as a young man before giving it up for working on the student newspaper at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis.
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
What started as an article for "Traces" magazine grew into a full-scale biography that is today available from the @unmpress.bsky.social. It was an honor to write about Wallace Terry's remarkable life and times, from the civil rights movement to the Vietnam War. www.unmpress.com/978082637015...
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Ray E. Boomhower @rboomhower.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Always enjoy answering questions with Deborah.
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