Good Thursday Morning November 4
I hope that your week has been going well.
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Today in Naval and Marine Corps History
1923 Lt. Alford J. Williams, flying an R2C-1 equipped with a Curtiss D-12 engine, raises the world speed record to 266.59 mph at Mitchel Field, Long Island, N.Y., beating the record set by Lt. Harold J. Brow only two days before.
1955 Gioconda R. Saraneiro becomes the first appointed female captain in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. Initially appointed a lieutenant junior grade in the WAVES during World War II in 1943, she left the Navy to teach and start a private practice. She returned to the Navy in 1949 and retired in June 1966. Capt. Saraneiro died in 1983.
1966 Eight men are killed when a flash fire erupts in a storage compartment containing paint, oil, and hydraulic fluid four decks below the hangar deck aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA 42) while the ship launches strikes from the South China Sea over North Vietnam.
1967 Landing craft from USS Navarro (APA 215) rescues 43 men from British SS Habib Marikar, which ran aground on a reef at Lincoln Island in the Tonkin Gulf.
1971 USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636) launches a Poseidon C-3 Missile in the first surface launch of the weapon.
1976 - The first Marine Corps Marathon kicked off in Washington, DC.
Thanks to CHINFO
Executive Summary:
•National and trade press reported on CMC Gen. David Berger's release of Talent Management 2030.
•There was widespread coverage of DoD's release of the China Military Power Report.
•National and international press reported about Iran's seizure of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
Today in History November 4
644 | Umar of Arabia is assassinated at Medina and is succeeded as caliph by Uthman. | |
1493 | Christopher Columbus discovers Guadeloupe during his second expedition. | |
1677 | William III and Mary of England wed on William's birthday. | |
1760 | Following the Russian capture of Berlin, Frederick II of Prussia defeats the Austrians at the Battle of Torgau. | |
1791 | General Arthur St. Clair, governor of Northwest Territory, is badly defeated by a large Indian army near Fort Wayne. | |
1798 | Congress agrees to pay a yearly tribute to Tripoli, considering it the only way to protect U.S. shipping. | |
1842 | Abraham Lincoln marries Mary Todd in Springfield, Ill. | |
1854 | Florence Nightingale and her nurses arrive in the Crimea. | |
1863 | From the main Confederate Army at Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lt. Gen. James Longstreet's troops are sent northeast to besiege Knoxville. | |
1918 | Austria signs an armistice with the Allies. | |
1922 | The U.S. Postmaster General orders all homes to get mailboxes or relinquish delivery of mail. | |
1922 | The entrance to King Tut's tomb is discovered. | |
1924 | Calvin Coolidge is elected 30th president of the United States. | |
1924 | Nellie Tayloe Ross and Miriam Ferguson are elected first and second women governors (Wyoming and Texas). | |
1946 | The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is established. | |
1952 | General Dwight D. Eisenhower is elected 34th president of the United States. | |
1956 | Russian troops attack Budapest, Hungary. | |
1979 | At the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran, 90 people, including 63 Americans, are taken hostage by militant student followers of Ayatollah Khomeini. The students demand the return of Shah Mohammad Reza Pablavi, who is undergoing medical treatment in New York City. | |
1980 | Ronald Reagan is elected the 40th president of the United States. | |
1992 | Carol Moseley Braun becomes the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate. | |
1995 | Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. | |
2008 | Senator Barack Obama of Illinois elected 44th president of the United States, the first African American to hold that position. |
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Thanks to Micro
Skip:
Just a quick comment on Shadow's discourse: I hope he's right. That is, if Dems did change course, they might avert the disaster coming their way over the next several elections. But they won't. I hope. When Hillary lost, unexpectedly, the traditional political move would have been to appear, at least, to move toward the opponent that won. That would capture the voters that were nearly on the fence to start with but were put off by something extreme. That didn't happen. They doubled-down, partly due to the miracle that became AOC (can anyone believe she's actually a Congresswoman?). As time has gone on, they've continued to cater to the 15% of Dems that are extremists (and most vocal). Those are shored up by billionaires that have sniffed too much glue, or whatever billionaires use to feel good about themselves. Many of these billionaires are so insecure as to need "approval." Conservatives might say, "If I approve of who I think you are, I'll be a loyal friend." Dems might say, "I love you unconditionally (as long as you have lots of money)." And these babies fall for it. They are more insulated from reality than Joe Biden and his family. They've been corrupt so long they don't know where honesty and integrity are any more.
Anyway, as I told a political friend earlier today, "Democrats are the best Republicans." She understood immediately. Just like Obama was the best gun salesman in history. Democrats are selling Republican values far better than Republicans have been able to do.
As Shadow intimated, New Jersey was the real bellwether. The Dems thought it was so safe, they didn't even send Kamala (that's a joke, son). The real question is, "Which side is the Mafia on?" Somebody's going to find a lot of votes somewhere now that they know they need them. I predict it'll be three months in court before we know who the Governor of New Jersey will be.
Imagine: Hillary doesn't campaign for anyone. Because she's not invited. Biden and Harris go only to the bluest of blue areas to, what?... get out the vote? Who is the idiot that thought Biden would be inspirational? He has to go on his trip with empty hands when two Democrat Senators hold up his "agenda." Isn't this supposed to be his honeymoon period before things get tough in Congress during a Presidential Administration? Wow.
No message, no hope, no plan, no clue.
All you have to add is an Ass, and you have the new Democrat logo.
Micro
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … For The List for Thursday, 4 November 2021… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 4 November 2021… The Public Choice: Fight on…
This following work accounts for every fixed wing loss of the Vietnam War and you can use it to read more about the losses in The Bear's Daily account. Even better it allows you to add your updated information to the work to update for history…skip
Vietnam Air Losses
Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
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Thanks to Robert
Great Story!!
Subject: HMS Glowworm vs Admiral Hipper, April 1940
Henrey Bradley Amateur Historian, AdventurerUpdated Feb 1What's the most honorable act in the history of war?
What follows is a tale of astounding honour, bravery, human sacrifice and true compassion.
HMS Glowworm vs Admiral Hipper, April 1940.
The British destroyer HMS Glowworm was tasked with escorting the mighty battlecruiser HMS Renown in the rough North sea off the coast of Norway, on a mission to intercept the German invasion of Norway. During a period of extreme weather, Glowworm lost a sailor overboard and broke off from Renown, turning back to search in vain for the lost crewman.
After searching for hours in heavy seas, the captain of Glowworm called off the search and decided to rejoin the battlecruiser. While en route, the Glowworm spotted a German destroyer and promptly engaged it in a fierce battle, only for another German destroyer to arrive. After a short battle, both German ships turned, fleeing into the storm. Captain Broadmead Roope ordered Glowworm to give chase. He no doubt anticipated a trap, but wanted to gain valuable information on the invasion fleet.
Suddenly Captain Roope sounded action stations. Emerging from the storm and bearing down on the lone destroyer was the formidable German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper.
Painting of HMS Glowworm desperately ramming the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper.
Rather than flee, Roope sent an "enemy sighted" signal and ordered Glowworm, klaxons howling, to make smoke before launching two daring torpedo attacks on the far larger German ship. Guns blazing, smoke billowing from the little ship's funnel, Glowworm attacked Hipper, firing a total of 10 torpedoes, some missing by mere metres.
The little destroyer took heavy damage from the heavily armed Hipper while making its brave torpedo runs. After using the rough seas and smoke to close the distance, Captain Roope issued his iconic final order, "stand by to ram," before sharply turning Glowworm straight towards Hipper.
Glowworm, all guns firing and siren wailing like a banshee, tore into the Hipper's starboard side. Striking her amidships, she tore away 100 feet of Hipper's armoured plating, damaging the starboard side torpedo tubes, killing one man at his gun and puncturing two freshwater tanks.
Glowworm broke clear of Hipper, and with only one main gun still functioning, the little ship that could continue to fire as the cold relentless sea rushed in through a gaping hole in her bow. Captain Roope gave the order to abandon ship and sailors began diving into the water, which was slick with oil pouring out of Glowworm. The siren, which had echoed chillingly the entire battle, fell silent as the noble Glowworm began to sink beneath the waves.
The Hipper's captain, Hellmuth Heye, in a truly honourable act, ordered his ship to a full stop near the sinking Glowworm and stayed there for over an hour with ropes in the water to try to save as many British sailors as possible. Even though the Royal Navy was due to arrive at any moment, Captain Heye chose to save the brave sailors of the Glowworm.
Those oil-slick ropes must have been unbelievably difficult to climb, and the sailors' hands must have been cramped from the freezing water.
The crew of Hipper greeted the crew of Glowworm with handshakes and congratulations on a noble fight. The German sailors stripped the British and dried them, some massaged life into cold limbs, and one injured British sailor awoke in a bunk in the sickbay, alongside other injured Hipper crewmen, with a German sailor rubbing life back into his feet.
Just 31 of Glowworm's 149 sailors survived.
Captain Roope died aiding his crew to board the Hipper; he was the last man to try and climb those oil-slicked lines. As he did, a large wave claimed the exhausted man just as he was about to reach safety.
Fun fact: when Admiral Hipper returned to port for repairs, the damage sustained battling HMS Glowworm was found to be substantial and required time in drydock. Captain Heye sent a message via the International Red Cross, recommending that Captain Roope receive the Victoria Cross for valour in the face of impossible odds. This was the first time in British military history that a Victoria Cross had been recommended by the enemy.
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thanks to Doctor Rich
Oops!
Thanks to Todd S. ...
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a32131240/french-dassault-fighter-jet-joyride/
French Fighter Jet Joy Ride Goes Très, Très Wrong
A French defense contractor riding in a Dassault fighter learned the hard way that the grab bar next to his seat was actually the ejection handle.
By Ezra Dyer
Apr 13, 2020A French defense-industry employee about to retire was gifted something he was extremely reluctant to accept: a ride in a Dassault fighter jet.
The 64-year-old was not correctly instructed, to say the least, in passenger etiquette, and to make a long story short, he self-ejected midflight.
He's okay, according to the government's incident report, but the chance of this gentleman ever repeating the stunt is definitely zero.
Imagine: You work hard your whole life in the French defense industry, and when it's time to retire, your co-workers want to give you something more memorable than a gold watch or a set of golf clubs. So they set up a coveted back-seat ride in a Dassault Rafale B fighter jet, the kind of perk that requires serious connections.
Just one problem: nobody asked one particular 64-year-old civilian whether he ever wanted such a ride, or showed him much about what to expect. Next thing you know, the French Investigation Bureau for State Aviation Safety (BEA-E) is issuing a report explaining how Monsieur Newbie came to experience not only the Dassault, but also its Martin-Baker MK16 ejection seat.
Well, mistakes were made. Lots of them. Since this treat was to be a surprise, the recipient didn't get much of a briefing on what to expect. His g-suit pants weren't on correctly, his seat harness wasn't tight, and his helmet—and oxygen mask—were unbuckled as the plane taxied to the runway at Saint-Dizier 113 air base. He was so nervous that his heartbeat was around 140 beats per minute just from climbing into the plane. Our reluctant Goose did get medical clearance from a doctor, but only four hours before the flight, and with an important stipulation: no negative g's. The way the rest of this was unfolding, do you want to guess whether there were negative g's? Mais oui.
From the French government's incident report.
French Bureau Enquêtes Accidents
The fighter pilot, being a fighter pilot, probably thought he was taking it easy as he pulled into a 47-degree climb and generated a 3.7-g load. (Which, incidentally, was also beyond the doctor-ordered limit of 3 g's.) On the climb, both pilot and passenger were crushed down into the seat. But when the plane started to level off, things got real panicky in the rear seat, as a negative 0.67-g load caused the ill-buckled passenger to feel like he was about to fly out of the cockpit. Which, shortly thereafter, he did.
Apparently the quick and dirty safety briefing failed to properly emphasize the fact that the black-and-yellow striped loop in the middle of the seat, between his legs, was not a grab handle but the trigger for the ejection seat. The good doctor's g-load recommendations were surely exceeded as pyrotechnics blasted a hole in the canopy and rocket motors fired the seat and its terrified denizen out into the slipstream high above the French countryside.
Around about the time our hero took to the skies in his very own chairplane, the unbuckled helmet parted ways with the miserable noggin it was pledged to protect.
In a growing cascade of colossal fails, the next one was actually fortuitous: the pilot's own ejection seat malfunctioned. When either the fore or aft seat in a Rafale is triggered, the second one is supposed to follow automatically, on the theory that if one crew member makes an unscheduled departure, there's probably a good reason for the other to promptly join the exodus. And indeed, after the world's unhappiest retiree bid adieu, pyrotechnics blew a hole in the pilot's canopy. But the first ejection damaged the front seat, such that it didn't eject, and the pilot was actually able to land his now al fresco fighter jet. At which point the pilot beat feet away from the aircraft, for fear that the dud seat would, like so many flights, take off late. In fact, nobody was allowed near the plane for 24 hours after it landed, just in case the pilot's seat decided to go all Colonel Stapp and fire the rockets.
As for our unfortunate co-pilot, he made it to the ground with minor injuries and likely a keen desire to never hang out with his old co-workers ever again. Because, as the report notes, he didn't want to ride in a fighter jet in the first place. According to the BEA-E, the passenger "never expressed a desire to carry out this type of flight, and in particular on Rafale," but his cohorts offered him no chance to bail.
Ultimately, he did anyway.
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Thanks to Carl
(Found this while reading about the recent Seahawk crash on the USS Lincoln!)
Veteran Navy Pilot Shares 10 Interesting Things About Flying Seahawk Helicopters
With thousands of hours flying naval H-60 variants, we get the bottom line on some of the unique aspects of flying the hugely popular helicopter.
BY CHRIS HARMER NOVEMBER 7, 2019
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Thanks to Barrel
The Longest Ever Flight Was Over 64 Days In A Cessna 172
https://hackaday.com/2021/10/25/the-longest-ever-flight-was-over-64-days-in-a-cessna-172/
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Thanks to Hugh
I read, with appreciation, the story of the "One Marine" at Guadalcanal.
I ponder today whether or not we still have men like that. God, I hope so.
But the "One Marine" brought to mind my observation of "One Marine" and his performance that I observed during Operation Frequent Wind; maybe not as stirring,
but for my attention, almost as memorable.
The Good Marine,
During the final collapse of the Viet Nam government and the evacuation of Saigon, I happened to be aboard the USS Midway (standing off the coast in the So. China Sea). The Airwing had been flown off to Cubi Pt. I had stayed aboard Midway to nurse the A-6 "hangar-queen".
For lack of anything better to do, I went up to "Pri-fly" to watch the action.
Well, the airspace around Midway slowly built to a "flying circus" with a swarm of aircraft , mostly helicopters, looking for a place to land. Well, naturally Midway (with a couple of USAF helicopters parked on the bow) became a "Must-land" for everybody in the air.
You probably remember the case of the L-10 that landed aboard.
(I think that "bird" is on display at the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola.)
Well, eventually a "silver" (not painted olive-drab) Huey (probably CIA/Air America) arrived with an obvious intention to try and land aboard. The flight deck was VERY CROWDED, but this guy managed to squeeze himself onto the ramp JUST forward of the round-down, starboard side, a tight fit, but he made it and shut-down.
Out of the Huey emerged four, obviously not military, guys in a variety of clothing. (Bermuda shorts, Hawaian sportshirts , tee shirts, flightsuit, you get the picture).
All of these guys were wearing shoulder-holsters.
The foursome were met by two armed marines who stopped their ambling toward the aft part of the island where the firetruck was parked (and the "tilly").
(I was in Pri-Fly. The noise level outside was deafening. In Pri-Fly it was reasonably quiet, so all that I saw was obviously in pantomime.)
The marines stopped the foursome and had them hand over their side-arms. Then they motioned them toward the island. Three of them followed the instructions of the marines. One of them turned back and went back to the Huey, reached inside, backed out, turned around, and was met by one of the marines with his rifle up and ready. He froze. In his arms was a wooden case of . . . . . . . .
The marine backed up, and had the man step 2-3 paces forward and put the box on the deck.
Then, with his rifle still at-the-ready, the marine reached down and lifted the top off the box, looked inside, and reached in and lifted out a bottle ! (I think it looked like a wine bottle).
The marine put the bottle back in the box and lifted out another bottle. Then, he put that bottle back in the box and motioned the "straggler" over toward the island where his partner was holding the other three men.
Then the marine, slung his weapon over his shoulder, reached down and picked up the box, walked over to the side of the ship, and dropped the box over the side.
I do love Marines.
The Good Marine,
During the final collapse of the Viet Nam government and the evacuation of Saigon, I happened to be aboard the USS Midway (standing off the coast in the So. China Sea). The Airwing had been flown off to Cubi Pt. I had stayed aboard Midway to nurse the A-6 "hangar-queen".
For lack of anything better to do, I went up to "Pri-fly" to watch the action.
Well, the airspace around Midway slowly built to a "flying circus" with a swarm of aircraft , mostly helicopters, looking for a place to land. Well, naturally Midway (with a couple of USAF helicopters parked on the bow) became a "Must-land" for everybody in the air.
You probably remember the case of the L-10 that landed aboard.
(I think that "bird" is on display at the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola.)
Well, eventually a "silver" (not painted olive-drab) Huey (probably CIA/Air America) arrived with an obvious intention to try and land aboard. The flight deck was VERY CROWDED, but this guy managed to squeeze himself onto the ramp JUST forward of the round-down, starboard side, a tight fit, but he made it and shut-down.
Out of the Huey emerged four, obviously not military, guys in a variety of clothing. (Bermuda shorts, Hawaian sportshirts , tee shirts, flightsuit, you get the picture).
All of these guys were wearing shoulder-holsters.
The foursome were met by two armed marines who stopped their ambling toward the aft part of the island where the firetruck was parked (and the "tilly").
(I was in Pri-Fly. The noise level outside was deafening. In Pri-Fly it was reasonably quiet, so all that I saw was obviously in pantomime.)
The marines stopped the foursome and had them hand over their side-arms. Then they motioned them toward the island. Three of them followed the instructions of the marines. One of them turned back and went back to the Huey, reached inside, backed out, turned around, and was met by one of the marines with his rifle up and ready. He froze. In his arms was a wooden case of . . . . . . . .
The marine backed up, and had the man step 2-3 paces forward and put the box on the deck.
Then, with his rifle still at-the-ready, the marine reached down and lifted the top off the box, looked inside, and reached in and lifted out a bottle ! (I think it looked like a wine bottle).
The marine put the bottle back in the box and lifted out another bottle. Then, he put that bottle back in the box and motioned the "straggler" over toward the island where his partner was holding the other three men.
Then the marine, slung his weapon over his shoulder, reached down and picked up the box, walked over to the side of the ship, and dropped the box over the side.
I do love Marines.
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Thanks to Carl
(I certainly know a lot of us Navy pilots and RIOs have had prostate cancer!)
Fighter Jet Pilots at Greater Risk of Certain Cancers, Study Concludes
NOVEMBER 03, 2021
This article by Rachel S. Cohen originally appeared on Military Times, the nation's largest independent newsroom dedicated to covering the military and veteran community.
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Thanks to Carl
Cover-Up of U.S. Nuclear Sub Collision in South China Sea. - LewRockwell LewRockwell.com
Cover-Up of U.S. Nuclear Sub Collision in South China Sea.
A Wake-up Call for East Asia – and the World
By John V. Walsh
The Unz Review
November 3, 2021
"When elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled."
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Thanks to Dr.Rich There are a bunch of good ones
Your laughs for today ...
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This Day in U S Military History
1942 – On Guadalcanal, American forces land in regimental strength at Aola, 25 miles east of the main American position. They bring engineers to attempt to build a second airstrip on the island. This idea has been dismissed as futile by local commanders because of the difficult terrain. They are correct. Raiders from this landing move out in an attempt to connect with the main position.
1942 – 19 German and 21 Italian submarines begin to patrol around Gibraltar due to the increase of Allied shipping traffic in preparation for Operation Torch. They will achieve some success, but 6 submarines will be sunk and the destination of the transports will not be discovered.
1943 – A new Japanese squadron led by Admiral Kurita arrives in Rabaul, New Britain Island. The Japanese force consists of 10 cruisers and 10 destroyers. American reconnaissance sights the squadron en route and Task Force 38 prepares to attack with its carrier aircraft.
1943 – Advance of the US 5th Army continues. The British 10th Corps holds Monte Massico and Monte Croce and moves against Monte Camino with 78th Division. The US 6th Corps captures Venafro and Rocavirondola as it advances to the German defenses of the Reinhard Line. The British 8th Army has the Germans withdrawing to the Sangro River. The Allied armies now have full lateral communications through Isernia.
1956 – Following nearly two weeks of protest and political instability in Hungary, Soviet tanks and troops viciously crush the protests. Thousands were killed and wounded, and nearly a quarter-million Hungarians fled the country. The problems in Hungary had begun in October, when thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding a more democratic political system and freedom from Soviet oppression. In response, Communist Party officials appointed Imre Nagy, (a former premier who had been dismissed from the party for his criticisms of Stalinist policies), as the new premier. Nagy tried to restore peace and asked the Soviets to withdraw their troops. The Soviets did so, but Nagy then tried to push the Hungarian revolt forward by abolishing one-party rule. He also announced that Hungary was withdrawing from the Warsaw Pact (the Soviet bloc's equivalent of NATO). On November 4, Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest to stop Hungary's movement away from the communist bloc. Vicious street fighting broke out, but the Soviets' greater power insured the doom of the rebels. After the deaths and injuries of thousands of Hungarians, the protests were finally put down. Nagy was captured shortly thereafter and was executed two years later. The Soviet action stunned many people in the West. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev had pledged a retreat from the Stalinist policies and repression of the past, but the violent actions in Budapest suggested otherwise. Inaction on the part of the United States angered and frustrated many Hungarians. Voice of America radio broadcasts and speeches by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Secretary of State John Foster Dulles had recently suggested that the United States supported the "liberation" of "captive peoples" in communist nations. Yet, as Soviet tanks bore down on the protesters, the United States did nothing beyond issuing public statements of sympathy for their plight.
1979 – Student followers of the Ayatollah Khomeini send shock waves across America when they storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran. The radical Islamic fundamentalists took 90 hostages. The students were enraged that the deposed Shah had been allowed to enter the United States for medical treatment and they threatened to murder hostages if any rescue was attempted. Days later, Iran's provincial leader resigned, and the Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran's fundamentalist revolutionaries, took full control of the country–and the fate of the hostages. Two weeks after the storming of the embassy, the Ayatollah began to release all non-U.S. captives, and all female and minority Americans, citing these groups as among the people oppressed by the United States government. The remaining 52 captives were left at the mercy of the Ayatollah for the next 14 months. President Jimmy Carter was unable to diplomatically resolve the crisis, and on April 24, 1980, he ordered a disastrous rescue mission in which eight U.S. military personnel were killed and no hostages rescued. Three months later, the former shah died of cancer in Egypt, but the crisis continued. In November 1980, Carter lost the presidential election to Republican Ronald Reagan. Soon after, with the assistance of Algerian intermediaries, successful negotiations finally began between the United States and Iran. On January 20, 1981–the day of Reagan's inauguration–the United States freed almost $3 billion in frozen Iranian assets and promised $5 billion more in financial aid. Minutes after Reagan was sworn in, the hostages flew out of Iran on an Algerian airliner, ending their 444-day ordeal. The next day, Jimmy Carter flew to West Germany to greet them on their way home.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
*OKUBO, JAMES K.
Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 28 and 29 October and 4 November 1944, in the Foret Domaniale de Champ, near Biffontaine, eastern France. On 28 October, under strong enemy fire coming from behind mine fields and roadblocks, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo, a medic, crawled 150 yards to within 40 yards of the enemy lines. Two grenades were thrown at him while he left his last covered position to carry back wounded comrades. Under constant barrages of enemy small arms and machine gun fire, he treated 17 men on 28 October and 8 more men on 29 October. On 4 November, Technician Fifth Grade Okubo ran 75 yards under grazing machine gun fire and, while exposed to hostile fire directed at him, evacuated and treated a seriously wounded crewman from a burning tank, who otherwise would have died. Technician Fifth Grade James K. Okubo's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.
*PHILLIPS, LEE H.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7 Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born: 3 February 1930, Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl. Phillips was killed in action 27 November 1950. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy. With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position. Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position. Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
*POYNTER, JAMES I.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Near Sudong, Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service at: Downey, Calif. Born: 1 December 1916, Bloomington, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader in a rifle platoon of Company A, in action against enemy aggressor forces during the defense of Hill 532, south of Sudong, Korea. When a vastly outnumbering, well-concealed hostile force launched a sudden, vicious counterattack against his platoon's hasty defensive position, Sgt. Poynter displayed superb skill and courage in leading his squad and directing its fire against the onrushing enemy. With his ranks critically depleted by casualties and he himself critically wounded as the onslaught gained momentum and the hostile force surrounded his position, he seized his bayonet and engaged in bitter hand-to-hand combat as the breakthrough continued. Observing 3 machineguns closing in at a distance of 25 yards, he dashed from his position and, grasping handgrenades from fallen marines as he ran, charged the emplacements in rapid succession, killing the crews of 2 and putting the other out of action before he fell, mortally wounded. By his self-sacrificing and valiant conduct, Sgt. Poynter inspired the remaining members of his squad to heroic endeavor in bearing down upon and repelling the disorganized enemy, thereby enabling the platoon to move out of the trap to a more favorable tactical position. His indomitable fighting spirit, fortitude, and great personal valor maintained in the face of overwhelming odds sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for November 4, 2020 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
4 November
1909: The first sportsman airplane owner in the U. S., Arthur P. Warner of Warner Instrument Company, began teaching himself to fly a Curtiss airplane. (24)
1911: The transatlantic airship Akron, designed by Melvin Vanniman, made its first flight at Atlantic City, N. J. (24)
1920: Using the old battleship USS Indiana, the Army completed the third in a series of tests to determine the effectiveness of aerial bombs against ships. The tests began on 14 October at Tangier Sound in Chesapeake Bay.
1923: Lt Al J. Williams (USN) flew a Curtis 500 R2C-1 to a Federation Aeronautique Internationale record of 266.59 MPH at Mitchel Field in Minneola, N. Y. (9) (24)
1927: Capt Hawthorne C. Gray, an early stratospheric explorer, died in his third attempt to break the balloon record of 40,820 feet. While descending from 42,470 feet, he died from oxygen starvation. This tragedy showed a need to use pressure suits and oxygen systems above 40,000 feet.
1936: The Hawaiian Clipper arrived at Alameda, after its first passenger trip to Manila, Philippines, and back. (21)
1944: Over 1,100 American B-17s and B-24s attacked Germany during the day, hitting targets near Hamburg, Hannover, and Saarbruecken. (4)
1950: KOREAN WAR. B-26s provided close support for the Eighth Army near Chongju, killing an estimated 500 enemy soldiers to relieve the hard-pressed U.S. troops. (28)
1951: KOREAN WAR. 34 F-86s met nearly 60 MiG-15s in the Sinamju area. The F-86 pilots destroyed two and damaged three others. (28)
1954: The Strategic Air Command retired its last B-29 bomber (number 42-94032) to the aircraft storage facility at Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz. (1)
1959: Construction of the first Atlas F silo-lift launcher began at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. (6)
1960: The USAF revealed the use of a converted C-97 tanker as an airborne tactical command post and communications center. (24)
1966: The US and Soviet Union signed an agreement permitting direct commercial flights between New York and Moscow.
1970: Nine Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units units received A-37s, F-100s, F-105s, and C-130s to begin a modernization program. (16)
1972: Operation COMMANDO DOMINO. Through 8 November, after the US transferred 48 F-5s to the Vietnamese Air Force from the Republic of China Air Force, Pacific Air Forces moved two F-4C squadrons from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kadena AB, Japan, to Ching Chuan Kang AB, Taiwan, to supply air defense for the Republic of China. The Vietnamese Air Force received another 36 F-5s from other sources. To provide the Republic of Korea Air Force with an air defense capability, Pacific Air Forces released 18 F-4Ds from the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing at Kunsan AB, S. Korea, to the Republic of Korea. The 405th Fighter Wing at Clark AB, Philippines, then transferred 18 F-4Ds to the 3d Tactical Fighter Wing in return for 7 F-4Ds from other Pacific Air Forces resources. (17)
1983: URGENT FURY. As part of the Grenada operation, the Military Airlift Command transported 755 Cubans on 20 C-130 missions from Grenada to Cuban authorities in Barbados. (2)
1985: The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center saved 47 people during flood relief operations in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. (16)
1987: The Air Force awarded a $1.2 million contract to McDonnell Douglas Corporation to become a second-source for the Advanced Cruise Missile, the AGM-129.
1992: Through 11 November, four C-5s and one C-141 moved 236 tons of flour to Armenia to relieve food shortages after the Soviet Union's collapse. (16) (26)
2003: Travis AFB, Calif., sent the first C-5A Galaxy (No. 70-0458) to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. (22) NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards AFB began Block 2 testing on two Boeing X-45A Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles. This program added communications links for flight coordination from other locations, and the ability to release inert small "smart" bombs. (3)
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World News for 4 November thanks to Military Periscope
USA—Air Force Investigation Finds No Wrongdoing In Deadly August Strike In Kabul DoD News | 11/04/2021 An Air Force investigation has found no wrongdoing in an Aug. 29 airstrike that killed 10 civilians in Kabul, reports the DoD News. On Wednesday, Air Force Inspector General Lt. Gen. Sami Said briefed the media on the results of the investigation. The probe found that drone operators and intelligence analysts believed that the vehicle belonged to ISIS-Khorasan and would be used in an imminent attack in the vicinity of Hamid Karzai International Airport. The operators and analysts did not realize that children were in the area, said Said. The investigation did not find any evidence of criminal conduct or negligence. There were execution errors combined with confirmation bias and communication breakdowns, the general said. The report identified several measures to prevent future such mistakes, including implementing procedures to reduce confirmation bias; enhance the sharing of overall situational awareness during operations; and reviewing pre-strike procedures designed to assess the presence of civil
USA—Defense Bill Amendment Calls For Study To Expand Five Eyes Defense One | 11/04/2021 Lawmakers have added language to the annual defense spending bill that could lead to the first expansion of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing forum, reports Defense One. The measure would require the Director of National Intelligence and the Dept. of Defense to report on the status and issues with intelligence-sharing within the network, which consists of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K. and U.S. It would also require the evaluating the benefits and risks of adding Japan, South Korea, India and Germany to the format. The Five Eyes model is outdated and needs an expanded scope, said Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) at the Defense One and NextGov National Security Forum. Expanding the partnership could serve as a warning to China and a clear indication of support to the additional countries during a time of increased tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Gallego said. The U.S. is already working to increase its intelligence-sharing and cooperation with those countries. Including them within the Five Eyes format would be challenging, experts noted. Each country would have to be assessed individually to determine their ability to protect the sources and methods of intelligence shared through the Five Eyes format.
USA—Fort Lauderdale Amphib Completes Builders Trials Huntington Ingalls Industries | 11/04/2021 Huntington Ingalls Industries says it has completed builder's trials for another amphibious warship for the U.S. Navy. The Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) recently completed an initial round of sea trials, the company said on Tuesday. The Fort Lauderdale and Richard M. McCool Jr. are the last two San Antonio-class ships being built to the Flight I configuration. Both vessels incorporate changes that are part of the Flight II design. USA—
NSO Group Among Companies Blacklisted For Malicious Cyber Activities U.S. Department of Commerce | 11/04/2021 The U.S. Dept. of Commerce says it has added four firms to its list of entities involved in activities contrary to U.S. national interests, including the Israeli company behind the Pegasus spyware. The Bureau of Industry and Security added the NSO Group and Candiru in Israel, Positive Technologies in Russia and Computer Security Initiative Consultancy in Singapore to the blacklist, the department said on Wednesday. The NSO Group and Candiru were added based on evidence they developed and supplied spyware to foreign governments that was used to target government officials, journalists, businesspeople, activists, academics and embassy workers. Pegasus spyware was also used to repress dissidents, journalists and activists. Positive Technologies and the Computer Security Initiative Consultancy were added for trafficking cyber tools that were used to gain unauthorized access to information systems in a way that threatened the privacy and security of individuals and organizations around the world. Companies added to the entity list face restrictions in their ability to receive exports of U.S. hardware, reported the Financial Times (London). Select U.S. companies can export products to the listed companies only with a special licenses and all such transactions are required to be marked with a "red flag," reported the Washington Post. In the case of the NSO Group, this could restrict its ability to use high-end computing services offered by Amazon and Microsoft and its ability to work with U.S. researchers studying software vulnerabilities and exploits.
Slovakia—South Korea Offering FA-50 For Trainer Jet Program Yonhap | 11/04/2021 South Korea will offer its domestic light fighter for Slovakia's trainer jet requirement, reported the Yonhap news agency (Seoul).
On Wednesday, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that Korea Aerospace Industries was scheduled to sign an agreement with Slovakian state-run defense firm LOTN covering bilateral cooperation on efforts to export the FA-50 for a Slovak air force requirement. The US$500 million program covers 10 jet trainers to replace aging L39 aircraft. The FA-50, the light attack variant of the T-50 trainer, can be used for operational and training missions. A request for proposal is expected to be released in the first half of 2022.
European Union—Another Round Of Talks With Iran Set For Nov. 29 European External Action Service | 11/04/2021 The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal with Iran, will meet again later this month, reports the European External Action Service. The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Secretary General/Political Director of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora and attended by representatives of China, France, Germany, Russia, the U.K. and Iran, the EEAS said on Wednesday. The seventh round of talks will focus on a possible U.S. return to the deal and ensuring its full and effective implementation on all sides. A U.S. State Dept. spokesman welcomed the resumption of negotiations and noted that the U.S. would take part indirectly. If Iran is serious about a deal, the U.S. is confident that an agreement can be quickly reached, he said. Iranian chief negotiator Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani confirmed the date, reported BBC News.
Bosnia-Herzegovina—Security Council Extends Mandate Of E.U. Mission In Bosnia Agence France-Presse | 11/04/2021 The U.N. Security Council has renewed the mandate for a European Union military mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports Agence France-Presse. On Wednesday, the council unanimously voted extend the mission for another year. The move comes amid bellicose rhetoric by Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who has vowed to create an ethnic Serb military force and abolish federal bodies within the Bosnian Serb republic.
Ukraine—90,000 Russian Troops Remain Near Border, Defense Ministry Says Reuters | 11/04/2021 The Ukrainian Defense Ministry says that Russia has retained tens of thousands of troops near its border following exercises, reports Reuters. Russian troops, including airborne forces, held a series of large-scale drills in the region, the ministry said on Tuesday. After the training ended, around 90,000 troops from the 41st Army remained about 160 miles (260 km) from the border. The ministry noted that Russia has used this tactic in the past to heighten tensions and pressure neighboring countries. China—
Nuclear Forces, Power Projection Focus For Military Modernization, Report Says DoD News | 11/04/2021 The Pentagon's latest report on Chinese military power says that Beijing is continuing to expand its nuclear and power projection capabilities. reports the DoD News. The annual study, published on Wednesday, covers China's national strategy, foreign policy goals, economic plans and military development. China has been accelerating the expansion of its nuclear capabilities, enabling the fielding of up to 700 deliverable nuclear warheads by 2027, with the objective of reaching 1,000 warheads by 2030. This exceeds last year's estimates of the pace and growth of the Chinese nuclear weapon stockpile. Beijing "intends to increase the peacetime readiness of its nuclear forces by moving to a launch-on-warning (LOW) posture with an expanded silo-based force," the report says. The study also found that China may have achieved a nascent nuclear triad consisting of nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missiles and land- and sea-based weapons. The report also includes a new section on Beijing's biological and chemical research projects, raising concerns about China's compliance with the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. In addition, China is working on strengthening its overseas logistics and basing infrastructure to support power projection in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, says the document.
Japan—German Frigate Conducts 1st Visit In Decades Mainichi Shimbun | 11/04/2021 A German warship is making a port call in Japan for the first time in nearly 20 years, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Japan). On Tuesday, Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi announced that the German frigate Bayern was scheduled to visit Tokyo on Friday. The Bayern is in the middle of a deployment to the Indo-Pacific to demonstrate Germany's commitment to the region in the face of growing Chinese aggression. On Thursday, the frigate was scheduled to conduct joint exercises with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces units in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo.
Taiwan—Increased Reservist Training Finalized Central News Agency | 11/04/2021 Taiwan has finalized plans to increase training for its reservists to strengthen combat capabilities, reports the semi-official Central News Agency (Taipei). The changes include increasing training to two weeks, up from five days for enlisted personnel and seven days for officers. The first week will focus on shooting, while the second week will simulate combat training, reported the Asian News International (New Delhi). Additionally, reservists can also be called up for training two years in a row instead of every other year, defense ministry officials said. The new reservist training plan was developed in 2020 to ensure reserve forces were ready to support regular forces amid increasing tensions with China. It is being implemented on a trial basis in the first three quarters of 2021 across 25 military camps, with 15,000 reservists expected to receive training.
Iran—Tehran Claims Attempt To Seize Tanker Failed Mehr News Agency | 11/04/2021 The Iranian government is claiming that it disrupted an attempt by the U.S. to seize control of one of its tankers in the Gulf of Oman, reports Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency. Tehran said on Wednesday that the U.S. attempted seize control of the tanker late last month and unload its cargo. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces then allegedly conducted a heliborne operation to retake control and redirect the tanker into Iranian territorial waters. Iran claimed that the U.S. further attempted to block the tanker's path with warships, but that this also failed. The ship reached the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas on Oct. 25, according to an IRGC statement cited by Reuters. U.S. officials denied the allegations, saying that Iranian forces had seized a tanker in the Gulf of Oman and that U.S. forces had responded to monitor the incident, reported Newsweek. Footage released by Iran appeared to show IRGC forces overtaking a Vietnamese-flagged tanker.
Israel—Radar Aerostat To Be Deployed In North Times of Israel | 11/04/2021 The Israeli military is preparing to deploy an aerostat equipped with missile and aircraft detection systems, reports the Times of Israel. On Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced that it was preparing to deploy the aerostat system in northern Israel. The timeline of the deployment was not released. The aerostat will be equipped with the Sky Dew radar-based detection system, which is designed to be deployed at high altitudes to detect long-range missiles, cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles. The aerostat is one of the largest of its kind. Sky Dew was developed as a joint venture by Israel's Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. It has undergone final testing in recent months and is being prepared for this first operational deployment. Placing the sensor at high altitude will complement Israel's existing network ground-based radar systems in its north, officials said.
Tunisia—Tunnel Discovered In House Near French Ambassador's Residence Tunis Afrique Presse | 11/04/2021 Tunisian police have discovered a tunnel in a house near the French ambassador's residence in Tunis, reports Tunis Afrique Presse. On Wednesday, police raided a home in La Marsa, a suburb north of the capital, after receiving intelligence of suspicious activity, said the Public Prosecutor's Office. A spokesman for the Tunisian Interior Ministry said that tunneling works were found at the residence, which was frequented by one individual known for extremist views. The tunnel is being investigated to determine its purpose and whether the ambassador's residence was its target, reported the National (Abu Dhabi).
Algeria—Morocco Blamed For Deaths Of Truckers Reuters | 11/04/2021 The Algerian government has accused Morocco of killing three civilians in a border area, reports Reuters. On Monday, Moroccan troops opened fire on three Algerian trucks traveling toward Mauritania for business, the Algerian presidency said on Wednesday. Algiers said unspecified evidence indicated that Moroccan forces had used "a sophisticated weapon" in the attack. Algerian media cited by Agence France-Presse reported that the attack took place in Bir Lahlou, on a highway in the disputed Western Sahara region controlled by the separatist Polisario Front. Algeria said that the incident would not go unpunished, reported the state-run Algeria Press Service. Morocco has not commented on the allegations.
Nigeria—Deal Inked With Turkey For Patrol Vessels Defence Web | 11/04/2021 The Nigerian navy has ordered a pair of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) from a Turkish firm, reports Defence Web (South Africa). On Wednesday, the navy signed an agreement with Dearsan Shipyard for two offshore patrol vessels built to the company's OPV 76 design. Navy chief Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo said that the acquisition was part of the service's 2021-2030 strategic plan. Deliveries are scheduled to conclude by the end of 2024. The ships will perform maritime interdiction, surveillance, special operations and naval fire support missions. They will also be capable of search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, counter-smuggling and disaster-relief operations. The 1,100-ton patrol vessels feature a 76-mm main gun, a 40-mm light naval gun, two stabilized automatic 12.7-mm machine guns, two manual 12.7-mm machine guns, two SIMBAD-RC surface-to-air missile systems and an aft flight deck that can accommodate a helicopter.
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