Remembering Iwo Jima

71 years ago, in one week, 6821 men gave their life here. Not as much for the raising of a flag there, as much as it was for the cost of flying the flag back home. An enemy moved closer to final defeat. The victors paid a heavy price. Men died. Lives were changed forever. A page of history was indelibly written.

Let us remember those we lost that week, those many who have since joined them, and let us honor them along with the precious few who remain.

We will never forget the sacrifices. Cherish the freedom that was purchased at such a cost and can never be repaid.

#TuesdaysTroops - 4th AD's Medals of Honor (WW2)

As we continue to go through some of the parts of the 3rd Army, I want to remember three individuals from the 4th Armored Division. The 4th is special to me because it is the division my father served in. We will get to that at a later date. The 4th was also the first entire division to be awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. That was for actions from December 22, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, to March 27, 1945, just after the crossing of the Rhine, as the spearhead of the 3rd Army's assault on German positions.

From September 14, 1944 through December 26, 1944, three men distinguished themselves above and beyond and were recognized and awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions. Those three men were, 1st Lt. James H. Fields of the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion, Pvt. James R. Hendrix of the 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion, and Sgt. Joseph J. Sadowski of the 37th Tank Battalion.

I will let the citations of these three men speak for themselves.

Joseph James Sadowski

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Valhey, France. On the afternoon of 14 September 1944, Sgt. Sadowski as a tank commander was advancing with the leading elements of Combat Command A, 4th Armored Division, through an intensely severe barrage of enemy fire from the streets and buildings of the town of Valhey. As Sgt. Sadowski's tank advanced through the hail of fire, it was struck by a shell from an 88-mm. gun fired at a range of 20 yards. The tank was disabled and burst into flames. The suddenness of the enemy attack caused confusion and hesitation among the crews of the remaining tanks of our forces. Sgt. Sadowski immediately ordered his crew to dismount and take cover in the adjoining buildings. After his crew had dismounted, Sgt. Sadowski discovered that 1 member of the crew, the bow gunner, had been unable to leave the tank. Although the tank was being subjected to a withering hail of enemy small-arms, bazooka, grenade, and mortar fire from the streets and from the windows of adjacent buildings, Sgt. Sadowski unhesitatingly returned to his tank and endeavored to pry up the bow gunner's hatch. While engaged in this attempt to rescue his comrade from the burning tank, he was cut down by a stream of machinegun fire which resulted in his death. The gallant and noble sacrifice of his life in the aid of his comrade, undertaken in the face of almost certain death, so inspired the remainder of the tank crews that they pressed forward with great ferocity and completely destroyed the enemy forces in this town without further loss to themselves. The heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sgt. Sadowski, which resulted in his death, inspired the remainder of his force to press forward to victory, and reflect the highest tradition of the armed forces.

James H. Fields 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, at Rechicourt, France. On September 27, 1944, during a sharp action with the enemy infantry and tank forces, 1st Lt. Fields personally led his platoon in a counterattack on the enemy position. Although his platoon had been seriously depleted, the zeal and fervor of his leadership was such as to inspire his small force to accomplish their mission in the face of overwhelming enemy opposition. Seeing that 1 of the men had been wounded, he left his slit trench and with complete disregard for his personal safety attended the wounded man and administered first aid. While returning to his slit trench he was seriously wounded by a shell burst, the fragments of which cut through his face and head, tearing his teeth, gums, and nasal passage. Although rendered speechless by his wounds, 1st Lt. Fields refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his platoon by the use of hand signals. On 1 occasion, when 2 enemy machineguns had a portion of his unit under deadly crossfire, he left his hole, wounded as he was, ran to a light machinegun, whose crew had been knocked out, picked up the gun, and fired it from his hip with such deadly accuracy that both the enemy gun positions were silenced. His action so impressed his men that they found new courage to take up the fire fight, increasing their firepower, and exposing themselves more than ever to harass the enemy with additional bazooka and machinegun fire. Only when his objective had been taken and the enemy scattered did 1st Lt. Fields consent to be evacuated to the battalion command post. At this point he refused to move further back until he had explained to his battalion commander by drawing on paper the position of his men and the disposition of the enemy forces. The dauntless and gallant heroism displayed by 1st Lt. Fields were largely responsible for the repulse of the enemy forces and contributed in a large measure to the successful capture of his battalion objective during this action. His eagerness and determination to close with the enemy and to destroy him was an inspiration to the entire command, and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

James Richard Hendrix

On the night of 26 December 1944, near Assenois, Belgium, he was with the leading element engaged in the final thrust to break through to the besieged garrison at Bastogne when halted by a fierce combination of artillery and small arms fire. He dismounted from his half-track and advanced against two 88mm. guns, and, by the ferocity of his rifle fire, compelled the guncrews to take cover and then to surrender. Later in the attack he again left his vehicle, voluntarily, to aid 2 wounded soldiers, helpless and exposed to intense machinegun fire. Effectively silencing 2 hostile machineguns, he held off the enemy by his own fire until the wounded men were evacuated. Pvt. Hendrix again distinguished himself when he hastened to the aid of still another soldier who was trapped in a burning half-track. Braving enemy sniper fire and exploding mines and ammunition in the vehicle, he extricated the wounded man and extinguished his flaming clothing, thereby saving the life of his fellow soldier. Pvt. Hendrix, by his superb courage and heroism, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service.

Fields went on to attain the rank of Captain and also received a Bronze and a Silver Star for other actions during the war. 

Sadowski was honored by the citizens of Valhey, France in 1999, when they erected a monument honoring him. There was also a ceremony at the monument in 2009, the 65th anniversary of his death, where an old friend and a commander of Co. B, 37th Tank Battalion, Col. Jimmie Leach spoke in his honor.

Hendrix went on to attain the rank of MSgt. and served in Korea and Vietnam as well before he retired in 1966.

All three of these men exemplified the spirit and tenacity of, not only their units, but also the 4th Armored Division as a whole. The division's drive through German defenses was legendary, and was lead from the top down by extremely talented and driven men. They were a large part of the reason that the Third Army hammered Germany in the manner that they did.

Let us never forget these three men, nor the units they served with, which will be explored further, in more detail in coming weeks. 

#MondayMachines - P-38

While the P-38 Lighting was a magnificent machine, we are going to be looking at a different P-38 today. I concede this is more of a tool than a machine, but if you'll play along...

The fighting men of World War 2 often found themselves away from mess halls or field kitchens for extended periods. They still had to eat. The go to solution was initially the K-ration and later the C-ration. They were initially packaged into cans that had to be opened with a "church key" type of turn-key opener. In 1942, the P-38 can opener was developed to facilitate easier opening of any type of can, including those included in C-ration packs. They served the U.S. Military from then until the 1980's. They are still in production by various companies.

There is not a lot of exciting information to impart about this tool, but its usefulness is undeniable. It was lightweight, easy to hang on to (most were kept on the same chain with dogtags), and functionally, were practically fail proof. They could become dulled after a number of uses, but I have also heard a Vietnam veteran say he has used his since he received it with no problems.

The use of this tool kept a lot of soldiers fed over the course of three major conflicts. I'm sure without it, they would have developed an alternative, but because it worked so well, and was so cheap to produce, it had a long, productive life.

I happen to have one that my Great-Uncle used at the tail end of World War Two. I kept in on a key ring for many years, but have since let it retire completely from service. Mine was made by the Speaker Company.

 

#TuesdaysTroops - 90th Infantry Division

90th ID "Tough 'Ombres"

The 90th Infantry Division was formed during World War One. Only "over there" for about a year, they fought as part of the American Expeditionary Forces under General Pershing in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel. The allied attack caught the Germans in retreat and decimated them, killing, wounding or taking prisoner around half of the 50,000 German troops. This was a significant victory. 

They also were part of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the principle, largest, and final battle by the U.S. in the war. It cost the United States about 120,000 casualties, among them, over 7500, including almost 1100 dead from the 90th Infantry Division. The 90th would return to the U.S. and become deactivated following the war.

March of 1942 would see the reactivation of the 90th. For two years they trained and were then sent to England where they would continue training from Early April 1944 until June 4, 1944. At that point, they headed to Utah Beach, Normandy, France. 

The 90th Infantry Division, during World War Two consisted of the 315th Engineer Combat Bn., four field artillery battalions, the 343rd, 344th, 345th, and 915th. three infantry regiments, the 357th, 358th, and 359th, and the 790th Ardance Light Maintenance Company. Also, attached to the division were parts of the 537th Anti Aircraft Artillery Battalion, the 712th Tank Battalion, and the 607th and 773rd Tank Destroyer Battalions. 

Starting with the D-Day landings in Normandy, the 90th participated in 5 major campaigns, including the Northern France portion of Operation Overlord, the Rhineland Campaign, Ardennes-Alsace, including the Battle of the Bulge, and finally, the Central Europe Campaign which culminated with the invasion of Germany and the end of the European portion of World War Two. It was in the waning weeks of the war when they came upon the Flossenbürg concentration camp. This camp saw over 90,000 prisoners pass through, some 30,000 died there. By the time the 90th ID arrived, only about 1500 severely emaciated people remained in camp. About a week after liberating them, the war came to end. The same day this news arrived, the 90th accepted the surrender of the highest scoring fighter ace in history, Erich Hartmann, "the Black Devil" as he was known to the Soviets. He downed 345 of their aircraft and 7 American aircraft during the war. Also surrendering to the 90th that day, was Hartmann's unit, the Jagdgeshwader 52, which claimed over 10,000 aerial victories.

The 90th was comprised of men who were awarded over 6100 Bronze Stars, 1400+ Silver Stars, 54 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 4 recipients of the Medal of Honor. Those men were:

Sergeant John D. "Bud" Hawk

Company E, 359th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

PFC Foster J. Sayers

Company L, 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

Technical Sergeant Eugene Everhart Sr.

 Company H, 359th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

Corporal Edward A. Bennett

 Company B, 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division

The 90th returned stateside in December, 1945 and was deactivated. A valued part of Patton's 3rd Army, he once said of the division, "Sometimes I don't think you know how ___ ____ good you are. You are the best soldiers in the world. It was a great honor to command you." While Patton may have spoken similar words to others, those are indeed hefty praise coming from him. I have no doubt that he meant them.

The men of the 90th, spread among many different units, were very much a huge part of the victory in Europe. From intensive training, to the invasion of Normandy and the march through battle after bloody battle until Germany was defeated was no small thing. The number of men lost was staggering. They lost more than they started with. Constant re-enforcement kept the units running like a well oiled machine that would not stop until the job was done. 

There have been at least 25 notable books written about the 90th or elements of the 90th, a great list can be found on the 90th Division Association's website at: Books About the 90th. There look to be some really good reads in here.

Not many remain from these warriors who fought so incredibly valiantly so many years ago. It is a privilege for me to learn and share as much about them as I can. I encourage you to dig further as well. There is a wealth of information out there if you have the time and desire to look for it. Let's not forget these men. Honor them by getting to know about what they did. The sacrifices they made are overwhelming if you think about it. So many gave so much of themselves for each other and for the freedoms, not only that we enjoy, but for the freedoms of people halfway around the world whom they didn't even know. Some of the towns throughout Europe seem to hold these heroes in higher reverance than do many of our own citizens. This is a sad fact that should not be tolerated. Honor them. Remember them. Cherish them!

#MondayMachines: Rifle- U.S. Cal. .30 M1

The official designation is: Rifle - U.S. Cal. .30 M1, but most people who have ever heard of it, or especially fired it, know it as the M1 Garand.

Are there more advanced weapons out there? Yes. Are there more practical, efficient, accurate, lighter, prettier, etc. weapons out there? Certainly. But from a historical, gun-loving perspective, these things are one of a kind, outstanding and just plain fun to fire. Kind of like driving a Willys Jeep or sharpening an old K-Bar.

Instead of going through all the details and history of the rifle, I thought I'd give just a brief overview and then share a few good links I thought you might enjoy.

The Garand was the standard service rifle of the U.S. Armed Forces from the time it replaced the bolt-action M1903 Springfield in 1936 until it was replaced by the selective fire M14 in 1957. It still saw extensive use until 1963 and further limited use until 1976. It is still used for drill purposes mostly.

Including the prototype, the Garand had 33 different variants produced. Most of them being variations in functionality with things like scopes modifications, barrel length, sniper variants, chambering and clip/magazine versions. Most never saw active duty except for some of the sniper variants.

Patton once said the M1 was, "the greatest implement of battle ever devised". He also stated that, "the M1 rifle is the most deadly rifle in the world". High praise from a tough S.O.B.

 Now the fun stuff...

Here is a 250+ page field manual to thumb through for your enjoyment

Basic Field Manual

Two 1940's era Army training films. These beauties are top notch production and so incredibly informational. You just can't beat this stuff.

Marksmanship Training Film
Principles of Operation

John Garand with Major General Wesson(ctr) and Brigadier General Stewart 

Training at Ft. Knox, 1942

Soldier with M1 at Guam, 1944

Propaganda poster reminding folks to keep their mouths shut!

Anyone have a time machine and $78 I can borrow?

#FridayForts - Ft. Riley

Fort Riley, "Home of the Big Red One" (1st Infantry Division), is known for its excellent training, abundant recreational opportunities, rich history, and tremendous relations with surrounding communities.

That's according to the website for Fort Riley, located in Kansas, about 60 miles west of Topeka. I can't speak to all of that, but it definitely has a rich history. 

In 1853, Camp Center, in the Kansas Territory was named after Major General Bennett C. Riley, just 3 weeks after his death. It initially served as a military post to protect people and trade traveling over three of the major trails heading westward, the Oregon, California and Sante Fe Trails. In the years after the Civil War, the post was a U.S. Cavalry base and school for cavalry tactics. It was also used as a base for years of Indian skirmishes, George Custer was stationed here with the 7th Cavalry in 1866. Custer Hill is the main troop billeting area on the base and the Custer Home is a period accurate museum located on the base. In 1887, Fort Riley became home to the United States Cavalry School. 

Among other notable units associated with Fort Riley are the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the famed "Buffalo Soldiers". They were each stationed at Ft. Riley at various points in their histories. Just before World War One, both became part of the 2nd Cavalry Division, which was also stationed here for a short time.

In the following two decades, sometimes referred to as the golden age of cavalry, thanks to rigorous, outstanding training at Fort Riley, U.S. Cavalry units grew to be among the best in the world. The United States Army Cavalry School's reputation, ranked them with the French and Italian schools. All things cavalry became very popular for the time, including horse shows, hunts and polo matches, which were an outgrowth of the cavalry.

Advances in battlefield technologies demonstrated during WW1 cast doubt, by some, on the future of effective usefulness of  cavalry units. The War Department had directed the development of tank units by the late 1920's and in 1936, the 7th Cavalry Brigade(mechanized) was activated. In 1938, the 7th marched from Fort Knox to Fort Riley and took part in large-scale combine maneuvers of horse and mechanized units. These exercises helped prove the effectiveness of mechanized cavalry.

The lead up to World War Two saw changes at Fort Riley. One notable change was the rebuilding of Camp Funston, just outside the base. Funston was initially built as a cantonment that could accommodate up to 50,000 troops. In December, 1940, the 2nd Cavalry Division was stationed there and an additional 32,000 acres were acquired for training purposes. The 9th Armored Division was organized in July, 1942 and after they deployed, Funston was turned into a POW camp. It became one of up to fourteen in the immediate area.

Just after WW2, in November, 1946, the Cavalry School ceased operations. The following March, the last tactical horse units were deactivated. The Cavalry School was replaced with the Ground General School. It trained newly commissioned officers in basic military subjects. An officer’s candidate course was conducted along with training officers and enlisted men in intelligence techniques. Soon after, the storied 10th Mountain Division was activated. The 16-week basic military program conducted by this division prepared soldiers for infantry combat and duty with other infantry units. This was 1948. About two years later, North Korea invaded South Korea and Fort Riley became the focal point for much of the training of the troops involved.

The Cold War saw the 10th Mountain Division rotate to Germany as part of Operation Gyroscope. The void at Fort Riley was filled handily by the Big Red One. The 1st Infantry Division began arriving in July, 1955 and did not fully integrate until the last units of the 2nd Battle Group, 8th Infantry arrived in December 1959. Over the next seven years, heightened activity with the 1st Infantry Division in the way of Operation Long Thrust, which saw troops moved to and from Germany, the building of the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban Missile Crisis had Ft. Riley bursting at the seams. To support the need for more adequate training facilities, an additional 50,000 acres were acquired in 1966.

The Vietnam War required the 1st Infantry Division to be deployed starting in July, 1965 with the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. Divisional HQ followed in September. Fort Riley was home to a new provisional basic combat training brigade which was followed by the addition of the reactivated 9th Infantry Division. They soon followed the 1st ID to Vietnam.

Soon, the 24th Infantry Division would arrive. The 1st ID would return from Vietnam in April of 1970. Reserve Officer Training Corps summer camps were also held at the fort, demonstrating and teaching their skills to aspiring second lieutenants. The fort also hosted the model U. S. Army Correctional Brigade, housed in Camp Funston, and the 3rd ROTC Region Headquarters until their inactivation in 1992.

Operation Desert Storm saw the Big Red One on the move, yet again. Along with the 1st Infantry Division, 27 non-divisional units were deployed and twenty-four reserve components were mobilized. This amounted to 15,180 soldiers being sent overseas via 115 aircraft. This, along with 3,000 short tons of equipment. This culminated with the "100 hours of combat", in February, 1991, which crushed Iraq's Republican Guard. Later that spring, the 1st ID came home to Fort Riley.

Spring of 1995 saw the 1st Infantry Division's HQ transferred back to Germany. All that remained at Ft. Riley was 1st Brigade, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division and the 937th Engineer Group.

1999 saw the re-emergence of Ft. Riley as a Division Headquarters with the reactivation of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized).

In April, 2003, the 3rd Brigade 1st Armored Division deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 3rd Brigade operated in and around Baghdad in support of the 1st Armored Division. Over the next 9 years, Fort Riley units supported combat operations both Iraq and Afghanistan.

On August 1, 2006, the 1st Infantry Division returned to Fort Riley and became the post's main Division, replacing the 24th Infantry Division in that role.

Four museums, in addition to the Custer Home are located on base. The U.S. Cavalry Museum, which features exhibits and artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War up until the 1950's, the 1st Infantry Division Museum, which traces the division from it's inception, the first territorial capitol of Kansas, which is the sole remaining building in the ghost town that was taken over by Ft. Riley after only 5 days of existence, and finally, one of  eight of the twenty M65 atomic cannons, known collectively as "Atomic Annie".

Fort Riley has been a focal point of U.S. military operations since its inception. The role it has played in cavalry operations, training and support have done a tremendous amount for the preparation and readiness of combat troops going back 150 years. Two of the most storied divisions in our history have called Ft. Riley home. Innumerable troops have passed through her gates in various roles with various duties and destinations. Many of them never came home. Let's not forget those who have fought out of Ft. Riley. The sacrifices they have made have gone a long way on forging the freedoms we now enjoy.

Thank you to all who have ever set passed through Ft. Riley in the name of defending this country! Your impact is cherished and your memory remains alive! 

  

#WarriorWednesday - MSG Llewellyn Chilson

Llewellyn Chilson was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 1, 1920. His service epitomizes the concept of warrior.

He was inducted into the Army on March 28, 1942, about one month after his older brother, Alvin, was killed in action while fighting in the Philippines. His basic training was completed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana and then he trained further at Camp Livingston, Louisiana and then Camp Johnson, Florida where he underwent amphibious training with the 112th IR. After this he transferred yet again to Fort Pickett, Virginia where he was assigned duty with an anti-tank company of the 179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, Thunderbirds.

With the Thunderbirds, he fought in North Africa, Italy, North and South France, and finally Germany. In this relatively short two years, he distinguished himself as someone who could be counted on by those around him, and someone who was in no way afraid to take it to the enemy.

When he was discharged, after the war, he had been awarded twelve individual decorations for combat, seven of which were decoration for valor. It is believed that his seven combat valor decorations are the most to have been awarded an infantryman during World War Two. In addition to all of these, he was also nominated on two separate occasions for the Medal of Honor.

While in Italy, he was awarded the first of his three Purple Hearts after a shrapnel wound on February 15, 1944. The following day, he and three other soldiers were captured by Germans only after running out of ammunition during a firefight. All four managed to escape the following day and took four German prisoners with them. This led to the subsequent capture of forty more Germans by Chilson. For these actions he was awarded the first of his three Silver Stars. This was awarded after he, alone, rushed against a German roadblock killing three and taking nine prisoners.

On November 30, 1944 near Gumbrechstoffen, France he defended what was thought to be an indefensible position. For this action, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor by his platoon sergeant. About three months later, a series of actions by Chilson, including taking 200 German prisoners led to his being nominated yet again for the Medal of Honor. This occurred during a five day period in late March, 1945 where he was awarded the Legion of Merit, his third Silver Star, a Bronze Star with V, and a Distinguished Service Cross.

Less than a month later, in Germany now, from April 25 to April 27, he was awarded his second and third Distinguished Service Crosses and his second and third Purple Hearts. Chilson was hospitalized and eventually sent back to the states and given an honorable discharge on June 30, 1946. That December, President Truman decorated him with seven of the medals he had been awarded. In doing so, Truman remarked, "This is the most remarkable list of citations I have ever seen. For any one of these, this young man is entitled to all the Country has to offer. These ought to be worth a Medal of Honor---that's what I think about it." Chilson's Medal of Honor had been approved by General Joseph T. McNarney, commanding general of U.S. forces in the European theater, but the War Depatrment, while finding his actions very commendable, did not find them worthy of the Medal of Honor.

Chilson re-enlisted in November, 1947, waiving his disability, and served as an Army Recruiter. He was sent to Ft. Hood in 1947 to help train National Guardsmen. While there, he met Audie Murphy, another warrior, who is the only soldier more decorated than Chilson was during World War Two.

Chilson was one of only four who survived the crash of a USAF C-124A Globemaster II. That crash, near McChord Air Force Base, killed 24.

Chilson retired from the U.S. Army as a Master Sergeant in 1964. He mover to Tacoma, Washington and managed a service station and drove a taxi until his death in 1981, at age 61.

Llewellyn Chilson's military awards include twelve individual decorations for combat he received from the U.S. Army for World War II: three Distinguished Service Crosses, three Silver Stars, one Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for heroism), and three Purple Hearts.

To say Llewellyn Chilson was a warrior is probably selling him short. His actions in combat are extraordinary. He undoubtedly save many lives by leadership in action. He probably inspired many men to push further, to fight harder and to never give up under whatever circumstances they found themselves. He absolutely embodies what the warrior spirit is about.

Thank you Llewellyn Chilson for a stellar Army career.


A short newsreel of Truman decorating Chilson : Truman Decorates Chilson

A very thorough timeline of Chilson's Army service: 45th Division - Chilson

179th IR

45th Infantry Division

#FridayForts - Fort Rucker

The Ozark Triangular Division Camp was renamed Camp Rucker before it officially opened in 1942. Camp Rucker was named after Civil War Colonel Edmund Rucker of the the Confederate Army of Tennessee. Rucker became an industrial leader in Birmingham after the war. Camp Rucker is located about 125 miles south of Birmingham in Dale County, Alabama.

In September of 1942, more land was acquired and an airfield was built, Ozark Army Airfield. It would later, in 1959, be changed to Cairns Army Airfield. During World War II, Camp Rucker was used as training for infantry divisions. The 81st "Wildcat" Division, that would go on to fight in the Pacific at Palau, Peleliu, and Leyte Islands. The 35th "Sante Fe" Division which fought all over Europe, from Omaha Beach, to Bastogne to the mopping up and occupation of Hanover at the end of the War. The 98th "Iroquois" Division that was slated to take part in the invasion of Japan. And the 66th "Black Panther" Division, which suffered a great tragedy when one of the transport ships it was utilizing was torpedoed, causing the loss of over 760 men. The division went on to fight in the last few months of the war in Germany before readying for a deployment to the Pacific that never happened.

Camp Rucker also trained dozens of smaller units, including tank units, Women's Army Corps units and many infantry replacement units. It was also used to house German and Italian prisoners of war. Camp Rucker was closed for a short period after the war ended, but re-opened with the start of the Korean War.

The Minnesota Army National Guard was sent to Camp Rucker in the fall of 1950 and would remain there throughout the war as a training force for replacement troops being sent to the Korean peninsula. At the end of the war, after another short deactivation, it was expanded to become a helicopter training base and the name was officially changed to Fort Rucker in October of 1955. In October of 1959, the Hanchey Army Heliport at Fort Rucker became the home of the Department of Rotary Wing Training of the Army Aviation School. That marked the first time that the department had been centralized in one location.

Fort Rucker is now the primary training for Army Aviation and is home to United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE). The U.S. Army Aviation Museum is also located on Fort Rucker. Army Aviation training has taken place solely at Fort Rucker since 1973. In addition to all of the intensive, comprehensive training that takes place here, it is also home to Warrant Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Career College, and the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center.

Fort Rucker has grown mightily from its humble beginnings to become one of the pre-eminent bases/training centers in use by the U.S.Army. Helicopter warfare was born here and perfected in and above the jungles of Vietnam. Many other innovations and training doctrines were developed at Fort Rucker and have come to be a huge part of U.S. Army Aviation.

The number of people that have come through Fort Rucker is probably innumerable, but to say that many of them went on to serve in ways that altered the course of history is probably an understatement.

We are thankful for all who have trained others here and all who have been trained here. Our nation and the outcome of countless battles and several wars have depended on you for over 70 years.

Pearl Harbor Remembered

"A day that will live in infamy" were among the very profound words that Franklin Delano Roosevelt uttered in the immediate aftermath of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, 74 years ago today.

Much has been written and said about this seminal event in, not only American history, but also world history. I have tried several times to share my thoughts, and they usually, as could be expected, fall well short of  the mark I feel they should hit.

It isn't about me. It isn't about trying to have the deepest thoughts or collecting the most hits or likes.

What makes this moment in history so important, at least to me, is the people.

The lives lost.
The lives saved.
The lives changed.
The lives that ceased, at that moment, to ever have a chance at being the same as they would have been had the event not happened.

Here is what makes Pearl Harbor Day remembrances have meaning...

#FridayForts - NBSD

Naval Base San Diego is one of the Navy's largest installations. Sometimes referred to as the 32nd Street Naval Station, It is the principle home port of the U.S Pacific Fleet. That fleet consists of over a quarter million Navy and Marine personnel, and over 200 ships. The NBSD as home port, consists of about 50 of those ships and over 120 tenant commands. The base population is around 20,000 military and 6,000 civilian workers. The base stretches over 1300 acres, both in water and on land.

The land was initially owned and operated by a coalition of ship building firms known as the Emergency Fleet Corporation which was operating under the name of Pacific Marine Construction. With World War 1 coming to a close, the outlook was bleak for PMC. One of the coalition companies, Schofield Engineering held an option to purchase the existing plant, but was delaying a decision as the rest was negotiated back to the city of San Diego. The Navy wanted the area to establish a west coast ship repair facility. They, too, were dragging their feet by not having passed an  appropriations bill for the project. In June of 1920, however, Congress passed an appropriations bill that included 750,000 dollars for the Navy. Still, Schofield hesitated. Roger Welles, then the commandant of the 11th Naval District grew tired and threatened to pull the plug and seek land elsewhere. His threat worked, Schofield relented, and the Navy had her yard.

The base expanded consistently for the next 16 years, functioning as a Destroyer Base, adding torpedo and radio schools and adding land and around 30 buildings. At the outbreak of World War Two, the base expanded heavily, adding expanded fleet training schools and an amphibious force training unit. By October of 1943, it had dramatically outgrown its basic function of a Destroyer Base. It was then re-designated U.S. Repair Base, San Diego. It held that title and function though WW2.

Between 1943 and 1945, conversion, overhaul, maintenance and repairs from damage taken in battle became a primary focus. During this time, over 5100 ships came into port for these reasons. A large part of this process was the construction of 155 dry docks. They were delivered to various bases and also utilized heavily at San Diego. Included in these were seven large floating dry docks from 900 tons up to 3000 tons. These became the central repair and training facilities and were absolutely crucial to the mission of the base during World War 2.

Post war, the mission changed again. This time to providing logistical support (including repair and dry-docking) to the active fleet. With this transition, the base continued to grow, adding buildings, berthing space and land. The barracks grew to accommodate more than 18,000 men. The galley grew large enough to be able to feed 3,500 men in a single siting.

In the 1990's the Long Beach Naval Yard closed. Naval Station San Diego was re-aligned under Commander, Navy Region Southwest and became the hub for all Navy port operations for the region. It was at this time, it became Naval Base San Diego, with the change, assuming all logistical responsibility for the region as well as for Naval Medical Center San Diego.

This base has been an integral part of Navy operations for almost 100 years. It has been home to countless men and women who have put their lives on the line in combat in every engagement since World War 2. During WW2, it was an absolutely vital part of the effort that won the war. It remains no less vital today in its mission. Taken from the website of NBSD:

Our Mission
Our Mission is to deliver the highest standard of support and quality of life services to the Fleet, Fighter and Family.

Our Vision 
We will continually pursue excellence and be the best in all that we do.  Working as one team with one mission, we will be responsive to the needs of the Fleet, Fighter and Family and efficiently deliver top quality capabilities.  We exist to serve and support; our labors will demonstrate effective stewardship of the resources entrusted to us to support the fleet.

Our Philosophy 
Lead by example! Don't give up the base!

Everything you could possibly want to know about the Naval Base San Diego can be found at the Navy's website: NBSD Website.

The people that have passed through the gates, into and out of the harbor, or had anything at all to do with this base have been a part of something excellent. They are what make it so. We can never thank them enough for the role they have played in securing our freedoms, tending to the needs of those in combat, and helping the families of everyone involved. An incredible team effort headed up by some of the best leadership in the history of naval warfare has made an impact on the world that can not be stated strongly enough.

Thank you to all who have served, in any capacity at the Naval Base San Diego. Our flag flies proudly because of your service and sacrifices.

#ThursdayThoughts

In our corps without responsibility and discipline we would not have won the Battle of Iwo Jima

 -LTG "Howlin' Mad" Smith

The raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years

-Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal to LTG Holland McTyeire "Howlin' Mad" Smith



These two quotes taken together say a lot about the Marine Corps. Who they are, and what they mean to our country. They have achieved a great many things in the course of this nation's history. They would not have had the pattern of success that they enjoy without the hard work, training, discipline, dedication, leadership and heartbeat of every single Marine who ever wore the uniform.

Smith cited responsibility and discipline as primary factors in the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the hardest fought victories in the history of warfare. Other things certainly came into play on those black sand beaches so staunchly defended by a fortified, entrenched, determined enemy (so determined that around 18,000 of the estimated 21,000 died during the battle. They were not about to give up. In fact, the last ones to be captured after coming out of hiding occurred in 1949). But the greatest factor in the commander's eyes was the responsible actions of disciplined Marines.

We can only hope that Forrestal's quote finds firm footing on the pages of history when looked back on many years from now. I have little doubt, if the Marines continue to act in the manner that Marines have acted since their inception, that they will last as long as this nation lasts.

God Bless the U.S. Marine Corps!

 

The Men of the B-26 Marauder

On November 25. 1940, 75 years ago today, the Glenn L. Martin Company out of Santa Ana, California put an airplane in the sky. It was a Martin B-26 Marauder. During the course of World War Two, they produced 5,288 Marauders. Today, only seven remain. Out of those, only one is flight worthy.

While Martin was producing the planes, a nation was producing the pilots and crews that would use them to help bring down the Axis powers that were trying to remove freedom from the face of the Earth. When the United States Army Air Force called, men answered. The men took the machines and became some of the most successful units of the war. The Marauder went on to record the lowest attrition rate per sortie of any aircraft used by the USAAF in Europe, the primary theater of operation. From the first mission flown by the 22nd Bomb Group on April 5, 1942 to attack a Japanese base at Rabaul, New Britian, to the last bombing  mission flown by the 17th Bomb Group, 1st tactical Air Force when they attacked gun positions on the Isle d'Orelon, France, the men of the Marauders served with distinction and honor, participating in 129,943 missions, dropping 169,382 tons of bombs. The Marauder achieved these records with the loss rate of less than one percent.

There is an outstanding website, originally created in 1998 by the nephew of a Marauder Pilot, Robert Brockett, who flew with the 387th BG, 558th BS on 65 missions. It has since turned into a wonderful place where many crew and their descendants have shared an extraordinary amount of photos and history. I highly suggest you check out b26.com/. I warn you though, if you enjoy wartime photos, set aside some time, because you will be there for a while.

Thank you to all of the men and women who were pilots, gunners, engineers, and crew on this storied aircraft that played such an important role during World War Two. To those who were lost, we are forever grateful for your sacrifices. We will never forget the price you paid for the freedoms we enjoy to this day. To those who made it home, your service is no less appreciated. You fought over the skies of the Pacific and Europe not only for one another, but for your very lives. Back home, the WASPs played an often overlooked or forgotten role. Their contribution was integral in the war effort. All who played a part will forever stand in the history of this great nation on a well deserved but never asked for pinnacle. 

 "Fightin' Cock" of the 450th BS 322nd BG 9th AF

"A Kay Pro's Dream"

"Dee Feater"

596th BS, 397th BG, 98th BW, 9th BC, 9th AF

With D-Day Markings

Pilot, Robert Brockett

USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) November 24, 1943

72 years ago today, while operating in the Battle of Tarawa, the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed. The resulting explosion caused the carrier to sink within minutes, taking with it, 644 men. Only 272 were rescued. It was a catastrophic loss of life.

The men lost that day deserve to be remembered and honored. They played a big part in destroying a totalitarian regime that was bent on world domination. Their service and ultimate sacrifice was certainly not made in vain.

The survivors of the Liscome Bay also deserve to be honored and remembered for the same reason. Many of them are no longer with us and it won't be long until none of them remain. We cannot let the memories and accomplishments of these men go away with them.

We salute those who lost their lives that day. We salute those that survived. We salute those that remain.

Burial at sea for two of those lost that day.

Major General Bruno Hochmuth

United States Marine Corps Major General Bruno Arthur Hochmuth was born May 10, 1911 in Houston, Texas. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University in 1935, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marines.

He served with the 6th Marines and the 4th Marines in China up until 1940. After returning stateside he was attached to the 7th Marine Defense Battalion and sent to American and Western Samoa. He rose to the rank of Major and remained deployed in the Pacific theater until early 1943. In May of 1944, after another stint stateside, he returned to the Pacific, this time as Assistant Operations Officer of the III Marine Amphibious Corps at the Battles of Saipan and Tinian. He then commanded the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines at Okinawa. After Japan's Surrender, he served as Executive Officer of the 4th Marines and commanded the Marine Barracks at Yokosuka for almost two years.

He continued to serve in various capacities in various locations for the next 16 years, rising up the ranks along the way. In 1963 while at the Headquarters Marine Corps, where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Research and Development), he was promoted from Brigadier to Major General. He then served as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. 

In March of 1967, he assumed the role of Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division, Republic of South Vietnam. It was in this capacity, during an inspection tour, that the helicopter he was riding in exploded shortly after take-off and crashed, killing all five men aboard. That was 48 years ago today.

Major Al Chancey, who was piloting the second helicopter that day, while recalling the event some 38 years later, shared the following words:

...But I could never imagine how quickly I would come face to face with the painful realities of flying helicopters in combat.  And among the things I learned this day was that there is nothing to prepare you for seeing an aircraft filled with Marines falling to earth in a ball of fire.  The first reaction is unimaginable shock at the sight of an aircraft exploding in mid air only a few yards away, but the shock is momentarily tempered by total disbelief and the urgent action to avoid the debris.  More lasting is the overpowering feeling of helplessness as the aircraft tumbles to earth and you realize you are witness to the last agonizing moments of life for the five Marines on board.  Only later does the profound sadness settle into the pit of your stomach along with the nausea it creates.  Even today, 38 years later, I often think of these few good Marines and what they might have done with their lives, and I pray that the loved ones they left behind have found peace. 

Lost in the accident that day were:

Capt Milton George Kelsey, pilot, VMO-3 Capt Thomas Anthony Carter, copilot, VMO-3 Cpl Ronald Joseph Phelps, crew chief, VMO-3 MGen Bruno Arthur Hochmuth, passenger, Commanding General, 3rd Marine Division Major Robert Andrew Crabtree, passenger, HQ, 3rd Marine Division

It is sometime easy to equate rank, with importance. Not to diminish the capacity that any of these men served in, and respecting the rank and duties that come with it, in the end, they are all just men. All had families. All were loved. All were mourned and will be missed as long as the memories of them remain alive. Let us do our part in keeping their memories alive. It was with honor that they served and with honor that they will be remembered.

USS Juneau (CL-52)

"I have some news for you about your boys."

"Which one?"

"I'm sorry. All five."

George, Frank, Joe, Matt and Al Sullivan all joined the Navy together(George and Frank had previously served as well) on January 3, 1942, with the stipulation that they be allowed to serve together. The Navy had a policy of separating siblings, but it was not strictly enforced. All five Sullivan Brothers were accepted and assigned to the USS Juneau.

They served during all actions that the Juneau took part in, including Santa Cruz and Guadalcanal. The ship earned four battle stars. It was during the Battle of Guadalcanal that disaster struck the Juneau. During the incredible, point blank (for Naval battle standards) battle, the Juneau was hit by a torpedo and started to list badly enough to have to withdraw from the battle. As she and two other ships, the USS Helena (CL-50) and USS San Francisco (CA-38) steamed toward Espirito Santo in Vanuatu for repairs, the Juneau was hit by a second torpedo and almost immediately broke in half and sank. The other two ships, damaged and fearing further attack, radioed to report the sinking, but negated to stop and search for any survivors, of which there were more than 100. The rescuers didn't arrive for eight days. By that time, only ten survivors remained.

All five of the Sullivan Brothers perished. This is an incredible tragedy for the family for sure, but also for a nation. It became a huge story and has since become a widely told one.

As tragic as the loss of the Sullivan's was, we must also remember that there were 682 others who died in those days. We lost 687 men on the USS Juneau. All of them had families that had to hear the terrible news of their passing, just the same way that Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan, their sister, Genevieve, and Albert's wife and son had to hear it. Devastating for each and every one of them.

While the Sullivan story is undeniably heartbreaking, we must never forget that each and every person that has made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country has a story as well. Each one of them leaves someone behind who loves them, who sees them as a very dear part of life and who will forever be changed by the loss. I can't imagine losing five at the same time, largely, because I can't imagine losing just one of my boys.

Abraham Lincoln's (debate about the veracity not needed) letter to Lydia Bixby during the Civil War is as poignant now as it was then. It could very easily be intended for the family of ANY single service member lost.

The Bixby letter reads:

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln

Let us never forget ANY of them.

L-R- Joe, Frank, Al, Matt, and George Sullivan

Remembering the USS Mount Hood Disaster

71 years ago today, November 10, 1944, we lost a great number of men when the USS Mount Hood (AE-11), an ammunition ship anchored at Seeadler Harbor of Manus Island in Papua New Guinea, exploded. The numbers lost that day vary quite a bit from several different sources, as high as 432 deaths are reported. The cause is also not agreed upon, by official reports, survivors and eyewitnesses. Poor protocol, torpedoes and a kamikaze(reported by two eyewitnesses) are among those listed. 

While we may not know definitively, why it exploded, or even the exact number of men lost, we do know that they need to be remembered and honored for their service and sacrifice. It was a tremendous loss. Countless lives were affected by this incredible disaster. I read one account of a 90 year old widow, suffering from Alzheimer disease who could recall very little of her life, except, according to her son, her 18 year old husband who died that day, who she remembers fondly. 

The explosion of the USS Mount Hood was tremendous. It damaged or destroyed 90 ships in the area. Many were killed and injured on those ships as well. The following chart was taken from an official report filed in December of 1944. 

Let us be thankful for these men. Let us honor these men. Let us never forget these men. 

Ship	Extent of Damage (Estimated man hours required to effect repairs)	Known Dead	Missing	Injured
Mount Hood (AE-11)	Destroyed	1	295	1
Mindanao (ARG-3)	48,000	23		174
Oberrender (De-344)	6,200	1	1	17
Alhena (AKA-9)	3,500	3		56
YMS-293	13,200	2		13
YMS-238	10,000	1	1	13
YMS-49	8,700	1		12
YMS-340	1,837	1		10
YMS-286	*Serious			12
YMS-243	1,424			12
Cebu (ARG-6)	841	5		6
YMS-39	42
YMS-71	16			1
YMS-81	150			3
YMS-140	*Minor			4
YMS-319	81
YMS-335	60
Potawatomi (ATF-109)	45
Piedmont (AD-17)	1,400	1		3
Walter C. Mann (DE-412)	2
YMS-1	35			1
Argonne (AG-31)	150	2	2	12
Cacapon (AO-52)	325
Abarenda (IX-131)	225
YF-681	3,520
YMS-52	254			3
YO-77	23	1
Aries (AK-51)	30
Preserver (ARS-8)	107
Young (DD-580)	*Superficial	1
Self-propelled water barge	1,000
Kyne (DD-744)	*Superficial	1
Talbot (APD-7)	*Extensive minor
Saginaw Bay (CVE-82)	*Insignificant
Lyman (DE-302)	*Slight
7 LCMs Boat Pool 15	Destroyed		19
Pontoon Barge	Destroyed
LCM attached to USSSierra	Destroyed		4
LSM attached to USSBriareus	Destroyed		3
13 small boats or craft	Sunk or damaged beyond repair
33 small boats or craft	*Damaged
Section Base, Navy 3205			1	2
YMS-39				2
Petrof Bay (CVE-80)				5
YMS-342	*Minor
TOTAL	107,367	45	327	371
	* No estimate furnished.