A PERSONAL ASIDE TO THE GAMING COMMUNITY

Respected Game Designer and Author, Danny S. Parker, undergoes Treatment for Cancer


I am pleased to report that well-known game designer and recognized expert on the “Battle of the Bulge,” Danny S. Parker, is currently recuperating at the home of his sister, Sharon, after receiving a stem cell transplant and chemotherapy for his cancer. Encouragingly, the early results of his treatment — despite the inevitable and unfortunate side-effects of chemotherapy — seem favorable. For those readers who are unfamiliar with Danny’s extensive and varied contributions to wargaming and to the field of World War II military history, Mr. Parker is credited with the design of BATTLES FOR THE ARDENNES (1978) for SPI, DARK DECEMBER (1979) for OSG, and HITLER’S LAST GAMBLE (1989) for 3W. In addition, Danny also provided considerable assistance — particularly with his detailed research into the German and Allied orders of battle — to Charles B. MacDonald (the former deputy chief at the Office of Military History, U.S. Army) during MacDonald’s writing of “A Time for Trumpets: The Untold Story of the Battle of the Bulge.”


Danny S. Parker
It should also be noted that, besides designing a number of different conflict simulations on the Battle of the Bulge, Danny has also written numerous essays on World War II with special emphasis on the fighting in the Ardennes in 1944. His own meticulously-researched book on the last major German offensive in the west, The Battle of the Bulge, Hitler's Ardennes Offensive, 1944-1945 was published in 1991, and was followed three years later by the first definitive work, by any military historian, on the air war over the Ardennes from late 1944 through early 1945, To Win The Winter Sky, published in hardback in 1994. Moreover, in spite of his current illness, Danny is working on yet a new book — he completed the introductory chapter while still in the hospital — to be published in December, titled “Fatal Crossroads”.

I sincerely hope that Danny’s many fans will join with me in wishing this long-time contributor to the hobby of wargaming a speedy and complete recovery. In addition, for those visitors to my blog who would like to leave messages of support or encouragement for Mr. Parker, and also for those readers who would like to follow the patient’s progress during this critical phase in his convalescence, please visit his Guest Page at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dannyparker/createorsignin

4 comments:

  • Dear Friends,

    Not only am I in remission of late, but I am doing rather well.

    Who know how long that good fortune will continue, but I count each day's blessing.

    One today,is that my new book, Fatal Crossroads, is now available:

    http://www.amazon.com/Fatal-Crossroads-Untold-Malmedy-Massacre/dp/0306811936

    Product of 15-years work and a source of deep satisfaction for the gift of preserving a corner of history.

    Thank you for all your good wishes.

    Best,
    Danny Parker

  • Greetings Danny:

    Although I have been following the progress reports on your ongoing fight against your illness thanks to the good offices of "Caringbridge", I am pleased that you have taken the time to share your good news with those of my readers who may not have been aware, before now, of the remarkable recovery that you have been able to make over the last few months. Needless-to-say, those of us who are aware of your health issues have been delighted with your recent positive comments at "Caringbridge."

    Good luck with your new book and sincerest best wishes for your continuing recovery.

    Best Regards, Joe

  • Thanks Joe. The perennial gaming events in the Ardennes are coming up, and even I and my son think of that at this time of year.

    Who knows, we might play something.

    Danny

  • Greetings Danny:

    December is indeed a time of year that is replete with historical dates. In any case, I sincerely hope that you and yours have a wonderful Christmas, and that you and your son do, indeed, play a game to commemorate the Battle of the Bulge.

    Warmest Regards and Good Luck with your new book,
    Joe

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