Category: Historical

This is where COB6 and I were 19 years ago tonight. We were on a counter-reconaisance mission to cover Schwartzkoff’s “Hail Mary” movement to the western desert. This was a friendly fire incident about 15 clicks inside the Iraq border. It was my fire mission for 5 T-55s that went horribly wrong when a helicopter pilot didn’t believe his instruments.

After the Bradley and M113 were hit by Hellfire missiles, COB6, against the orders of our commander, pulled his vehicle off the line and rescued the crew of the Scout Platoon vehicle, pulling battered bodies out of the burning Bradley and shielding them with his own body as ammunition exploded around him.

He won’t tell the story, that leaves me to tell it for you. Two Scouts died that night, but three others lived because of COB6’s efforts.

My grandaughter was also born that night.

Rurik reminds us that the Belgians are celebrating the sacrifice of the American forces (mostly the 101st Airborne Division) at Bastogne 65 years ago. The New York Post tells the story of one veteran who’ll be at the celebration, Norman Wasserman.

From the Stars & Stripes;

The cellar where McAuliffe issued his legendary retort, “Ah, nuts,” is on the Bastogne caserne. Though typically closed to visitors, the cellar’s small, modest museum will be open to the public 1-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

Here a couple of videos (yeah, I don’t speak French either) from local news of the celebrations;

We got an email last night from a young lady who attended the WWII Ranger Reunion this last weekend in Columbus, GA.

I just returned from the WW II Ranger reunion in Columbus and have been reading and viewing media reports of the event, all of which primarily focus on D-Day, Pointe du Hoc and the brave Rangers of the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions. Though virtually unmentioned in the accounts I have read, also attending the reunion were members of Darby’s Rangers (1st, 3rd and 4th Bns). Men of those battalions invaded Africa, helped to defeat Rommel’s Afrika Corps, invaded Sicily, battled every step of the way through Italy’s freezing, muddy mountains and spearheaded the Anzio invasion. All 1st and 3rd Bn Rangers who attended the reunion were POWs captured at Cisterna after being encircled by an overwhelming number of Nazi troops . . . with one notable exception: an unassuming Ranger in attendance was one of only eight men of two entire battalions who escaped being killed or captured at Cisterna. Many men of the 4th Ranger Bn, who tried desperately to reach their surrounded comrades, joined the First Special Service Force after their unit was disbanded and continued their fight against the Nazis. The 1st, 3rd and 4th Battalions, known as Darby’s Rangers, were leading the way long before the phrase was uttered at Omaha Beach. I know. I am the proud daughter of the late Lt. L. Lew Henry, a 4th Battalion Ranger.
(I also wrote the news releases for the Columbus reunion and I focused on the heroics of all SIX Ranger Battalions.)

TSO sends this reminder;

LIEUTENANT COLONEL THEODORE ROOSEVELT UNITED STATES ARMY

[F]or conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt distinguished himself by acts of bravery on 1 July 1898, near Santiago de Cuba, Republic of Cuba, while leading a daring charge up San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt, in total disregard for his personal safety, and accompanied by only four or five men, led a desperate and gallant charge up San Juan Hill, encouraging his troops to continue the assault through withering enemy fire over open countryside. Facing the enemy’s heavy fire, he displayed extraordinary bravery throughout the charge, and was the first to reach the enemy trenches, where he quickly killed one of the enemy with his pistol, allowing his men to continue the assault. His leadership and valor turned the tide in the Battle for San Juan Hill. Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

President Roosevelt became the first president to earn the Medal of Honor, but he wasn’t awarded it until January 16, 2001 – 103 years after the event and 82 years after his death.

Last year’s post about Pointe du Hoc.