How We Began...

It was  little know fact, that during WWII there was a standing order issued to all servicemen, prohibiting them from taking any photos or keeping a diary while in service, in fear that if captured, this might aid the enemy. 

At the end of the war, like so many others, my father, George Chizmar Sr.,  was discharged from the Navy and left only with his memories of the past several years and dreams of reclaiming his stake of the American Dream.

George Sr. soon married and played his role in jump starting the "Baby Boom" generation with my brother and I. He tried his hand at a number of businesses, but one seemed to show more promise then the others, mail-order household products. 

However, one day he heard the Pentagon archives were declassifying most of their photographs taken by the Signal Corp during WWII and were being transferred to the National Archives for the general public, and was eager to find some pictures of his old ship, the USS Montepelier (CL-57).

Word began to spread of his upcoming trip, and many old friends were reaching out to him, asking him to see if he could find some pictures of their ship, submarine or airforce base.

It didn't take him long to make the connection and so this was the beginning of Real War Photos. For over 35 years, dad made trips to the National Archives and the Pentegon to research requests for photos from veterans from all branches and all over the US. 

However, I must share one story... the US Navy was commissioning a new nuclear submarine the USS Chicago and wanted to display some photos during the commissiong ceremony. Dad was surprised to receive an order and letter from the US Navy for  pictures of all the ships that had previously held the name, the USS Chicago. Dad couldn't believe that he was actually selling pictures back to the government who owned the pictures in the first place. In all fairness Dad told them , 'Are you sure you want to buy these because you already own them'.They replied, '...definitely because it would take (them) too long to locate all the ships...like finding a needle in a haystack!'

Our father, George Chizmar, Sr. passed away on Oct 12, 2001, with his sons at his side. We now carry on his legacy that started long before he created RWP and his dream of "Memories Preserved" for veterans of all wars. 

Dedication

    Crew of the USS Montpelier CL-57,So. Pacific; Dad is front row kneeling, 2nd from right. (Yes, the Paul Newman-looking guy in the sun glasses!)

Real War Photos is dedicated to the memory of our beloved father, George Chizmar Sr., who served on the USS Montpelier CL-57. With our sincere appreciation for his committment and bravery during WWII and his vision in starting Real War Photos.  Thanks Dad. Our Love, George & Jo Ellen

Mission Statement

To provide the best possible photo reproductions at affordable prices so that veterans, retirees and their families might have service memories preserved.

Contact us today with your special request.

 N2458C USS Montpelier CL-57 40mm gun crew in action on the 06 Apr 1944.

 N2458 Empty 6" shell casings on the deck of the USS Montpelier CL-57 after battle action of Task Force #39 in the South Pacific on the 23 Dec 1943.

 N2454D USS Montpelier launched at the New York ship Building Yard. The ship has 100,000 horsepower with a crew of almost 900. Aerial oblique view. 27 Oct 1942.