Vietnam
Vietnam: Air Rescue!
While popular images of the Vietnam conflict focus exclusively on combat, air strikes and popular discontent that was occurring in the United States during this time, I’d like to spin a different tale, one of heroics, rescue and a side of the U.S. armed services that you might not be as aware of. My topic? Non-combat operations … Continue reading
Moving From Hickam: Operation Blue Light and The Tropic Lightning Division
I’ve always been fascinated with military transport. I don’t know why, but having the ability to move large amounts of soldiers, equipment and related "gear" is fascinating if you stop and think about all the requirements. It’s also awe-inspiring if you’ve ever seen a whole division or more roll past you on the desert floor! … Continue reading
Diversion….City, The Road and a Trip.
Hello Dear Readers and Subscribers! As you know we are in the midst of doing a series on the Great Depression: analyzing links, resources, and generally becoming familiar with some aspects of that history that may have been forgotten. While that is a good thing, it can be a bit of a downer as well. … Continue reading
“The Big Red One” Now on Sale at Sears!
I was cruising around the ‘net yesterday and found an interesting story on Forbes about the First Infantry Division. It seems the Army has licensed the use of the insignia and related items for a clothing line to appear at Sears. Not without controversy, some veteran’s organizations and others are shocked at the deal. Right … Continue reading
Packers On Planes and Pass the KLIM!
(1) Well, I’ve been watching the news with regards to the upcoming presidential election and have been doing some reading about John McCain and his POW experiences. It looks like the conditions were pretty horrific in general, not to mention the mental state of those behind the bars. This has made me start to do … Continue reading
Separated At Birth? Archangels and Habus!
I was surfing around the Internet today and came across some interesting stuff on two aircraft that if you didn’t know better, you would think are the same. Ok, so look at this one: (1) Now, check this one out: (2) Yikes! Hard to tell the difference, huh? The top aircraft is the SR-71, while … Continue reading
Birds, Choppers and the Cobra: Helicopters and the Vietnam War
As popular as the movie Platoon was, it almost ruined me on Vietnam, at least from the military history aspect. It seems popular media sources concentrate only on the ready topics that come to mind such as drugs, bad soldiers and draft card burnings. Seemingly overlooked is the vast transition of the United States army … Continue reading
Hustle Baby, Hustle!!! The Big Bomb Gone!
Yeah, it’s a wacky title, but considering today’s subject, it seemed appropriate! What I’m talking about is this: (1) One of the fastest bombers in the United States Air Force inventory, the B-58 Hustler was truly a remarkable aircraft and a break away from the lumbering B-36 and B-52. Capable of Mach 1+ flight, the … Continue reading
Beyond the Barrier: Yeager, the war and getting home…
(1) Recognize the pilot? Chuck Yeager’s air exploits are the stuff I dreamed about growing up. Although I never flew, dreams of sitting in the pilot seat of the Glamorous Glennis were never far from my mind. Maybe it was the speed or maybe the adventure…of pushing to the limits of both plane and pilot. … Continue reading
The Queen, The General and Pyle: A Backwards Look at the Jeep
With over 650,000 produced during World War II and countless thousands since, the Jeep, or GP, or GPW is a familiar and adored sight to many around the world. (1) First manufactured as a “workhorse” vehicle during World War II, over the last 60 years there have been many companies involved, including: Ford, Willys, Kaiser, … Continue reading