To All,
Good Friday Morning November 8, 2024 . Classes went well last night and a lot of progress was made by many on their forms. We had to get a few more bags of mulch and something to fix a toilet today. The weather is supposed to be pretty nice today What is not to like with clear 74 degrees and a 9 knot breeze. I hope that you all have a great weekend
Regards,
skip
Make it a GREAT Day .
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This day in Naval and Marine Corps History (thanks to NHHC)
Here is a link to the NHHC website: https://www.history.navy.mil/. Go here to see the director's corner for all 84 H-Grams .
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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Thanks to the Bear. We will always have the url for you to search items in Rolling Thunder
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER …
. rollingthunderremembered.com .
ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear … Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER (1965-1968)…
Thanks to the Bear
I have provided access to archive entries covering Commando Hunt operations for the period November 1968 through mid-September 1969. These posts are permanently available at the following link.
https://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/commando-hunt-post-list/
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 Tuesday November 7
8-Nov: 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 Service members 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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From the archives
. Thanks to Cowboy
Electric car explodes while charging - Not a Telsa
https://youtu.be/muVs6AN5k10?si=kI-z8s6zgi8PfrYq
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Thanks to DR and Rich
Subject: Aftermath
Hi to all -
11-07-2024 Aftermath
What Else Happened?
Lots of other events took place as part of this election.
Chuck Schumer (who loses his position and power from this) is calling for 'bipartisanship', you know, just like he showed when he was in charge.
At Kamala's concession speech, which was not actually a concession, just a cry to continue fighting, someone let a squirrel loose on stage, in memory of P-Nut.
There are many wonderful 'screamer' videos out there from the left - the meltdown is epic.
Finger pointing from democrats is at an all time high. Some even suggest that Joe resign, install Kamala as 'president' for the next few weeks, so they can claim she was president.
Joe wants to quickly send another $6 billion to Ukraine. Even if he does this, by the time the wheels of government move, Trump will cancel the transfer of arms or money.
Putin is making nice to Trump, and asking for an end to the war. And a 'reset' in US/Russia relations. The economy of Russia is suffering from the cost of this conflict, and Putin is in a good position to bargain on the ground. Expect some interesting proposals and concessions very soon.
As predicted, Hamas is asking to negotiate and end to their conflict as well. Won't be long before we hear from Hezbollah and the Houthis and Iran as well.
Bette Midler threatened to 'drink Drano' if Trump won. When he did, she closed her social media account. So, did she, or didn't she? Inquiring minds want to know.
Four states rejected the democrat proposal to install 'ranked choice voting' (another fraud scheme). They were Colorado, Nevada, Idaho and Oregon.
In NY, Governor Kathy Hochel and AG Letitia James promise to fight on - and dare Trump to come after them.
Google search results for things like 'moving to Canada' have soared.
The coalition government in Germany is collapsing. They are making nice to Trump as well.
Bill Gates is suggesting that we adopt a 'new religion' to deal with AI.
CNN had an on-line meltdown over the election. They put up a map to show all the places where Kamala performed better this time than Joe did last time. It was blank. The moderators were literally speechless.
In LA, DA George Gascon lost his bid for reelection. He was probably the worst DA in the nation.
Adam Schiff actually won reelection, and claims the senate seat formerly held by the late Dianne Feinstein.
Just as the election results were coming in, the National Zoo euthanized a 50 year old female elephant. The elephant was named Kamala.
Democrats spent more than $1 billion on this election - three times what Trump spent. Much of that money came from the liberal rich, and foreign 'dark money' groups. They ended up $20 million in debt, and nothing to show for the $1 billion.
Fani Willis won reelection in Atlanta with an overwhelming majority of the vote.
Muslims in Michigan and even those in Chicago voted for Trump. Democrats were stunned.
Bill Barr and many others urge that all lawfare cases against Trump be dismissed - quickly, before he takes office.
Boeing ends their strike. The unions accepted a 38% pay raise over four years. With Trump in charge, Boeing may be able to afford that.
Florida refused to allow 'election monitors' from Biden's DoJ to oversee their voting. They are not allowed by law to watch the polls.
The Senate majority moved to the republicans. Three primary candidates for majority leader are John Thume (with a 37% rating by the Heritage Foundation), John Cornyn (with a 35% rating) and Rick Scott (with a 92% rating).
Shelly Luther, a Dallas salon owner who was jailed during the pandemic for refusing to close his business as ordered, defeated democrat Tiffany Drake for the Texas House seat she held with 75% of the vote.
And that, boys and girls, is just Day 1. It will get much better.
Rich
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. I do not think we bothered about these at the Mount Signal Café in El Centro
Taking F-8 Crusader Dets to El Centro was a lot of fun. Many young nuggets received their call Signs from Escapades there. Some were not repeatable in mixed company in public so the initials were used.
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, 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) The invasion of North Africa begins. Operation TORCH, commanded by Maj. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, is supported by Twelfth Air Force airlift and fighter aircraft. Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfires also participate by providing air cover. C-47 aircraft attempting to land troops find French fighter planes hostile as they shoot down several transports. Spitfires flown by the 31st Fighter Group respond by shooting down three French fighters.
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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