The List 6011 TGB
Good Monday Morning February 21
I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend.
Regards,
Skip
This day in Naval and Marine Corps History
February. 21
1942—USS Triton (SS 201) sinks Japanese merchant cargo vessel Shokyu Maru in the East China Sea, 60 miles south of Quelpart Island.
1944—SBDs and TBFs bomb anti-aircraft positions at Lakunai airfield and shore installations at Rabaul and sink Japanese guard boat No.2 Yawata Maru.
1944 - Marines with support of naval bombardment and carrier aircraft secure Eniwetok atoll
1945—Japanese kamikazes sink escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea (CVE 95) while off Iwo Jima with 318 men killed or wounded. USS Saratoga (CV 3) is struck by five kamikazes but survives, although 123 men are killed.
1991—During Operation Desert Storm, AV-8B aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 331 conduct the first of 243 sorties off the deck of USS Nassau (LHA 4).
1952—During the Korean War, USS Symbol (AM 123), is conducting a routine check sweep in the vicinity of Mayang-do in company with USS Murrelet (AM 372), when she observes four splashes from an estimated 75mm shore battery. The ships return fire, which silences the enemy guns.
Son of Quote of the Day
On this day in history (February 21):
1878: The first telephone directories issued in the U.S. were distributed
to residents in New Haven, CT.
1947: Edwin H. Land first demonstrated his Polaroid Land camera, which used
self-developing film that produced a black-and-white photograph in 60
seconds. Wildman Fischer sang about taking a picture of you with his
camera. It became an "instant" success.
1950: The first International Pancake Race was held in Liberal, Kansas.
In the annual event, contestants wearing dresses, aprons and head scarves
must run a 415-yard, "S" shaped course while flipping a pancake in a
skillet three times.
National Sticky Bun Day
This day in World History
February 21
1595 The Jesuit poet Robert Southwell is hanged for "treason," being a Catholic.
1631 Michael Romanov, son of the Patriarch of Moscow, is elected Russian Tsar.
1744 The British blockade of Toulon is broken by 27 French and Spanish warships attacking 29 British ships.
1775 As troubles with Great Britain increase, colonists in Massachusetts vote to buy military equipment for 15,000 men.
1797 Trinidad, West Indies surrenders to the British.
1828 The first issue of the Cherokee Phoenix is printed, both in English and in the newly invented Cherokee alphabet.
1849 In the Second Sikh War, Sir Hugh Gough's well placed guns win a victory over a Sikh force twice the size of his at Gujerat on the Chenab River, assuring British control of the Punjab for years to come.
1862 The Texas Rangers win a Confederate victory in the Battle of Val Verde, New Mexico.
1878 The world's first telephone book is issued by the New Haven Connecticut Telephone Company containing the names of its 50 subscribers.
1885 The Washington Monument is dedicated in Washington, D.C.
1905 The Mukden campaign of the Russo-Japanese War, begins.
1916 The Battle of Verdun begins with an unprecedented German artillery barrage of the French lines.
1940 The Germans begin construction of a concentration camp at Auschwitz.
1944 Hideki Tojo becomes chief of staff of the Japanese army.
1949 Nicaragua and Costa Rica sign a friendship treaty ending hostilities over their borders.
1951 The U. S. Eighth Army launches Operation Killer, a counterattack to push Chinese forces north of the Han River in Korea.
1956 A grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama indicts 115 in a Negro bus boycott.
1960 Havana places all Cuban industry under direct control of the government.
1965 El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcom X) is assassinated in front of 400 people.
1972 Richard Nixon arrives in Beijing, China, becoming the first U.S. president to visit a country not diplomatically recognized by the U.S.
1974 A report claims that the use of defoliants by the U.S. has scarred Vietnam for a century.
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Thanks to |"Fingers
Skip Giesting
One of our Bubba shipmates, Skip Giesting, has been physically going through a very rough patch for the last few months. Without going into detail of what all he's been through, I'll just say that he's now on the rebound and could use some encouragement and morale boosting. Skip is currently undergoing rehab treatment at The Cove at La Jolla post-acute care center. He can't yet have visitors. However, he can receive texts, cards and notes of comfort, cheer and motivation. And, despite all he's been through, his sense of humor is still intact. So, don't spare the comedy, hilarity and absurdity. To ensure "snail mail"cards, notes or letters don't get lost in the "system", send them to Toby at home - 5105 Via Cinta, SD, CA 92122. She will get them to Skip. You can text Skip at - (858) 449-0364. Let's help get him back in battery soon.
Skip, would you please put this note out on "The List." Thanks
Fingers
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Thanks to TK ... and Dr. Rich
This is Collectors Keepsake quality
FROM THE REDNECK BOOK OF MANNERS:
1. Never take a beer to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your yard before shooting at them.
3. It's considered poor taste to take a cooler to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it is time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you're certain that you are included in the will, it is still considered tacky to drive a U-Haul to the funeral home.
DINING OUT:
1. If drinking directly from the bottle, always hold it with your fingers covering the label.
2. Avoid throwing bones and food scraps on the floor as the restaurant may not have dogs.
ENTERTAINING IN YOUR HOME:
1. A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Do not allow the dog to eat at the table no matter how good his manners are.
PERSONAL HYGIENE:
1. While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this is a job that should be done in private using one's OWN truck keys.
2. Proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live alone, deodorant is a waste of good money.
3. Dirt and grease under the fingernails is a social no-no, as they tend to detract from a woman's jewelry and alter the taste of finger foods.
DATING (OUTSIDE THE FAMILY):
1. Always offer to bait your date's hook, especially on the first date.
2. Be aggressive. Let her know you're interested: 'I've been wanting to go out with you since I read that stuff on the restroom wall two years ago.'
3. Establish with her parents what time she is expected back. Some will say 10:00 PM; others might say 'Monday.' If the latter is the answer, it is the man's responsibility to get her to school on time.
4. Always have a positive comment about your date's appearance, such as, 'Ya' sure don't sweat much for a fat gal.'
WEDDINGS:
1. Livestock, usually, is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Kissing the bride for more than 5 seconds may get you shot.
3. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A leisure suit with a cummerbund and a clean bowling shirt can create too sporty an appearance.
4. Though uncomfortable, say 'Yes' to socks and shoes for this special occasion.
5. It is not appropriate to tell the groom how good his wife is in the sack.
DRIVING ETIQUETTE:
1. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if the gun is loaded, and the deer is in sight.
2. When approaching a four-way stop, the vehicle with the largest tires always has the right of way.
3. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. When sending your wife/girlfriend down the road with a gas can, it is impolite to ask her to bring back beer.
5. Never relieve yourself from a moving vehicle
6. Do not lay rubber while traveling in a funeral procession.
TWO REASONS WHY IT IS HARD TO SOLVE A REDNECK MURDER:
1. All the DNA is the same.
2. There are no dental records
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post
… For The List for Monday, 21 February 2022… Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com post for 21 February 1967… Henry Steele Commager: "A nation must know its limitations."…
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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This Day in Aviation History" brought to you by the Daedalians Airpower Blog Update. To subscribe to this weekly email, go to https://daedalians.org/airpower-blog/
Feb. 14, 1990: Voyager 1 took the first "family portrait" of the Solar System as seen from outside, which includes the image of planet Earth known as Pale Blue Dot. Soon afterward, its cameras were deactivated to conserve energy and computer resources for other equipment.
Feb. 15, 1951: H-5 pilots of the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron fly through a blinding snowstorm and 40-knot winds to deliver blood plasma and medical supplies to the U.S. Army's 2d Division at Chipyong, Korea. They also evacuate 52 wounded men.
Feb. 16, 1975: Brig Gen Eugene D. Scott becomes the first navigator in USAF history to command an opera¬tional flying unit, the 47th Air Division at Fairchild AFB, Washington.
Feb. 17, 1956: With test pilot Herman Richard "Fish" Salmon at the controls, the Lockheed YF-104A service test prototype made its first flight. The aircraft, the first of 17 pre-production YF-104As, incorporated many improvements over the XF-104 prototype, the most visible being a longer fuselage. On Feb. 28, 1956, YF-104A 55-2955 became the first aircraft to reach Mach 2 in level flight. The YF-104A was later converted to the production standard and redesignated F-104A. The Lockheed F-104A Starfighter was a single-place, single-engine, Mach 2 interceptor, and was designed by a team lead by the legendary Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson. Lockheed built 153 of the F-104A Starfighter initial production version. A total of 2,578 F-104s of all variants were produced by Lockheed and its licensees, Canadair, Fiat, Fokker, MBB, Messerschmitt, Mitsubishi and SABCA. By 1969, the F-104A had been retired from service. The last Starfighter, an Aeritalia-built F-104S ASA/M of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana, was retired in October 2004.
Feb. 18, 1918: The first American fighter unit proper, the 95th Aero Squadron, arrives in France.
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|Thanks to Al
Monday Morning Humor--Presidents' Day
On August 11, 1984, just before his regular Saturday radio address, President Ronald Reagan was doing a voice test with the microphone. He thought the microphone and the feed was not live. He joked into the microphone: "My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes." To his surprise, he was speaking to a live feed!
This incident led to the creation of "Presidential Joke Day". However, we do not think American presidents will make it a habit to perform jokes on, or to, the American public on this day, or any other.
"I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting"—Ronald Reagan
The Secretary of Defense is giving the president his daily briefing. He concludes by saying: 'Yesterday, 3 Brazilian soldiers were killed'.
"Oh no!' exclaims the President. 'That's terrible!'
His staff are stunned at this display of emotion, they watch nervously as the President sits, head in hands. Finally, the President looks up and asks, "How many is a brazillion?"
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?
"You should be ashamed," the father told his son, "When Abraham Lincoln was your age, he used to walk ten miles every day to get to school."
"Really?" the son responded. "Well, when he was your age, he was President."
How many members of the administration did it take to change a light bulb?
· One to deny that a light bulb needs to be changed;
· One to attack the political correctness of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed;
· One to blame the previous President for burning out the light bulb;
· One to arrange the invasion of a country rumored to have a secret stockpile of light bulbs;
· One to give a billion dollar no-bid contract to a "good old boy" for the new light bulb;
· One to arrange a photograph of the president, under the banner: Change
· One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how the President was literally in the dark;
· One to viciously smear the former;
· One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how the President has had a strong light-bulb-changing policy all along;
From The late Night Show with David Letterman:
Top 10 Reasons Why Homer Simpson Should Be the Next President
· I'm smarter than the last guy.
· With an oval office, I can't bump into anything.
· Fox News is already on my side.
· I will take full advantage of the free food that comes with the job.
· I have enormous experience apologizing for failed decisions.
· I will appoint a Secretary of Donuts.
· I will be the Secretary of Donuts.
· My middle name isn't Hussein…anymore.
· My Vice President will be Mayor McCheese.
· Kick-a$$ inauguration party! Bring a six-pack and you're in!
Presidents' Day Groaners
Q: What would you get if you crossed a gorilla with the sixteenth US president?
A: Ape Lincoln!
Q: What would you get if you crossed the sixteenth president with a famous slugger?
A: Babe Lincoln!
Q: Did Lincoln know that the North would win the Civil War?
A: After a while, he took it for Grant-ed!
Teacher: "John, do you know Lincoln's Gettysburg Address?"
Student: "No, Miss Frump. I thought he lived in Washington!"
Q: Why was Abraham Lincoln born in a log cabin?
A: Because it was too cold to be born outside!
Q: Why is Abraham Lincoln like a bloodhound tracking someone?
A: They're both on the (s)cent!
Q: Why did George Washington have trouble sleeping?
A: Because he couldn't lie.
Q: What do you call George Washington's false teeth?
A: Presidentures!
Q: What would you get if you crossed the first US president with an animated character?
A: George Washingtoon!
Q: How did George Washington speak to his army?
A: In general terms!
Have a great week,
Al
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.—George Washington
Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.—Abraham Lincoln
A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues.—Theodore Roosevelt
The arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and assistance to foreign hands should be curtailed, lest Rome fall.—Cicero (circa 55 BC)
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Thanks to Billy and Dr.Rich
Sent from the apex of a Stearman loop
MH370: Where is the missing Malaysian Airlines plane? Expert's bombshell theory | Daily Mail Online
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One of the really good guys
Thanks to the F-8 Net
[Last Charlie Chuck Tinker]
Golden Eagles notification here: Chuck Tinker
Via Jay Campbell via Tom Morgenfeld
11 February 2022
Captain Charles L. Tinker, USN (Ret), Golden Eagle Emeritus
Gentlemen,
It is my sincere, sad duty to report that Golden Eagle Emeritus, CAPT Charles L. “Chuck†Tinker, USN (Ret) made his Last Take Off during the night of 7 February 2022 while on travel to his historic family farm in central Illinois to attend the funeral for his son, Kemp. Having just transitioned to Emeritus status the week prior due to severe COPD and diminished mobility, Chuck none-the-less was determined to travel and honor the memory of his youngest son, who passed away at the young age of 51.
Born and raised in the community of Vandalia, IL Chuck grew up to be the fifth generation to work the 300-acre land grant farm deeded to the Tinker family in 1840 by President Martin Van Buren. At an early age he saw an airplane overfly the farm and knew from that moment he wanted to fly. Chuck completed high school at Brownstown High School and soon after entered Naval Aviation Flight Training as a NAVCAD in December 1954. With Primary Training in the SNJ complete, Chuck flew the T-28 Trojan during Basic Training in Pensacola, FL before being selected for the Jet Pipeline and completing Advanced Training in the F9F-2 Panther, earning his Wings of Gold on 29 August 1956. While in training and on a double date, Chuck met Mitch who was dating his friend at the time, and decided she was the one for him â€" they were married in that same year of 1956.
After transition training in the F9F-8 Cougar, Chuck reported to VF-111 as Aircraft Division Officer in early 1957, based at NAS Miramar, CA and initially flying the F9F-8. He deployed, embarked in USS Bennington to the Western Pacific and transitioned to flying the FJ-3M Fury before completing his first sea duty tour. He reported for duty as an instructor pilot in the Advanced Training Command in 1960, flying the F9F-8 and the TF9F-8 at VT-24 based at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, TX. It was here, based on his deployed carrier experience that Chuck began a seven-year mini-career as a Landing Signal Officer (LS0). For his expertise, he was awarded a CNATRA Citation for controlling over 10,000 accident/incident free Field Carrier Landing Passes (FCLPs).
Transitioning back to the fleet, Chuck completed Fleet Replacement Training at VF-124 based at NAS Miramar, CA in the F-8 Crusader, and in early 1964 he reported for duty at VF-162. Assigned as Safety and Admin Officer, he was the designated squadron LSO for two Vietnam combat deployments embarked in USS Oriskany. The squadron upgraded from the F8U-1 (F-8A) to the F-8E, and he first deployed from April to December 1965, arriving on Yankee Station in the Tonkin Gulf in June, flying in Route Package 1 over North Vietnam. One of his most memorable missions occurred when he escorted the Air Wing 19 Commander, CAG Jim Stockdale on a Bullpup launch at the Than Hoa bridge. As they “rolled in from 10,000 feet under a heavy overcast, about halfway through the run it looked like every anti-aircraft gun in North Vietnam opened up. CAG pressed the attack, scoring a direct hit on the bridge.†Chuck stated that “two days later traffic was back to normal on the bridge and (on 9 September 1965) CAG Stockdale was shot down.â€
During the second deployment from May to November 1966 the squadron and airwing were engaged in heavy air combat over North Vietnam, during which six VF-162 aircraft were shot down. More significantly, the cruise was cut short when Oriskany was on station the morning of 26 October 1966, and a massive fire erupted on the starboard side of the ship's forward hangar bay and raced through five decks, killing 44 men. Many who lost their lives were veteran combat pilots who had flown raids over Vietnam a few hours earlier, and Chuck was fortunate to have survived and be among those who bravely fought the fire.
Returning to NAS Miramar, CA in November 1966, Chuck reported to VF-124 for shore duty as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot flying the F-8 and serving as Assistant Maintenance Officer and FRS LSO. For his entire LSO career, he was never a factor in an accident or incident of any kind, either in the FCLP pattern or at sea. Hanging up his paddles, LCDR Tinker rejoined the fleet as Operations Officer of VF-62, still flying the F-8 based at NAS Cecil Field, FL in 1967, and deployed embarked in USS Shangri-La to the Mediterranean Sea from November 1967 until August 1968. During the deployment, he led a section of Crusaders that intercepted the first “adversarial†aircraft ever to overfly a U.S. carrier, an Egyptian Bison that proceeded under his escort over the Shangri-La. Chuck then served as the squadron Maintenance Officer and completed this tour before the squadron was decommissioned in 1969, deploying for three months to the Caribbean Sea.
After 16 consecutive years in the cockpit, Chuck was detailed ashore inside the Beltway, serving in OPNAV as OP-330, office of Aircraft Carrier Required Configuration, the Pentagon, Washington D.C. With time on his side (not heading to the platform for night FCLPs) he concurrently attended George Washington University as a student, completing his college degree. While in this tour, Chuck was promoted to Commander and selected for squadron command.
In the summer of 1971 Chuck returned to NAS Miramar, CA (Fighter Town, USA) for CAT-2 refresher training in the F-8J at VF-124 and in December 1971, upon their return from deployment to Vietnam, joined VF-191 as Executive Officer. After a brief “turn-around†training period, CDR Tinker became Commanding Officer of VF-191 as the squadron embarked in USS Oriskany on 5 June 1972 for what would become the final Vietnam combat deployment. When peace talks in Paris stalled, the Oriskany quickly departed from a well-deserved port visit in Yokosuka, Japan to return to Yankee Station and continued to pound communist targets in South Vietnam. Later, the squadron joined missions in Operation Linebacker II, the Christmas bombing campaign in North Vietnam during this sixth line period of the cruise. When the Paris Peace Accords were finally signed on 27 January 1973, VF-191 and CVW-19 aircraft made one final line period after a brief respite at NAS Cubi Point, P.I. from 11â€"22 February 1973, operating against targets in Laos in a last effort to assist indigenous allies there against communist infiltration.
Returning to NAS Miramar upon completion of the deployment, Chuck turned over Command of VF-191 and was assigned as Operations Officer for Commander, FITAEWPAC for a one-year shore tour. In 1974 he reported as Air Operations Officer aboard USS Constellation, home ported in San Diego, CA at NAS North Island. In June 1974 Connie departed for her first peacetime deployment in 10 years and on 23 November 1974 became the first aircraft carrier to enter the Persian Gulf since 1949. The six-month cruise ended 24 December 1974 and Connie then began a 14-month major overhaul and upgrade at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, WA and Chuck fleeted up to Operations Officer. During this period CDR Tinker was selected for “Bonus Command†and in 1976 took over as Commander, Carrier Air Wing 20, based at NAS Jacksonville, FL, flying the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and A-4 Skyhawk.
Because of Chuck’s extensive background as a combat-seasoned fighter pilot, he was selected in 1977 to proceed to CIA Headquarters in McLean, VA to develop a program that would enable all Navy and Marine combat air crews to be briefed on Soviet aerial tactical capabilities, equipment, technology, and the Soviet pilot mindset. The briefings were presented by Soviet fighter pilot, Viktor Belenko, who defected to Japan on 6 September 1976 in his MiG-25 Foxbat. This program continued for over two years and succeeded with briefings that were conducted at every tactical air base in the U.S.
Chuck was promoted to Captain and returned to the Pentagon and OPNAV in 1978 as OP-508, Head, TACAIR Plans and Programs. In this tour he created the schedule for the introduction of the F/A-18 Hornet into active-duty Navy and Marine squadrons. Additionally, he provided Congress the force numbers required to replace the aging airframes in the AV-8 Harrier, F-4 Phantom II and A-7 Corsair II squadrons.
Selected for Major Command, CAPT Tinker reported as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Whiting Field, FL in 1980 and found time to get back in the cockpit. He was subsequently selected to Command Naval Air Station Oceana, VA where he served from 1982 for over two years, departing in early 1985 for his final tour back inside the Beltway. He reported in 1985 as Vice Director, Joint Planning Staff for Space in the office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. His duties involved developing the position descriptions, duties, and terms of reference for the stand-up of the U.S. Space Command (CINCSPACE). He also defined the specific duties by service for the Command, with the Army as primary user of Tactical Space Systems and the Navy and US Air Force as primarily employing the strategic use of those systems. Finally, Chuck coordinated with the “Star Wars†Staff to develop classified space systems and heavy lift vehicles designed to deploy electromagnetic and ballistic missile defense systems â€" all leading-edge technologies during the 80s.
On 30 June 1986 CAPT Charles Tinker retired from active duty after 31 and one-half years of service. During his remarkable career he served in five fighter squadrons and operated exclusively from 27C (Essex-class) carriers while flying 4,897 flight hours and achieving 1,272 carrier arrested landings. Chuck made three Vietnam combat deployments, completing 239 combat missions during some of the most hazardous periods of the air war. He received the Bronze Star with Combat V, 4 Air Medals, 29 Strike-Flight Air Medals and 2 Navy Achievement Medals with Combat V.
After retiring from the Navy, Chuck returned to Pensacola, FL where his aviation career began and was hired as a DOD Contract Pilot supporting the Undergraduate Military Flight Officer Program, training Weapons Systems Operators worldwide. In this second career Chuck logged over 11,000 mishap-free flight hours in the T-47 and T-39 aircraft and was promoted to Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations before retiring in 2004, after 50 years of continuous association with Naval Aviation.
CAPT Charles L. Tinker had a passion for flying that lasted his entire life, reflected in both his active duty and civilian careers as an instructor and combat veteran that shaped the lives of countless Naval Aviators. He was extremely proud to be a Golden Eagle and was a presence at every Pensacola gathering of Central Flight. Chuck was a loving, dedicated husband and father, survived by his wife Mitch and son Chris, and predeceased by sons Chuck and Kemp. A visitation is planned for 1:00â€"2:00 p.m. on Saturday, 19 February 2022 at the Hohlt & File Funeral Home, 204 N. 4th Street, Vandalia, IL, with a graveside service with full military honors to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Morton Cemetery in Vandalia. Following the interment there will be a reception at the Overcup Baptist Church, RR 1, Vandalia, IL. In his son, Chris’s words, “Pop has earned his wings again.â€
He will be missed.
Jay A. Campbell
Pilot
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This Day in U S Military History
February 21
1920 – Robert S. Johnson, American World War II fighter ace who shot down 27 German planes. Robert S. Johnson was the first fighter pilot of the USAAF – United State Army Air Force – to supplant the 26 victories that Eddie Rickenbacker got in World War I. To the end of the war, he knocked down a German total of 27 airplanes (initially they were 28, but a victory was twenty years after finished the war) He was a member of the 56th Pursuit Group also known as "The Wolf Pack". He wrote a book called "Thunderbolt", chronicles of his life during World War II, where he tells that the American fighter pilots, in the beginning of the war, were very bad, and had to learn or die before being able to fight the pilots of the Luftwaffe. Robert Johnson died 27 of December 1998.
1945 – The Bismarck Sea was the last U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to be sunk in combat during World War II. The escort carrier Bismarck Sea was supporting the invasion of Iwo Jima, when about 50 kamikazes attacked the U.S. Navy Task Groups 58.2 and 58.3. Fleet carrier Saratoga was struck by three suicide planes and so badly damaged that the war ended before she returned to service. At 6:45 p.m., two Mitsubishi A6M5 Zeros approached Bismarck Sea, which opened fire with her anti-aircraft guns. One Zero was set on fire, but its suicidal pilot pressed home his attack and crashed into the carrier abreast of the aft elevator, which fell into the hangar deck below. Two minutes later, an internal explosion devastated the ship, and at 7:05 p.m., Captain J.L. Pratt ordered Abandon Ship. Ravaged by further explosions over the next three hours, Bismarck Sea sank at 10 p.m., the last U.S. Navy carrier to go down as a result of enemy action during World War II. Of her crew of 943, 218 officers and men lost their lives.
2008 – The United States Navy shoots down USA 193, a spy satellite in a decaying orbit, over the Pacific Ocean. USA-193, also known as NRO launch 21 (NROL-21 or simply L-21), was an U.S. military spy satellite launched on December 14, 2006. It was the first launch conducted by the United Launch Alliance. Owned by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the craft's precise function and purpose were classified. The satellite malfunctioned shortly after deployment, and was intentionally destroyed 14 months later by a modified, SM-3 missile fired from the warship USS Lake Erie, stationed west of Hawaii. The event highlighted growing distrust between the U.S. and China, and was viewed by some to be part of a wider "space race" involving the U.S., China, and Russia.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
DUNLAP, ROBERT. HUGO
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division. Place and date: On Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 20 and 21 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: 19 October 1920, Abingdon, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands, on 20 and 21 February, 1945. Defying uninterrupted blasts of Japanese artillery, mortar, rifle and machinegun fire, Capt. Dunlap led his troops in a determined advance from low ground uphill toward the steep cliffs from which the enemy poured a devastating rain of shrapnel and bullets, steadily inching forward until the tremendous volume of enemy fire from the caves located high to his front temporarily halted his progress. Determined not to yield, he crawled alone approximately 200 yards forward of his front lines, took observation at the base of the cliff 50 yards from Japanese lines, located the enemy gun positions and returned to his own lines where he relayed the vital information to supporting artillery and naval gunfire units. Persistently disregarding his own personal safety, he then placed himself in an exposed vantage point to direct more accurately the supporting fire and, working without respite for 2 days and 2 nights under constant enemy fire, skillfully directed a smashing bombardment against the almost impregnable Japanese positions despite numerous obstacles and heavy marine casualties. A brilliant leader, Capt. Dunlap inspired his men to heroic efforts during this critical phase of the battle and by his cool decision, indomitable fighting spirit, and daring tactics in the face of fanatic opposition greatly accelerated the final decisive defeat of Japanese countermeasures in his sector and materially furthered the continued advance of his company. His great personal valor and gallant spirit of self-sacrifice throughout the bitter hostilities reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Dunlap and the U.S. Naval Service.
*GRAY, ROSS FRANKLIN
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: August 1920, Marvel Valley, Ala. Accredited to: Alabama. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Platoon Sergeant attached to Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Shrewdly gauging the tactical situation when his platoon was held up by a sudden barrage of hostile grenades while advancing toward the high ground northeast of Airfield No. 1, Sgt. Gray promptly organized the withdrawal of his men from enemy grenade range, quickly moved forward alone to reconnoiter and discovered a heavily mined area extending along the front of a strong network of emplacements joined by covered trenches. Although assailed by furious gunfire, he cleared a path leading through the minefield to one of the fortifications, then returned to the platoon position and, informing his leader of the serious situation, volunteered to initiate an attack under cover of 3 fellow marines. Alone and unarmed but carrying a huge satchel charge, he crept up on the Japanese emplacement, boldly hurled the short-fused explosive and sealed the entrance. Instantly taken under machinegun fire from a second entrance to the same position, he unhesitatingly braved the increasingly vicious fusillades to crawl back for another charge, returned to his objective and blasted the second opening, thereby demolishing the position. Repeatedly covering the ground between the savagely defended enemy fortifications and his platoon area, he systematically approached, attacked and withdrew under blanketing fire to destroy a total of 6 Japanese positions, more than 25 troops and a quantity of vital ordnance gear and ammunition. Stouthearted and indomitable, Sgt. Gray had single-handedly overcome a strong enemy garrison and had completely disarmed a large minefield before finally rejoining his unit. By his great personal valor, daring tactics and tenacious perseverance in the face of extreme peril, he had contributed materially to the fulfillment of his company mission. His gallant conduct throughout enhanced and sustained the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
McCARTHY, JOSEPH JEREMIAH
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Entered service at: Illinois. Born: 10 August 1911, Chicago, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a rifle company attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 21 February 1945. Determined to break through the enemy's cross-island defenses, Capt. McCarthy acted on his own initiative when his company advance was held up by uninterrupted Japanese rifle, machinegun, and high-velocity 47mm. fire during the approach to Motoyama Airfield No. 2. Quickly organizing a demolitions and flamethrower team to accompany his picked rifle squad, he fearlessly led the way across 75 yards of fire-swept ground, charged a heavily fortified pillbox on the ridge of the front and, personally hurling hand grenades into the emplacement as he directed the combined operations of his small assault group, completely destroyed the hostile installation. Spotting 2 Japanese soldiers attempting an escape from the shattered pillbox, he boldly stood upright in full view of the enemy and dispatched both troops before advancing to a second emplacement under greatly intensified fire and then blasted the strong fortifications with a well-planned demolitions attack. Subsequently entering the ruins, he found a Japanese taking aim at 1 of our men and, with alert presence of mind, jumped the enemy, disarmed and shot him with his own weapon. Then, intent on smashing through the narrow breach, he rallied the remainder of his company and pressed a full attack with furious aggressiveness until he had neutralized all resistance and captured the ridge. An inspiring leader and indomitable fighter, Capt. McCarthy consistently disregarded all personal danger during the fierce conflict and, by his brilliant professional skill, daring tactics, and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds, contributed materially to the success of his division's operations against this savagely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His cool decision and outstanding valor reflect the highest credit upon Capt. McCarthy and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
HOOPER, JOE R.
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 21 February 1968. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 8 August 1938, Piedmont, S.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Staff Sergeant (then Sgt.) Hooper, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as squad leader with Company D. Company D was assaulting a heavily defended enemy position along a river bank when it encountered a withering hail of fire from rockets, machine guns and automatic weapons. S/Sgt. Hooper rallied several men and stormed across the river, overrunning several bunkers on the opposite shore. Thus inspired, the rest of the company moved to the attack. With utter disregard for his own safety, he moved out under the intense fire again and pulled back the wounded, moving them to safety. During this act S/Sgt. Hooper was seriously wounded, but he refused medical aid and returned to his men. With the relentless enemy fire disrupting the attack, he single-handedly stormed 3 enemy bunkers, destroying them with hand grenade and rifle fire, and shot 2 enemy soldiers who had attacked and wounded the Chaplain. Leading his men forward in a sweep of the area, S/Sgt. Hooper destroyed 3 buildings housing enemy riflemen. At this point he was attacked by a North Vietnamese officer whom he fatally wounded with his bayonet. Finding his men under heavy fire from a house to the front, he proceeded alone to the building, killing its occupants with rifle fire and grenades. By now his initial body wound had been compounded by grenade fragments, yet despite the multiple wounds and loss of blood, he continued to lead his men against the intense enemy fire. As his squad reached the final line of enemy resistance, it received devastating fire from 4 bunkers in line on its left flank. S/Sgt. Hooper gathered several hand grenades and raced down a small trench which ran the length of the bunker line, tossing grenades into each bunker as he passed by, killing all but 2 of the occupants. With these positions destroyed, he concentrated on the last bunkers facing his men, destroying the first with an incendiary grenade and neutralizing 2 more by rifle fire. He then raced across an open field, still under enemy fire, to rescue a wounded man who was trapped in a trench. Upon reaching the man, he was faced by an armed enemy soldier whom he killed with a pistol. Moving his comrade to safety and returning to his men, he neutralized the final pocket of enemy resistance by fatally wounding 3 North Vietnamese officers with rifle fire. S/Sgt. Hooper then established a final line and reorganized his men, not accepting treatment until this was accomplished and not consenting to evacuation until the following morning. His supreme valor, inspiring leadership and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the company's success and provided a lasting example in personal courage for every man on the field. S/Sgt. Hooper's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army .
*SIMS, CLIFFORD CHESTER
Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: Near Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 21 February 1968. Entered service at: Jacksonville, Fla. Born: 18 June 1942, Port St. Joe, Fla. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Sims distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company D. Company D was assaulting a heavily fortified enemy position concealed within a dense wooded area when it encountered strong enemy defensive fire. Once within the woodline, S/Sgt. Sims led his squad in a furious attack against an enemy force which had pinned down the 1st Platoon and threatened to overrun it. His skillful leadership provided the platoon with freedom of movement and enabled it to regain the initiative. S/Sgt. Sims was then ordered to move his squad to a position where he could provide covering fire for the company command group and to link up with the 3d Platoon, which was under heavy enemy pressure. After moving no more than 30 meters S/Sgt. Sims noticed that a brick structure in which ammunition was stocked was on fire. Realizing the danger, S/Sgt. Sims took immediate action to move his squad from this position. Though in the process of leaving the area 2 members of his squad were injured by the subsequent explosion of the ammunition, S/Sgt. Sims' prompt actions undoubtedly prevented more serious casualties from occurring. While continuing through the dense woods amidst heavy enemy fire, S/Sgt. Sims and his squad were approaching a bunker when they heard the unmistakable noise of a concealed booby trap being triggered immediately to their front. S/Sgt. Sims warned his comrades of the danger and unhesitatingly hurled himself upon the device as it exploded, taking the full impact of the blast. In so protecting his fellow soldiers, he willingly sacrificed his life. S/Sgt. Sims' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for February 21 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
21 February
1918: The Navy commissioned NAS Bolsena, the first of two US Naval air stations to be in Italy during World War I. (24)
1921: Lt William D. Coney, Air Service, completed a solo flight from Rockwell Field, San Diego, Calif., to Jacksonville, Fla. He covered 2,180 miles in 22 hours 27 minutes flying time. (9) (24)
1924: Carl B. Eielson flew the first airmail from Fairbanks to McGrath, Alaska. (24)
1945: P-47 Thunderbolts attacked the Berchtesgarden railway station for the first time; however, the fighters did not attack Hitler's nearby retreat. (25)
1961: Final training for the first Mercury flights began with the naming of Alan B. Shepard, Jr., Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, and John H. Glenn, Jr., as candidates for an early ballistic flight. (24)
1971: Through 25 February, 1,200 Air National Guard members assisted in disaster relief operations in six states hit by tornados, snowstorms, and earthquakes. In Oklahoma, the Air National Guard's C-124s dropped 300 tons of hay to snowbound cattle. (16) (26)
1973: A 30-year civil war in Laos ended and a ceasefire prevailed. The US halted air strikes. (16) (17)
1991: A 438th Military Airlift Wing C-141 Starlifter flew 55 tons of supplies to Freetown, Sierra Leone, to provide humanitarian assistance. (16)
2001: An RQ-1 Predator fired a Hellfire missile at a tank at Nellis AFB. It became the first unmanned aerial vehicle to destroy a ground target in the test. (21)
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