To All,
Good Wednesday morning November 8, 2023
A bit of history and some tidbits
Regards,
Skip
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Today in Naval and Marine Corps History
November. 8
1861 During the Civil War, Capt. Charles Wilkes, commanding the warship San Jacinto, seizes two Confederate diplomats from the British steamer Trent, causing an international controversy with Great Britain known as the Trent Affair.
1942 In Operation Torch, American and British forces land in Morocco and Algeria. The U.S. Navy sees most of its action around Casablanca and elsewhere on Morocco's Atlantic coast. This ambitious trans-oceanic amphibious operation gives the Allies bases for future operations. In six more months, all of North Africa is cleared of Axis forces, opening the way for an invasion of Italy.
1943 USS Bluefish (SS 222) sinks the Japanese army tanker Kyokeui Maru in the South China Sea off the northwest coast of Luzon while USS Rasher (SS 269) sinks the Japanese merchant tanker Tango Maru in Makassar Strait and survives counterattacks by auxiliary submarine chaser Cha 41.
1956 Navy Stratolab balloon, piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Malcolm D. Ross and Lt. Cmdr. M. Lee Lewis, surpasses the world height record by soaring to 76,000 ft. over Black Hills, S.D. The flight gathers meteorological, cosmic ray, and other scientific data. For this record ascent, the men are awarded the 1957 Harmon International Trophy for Aeronauts.
1975 More than 100 Sailors and Marines from USS Inchon (LPH 12) and USS Shreveport (LPD 12) fight a fire aboard a Spanish merchant vessel at Palma.
1985 In a change of tradition, the rank of Commodore is changed to Rear Adm. Lower Half. The rank of Commodore had been in use since the beginning of the United States Navy.
1990 President George H. W. Bush announces decision to double the number of carrier battle groups deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield. By Jan. 15, 1991, USS Ranger (CV 61), USS America (CV 66), and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) were to join USS Midway (CV 41), USS Saratoga (CV 60), and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).
1991 USS Lexington (AVT 16) is decommissioned at NAS Pensacola, FL. She was commissioned on Feb. 17, 1943.
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Today in World History November 8
392 Theodosius of Rome passes legislation prohibiting all pagan worship in the empire.
1226 Louis IX succeeds Louis VIII as king of France.
1576 The 17 provinces of the Netherlands form a federation to maintain peace.
1620 The King of Bohemia is defeated at the Battle of Prague.
1685 Fredrick William of Brandenburg issues the Edict of Potsdam, offering Huguenots refuge.
1793 The Louvre opens in Paris. But wasn't it already a Palace and it merely opens to the people?
1861 Charles Wilkes seizes Confederate commissioners John Slidell and James M. Mason from the British ship Trent.
1864 President Abraham Lincoln is re-elected in the first wartime election in the United States.
1887 Doc Holliday, who fought on the side of the Earp brothers during the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral 6 years earlier, dies of tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
1889 Montana becomes the 41st state of the Union.
1900 Theodore Dresier's first novel Sister Carrie is published by Doubleday, but is recalled from stores shortly due to public sentiment.
1904 President Theodore Roosevelt is elected president of the United States. He had been vice president until the shooting death of President William McKinley.
1910 The Democrats prevail in congressional elections for the first time since 1894.
1923 Adolf Hitler attempts a coup in Munich, the "Beer Hall Putsch," and proclaims himself chancellor and Ludendorff dictator. .
1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected 32nd president of the United States.
1938 Crystla Bird Fauset of Pennsylvania, becomes the first African-American woman to be elected to a state legislature.
1942 The United States and Great Britain invade Axis-occupied North Africa.
1960 John F. Kennedy is elected 35th president, defeating Republican candidate Richard Nixon in the closest election, by popular vote, since 1880.
1965 Vietnam War, Operation Hump: US 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team ambushed by over 1,200 Viet Cong in Bien Hoa Province. Nearby, in the Gang Toi Hills, a company of the Royal Australian Regiment also engaged Viet Cong forces.
1966 Republican Edward Brooke of Massachusetts becomes the first African American elected to the Senate in 85 years.
1977 Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos discovers what is believed to be the tomb of Philip II of Macedon at Vergina in northern Greece.
1983 Wilson B. Goode is elected as the first black mayor of the city of Philadelphia.
1987 A dozen people are killed and over 60 wounded when the IRA detonates a bomb during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, honoring those who had died in wars involving British forces.
2000 Dispute begins over US presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore; Supreme Court ruling on Dec. 12 results in a 271-266 electoral victory for Bush.
2004 More than 10,000 US troops and a few Iraqi army units besiege an insurgent stronghold at Fallujah.
2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, slams into the Philippines, with sustained winds of 195 mpg (315 kph) and gusts up to 235 mph (380 kph); over 5,000 are killed (date is Nov 7 in US).
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November 1 1968 was the last Day of rolling Thunder. The Bear will continue shortly with a history of Commando Hunt. The war has another 4 years to go.
ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
Thanks to Micro
To remind folks that these are from the Vietnam Air Losses site that Micro put together. You click on the url below and get what happened each day to the crew of the aircraft. ……Skip
From Vietnam Air Losses site for Wednesday November 8
November 8: https://www.vietnamairlosses.com/loss.php?id=1448
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.
This is a list of all Helicopter Pilots Who Died in the Vietnam War . Listed by last name and has other info https://www.vhpa.org/KIA/KIAINDEX.HTM
MOAA - Wall of Faces Now Includes Photos of All Servicemembers Killed in the Vietnam War
The site works, find anyone you knew in "search" feature.
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/ )
Wall of Faces Now Includes Photos of All Service members Killed in the Vietnam War
By: Kipp Hanley
AUGUST 15, 2022
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From the Archives
The eighth of November the battle and the song
Open the site below to in order see the whole article and play the video which contains the Big and Rich song the 8th of November. Very good.
If the below does not work just Google 8th of November
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_UJwwI_Is
About 9,950,000,000 results (0.83 seconds) Search Results Images Big & Rich - 8th Of November (Video) - YouTube
Video embedded · 118 Responses to November 8, 1965 – Operation Hump. A tribute to the brave ... Rich's song 8th of November to teach about Vietnam to ... up November 8, 1965 ...
November 8, 1965 – Operation Hump. A tribute to the brave men who fought this one….
A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.
-Theodore Roosevelt-
Every once in a while I like to pay tribute to certain troops who have sacrificed their all fighting for the American Military. This tribute goes back to the Vietnam war, to Operation Hump. A search and destroy mission that was fought from November 5 – 8th, of 1965, and involved the 173rd Airborne brigade, and some troops from Australia. The total force for the American forces that day were about 400. The enemy who ambushed the 173rd, numbered around 1200. Here is their story, along with the video of the song 8th of November by Big and Rich, with an introduction by Kris Kristofferson.
Operation Hump was a search and destroy operation initiated on 5 November 1965[1] by the 173rd Airborne Brigade, in an area about 17.5 miles north of Bien Hoa. The 1st Battalion,[2] Royal Australian Regiment, deployed south of the Dong Nai River while the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, conducted a helicopter assault on an LZ northwest of the Dong Nai and Song Be Rivers. Little contact was made through 7 November, when B and C Companies settled into a night defensive position southeast of Hill 65, a triple-canopy jungled hill.
Operation detail
At about 0600 on the morning of 8 November C Company began a move northwest toward Hill 65, while B Company moved northeast toward Hill 78. Shortly before 0800, C Company was engaged by a sizable enemy force well dug in to the southern face of Hill 65. At 0845, B Company was directed to wheel in place and proceed toward Hill 65 with the intention of relieving C Company.
B Company reached the foot of Hill 65 at about 0930 and moved up the hill. It became obvious that there was a large enemy force in place on the hill, C Company was getting hammered, and by chance, B Company was forcing the enemy's right flank.
Under pressure from B Company's flanking attack the enemy force—most of a People's Liberation Armed Forces (Viet Cong) regiment—moved to the northwest, whereupon the B Company commander called in air and artillery fire on the retreating troops. B Company halted in place in an effort to locate and consolidate with C Company's platoons, managing to establish a coherent defensive line running around the hilltop from southeast to northwest, but with little cover on the southern side.
Meanwhile, the PLAF commander realized that his best chance was to close with the US forces so that the 173rd's air and artillery fire could not be effectively employed. PLAF troops attempted to out-flank the US position atop the hill from both the east and the southwest, moving his troops closer to the Americans. The result was shoulder-to-shoulder attacks up the hillside, hand-to-hand fighting, and isolation of parts of B and C Companies but the Americans held against two such attacks. Although the fighting continued after the second massed attack, it reduced in intensity as the PLAF troops again attempted to disengage and withdraw. By late afternoon it seemed that contact had been broken off, allowing the two companies to prepare a night defensive position while collecting their dead and wounded in the center of the position. Although a few of the most seriously wounded were extracted by USAF helicopters using Stokes litters, the triple-canopy jungle prevented the majority from being evacuated until the morning of 9 November.
Operation results and aftermath
The result of the battle was heavy losses on both sides—48 Paratroopers dead, many more wounded, and 403 dead PLAF troops.
Operation Hump is memorialized in a song by Big and Rich named 8 November (Introduction, by Kris Kristofferson):
"On November 8th 1965, the 173rd Airborne Brigade on "Operation Hump", war zone "D" in Vietnam, were ambushed by over 1200 VC. 48 American soldiers lost their lives that day. Severely wounded and risking his own life, Lawrence Joel, a medic, was the first living black man since the Spanish-American War to receive the United States Medal of Honor for saving so many lives in the midst of battle that day. Our friend, Niles Harris, retired 25 years United States Army, the guy who gave Big Kenny his top hat, was one of the wounded who lived. This song is his story. Caught in the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend.
To me, it is amazing that any of the American forces survived this battle, as the enemy outnumbered the Americans 3 to 1. But the casualties tell the story. On the American side there were 48 killed, many wounded. 2 Australian MIA's *located and repatriated to Australia on the 5th of June, 2007. The Commanders for the American side was the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The Commanders for the People's Liberation Armed Forces (Viet Cong) are unknown. Their strength was around 1,200 and they lost 403 that day. The result was a standoff. To me, that means the American forces that day did America proud. And I am very proud of what the American soldiers did on that bloody day on the 8th of November, 1965.
Here is the video. OPEN THE SITE ABOVE TO SEE THE VIDEO This my friends is what we should be proud of. The ability of Americans to do the impossible. And to come out of it not losing. The song 8th of November is about one of those brave men that fought that day against overwhelming odds…..and lived to tell about it. God bless these men who fought and died that day for the American might, against oppressive odds.
As an addition to this, I got a comment from a Dutch Holland, who was there on the 8th of November, of 1965, and fought in that battle. He was wounded there. He gave some additional information that I felt needed to be added here.
I was wounded on Hill 65 during Operation Hump (B1/503d) and would like to add more history to our legacy. After the battle of Hill 65 the 1st Infantry Division found hospital records from the 272nd VC Regiment when they took over one of their unit locations. In those records the 272nd recorded over 800 deaths on or near Hill 65 on the 8th of November. The 272nd was attached to the elite VC 9th Division who the 173d Airborne Brigade went against throughout their tour in the War Zone "D" area. I would also like to mention and thank the USAF ParaMedics (PJ's) who delivered us critical ammo and med supplies during our battle.
So that being added, I have to add, God bless all you who fought this battle, and Thank You all for your service.
God Bless America, her troops and her people God Bless my readers, my listeners on BTR and my viewers on You Tube…
-Robert-
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From the Archives
By LtCol. A.J. D'Amario USAF Ret. From the pages of the American Rifleman, November 2013.
On my first solo flight at K-13, Suwan, Korea, in June 1952, I took off in an
F-80 Shooting Star. It was not a combat mission. All I had to do was go up and have fun boring holes in the sky for about an hour and a half.
Immediately after takeoff, I felt the left wing was heavy and determined that the left tip fuel tank was not feeding properly or not at all. Afraid it might fall off and rupture during landing, potentially melting asphalt on the runway, the tower would not let me land with the full tank. I was instructed to make a bomb run and drop the whole tank.
Arriving at the bomb range, I set up my bomb-release switches to release the tank. Flying over the impact area, I pushed the button but nothing happened. I tried a second time and again there was no response. On my next pass, I tried the manual release handle but to no avail. Making one final run, I used the button we called the "panic button" because it allegedly released everything hanging on the airplane. It worked as advertised and dumped everything, save my errant left tip tank.
The tower control officer advised me that if I couldn't get rid of the tank or its contents, I should give them my location, eject and await pickup.
Well.
pilots really hate to punch out of a perfectly flyable airplane and I figured I still had one option worth trying.
The canopy of an F-80 can be opened in flight up to about 220 MPH. So I opened the canopy and unholstered my G.I. issue Colt M1911 .45 automatic.
Now, liquid fuel will not burn, at least not like vapors, so I aimed for the part of the tank I was sure would be full of liquid. Firing my first shot, I had no idea where the bullet went--perhaps airborne, high-speed physics were at work, or maybe just my nerves. But my next three shots punctured the tank, passing through the fuel and exiting cleanly out the far side of the 24" wide tank.
For the next thirty minutes, I flew with the left wing down in a series of circles to drain the fuel and slowly return to base. By the time I got to the airstrip the tank was empty. I made a routine landing. As far as I know, I am the only pilot in the Air Force who ever shot his own plane to correct a malfunction.
Thank goodness for my .45.
Lt.Col. A.J. D'Amario, USAF Ret. Florida
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Thanks to Dr. Rich
Air Races in Wyoming? I sure hope so. BC
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Thanks to George
Subject: Re: Update and history on Steve Lambert
For those who couldn't attend EOS…. the 2023 Team flew a very solid final demo on a beautiful warm sunny day in Pensacola. It was great to meet the Newbies as the 2024 Team was born Saturday evening. And so it continues…..
If you're like me and have "contribute to Lambo's GoFundMe campaign" on your to-do list, I checked it off my list this AM:
Best wishes to all!
George
On Nov 2, 2023, at 07:12, George Dom <george.dom@mac.com> wrote:
Friends and squadron mates of Steve Lambert - As we gather this weekend in Pensacola for another memorable End Of Season airshow and reception, let's keep Steve in our thoughts and prayers. The email trail below describes his situation and the health and financial challenges he faces. A little help from everyone will go a long way. See the link to Steve's GoFundMe page below.
From Steve's daughter, Ashley:
My dad is doing okay. He officially moved into an assisted living home last week. I am actually going out to visit him next Wednesday - Sunday. He is not remembering much right now. My cousin has had to stay with him in the assisted living home to coach him where to go to get his meals, etc but unfortunately he's not remembering any of that. Most likely he will need to move into memory care in the next month or so to get more hands on treatment. That will cost more money so any help that anyone can give would help so much.
Again, thank you so much for reaching out.
Also, if people do not feel comfortable donating on the GoFundMe me, they are welcome to mail me anything at 69 E Bergen Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701. I have heard this feedback from a few of his friends so just in case! I have an account that is shared with my cousin that is designated specifically for my dad and his care.
Ashley's email: ashleyfunicelli@gmail.com
Steve's Brain Cancer Battle and Long-term Care, organized by Ashley Funicelli
On Oct 31, 2023, at 15:25, George Dom <george.dom@mac.com> wrote:
I noticed online that Steve' daughter's GoFundMe campaign has raised $28K. I haven't received any updates.
On Sep 11, 2023, at 1:39 PM, George Dom <george.dom@mac.com> wrote:
Hello Skip - if you take a look at my email below, it contains all the info to make people aware how they can help Steve.
From: George Dom <george.dom@mac.com>
Subject: Update on Steve Lambert
Date: September 9, 2023 at 9:35:59 AM MDT
Scooter — an item for the next BAA bulletin or newsletter. Because the need is urgent, I've Cc'd many of the F-4 Phantom Gang and others, some of whom have already contributed. NOTE: Ashley posted an Aug 23, 2023 update on Lambdaddy's condition on the GoFundMe website: https://www.gofundme.com/f/steves-brain-cancer-battle.
From Steve's daughter, Ashley Funicelli:
In April of 2019 my dad, Steve Lambert, had a seizure unexpectedly. After many scans, we learned the devastating news that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer.
Over the past 4 years, Steve has fought this cancer with everything he has -- he has had 2 brain surgeries, has gone through multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, and as of a month ago has been trying an experimental infusion to help with some swelling in his brain.
Steve's fighter pilot determination has allowed him to live years past the expected life expectancy - he fought to walk me down the aisle (2019), to meet his twin boy grandbabies (2022) whom he absolutely adores, and is still fighting every day with determination.
With all of this, Steve has now seen some setbacks. Earlier this month, he took a pretty big fall in his home caused by extreme fatigue and weakness from all of the cancer treatment he has been on, which has now led us down the path of skilled nursing facilities and long-term care for Steve.
Steve is now extremely weak and can no longer live alone. My cousin Mike is currently taking care of all of Steve's needs, but Steve now needs 24-hour care to help him continue living the amazing life that he was blessed with. This is where we need your help - we are looking to put Steve in a long-term facility that will ensure happiness and overall great care for him. This does not come without a price -- this will be 100% out of pocket. Steve has spent his money on cancer treatments and has had other financial hardships so anything, big or small, would help us immensely with his new living arrangements.
Steve has lived an incredible, unique life - he is the ultimate Oregon State Beaver fan, served our country in Vietnam, a bad-ass Navy fighter pilot, Blue Angel, and above all else, the best dad, father-in-law, and grandpa anyone could ever dream for. We appreciate every one of you, and your friendship to Steve after all these years. We are forever grateful for your love and financial support.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/steves-brain-cancer-battle
Ashley Funicelli (817) 455-2204
Ashley (817) 455-2204
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Thanks to Cowboy
Electric car explodes while charging - Not a Telsa
https://youtu.be/muVs6AN5k10?si=kI-z8s6zgi8PfrYq
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I do not think we bothered about these at the Mount Signal Café in El Centro
Thanks to Interesting Facts
Etiquette Mysteries: 6 Popular Rules Explained The catalog of social graces is constantly growing and changing to reflect the world we live in. Yet for every self-explanatory etiquette principle (silence your phone at the movies), there's another seemingly arbitrary one (men should escort women on the left). While these "rules" may seem old-fashioned and are often broken in today's society, they were once the guidelines for proper manners. We took the courtesy of demystifying six of them.
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Why You Should Always Pass the Salt and Pepper Seasoned etiquette aficionados often express dismay at the way people pass salt and pepper shakers. Regardless of which condiment a dining companion requests, in America, the polite response is to pass both shakers at the same time. This action conveniences everyone at the table. Think of salt and pepper as a pair of spouses or siblings — it becomes less likely that one will go missing if they stay together. Keeping the shakers in tandem also prevents a person from passing the wrong shaker. In addition, there's a chance the recipient's neighbor may need both ingredients, which are now within easy reach. Hence a rhyme that invokes two Blue's Clues characters: "Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper always travel around the table together!" Politeness also dictates that shakers be placed on the table, not into outstretched hands. The thinking is occasionally linked to the superstition that two people grasping a salt shaker will eventually argue.
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Why You Should Keep Your Elbows off the Table In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Book of Ecclesiastes includes the line, "Be ashamed of breaking an oath or a covenant, and of stretching your elbow at dinner." Many have translated this directive as a warning to keep elbows off the table at all times. Table manners were originally introduced to prevent mealtime fights, with the knife and fork establishing each eater's boundary lines. Today, the elbow rule stops people from slouching or accidentally leaning their arms into food dishes. Moreover, when breaking bread with a group, placing your elbows on the table blocks those on either side of you from making eye contact.
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Why You Shouldn't Drink When You Are Being Toasted To Thomas William/ Unsplash If a loved one or co-worker raises a glass in your honor, break the instinct of joining in on the toast. Since you're being fêted, etiquette experts would perceive lifting your glass as a vain gesture, like giving applause to your own performance. Instead, practice the role of grateful recipient: Refrain from touching your glass and punctuate the toast with a "thank you." Another common toast faux pas is clinking glasses to make the good tidings official. Knocking drinks with a tableful of people can require awkward stretching, causing spills or even broken glassware. A more dignified solution? Just hold those glasses aloft.
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Why You Shouldn't Point at Another When assisting theme park guests, Disney employees are trained to point with two conjoined fingers, index and middle. While the act reportedly doubles as a nod to Walt Disney's smoking, the larger explanation is that standard pointing is considered rude in numerous cultures — especially if aimed at another person. A perception that dates back to Shakespeare's time, pointing brings unwanted attention to the recipient, implying that they've committed a wrong. Repeated pointing in Japan can even instigate hostility. Figurative "finger-pointing" is defined as "making explicit and often unfair accusations of blame." In situations where you feel compelled to point, it is kinder to use an open palm, flight attendant-style.
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Why You Shouldn't Respond to "Thank You" With "No Problem"
There's a common perception that by answering an expression of gratitude with "no problem," you're hinting that the effort exerted was or almost became an inconvenience. (Ditto "no worries," "don't mention it," or "it was nothing.") "Thank you" neither pleads for forgiveness nor merits a brush-off. "No problem" isn't necessarily the latter, though. Despite the negative phrasing, it's generally understood by Gen-Xers and Millennials as an attempt to be humble. In addition, the traditional response to "thank you" is understated in several languages — from Mandarin (mei guanxi or "it's OK") to German (keine ursache or "never mind") — and the advent of texting has made the global vernacular less formal. But at least when speaking, etiquette authorities encourage people to try replies such as "you're welcome," "my pleasure," and "of course."
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Why You Should Open a Car Door With the Hand That's Furthest Away Cycling accounts for more than 25% of daily travel in the Netherlands; thus, Dutch citizens tend to be more conscientious toward bike riders than Americans. Yet we can all learn from their example with the "Dutch Reach," a subtle move for anyone seated on the left-hand side of a car. Upon parking, Dutch drivers are instructed to use their right hands when opening their doors, even though their left hands are closer. This forces individuals to fully turn their upper bodies toward their exit, increasing the probability that they will spot anyone approaching in a bike lane. Some local drivers even tie ribbons to their door handles as reminders, and the Dutch Reach Project employs the slogan, "Reach, Swivel, Look, Open" — good safety advice regardless of your seat placement.
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This Day in U S Military History
November 8
1864 – Rear Admiral Farragut, writing Secretary Welles, expressed his deeply held conviction that effective seapower was not dependent so much on a particular kind of ship or a specific gun but rather on the officers and men who manned them: . . . I think the world is sadly mistaken when it supposes that battles are won by this or that kind of gun or vessel. In my humble opinion the Kearsarge would have captured or sunk the Alabama as often as they might have met under the same organization and officers. The best gun and the best vessel should certainly be chosen, but the victory three times out of four depends upon those who fight them. I do not believe that the result would have been different if the Kearsarge had had nothing but a battery of 8-inch guns and 100-pound chase rifle. What signifies the size and caliber of the gun if you do not hit your adversary?"
1889 – Montana became the 41st state. The state's name is derived from the Spanish word montaña (mountain). Montana has several nicknames, although none official, including "Big Sky Country" and "The Treasure State", and slogans that include "Land of the Shining Mountains" and more recently "The Last Best Place". The land in Montana east of the continental divide was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Subsequent to the Lewis and Clark Expedition American, British and French fur traders operated in both east and western portions of Montana. Until the Oregon Treaty (1846), land west of the continental divide was disputed between the British and U.S. and was known as the Oregon Country. The first permanent settlement in what today is Montana was St. Mary's (1841) near present day Stevensville.
1942 – Operation Torch. The Allies land in French North Africa. There are three main task forces: The Western Task Force, commanded by General Patton, is comprised of 35,000 troops. It is supported by naval forces under Admiral Hewitt (two battleships, one fleet carrier, four escort carriers and numerous cruisers and destroyers); the Central Task Force, commanded by General Fredendall is comprised of 39,000 American troops. Commodore Toubridge commands its naval support force (two escort carriers and many smaller ships); the Eastern Task Force, contains 52 warships and 33,000 soldiers, led by General Ryder and Admiral Burroughs. The British contingent, 87th Division is supported by Admiral Syfret commanding British Force H, comprised of three battleships, three fleet carriers and a strong force of cruisers and destroyers. The Western Task force lands at three places along a 200 mile front around Casablanca. The Central is to land in and around Oran and the Eastern Task force lands in Algiers. The Eastern force at Algiers makes good early progress and quickly captures the town. A prize prisoner is found in Admiral Darlan, a prominent leader of the Vichy government, who is there on private business. At Oran, the Central Force is not as quickly successful and two destroyers are lost in an attempt to rush the harbor. By night, however the landings are well established and the airfield at Tafaraiu is in Allied hands. An American manned Spitfire force is ready to begin operations. The Western Task force at Casablanca runs into the greatest opposition. The French battleship Jean Bart, at anchor but armed fights a gun battle with the USS Massechusetts. The French destroyer flotilla in the port fights as well but are driven off or sunk. Landings at Port Lyautey face fierce fighting, those at Safi go well. In total there are 1800 casualties. The landings receive some help from Free French supporters. This is most effective at Algiers where General Mast limits the French reaction so that the landings are not hindered. Both Mast and the Allied leaders are surprised to find Admiral Darlan a prisoner and negotiations for an armistice begin with him immediately. In Casablanca, support for the invasion is lower as General Nogues is less sympathetic to the Allied cause and Admiral Michelier, head of the naval forces there, is virulently anti-British. The Allies take care to present Operation Torch to the French as an American operation to minimize the anti-British feeling prevalent with many French officials. The British have been responsible for allaying Spanish fears to enlist their support against a possible German move through Gibraltar. Both the American and the British assure Spain her neutrality will be respected.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
*CRAW, DEMAS T.
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date. Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, 8 November 1942. Entered service at: Michigan. Born: 9 April 1900, Traverse City, Mich. G.O. No.: 11, 4 March 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 November 1942, near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Col. Craw volunteered to accompany the leading wave of assault boats to the shore and pass through the enemy lines to locate the French commander with a view to suspending hostilities. This request was first refused as being too dangerous but upon the officer's ins1stence that he was qualified to undertake and accomplish the mission he was allowed to go. Encountering heavy fire while in the landing boat and unable to dock in the river because of shell fire from shore batteries, Col. Craw, accompanied by 1 officer and 1 soldier, succeeded in landing on the beach at Mehdia Plage under constant low-level strafing from 3 enemy planes. Riding in a bantam truck toward French headquarters, progress of the party was hindered by fire from our own naval guns. Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw was instantly killed by a sustained burst of machinegun fire at pointblank range from a concealed position near the road.
HAMILTON, PIERPONT M.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, 8 November 1942. Entered service at: New York, N.Y. Born: 3 August 1898, Tuxedo Park, N.Y. G.O. No.: 4, 23 January 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 November 1942, near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Lt. Col. Hamilton volunteered to accompany Col. Demas Craw on a dangerous mission to the French commander, designed to bring about a cessation of hostilities. Driven away from the mouth of the Sebou River by heavy shelling from all sides, the landing boat was finally beached at Mehdia Plage despite continuous machinegun fire from 3 low-flying hostile planes. Driven in a light truck toward French headquarters, this courageous mission encountered intermittent firing, and as it neared Port Lyautey a heavy burst of machinegun fire was delivered upon the truck from pointblank range, killing Col. Craw instantly. Although captured immediately, after this incident, Lt. Col. Hamilton completed the mission .
WILBUR, WILLIAM H.
Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Army, Western Task Force, North Africa. Place and date: Fedala, North Africa, 8 November 1942. Entered service at: Palmer, Mass. Birth: Palmer, Mass. G.O. No.: 2, 13 January 1943. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. Col. Wilbur prepared the plan for making contact with French commanders in Casablanca and obtaining an armistice to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. On 8 November 1942, he landed at Fedala with the leading assault waves where opposition had developed into a firm and continuous defensive line across his route of advance. Commandeering a vehicle, he was driven toward the hostile defenses under incessant fire, finally locating a French officer who accorded him passage through the forward positions. He then proceeded in total darkness through 16 miles of enemy-occupied country intermittently subjected to heavy bursts of fire, and accomplished his mission by delivering his letters to appropriate French officials in Casablanca. Returning toward his command, Col. Wilbur detected a hostile battery firing effectively on our troops. He took charge of a platoon of American tanks and personally led them in an attack and capture of the battery. From the moment of landing until the cessation of hostile resistance, Col. Wilbur's conduct was voluntary and exemplary in its coolness and daring.
*WILSON, ALFRED L.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Bezange la Petite, France, 8 November 1944. Entered service at: Fairchance, Pa. Birth: Fairchance, Pa. G.O. No.: 47, 18 June 1945. Citation: He volunteered to assist as an aid man a company other than his own, which was suffering casualties from constant artillery fire. He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shellburst injured a number of its men. While treating his comrades he was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated by litter bearers sent to relieve him. In spite of great pain and loss of blood, he continued to administer first aid until he was too weak to stand. Crawling from 1 patient to another, he continued his work until excessive loss of blood prevented him from moving. He then verbally directed unskilled enlisted men in continuing the first aid for the wounded. Still refusing assistance himself, he remained to instruct others in dressing the wounds of his comrades until he was unable to speak above a whisper and finally lapsed into unconsciousness. The effects of his injury later caused his death. By steadfastly remaining at the scene without regard for his own safety, Cpl. Wilson through distinguished devotion to duty and personal sacrifice helped to save the lives of at least 10 wounded men.
JOEL, LAWRENCE
Rank and organization: Specialist Sixth Class (then Sp5c), U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 8 November 1965, Entered service at: New York City, N.Y. G.O. No.: 15, 5 April 1967. Born: 22 February 1928, Winston-Salem, N.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp6c. Joel demonstrated indomitable courage, determination, and professional skill when a numerically superior and well-concealed Viet Cong element launched a vicious attack which wounded or killed nearly every man in the lead squad of the company. After treating the men wounded by the initial burst of gunfire, he bravely moved forward to assist others who were wounded while proceeding to their objective. While moving from man to man, he was struck in the right leg by machine gun fire. Although painfully wounded his desire to aid his fellow soldiers transcended all personal feeling. He bandaged his own wound and self-administered morphine to deaden the pain enabling him to continue his dangerous undertaking. Through this period of time, he constantly shouted words of encouragement to all around him. Then, completely ignoring the warnings of others, and his pain, he continued his search for wounded, exposing himself to hostile fire; and, as bullets dug up the dirt around him, he held plasma bottles high while kneeling completely engrossed in his life saving mission. Then, after being struck a second time and with a bullet lodged in his thigh, he dragged himself over the battlefield and succeeded in treating 13 more men before his medical supplies ran out. Displaying resourcefulness, he saved the life of 1 man by placing a plastic bag over a severe chest wound to congeal the blood. As 1 of the platoons pursued the Viet Cong, an insurgent force in concealed positions opened fire on the platoon and wounded many more soldiers. With a new stock of medical supplies, Sp6c. Joel again shouted words of encouragement as he crawled through an intense hail of gunfire to the wounded men. After the 24 hour battle subsided and the Viet Cong dead numbered 410, snipers continued to harass the company. Throughout the long battle, Sp6c. Joel never lost sight of his mission as a medical aidman and continued to comfort and treat the wounded until his own evacuation was ordered. His meticulous attention to duty saved a large number of lives and his unselfish, daring example under most adverse conditions was an inspiration to all. Sp6c. Joel's profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.
*RUBIO, EURIPIDES
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, RVN. Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 8 November 1966. Entered service at: Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Born: 1 March 1938, Ponce, Puerto Rico. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Rubio, Infantry, was serving as communications officer, 1st Battalion, when a numerically superior enemy force launched a massive attack against the battalion defense position. Intense enemy machinegun fire raked the area while mortar rounds and rifle grenades exploded within the perimeter. Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received 2 serious wounds as he braved the withering fire to go to the area of most intense action where he distributed ammunition, re-established positions and rendered aid to the wounded. Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed command when a rifle company commander was medically evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the Viet Cong position for air strikes had fallen dangerously close to the friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, ran through the deadly hail of fire to within 20 meters of the enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were directed to destroy the hostile positions. Capt. Rubio's singularly heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary leadership and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men. His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for his men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army.
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for November 8, 2020 FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
8 November
1934: Capt Edward V. Rickenbacker, Capt Charles W. France, and Silas Morehouse flew from Los Angeles to Newark in 12 hours 3 minutes 50 seconds. In doing so, they set a new record for passenger transport. (9)
1942: MEDAL OF HONOR. Through 11 November, Army and carrier-based airplanes supported the invasion of North Africa, and American troops landed on French-held territory. Colonel Demas T. Craw of XII Tactical Air Command volunteered to negotiate an armistice between the US and French. On the way to the negotiations, he was killed by machine gun fire. Maj Pierpont M. Hamilton, who accompanied Colonel Craw, was captured but completed the mission. For their actions, both men were awarded the Medal of Honor. (4) OPERATION TORCH. The invasion of North Africa began with amphibious landings in Morocco and Algeria. Twelfth Air Force used C-47s from the 60 TCG to carry troops and Spitfire fighters from the 31 FG to support the operation. (21)
1950: KOREAN WAR. The first jet versus jet aerial combat in history took place between a USAF F-80C Shooting Star and MiG-15. Lt Russell J. Brown from the 16 FS shot down the MiG near the Yalu River in N. Korea. [This claim is now under dispute. After the fall of the Soviet Union, historians received access to Soviet Korean War Records. Research says the Soviet MiG survived the encounter. See 9 November 1950 for more details.] (21) 70 B-29 Superfortresses dropped 580 tons of firebombs on Sinuiju in the largest incendiary raid in the Korean War. (21) (28) The USAF directed the 27 FEW to deploy to the Far East. In the next few weeks, Navy aircraft carriers moved its 75 F-84E Thunderjets from NAS San Diego to Yokasuka, Japan. From there, Col Ashley B. Packard, the 27 FEW commander, moved to Taegu airfield, where his fighters performed reconnaissance and close support missions. (1)
1951: KOREAN WAR. F-86s and F-80s encountered over 100 MiG-15s, but only a small number chose to fight. USAF pilots destroyed one MiG and damaged another, while losing one F-86. (28)
1955: SECDEF Charles E. Wilson set up the Ballistic Missile Committee to review all ballistic missile requirements. He assigned the Thor IRBM to the USAF and approved a joint Army-Navy program for the Jupiter IRBM for shipboard and land-based operations. The Army developed the Jupiter at the Redstone Arsenal for adaptation to a fleet ballistic missile. Thus, ballistic missiles became the most highly centralized weapon system project in the Air Force. (6) (12)
1956: HARMON TROPHY. Cmdr M. L. Lewis (USN) and Malcolm D. Ross established a world altitude record for manned balloons by ascending to 76,000 feet. They took off near Rapid City, S. Dak., and landed 175 miles away near Kennedy, Nebr. For this feat, they were awarded the 1957 Harmon Trophy for aeronauts. (24)
1963: SECDEF McNamara approved the Minuteman Force Modernization Program to replace all Minuteman I (A and B Models) with Minuteman II missiles. (6)
1968: TAC received the first AC-119K, the latest in a series of multi-weapon attack aircraft. (16)
1972: SECAF Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr., announced the designation of two new lightweight, fighter prototype aircraft, the YF-16 and YF-17. 1989: Col John Small and Northrop test pilot Bruce Hinds flew the B-2A Stealth bomber on its first aerial refueling sortie during a 6 hour 5 minute test flight from Edwards AFB. KC-10s from March AFB provided the fuel. (8: Jan 90) A 96th BMW aircrew flew the B-1B on its first low-level night sortie while relying on fully automatic terrain-following equipment. The crew flew the bomber over flat terrain. A second sortie on 14 November took place over varied terrain. (8: Feb 90)
1996: At Cannon AFB, Capt Michael Hake, an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) instructor with the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron, became the first EWO in the Air Force to pass the 2,000- hour mark in the EF-111A Raven. (AFNEWS, 11 Dec 96)
2000: Boeing's first X-45A (No. 1) Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), called "Blue," arrived at Edwards AFB aboard a C-17 transport, where the Dryden Flight Research Center would test the X-45 for the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) mission. The X-45 was a joint Air Force/DARPA/Boeing project. (3)
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Thanks to Brett
Stratfor snippets - Global, Saudi Arabia/Russia, Israel/Gaza, Ethiopia, Indonesia/Malaysia, Singapore, Poland, Moldova, China, Americas, U.S./MENA, Brazil
Global: Climate Negotiators Reach Limited Agreement on Loss and Damage Fund
What Happened: Climate negotiators agreed to establish the loss and damage fund on a temporary basis for four years at the World Bank, Reuters reported on Nov. 4. The fund aims to help developing countries pay for the consequences of climate change.
Why It Matters: The final text for establishing the fund has many conditions attached to it and does not place binding contribution commitments on the United States and other wealthy countries. Additionally, developing countries opposed setting up the fund at the World Bank, due to the high influence of Western countries' appointees at the bank that could steer the direction of the fund in a more pro-Western direction. The tense negotiations leading to the final text do not bode well for significant progress at the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, that begins on Nov. 30.
Background: Negotiators spent all of 2023 trying to agree on establishing the fund, but virtually every round of talks exposed large gaps between developed and developing countries on who should host the fund, who should contribute to the fund and who is eligible to receive funds.
Saudi Arabia, Russia: Governments Affirm Voluntary Production Cuts Through End of 2023
What Happened: Russia and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed in separate statements that they would continue with their voluntary 300,000 barrel per day oil export cut and 1 million barrel per day oil production cut, respectively, through the end of 2023, Reuters reported on Nov. 5. As of early Nov. 6, European light sweet crude benchmark Brent was trading around $85 per barrel.
Why It Matters: The statements demonstrate that Saudi Arabia and Russia feel there is no need to intervene in the market to increase supply amid the Israel-Hamas war, as thus far the war's impact on oil prices has been meager and the conflict has yet to affect broader Middle Eastern oil production. Moscow and Riyadh appear to be trying to support current oil prices, as any increase in oil production or exports from them would likely send prices back into the $70 per barrel range.
Background: Russia and Saudi Arabia announced in September that they intended to extend export and production cuts through the end of 2023 and that they would review their decisions monthly.
Israel, Gaza: Israeli Army Pushes Into Gaza City as Netanyahu Suspends Minister
What Happened: The Israeli army began advancing into Gaza City after encircling it and capturing a nearby Hamas stronghold, The New York Times reported on Nov. 6. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended a member of the Otzma Yehudit party from his Cabinet after the minister, Amichai Eliyahu, called for a nuclear attack on Gaza.
Why It Matters: Weeks of intense urban combat loom in Gaza City, but political and economic considerations may eventually push Israeli forces to accelerate the operation. A faster Israeli assault might end the major combat operations quicker, but it would also likely entail more Israeli and Palestinian civilian losses. Meanwhile, Eliyahu's statement shows that far-right elements in Israel will continue to push for the depopulation of the Gaza Strip and its subsequent resettlement by Jewish settlers. These acts would strain Israel's international relations and undermine its attempts to normalize with Saudi Arabia. If Netanyahu cannot balance the demands of the far-right with Israel's diplomatic considerations, the far-right may bring down his government after the war in Gaza ends.
Background: Israel's operation in Gaza City is facing a large network of underground tunnels built by Hamas since its takeover of the strip in 2007. It is unclear how well-stocked or reinforced this system is in the face of Israel's overwhelming firepower, and some media reports suggest Israel will focus on targeted raids and attrition rather than a mass assault to steadily wear down and eliminate Hamas.
Ethiopia: Government Says It Will Hold Referendum on Disputed Western Tigray Region
What Happened: Ethiopia's government said a referendum will decide the future of western Tigray, though it did not say when the referendum will be held, AP reported on Nov. 6. The government also said hundreds of thousands of forcibly displaced people will be returned to the area.
Why It Matters: Speculation that the referendum may return Western Tigray to Tigrayan control may trigger a flare-up in violence in the Amhara region, while growing discontent with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration among Amharans will likely create political challenges ahead of the next election.
Background: The Tigray and Amhara regions both claim western Tigray, which has been the subject of long-standing disputes with the federal government and clashes between the two regions. Western Tigray belongs to Tigray under the Ethiopian constitution, but Amhara militants occupy the region after having forcibly expelled its Tigrayan inhabitants during the war from November 2020 to November 2022.
Indonesia, Malaysia: Anti-Israel Boycotts Hit Big-Name Corporations
What Happened: Large numbers of Indonesian and Malaysian social media users are using TikTok and Facebook to disseminate a boycott list of 121 brands supposedly affiliated with Israel, its supporters or Jewish owners, The South China Morning Post reported on Nov. 6.
Why It Matters: While several of the companies on the list do not have obvious ties to Israel, the impacted brands are likely to lose business and growth opportunities in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly with local partners. These impacts will last as long as the Israel-Hamas war endures and possibly beyond, depending on the post-conflict situation.
Background: Impacted brands include McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, Head & Shoulders, Pringles, Nestle, Danone, Unilever and Singapore's Grab. The boycott is in response to Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza, which started at the beginning of October and has had a high civilian death toll.
Singapore: Prime Minister Lee Announces He Will Step Down as Soon as 2024
What Happened: Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced at a convention for the ruling People's Action Party, or PAP, that he will step down and hand the premiership to his deputy, Lawrence Wong, ahead of the city state's next election, Bloomberg reported on Nov. 4. However, the exact date of Lee's resignation remains unknown.
Why It Matters: Lee is likely stepping down to solidify the PAP's dominance and more clearly lay out a roadmap that can help sway voters and curb negative public sentiment before the next election, which must take place by November 2025 but could be called earlier. The PAP's need to cater to public sentiment reflects recent cracks in the party's power following its worst electoral performance in 2020, dual scandals in 2023, a money laundering crisis and perceptions of growing wealth inequality.
Background: The PAP has been the only party in power for Singapore's entire history as an independent nation. Wong was named Lee's heir apparent in April 2021. Lee previously said he wanted to step away before turning 70, but the COVID-19 pandemic convinced him to stay on longer. Lee has been the prime minister of Singapore since 2004. His father was the founding prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew.
Poland: President to Appoint Candidate Prime Minister Tasked With Forming Government
What Happened: Polish President Andrzej Duda will announce on the evening of Nov. 6 whom he will appoint as a candidate prime minister tasked with forming a government following parliamentary elections on Oct. 15, Reuters reported on Nov. 6.
Why It Matters: It is possible that current Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will be the president's first choice, as his right-wing Law and Justice party emerged as the single biggest party in the elections. However, Morawiecki would likely fail to form a government and lose a vote of confidence in the National Assembly since his party lost its parliamentary majority to three allied opposition parties led by Civic Coalition leader Donald Tusk. In this case, the lower chamber of parliament would have to appoint another prime minister, likely Tusk, who would seek to form a government with the left-wing Lewica party and the center-right Third Way coalition.
Background: Prior to the election, Duda said he would give the first chance at forming a government to the largest single party emerging from the poll, which turned out to be Law and Justice with 194 seats out of the 460 in the lower house. However, the Civic Coalition-led alliance of pro-EU opposition parties secured a combined 248 seats, which gives the three parties a ruling majority.
Moldova: Ruling Pro-EU Party Secures Most Votes in Local Elections, Suffers Defeats in Major Cities
What Happened: Moldova's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, or PAS, of President Maia Sandu came first in hundreds of local elections over the weekend, securing more than 40% of the total votes nationwide, Reuters reported on Nov. 6. However, PAS was unable to win mayoral seats in the country's biggest cities, including the capital Chisinau, where pro-Russia incumbent Mayor Ion Ceban defeated PAS' Lilian Carp in the first round.
Why It Matters: The vote is the last electoral test for PAS ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections due in late 2024 and 2025, respectively. While the government hailed the results as a victory, Ceban's reelection highlights how influential pro-Russian forces in the country remain. As a result, pro-Russian political forces will continue to pose a threat to PAS' efforts to leave Russia's orbit and move closer to the European Union.
Background: Moldova has sought to strengthen ties with its Western partners in recent years, and the European Union granted it candidate status in June 2020. Meanwhile, the government has increased efforts to tackle Russian influence and disinformation in the country, including by creating a national center for informational defense and combating propaganda. Most recently, Moldova barred pro-Russian political parties from taking part in the elections on national security grounds.
China: Foreign Businesses, Investors Get Spooked on China
What Happened: China's balance of payments data showed an $11.8 billion deficit in foreign direct investment liabilities in the third quarter of 2023, China's first quarterly dip in inbound FDI since the country started recording the data in 1998, Reuters reported on Nov. 6. Meanwhile, a European Central Bank survey of 65 very large multinational corporations showed 49% looking to near-shore and 42% intending to "friend-shore" production.
Why It Matters: Geopolitical risk, China's loose monetary policy compared with the West, and a slower-than-expected Chinese economic recovery are all driving industry to reconsider China as a primary market. Beijing will attempt to lure foreign businesses, including by easing restrictions on joint ventures, but Beijing's various self-reliance efforts — including state funding for national champions and retaliation against foreign trade restrictions — will continue to spook foreign (especially U.S.) businesses. In the long term, a loss of Western investment will hurt China's efforts at upgrading its value chain, given the underdevelopment of Chinese investment channels.
Background: The Financial Times revealed on Nov. 6 that U.S. pollster Gallup was closing its three remaining China offices.
Americas: Governments Pledge to Boost Trade, Promote Sustainable Supply Chains
What Happened: Governments from the United States, Barbados, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay pledged to promote sustainable supply chains and boost trade across the region during the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity Leaders' Summit, Reuters reported on Nov. 3. The countries plan to focus on areas of clean energy, medical supplies and semiconductors.
Why It Matters: The United States' push for improved supply chains in the region is part of broader efforts to limit Chinese influence across Latin America and the Caribbean and to improve economic conditions as poverty continues to drive a surge in regional migration. Efforts to increase investment and manufacturing across the region will face significant challenges from poor security conditions; government corruption; a limited pool of skilled workers; and underdeveloped transportation, electricity, water and telecommunications infrastructure. While these challenges vary in severity from country to country, they will limit the region's attractiveness to companies attempting to decouple their supply chains from China. Still, if governments across the region substantially increase manufacturing over the next decade, it could improve economic and security conditions and decrease migration over the long term.
Background: The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity was formed at the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, during which the Biden administration said the partnership is intended to tackle regional economic inequality, promote regional economic integration, and support democracy. During the 2022 Summit of the Americas, the United States and 19 other countries signed a non-binding declaration to take measures to confront the migration crisis, including improving economic problems.
U.S., MENA: Blinken's Proposal for Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza Falls Flat
What Happened: During U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's tour of the Middle East, he proposed humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Hamas war, increased aid, reduced civilian casualties, and the inclusion of Palestinians in post-war governance discussions, Reuters reported on Nov. 4.
Why It Matters: Despite Blinken's visit, Israel is still tying its consideration of humanitarian pauses to the release of hostages, and Arab states are still calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. These responses demonstrate that regional partners of the United States remain firmly divided over the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, Washington's middle-ground position does not propose a path toward ending the war, which reduces its mediating capabilities in the region.
Background: Blinken visited Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Iraq and Turkey. In Iraq, prominent Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr led a peaceful protest in Tahrir Square against Blinken's visit.
Brazil: GM Caves to Strikes, Possibly Emboldening Other Labor Unions
What Happened: U.S. auto manufacturer General Motors canceled 1,245 layoffs at three of its factories in Brazil following a regional labor court's decision that the mass layoffs, without prior negotiations, were unlawful, Reuters reported on Nov. 4. GM is set to meet with leaders of the Sindmetal union, under which thousands of auto workers have been striking since Oct. 26, on Nov. 6 to finalize the deal.
Why It Matters: While GM's announcement will likely end the current auto workers strike, future protests are possible if the company alters the terms of employment or if Sindmetal believes the terms are insufficient. Other labor unions and workers' groups throughout Brazil will feel emboldened by Sindmetal's success and may be more likely to utilize strikes as to address their grievances. If so, labor-intensive multinational companies that have operations in Brazil may face increased costs and elevated operational risks.
Background: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has historically been a strong advocate for workers' rights and labor unions. One of his early initiatives in his latest presidency was to create a federal working group to design protections for Brazil's 1.7 million gig workers and propose a regulatory framework for the technology companies, such as food delivery applications, that employ them. In September, Lula and U.S. President Joe Biden inaugurated a new partnership for workers' rights to strengthen protections for workers across the two countries.
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