#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.

 

#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! 

  

#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.

#ThursdayThoughts - Band of Brothers

Long before the book by Stephen Ambrose and subsequent mini-series, someone else wrote of a "Band of Brothers". That man was Lt. General Charles Cooper. He wrote it as a severely wounded 2nd LT. in a military hospital in Korea. He had just learned two pieces of information that changed his life and challenged him in a way nothing else could. One was that his wife had just given birth to a son. The other, he would forever be paralyzed from the waist down as a result of his injuries. He embraced the former, he rejected the latter. He penned the Band of Brothers rules as a note to his newborn son, kind of a how to live life mantra. It inspired him as much as he ever hoped it would inspire his son. He would walk again. He would go on to a distinguished 35 year career in the Marines and retire as a Lt. General in 1985. His son also went on to a career in the Marine Corps. His Band of Brothers mantra was a large part of a solemn promise he had made to God, "I told God I would spend the rest of my life giving our young Marines the kind of leadership they needed and deserved."

No doubt, the young Marines he was placed in a position of leadership over benefited from his words and leadership style.


BAND OF BROTHERS

1. All Marines are entitled to dignity and respect as individuals, but must abide by common standards established by proper authority.

2. A Marine should never lie, cheat, or steal from a fellow Marine or fail to come to his aid in a time of need.

3. All Marines should contribute 100% of their abilities to the unit’s mission. Any less effort by an individual passes the buck to someone else.

4. A unit, regardless of size, is a disciplined family structure, with similar relationships based on mutual respect among members.

5. It is essential that issues and problems which tend to lessen a unit’s effectiveness be addressed and resolved.

6. A blending of separate cultures, varying educational levels, and different social backgrounds is possible in an unselfish atmosphere of common goals, aspirations, and mutual understanding.

7. Being the best requires common effort, hard work, and teamwork. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

8. Every Marine deserves job satisfaction, equal consideration and recognition of his accomplishments.

9. Knowing your fellow Marine well enables you to learn to look at things “through his eyes”, as well as your own.

10. Issues detracting from the efficiency and sense of well-being of an individual should be surfaced and weighed against the impact on the unit as a hole.

11. It must be recognized that a brotherhood concept depends on all members “belonging” - - being fully accepted by others within.

R.E.D. Friday

Remember.. thank.. support.. help.. honor.. treasure..

Happy 240th Birthday USMC

Happy 240th Birthday United States Marine Corps

Đông Hà

Dong Ha was the northernmost city in South Vietnam. Camp Spillman, or Dong Ha Combat Base was located there, only 6 miles south of the DMZ near a major intersection of highways and rail lines. It was a highly sought, strategic location. 

Given its close proximity to the North, it was a frequent target of their rockets and artillery. Such was the case on October 30, 1968, when some 40 artillery shells rained down on the 3rd Marines stationed there. This is pure speculation on my part, but the NVA must have had some intelligence about where and when to strike on this particular evening. From the declassified command chronology monthly report, the attack claimed 5 casualties in a 1,5 hour time period, the lowest in rank being sergeants.

Sergeant John J Sapienza, and Gunnery Sergeants, James A Vance and Franklin B Gamlin all received wounds from shrapnel. All three survived these wounds. 

Killed in the attack were Master Gunnery Sergeant John Vernon Berg and Sergeant Major Harlan Lee Graham. Also killed, from another Marine unit, was Cpl Richard Eugene Turner.

Berg had served the Marines for 28 years. He was on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima during World War 2, he fought in Korea, and he was on his third tour in Vietnam. He was a highly respected Marine and had served with distinction and valor. As you can tell by his ribbon rack, he was a Marine's Marine! You will not be forgotten by those who fought along beside you or by those left behind. There is no shortage of very fond remembrances of Berg. His loss affected the lives of many.

Berg 

Graham

There is not much information about Graham and Turner other than a few remembrances, all of which paint them as loved, honorable and missed. There is no doubt that they served their country well. All three of these men who lost their lives that afternoon 48 years ago will be remembered and loved dearly by those they left behind. Let us not forget what they did, how they fought and what they sacrificed for freedom. 

We also want to honor those that survived the attack that day. You are no less highly thought of. You have lived with what happened and had to endure it over and over again. Nothing can replace the friends and leaders you lost. Nothing can replace the time that you've spent mourning and dealing with everything you saw while serving. Nothing I can say could ever come close to making things better for you, but we want you to know, as much as we can, we thank you. 

To The Men Who Flew The P-51 Mustang

Seventy-Five years ago today, the P-51 Mustang took flight. Including variants, 15,568 were built. They became dominant during the air wars of World War II. They proved useful for many years to come, finally being phased out by the US in 1968. They would be used by other nations as recent as 1984.

As important as the aircraft were, it is the men who climbed into the cockpits of them that truly made them into what they were. These pilots, during World War II claimed 4950 enemy aircraft downed. Doolittle's "fight them wherever you find them" style of fighting, as opposed to the primarily defensive strategy used up until then was a major factor in this.

Adolf Galland, A Luftwaffe General and ace noted that when the US turned from a defensive to an offensive air power, Germany lost the air war. Hermann Goring, commander of the Luftwaffe said, "When I saw Mustangs over Berlin, I knew the jig was up".

These men of the Mustangs, the men of the 375th Fighter Group, which scored 565 air-to-air combat victories; the men of the 354th Fighter Group, which scored 664 victories; The men of the 332nd Fighter Group, the Tuskegee Airmen; or individuals like Lt, Chuck Yeager, Lt Hubert Zemke or Major George Preddy, all who had some incredible accomplishments in Mustangs, all of these men, and many more are what made the Mustang as formidable as it was.

We salute all of those who worked on the production and the upkeep of these planes, all of those who were parts of flight crews that prepared them for missions and got them into the air safely, all of those who flew them into battle, many who did not return. All of you, over the course of many years, poured everything you had into ensuring the missions were complete and everyone made it home. You changed the course of history for the better.

 Korean War

 Red Tail

 World War II

Tuskegee Airmen

My sons in front of "Betty Jane"

Seven Men of the USS Lewis

The USS Lewis (DE-535) was a John C. Butler Class destroyer escort. She was active during the latter stages of World War II and the Korean War. She received three battle stars during WWII and one during Korea. She served in the Philippines, Okinawa, Iwo Jima and during attacks on mainland Japan.

During the Korean War, in 1952, she was operating on shore bombardment taking out many targets, from gun batteries to transports to trains. It was during one of these operations on the night of October 21, that she came to the aid of ROK minesweepers in Wonsan harbor. The Lewis started taking fire from 4 enemy batteries. She returned fire and also laid down smokescreens so the minesweepers could safely retreat. She took two 75mm shell hits around this time, the first striking the forward fire room and #1 boiler. This resulted in the death of seven men.

Those seven men died while working to silence the enemy intent on killing all the men on board the Lewis as well as all of the men aboard the two South Korean minesweepers. They died not only in service to their country and in defense of freedom, but also in defense of those who stood side by side with them, their brothers in arms.

The seven men who paid the ultimate price that night are not forgotten by their families or their brothers in arms. They are remembered at every reunion by those who remain. Let us join with them in remembrance of those seven men.

Richard Eugene Brower

James Theodore Crossman

Arnold William Karlin

Raymond Edwin Remers

David John Schmit

George Alfred Schofeild Jr.

Floyd Sneed

USS Lewis (DE-535)

Brigadier General Chuck Yeager

Chuck Yeager was born February 13, 1923. At age 18, on September 12, 1941, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. The rest, is quite literally, history.

His age and education prevented him from being accepted into flight training. Two months later, December 7, 1941, changed everything. He was then accepted and in March of 1943, he graduated and was assigned into the 357th Fighter Group. In late November 1943, he shipped to England and was soon flying P-51s with the 363rd Fighter Squadron.

After scoring one victory, he was shot down over France, March 5, 1944, on his eighth mission. He managed to escape to Spain with the help of French resistance fighters. He was awarded a bronze star for helping another downed pilot during the escape. Eventually back in England he was faced with a regulation that prohibited escaped pilots from flying over enemy territory. He and another pilot, Captain Fred Glover, managed to petition Eisenhower directly and convinced him to allow them to fly again. He credits that decision for all of his following successes.

During World War 2, he scored 11.5 victories, 5 in one day. That feat earned him the Silver Star. He was also awarded one of his Distinguished Flying Crosses for shooting down a ME 262, one of the first few jet fighters to be shot down. He was eventually promoted to Captain, and sent home in January of 1945. As an "evader"(escaped pilot), he was given his choice of assignments. He chose Wright Field, which was near his home and pregnant wife. His experiences qualified him to be a test pilot of repaired aircraft.

After the war, he was assigned to what would become Edwards Air Force Base. He was eventually selected to be the test pilot for the Bell XS-1 program to research high speed flight. Two days before the flight, he broke two ribs, which he managed to keep secret. On October 14, 1947(68 years ago today), he reached a speed of mach 1.07 in the X-1. He would go on to set many records in his career.

Yeager held several commands as he continued his career with the USAF as a fighter pilot. One of them being with the 405th Tactical Fighter Wing, where he flew another 127 missions in Vietnam. He was promoted to Brigadier General on June 22, 1969. He retired from the Air Force in 1975, but still continued to fly for them and NASA as a consulting test pilot.

Three years ago, at age 89, 65 years later, he broke the sound barrier again, this time not as a pilot, but still a feat not many 89 year old men can boast of.

Yeager, now 92, is still with us. He actually lives just north of me in Northern California. He is very deserving of the title, hero. If not for his many feats in the air, then surely for saving the life of the severely injured pilot when the were escaping to Spain. I certainly don't having a problem calling him a hero.

The Pirate and the Pledge

On this day, 65 years ago, the USS Pirate(AM-275) and the USS Pledge(AM-275), two Admirable-class minesweepers built during World War 2, were serving in the waters of Wonsan Harbor during Operation Wonsan, when they simultaneously came under fire from shore and struck mines.

Operation Wonsan was a mine clearing operation that involved six ships, one destroyer and five minesweepers. They were working in a heavily mined channel just 2000 yards wide, but 14 miles long. After having successfully cleared several mines, they came under artillery fire from shore batteries of the North Koreans. In trying to evade the barrage, the Pirate struck a mine and sank in only four minutes. The Pledge was hit by artillery shell and also struck a mine. She was lost 45 minutes later. The shore batteries kept firing at the survivors in the water with both artillery and small arms until they were silenced by return fire from the remaining ships. This took over four hours. Men were in the water this entire time.

The crew logs list the following men as having lost their lives that day. We remember them on this day, 65 years later and vow never to let them be forgotten.

From the USS Pirate

Alfred Lewis Coleman

Adrian Warren Johnson

Earl Joseph Mocklin

Robert John Nelson

Gerald George Smith

John Norman Tomson

From the USS Pledge

Brenice Cauthen

Vern Harris Fuller

Kenneth Eugene Galley

Richard Thomas McCoy

Charles J Moore

Eugene Thomas Murphy

Martin Joseph Nowak

Marcel Albert Smith

Robert William Turner

USS Brush (DD-745)

The USS Brush was one of 58 Allen M Sumner-class destroyers built during World War II. She was commissioned on April 17, 1944. Even with a somewhat late entry into the war, she still received five battle stars before the war ended, including Leyte, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

During the Korean war, for which she received four more battle stars, the Brush was part of Task Force 77, participating in screening carriers launching air strikes and also shore bombardment operations. It was during one of these bombardments, on September 26, 1950 that she hit a mine in the waters near Tanchon, Korea. In addition to dozens of injured, the following men were killed in the ensuing explosion:

John David Beagles

James Robert Colleran

Frank Allen Davis

Bobby Eugene Freeman

Meyer Louis Getz

David Morrell Grubb

Dale Lloyd Hoover

Gordon Eugene Johnson

Henry Dean Little

Warren Maxwell Shepherd

Eugene Leroy Timmons

William Duffy Morris

Oliver Clyde Sexon

Willie Henry Fisher Jr.

Also listed as having died one year and a day later, but presumably from the same incident, 

Bennie Joe Berryman

All of these men died while serving their country and in the direct protection of their fellow men who were fighting the war. Let us no forget, even 65 years later, what their sacrifices mean. Also, let us than all of those injured and all of the other men that have served aboard the USS Brush in their careers.

The Brush went on to three tours in Vietnam as well, before she was decommissioned in 1969

Medal of Honor: Arthur Preston; Joseph Vittori

There have been many who were awarded the Medal of Honor for incredibly valiant actions. Most of them will tell you that they aren't heroes. Most will say it's the numerous who died around them that deserve the Medal. I happen to believe that all of those who have been awarded the Medal deserved it. I also agree with them that thousands of others who didn't get it probably deserved to.

With that said, here are two men who were awarded the Medal of Honor on this very day in history, who very rightfully deserved it.

Arthur Preston was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during World War II, specifically, the rescue of a downed Navy Pilot. His citation speaks for itself.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commander, Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33, while effecting the rescue of a Navy pilot shot down in Wasile Bay, Halmahera Island, less than 200 yards from a strongly defended Japanese dock and supply area, 16 September 1944. Volunteering for a perilous mission unsuccessfully attempted by the pilot's squadron mates and a PBY plane, Lt. Comdr. (then Lieutenant) Preston led PT-489 and PT-363 through 60 miles of restricted, heavily mined waters. Twice turned back while running the gauntlet of fire from powerful coastal defense guns guarding the 11-mile strait at the entrance to the bay, he was again turned back by furious fire in the immediate area of the downed airman. Aided by an aircraft smokescreen, he finally succeeded in reaching his objective and, under vicious fire delivered at 150-yard range, took the pilot aboard and cleared the area, sinking a small hostile cargo vessel with 40-mm. fire during retirement. Increasingly vulnerable when covering aircraft were forced to leave because of insufficient fuel, Lt. Comdr. Preston raced PT boats 489 and 363 at high speed for 20 minutes through shell-splashed water and across minefields to safety. Under continuous fire for 2l/2 hours, Lt. Comdr. Preston successfully achieved a mission considered suicidal in its tremendous hazards, and brought his boats through without personnel casualties and with but superficial damage from shrapnel. His exceptional daring and great personal valor enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Then there was Joseph Vittori, for selfless actions during the Battle of the Punchbowl of the Korean War.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an automatic-rifleman in Company F, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With a forward platoon suffering heavy casualties and forced to withdraw under a vicious enemy counterattack as his company assaulted strong hostile forces entrenched on Hill 749, Cpl. Vittori boldly rushed through the withdrawing troops with 2 other volunteers from his reserve platoon and plunged directly into the midst of the enemy. Overwhelming them in a fierce hand-to-hand struggle, he enabled his company to consolidate its positions to meet further imminent onslaughts. Quick to respond to an urgent call for a rifleman to defend a heavy machine gun positioned on the extreme point of the northern flank and virtually isolated from the remainder of the unit when the enemy again struck in force during the night, he assumed position under the devastating barrage and, fighting a single-handed battle, leaped from 1 flank to the other, covering each foxhole in turn as casualties continued to mount manning a machine gun when the gunner was struck down and making repeated trips through the heaviest shellfire to replenish ammunition. With the situation becoming extremely critical, reinforcing units to the rear pinned down under the blistering attack and foxholes left practically void by dead and wounded for a distance of 100 yards, Cpl. Vittori continued his valiant stand, refusing to give ground as the enemy penetrated to within feet of his position, simulating strength in the line and denying the foe physical occupation of the ground. Mortally wounded by the enemy machine gun and rifle bullets while persisting in his magnificent defense of the sector where approximately 200 enemy dead were found the following morning, Cpl. Vittori, by his fortitude, stouthearted courage, and great personal valor, had kept the point position intact despite the tremendous odds and undoubtedly prevented the entire battalion position from collapsing. His extraordinary heroism throughout the furious nightlong battle reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Both of these men went far above what their country asked of them. But they just did what they had to do for their brothers in battle. For that, they are heroes to me.

Wibert L Winter

Sgt Winter was a medic with the Medical Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On this date, September 13, 1951, while with his unit near Heartbreak Ridge near Hagamnyoug North Korea, they came under heavy enemy fire. When others in his unit were injured, Sgt Winter exposed himself and ran to their aid. While giving aid to his fellow soldiers, he himself suffered a mortal wound. For his actions that day, he was honored with the Silver Star.

Sgt Wilbert L Winter was from Greeley, CO and was just about three weeks short of his 20th birthday when he was killed in action.

We remember Sgt. Winter on this day, 64 years later, and honor him for his valor and service, not only to his country, but his unending dedication to the lives of those he stood beside in combat. A true hero.

VMF-115 Silver Eagles Remembered

On yesterday's date, September 10, 1952, the Silver Eagles of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 lost six pilots as they were returning from a mission near Sariwon Korea.

22 pilots took off in their F9F Panthers to strike enemy positions. Upon completion, they were directed to return to the K2 airstrip at Taegu because of bad weather at their base, K3. Upon reaching the area, severe fog enveloped the entire area and reduced visibility to near zero. 16 of the aircraft turned and headed for K3, where they all safely landed. 6 of the pilots, flying in tight formation descended toward K2. All six Panthers crashed into the side of a 4000 ft mountain. They were among the 14 pilots from the squadron killed during the Korean War.

The VMF-115 played a critical role in close air support during the war. Only having deployed in February of 1952, the squadron expended the most ordinance of all of the Marine fighter squadrons. They flew 9250 sorties with over 15,000 hours of flight time total. Along with the 14 pilots lost, they also lost 19 aircraft. They provided support at practically every major battle of the war, including the attack on Sui-Ho dam, Bunker Hill, the Hook and Chosin Reservoir. We salute all of those who served in VMF-115.

Those six pilots lost 63 years ago yesterday, were:

Major Raymond E DeMers

Major Donald F Givins

1st Lieutenant Alvin R Bourgeois

2nd Lieutenant John W Hill Jr.

2nd Lieutenant Carl R Lafleur

2nd Lieutenant Richard L Roth

Photo by Thomas A Rousseau, USMC

In Memory of Wallenburg and Shannon

Thirteen years ago today, we lost two pilots from the 1st BN 6th Cavalry Brigade, the Fighting Sixth.

1LT Dustin Shannon, 23, and Chief Warrant Officer James Wallenburg, 40, were taking part in a night time training flight near Camp Page, Chuncheon, South Korea when poor weather conditions contributed to the accident.

We lose people in all manner of circumstances. These two pilots were on a routine mission. But no mission is really routine. They were training and serving in an area that was and has become even more volatile. Eternal vigilance can have a price. These two pilots paid the ultimate price that night.

We will never forget them, we can't. These soldiers gave their lives for freedom. The cause for which they died can never be let go, nor can the memories of those who fought.

Dustin Shannon

James Wallenburg

Thanksgiving

As you sit down at your tables today, I hope you enjoy your time with family and friends. George Washington was very clear what Thanksgiving was to be about when he made the proclamation in 1789. It was, it IS a time to give thanks to God for all He has done for us. I hope you are able to do that today.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has come to be a celebration that involves a feast of food for most of us. There is nothing wrong with the traditions that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Some of my best family memories were made on Thanksgiving. In your time today, giving thanks, I ask that you remember what Thanksgiving looked like for many who have served.

God Bless our troops and our veterans. Let us strive to make everyday be a day of thanksgiving for what they have done for us.