TheList 7396

The List 7396

To All

Good Thursday Morning December 25, 2025 . Right now it is clear and cool Toni and I are here with  My  Daughter and her two teen age daughters 2 dogs, 3cats, 3 chickens one big nasty rooster, one turtle and the ever present wild life that flies, slithers and sneaks in to get a chance at a good meal. There are a few items in here from last year and a couple new ones. I hope it helps to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

.Regards

skip

.HAGD 

 

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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 94 H-Grams. 

December 25

1863  Confederate batteries on Johns Island attack the gunboat Marblehead near Legareville, S.C. in the Stono River and sustain 20 hits as the sloop Pawnee and mortar schooner C. P. Williams add firepower to the return bombardment. After more than an hour, the Confederates break off the engagement and withdraw. Medals of Honor are given to Boatswains Mate William Farley and Quartermaster James Miller for their actions during the engagement, while Contraband Robert Blake, an escaped slave, also receives a Medal of Honor for bravery while manning the rifle gun.

1943  Planes from USS Bunker Hill (CV 17) and USS Monterey (CVL 26) sink Japanese transport Tenryu Maru and damage the minesweepers W.21 and W.22. USS Skate (SS 305) torpedoes and damages the Japanese battleship Yamato northeast of Truk.

1944   USS Barbero (SS 317) attacks a Japanese convoy and sinks transport Junpo Maru.

 

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From the List Archives

Remember our military does not get the day off and here is what they were doing on Christmas.

Good Thursday Morning to all and Merry Christmas. While you are celebrating think about the message in the first email below and how little things mean so much to men far from home in conditions hard to imagine.  Then you get to see what one man did to bring a bit of home to the troops all over the world for over 50 years.

Regards,

Skip

 

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Today in World History: December 25

 

1638   The Ottomans under Murad IV recapture Baghdad from Safavid Persia.

1812   Joel Barlow, aged 58, American poet and lawyer, dies from exposure near Vilna, Poland, during Napoleon's retreat from Moscow. Barlow was on a diplomatic mission to the emperor for President Madison.

1814   A treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, ending the War of 1812, is signed at Ghent, Belgium. The news does not reach the United States until two weeks later (after the decisive American victory at New Orleans).

1861   The USS Gem of the Sea destroys the British blockade runner Prince of Wales off the coast at Georgetown, S.C.

1862   A Christmas present arrives a day early for the Federal troops at Columbus, Kentucky, in the way of artillery on board the USS New Era.

1914   Over 577,000 Allied soldiers are to spend Christmas as prisoners in Germany.

1917   The Kaiser warns Russia that he will use "iron fist" and "shining sword" if peace is spurned.

1943   General Dwight D. Eisenhower is appointed the Allied Supreme Commander, even though almost everyone believed the position would go to American Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.

1947   An estimated 20,000 communists, led by guerrilla General Markos Vafthiades proclaim the Free Greek Government in northern Greece. They issue a call to arms to establish the regime throughout the nation.

1956   African Americans defy a city law in Tallahassee, Florida, and occupy front bus seats.

1963   New York's Idlewild Airport is renamed JFK Airport in honor of the murdered President Kennedy.

1964   The U.S. headquarters in Saigon is hit by a bomb killing two officers.

1966   A Soviet research vehicle soft-lands on the moon.

1967   The Greek Junta frees ex-Premier Papandreou.

1968   The first pictures of an Earth-rise over the moon are seen as the crew of Apollo 8 orbits the moon.

1970   Nine GIs are killed and nine are wounded by friendly fire in Vietnam.

1972   Hanoi bars all peace talks with the United States until U.S. air raids over North Vietnam stop.

1974   An oil tanker's spill pollutes 1,600 square miles of Japan's Inland Sea.

1974   Cyclone Tracy devastates Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, destroying more than 70 percent of the city's buildings, including 80 percent of its houses.

1979…. On December 24, 1979, the Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, under the pretext of upholding the Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty of 1978.

As midnight approached, the Soviets organized a massive military airlift into Kabul, involving an estimated 280 transport aircraft and three divisions of almost 8,500 men each. Within a few days, the Soviets had secured Kabul, deploying a special assault unit against Tajberg Palace. Elements of the Afghan army loyal to Hafizullah Amin put up a fierce, but brief resistance.

On December 27, Babrak Karmal, exiled leader of the Parcham faction of the Marxist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), was installed as Afghanistan's new head of government, and Soviet ground forces entered Afghanistan from the north.

The Soviets, however, were met with fierce resistance when they ventured out of their strongholds into the countryside. Resistance fighters, called mujahidin, saw the Christian or atheist Soviets controlling Afghanistan as a defilement of Islam as well as of their traditional culture.

2005   Chad declares a state of war against Sudan in the wake of the Dec. 18 attack on the town of Adre, in which approximately 100 people were killed.

 

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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 .

 

Thanks to Micro

From Vietnam Air Losses site for ..December 25

25-Dec:  https://www.vietnamairlosses.com/loss.php?id=1511

 

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Bob Hope

There are many stories of Bob Hope and his trips to visit troops starting in WWII. I saw him a couple of times in Vietnam and was on the USS Midway when he came to visit us in Singapore on Christmas in 1972.

I was fortunate to have met him at his home in Los Angeles at a party his daughter Norah had there. He was staying at the Hotel in Singapore where USS Midway anchored and I when I stopped at his table to thank him for coming out to entertain us and for his hospitality when I met him at his home he was very outgoing and genuinely friendly.

 

Bob Hope / Christmas

 

If this doesn't being a tear to your eye, then check your pulse. This is different from the one that was around before. You will never spend a better 10 minutes...they don't make them like Bob Hope any more.

This is a great e-mail. It makes me thankful that I am old enough to have lived in the time of Bob Hope.

Steve

 

http://biggeekdad.com/2011/02/bob-hope-christmas/

 

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Thanks to Barrel

From Capt Jim "Catfish" Hunter…  former FedEx and retired Marine F-18 CO. 

 

Got this from Sean McDonald this morning.

 

From the recent F/A-18 shoot down 

 

 

We fly, front side tank the strikers down to a 4.7, bingo to the ship and land. Gas up again, take off again, give DCA players another 15k

 

Land on the second flight, gas up again, things starting to cool down, strikers land, large DCA still up, they start to recover some DCA to re launch them. A dude pulls a Penny Benjamin/Dorothy and lands with a failed decoy out and we get stuck on deck for a bit

 

Finally launch, only 2 DCA remaining on station, some shit drones or whatever flying about, we get on station, I immediately commit myself in the 5 wet to try and get a kill with the 9x in the big girl 

 

We give gas, hang out, Hawkeye goes negative primary, passed control to the ship who calls picture clean. Papa directs Rtb 

 

Check out of DCA, Head towards home. Avoid the shotgun cruiser and destroyer by 15 miles, which was what they told us to do. We are up button 17, about 300 knots in the descent towards final bearing. All of a sudden we see a missile launch visually from the Gettysburg at our 2:30-3:00

 

We talked about it on ICS, Like "Yooooo that shit is crazy, I can't believe they're shooting a drone down"

 

Missile hits it's apex, and it looked exactly like the SFARP sact lecture animations, so congrats to all the top gun people who made them, confirmed that's what it looks like

 

Sm-2 rocket motor was lit for the entire time. I saw the missile make a correction to lead pursuit (yes I know what that looks like), and then come back to pure, and I asked blunder "dude, you want to get out?" 

 

He said something, I don't remember what it was, and then I was just watching this thing guide, thinking about the only option being to eject, and I just grabbed the handle and pulled.

 

It was the most violent 5 seconds of anything I've ever experienced. Canopy immediately gone, I remember seeing the canopy bow disappearing below my sight line, and it getting dark. Arms and legs flail everywhere, I never said "eject" or anything on ICS just pulled. felt the opening shock of the parachute, and as soon as I looked up at a good parachute, I heard what I assess as the missile fusing, just a loud "POP" 

 

Did IROK, Took off my mask, inflate LPU, Deploy the raft, and then contemplated life for the rest of the ride down

 

In the water, SEAWARS goes off, chute goes away, I never even saw it or felt any drag in the water. Raft inflated, I pulled myself over to it and climbed in like a fat idiot ginger would, it wasn't pretty. That's when I figured out my left knee and left shoulder were not In a great place.

 

Broke out the strobe, broke out the radio, IMM, no workie. Never got a fix on that POS. Went to LOS comms, never got a response on SAR (had the wrong frequency, user error), so I called out on UHF Guard, but also got no answer, but they heard me.

 

Blunder is like 100 yards from me lit up like a Christmas tree with sidewinder flashlight and strobe and everything, I thought it was a boat 😂

 

We drift closer together in 6-10' seas and eventually get within earshot. "You ok?" "Yup" "Bro what the fuck they shot at us!" 

 

I was BIG MAD in the raft so mad they shot at us and thinking about being In the raft for the next however many hours. 

 

Eventually blunder tells me the frequency I'm supposed to be on, like a good WSO, and I get in contact with the E-2 and the Helo. 

 

20 mins later Helo is overtop us, they pick him up first because he is obviously more likeable than I am, and then I get picked up. 10 minute flight to get our story straight in the Helo. One of the aircrewmen had a zyn can in the Helo, and then I remembered I had a zyn can in my G suit pocket. Pulled it out and put the remaining 3 salt water soaked zyns in my mouth and high fived the rescue swimmer.

 

 

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 Thanks to Nice News

 

            The end of the year is just around the corner, and true to Nice News tradition, we're kicking off our fourth annual "Best of" series. Today is the culture edition, featuring insights into what makes someone likable, slang words to impress the Gen Alpha crowd, and a shining example of the hidden treasures librarians bring to light. We're excited to return to your inbox with new positive stories starting Jan. 1, and most of all, we want to thank you for being part of this positive community. Lastly, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!

 

 

 

            Culture

________________________________________

What Makes Someone Likable? 5 Key Factors That Influence People's Perception of You

 Rudzhan Nagiev/iStock

 

Glinda the Good Witch said it best: It's all about popular. Sometimes it seems that being likable is the key to thriving socially and professionally in our culture (whether you like it or not). After all, when Glinda gleefully belts the lyrics, "It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed," she has a point.

 

As attractive as likability can be, it's also a pretty complex characteristic — and if it isn't top of mind for you, there's nothing wrong with tuning out the opinions of others. But for those curious about its nuances, we unpacked the pros and cons of trying to become more likable and narrowed down five factors that can impact how others perceive you.

 

Read the article — aptly, one of our most popular of the year — to learn more about likability.   

 

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Speed is your advantage to quickly close deals and boost cash flow before January, when the market resets — and West Capital Lending delivers it so you can beat the holiday rush. Lock in your funding before lenders slow down and step into the new year with cash in hand. If you need it done before 2025 ends, West Capital Lending is the lender that can actually make it happen.

Explore Your Options

 

 

           

 

            Culture

________________________________________

"Skibidi" and "Work Spouse" Among 6,000 New Terms Added to Cambridge Dictionary

 Satenik_Guzhanina/iStock

 

If you keep up with the latest slang or have members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in your circle, you've probably heard some of the newest words in the Cambridge Dictionary. The institution announced in August that more than 6,000 terms have been added over the past year, many of which have been popularized by younger generations and social media.

 

Notable entries include "skibidi," a playful word popularized by a YouTube series that can mean "cool" or "bad," or be used humorously without a specific meaning (insert: shrugging emoji). The slang term "delulu," short for "delusional," was also added, along with "work spouse," which describes a non-romantic workplace relationship in which two people support and trust each other.

 

"Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the Dictionary," Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, said in a statement, noting: "We only add words where we think they'll have staying power." Learn some of the other newly added terms — and maybe show your work spouse while you're at it.    

 

            Culture

________________________________________

Massachusetts Named Best US State to Call Home in 2025

 DenisTangneyJr/iStock

 

If you're searching for a new place to call home — or just daydreaming on Zillow — one of WalletHub's 2025 reports might help whittle down the options.

 

To find the best of the best U.S. states to live in, the site's experts analyzed 51 data-driven indicators of livability, including housing costs, health care, safety, income growth, and education quality.

 

Massachusetts took the No. 1 spot, with top-ranked health care and education systems, the highest share of residents with health insurance, and the lowest premature death rate. The Bay State also boasts the nation's third-lowest property crime rate and third-best access to public transportation. Check out the rest of the top 10.

 

 

            Culture

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Harvard Paid $27 for a Magna Carta "Copy" That's Actually a Rare Original

 Lorin Granger/Harvard Law School

 

In 1946, Harvard Law School purchased what was then believed to be a copy of the Magna Carta for $27.50, or a little under $500 in today's money. Nearly eight decades later, British historians have verified that the document is no copy, but rather an extremely rare original from the year 1300.

 

The landmark document is well-regarded as a turning point in human rights, establishing in 13th-century England that no one was above the law — including the king. "This is a fantastic discovery," David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King's College London, told Harvard Law Today in May. "Harvard's Magna Carta deserves celebration, not as some mere copy, stained and faded, but as an original of one of the most significant documents in world constitutional history, a cornerstone of freedoms past, present, and yet to be won."

 

Carpenter, who spearheaded the discovery, came across the digitized version of the document on the Harvard Law Library website and suspected it could be an original. He joined forces with Professor Nicholas Vincent from the University of East Anglia, and the duo established authenticity by comparing the piece's dimensions, handwriting, and text to the six other known originals. Ultimately, they found Harvard's version passed the test "with flying colors."

 

Beyond highlighting the power of research and curiosity, the finding is a testament to the importance of librarians, said Amanda Watson, Harvard Law School's assistant dean for library and information services: "Behind every scholarly revelation stands the essential work of librarians who not only collect and preserve materials but create pathways that otherwise would remain hidden."

 

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         MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

    I wish all hands a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New year. 

 

    This is a very special day, and I just wanted you to know you were foremost in my thoughts when I awoke this morning.

 

- Bayard

 

 

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The Christmas Bombing    Night Eight

FROM:  Joe C.

SUBJ:  Eighth Night of LB II

Finally, after the disastrous losses on Day 3 where six B-52s were lost approaching their targets at the same altitude & speed on the same, single file route and then executing the same post bomb release 120 degree, ECM-compromising right turn, into the wind as directed by brilliant SAC planners in Omaha, General Glenn Sullivan sent a terse message from the U-Tapao AB, Thailand that had an effect.  There would be major changes and lots of others smaller ones.  

On December 26th SAC turned planning over to 8th AF and instead of the single file, easy to shoot down formations the B-52s came in from all directions dropping their bombs in less than fifteen minutes.  There would be no ECM blanking, post bomb release turn and the BUFFs would change altitudes after release. 

But, On the eighth night of LB II there were two B-52 losses: Ebony 02 and Ash 01.  Of the twelve crew members six were killed, four were captured and two survived.  The last two escaped from the burning wreckage when the aircraft crash-landed back at U-Tapao; the tail gunner made it because the tail section broke away while the co-pilot was heroically rescued by another pilot who had just returned from his own mission over NVN.  The reason these two B-52s were shot down was because 8th AF decided it was "OK" to send two-ship cells even though that meant Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) protection would be compromised.  "It's not my ass that's going to get shot down, it's worth the chance, they'll probably make it OK, are they serving T-bones at the club tonight?...."   

Six men died, four were captured, one was seriously injured.

A toast.

Hear, hear!

 

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Most of these today are from are from the archives and worth remembering…..skip

Thanks to Bob

.....thought I would share this with you after receiving this from my college roomy Captain Chuck "Cap" Nash. Great Christmas gift that brought a belly laugh and one of my fondest memories of Christmas Eve at sea......no surprise that it was Rod Knutson who jumped out of the bag as Santa Claus!

Still THE BEST, most caring gift I have ever received was the Amaretti di Saronno cookie Rod carefully pulled out of his big red can and gave me one to share with him over coffee in his At-Sea Cabin aboard USS Ranger floating someplace off the coast of Iran......It was so moving to hear him talk about dreaming of his favorite dessert cookie while in "Jail" (that's what he called it) dreaming of Christmas past and praying for all for Christmas future..........really puts our self importance and priorities in the proper prospective.  Love that guy! 

We had the following note and did get them together

Please let me know if anyone has info on how to contact him and Shelly, would love to send him the biggest can of Amaretti di Saronno cookies I can find!

Merry Christmas!

Bunga

A POWERFUL MESSAGE FOR US ALL TO REMEMBER THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Christmases In the Dungeons of North Vietnam

by Ted Ballard

Christmas, 1966

        On December 24th, 1966, I was living in a small twelve feet by

twelve feet cell.  My roommate was Navy Ensign George McSwain.  We had no

contact with other American POWs.  For seven weeks George had been

undergoing a torture that was called "holding up the wall"-standing facing

the wall with his arms straight over his head.  Periodically the guards

would come in and beat him up.  The Vietnamese were torturing George in an

attempt to get me to sign a war crimes confession.  I will not go into any

details, but earlier they had  tortured me for the same thing and failed.

        I had spent two months in a cast, from my left ankle to my chest,

and was now using crutches to hobble around the room.

        As evening approached, a guard came and took George to be

interviewed by some Vietnamese officers.  While he was gone I suddenly felt

the urge to walk without the crutches.  I carried them with me but did not

use them and made it all the way around the room.  I had given myself a

Christmas present and waited impatiently for George to come back so I could

share it with him.

        When George returned he had a few pieces of sugar candy and a

cigarette for each of us.  This was a pleasant surprise since I never

thought the Vietnamese would recognize Christmas.  George said the quiz room

was full of oranges and bananas and we would receive some later.  We never

did.

        Later some Christmas music was played over the camp radio.  A POW

sang two or three songs.   I wondered who he was but never did find out.  It

was a sad Christmas Eve for me.  As we went to bed, George was silent and

despondent.  We did not talk as we normally did.  I could only imagine his

thoughts.  Mine were of my family and Christmases past.

        The gong did not clang as usual Christmas morning.  However, a guard

came by and told George to get "on the wall."  About three hours later he

was taken to quiz and the officer (whom we called Dum-dum) told him that the

Camp Commander had forgiven him of his "crimes"  and he must obey the camp

regulations.  We were both jubilant at this news.

        George's long ordeal was over.  In a way we felt it was a victory

for us since I did not have to write a confession or condemn the United

States government.  Several times I came close to calling a halt to the

torture and writing the statement, but George was a tough man and he took it

as he said he could.

        The Vietnamese gave us a good Christmas dinner-a piece of meat, lots

of rice, and, for the first time, cabbage soup.

Christmas 1967

        The summer and fall of 1967 was a bad time for the POWs.  Many men

were tortured for propaganda purposes, and harassment by the guards was

continuous.

        There were about thirty men in our building, three to each room.  My

cellmates were Captain Bob Sandvick and Captain Tom Pyle.

        On Christmas Eve we were taken to view a tree the Vietnamese had

decorated.  We were given some candy and extra cigarettes to take back to

our rooms.  Later in the evening we heard a guard opening the hatches to

each of the cells.  When he came to our cell he asked, "Protestant or

Catholic?"  We told him we were Protestants and he gave us each a small bag

which contained an orange, several cookies. and small pieces of candy. This

was our first "Gift from the Priest."  We found out later that the Catholics

got  a tangerine instead of and orange.  (Only the Lord knows why!) One POW

who was living by himself  told the guard he was neither Protestant nor

Catholic.  The guard closed the hatch without giving him anything!  Next

Christmas he decided to be a Protestant!

       Some Christmas music was played over the camp radio.  We also had to

listen to a tape recording by a Vietnamese Catholic Priest.  He allowed that

we should pray to God for forgiveness of our crimes against the Vietnamese

people.

        Bob, Tom, and I reminisced about our families and other Christmases.

It was a quiet evening for us.  Our prayers were for those POWs who were

still suffering from wounds.

        Christmas Day we had a good dinner of meat, vegetables, and rice.

In quantity it was about the size of an average American meal, but about six

times our normal ration.

        The senior ranking officer of our building initiated a "Home for

Christmas" prayer.  Each day at noon a signal was passed to all rooms.  We

would then recite the Lord's Prayer.

Christmas, 1968

        In the spring of 1968, I was moved to another camp.  Living

conditions were somewhat improved.  There were nine of us in a twenty-one by

twenty foot room.  Even though harassment and treatment by the guards was

about the same,  it was great to have more Americans to talk to.  Peace

negotiations had begun in Paris, but by the time Christmas came around our

high hopes for an early settlement had vanished.

        We had continued our daily "Home for Christmas" prayer.  One day one

of the men said, "What will we do if we don't make it home for Christmas?"

Someone answered, "We will continue to pray for next Christmas."

As the season grew nearer the men began writing down the words for holiday

songs.  We used toilet paper, pens made form strips of bamboo, and ink from

a mixture of cigarette ashes and water.  Of course we kept these carefully

hidden from the Vietnamese.

        One of the men received a package from home.  He shared everything

he had with the rest of us.  What a wonderful treat!  Actual goodies from

home!

Again we received a "gift from the Priest."

        I shall never forget that Christmas Eve.  A group of men quietly

singing such carols as "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" and "Silent Night."

       Before retiring, Jim Hivner  said, "Everybody who believes in Santa

Claus, hang a sock on your mosquito net.  Remember, those who believe will

receive!"

        I did not hang up a sock because I needed to wear them to try to

keep warm.  We each had two thin blankets but I had to use one of mine as

cushion for my bad hip.

        In the quiet of the night, as I had done the two previous Christmas

Eves, I mentally shopped for, bought, and wrapped gifts for Ruth and Kevin.

How are they?  Are they well?  Please, God, let them live normal and happy

lives, and know that my thoughts are with them.  May God bless and keep

them, as well as the other members of the great Ballard family.

        When I awakened the next morning I found a Christmas card inside my

net. The other men had one in their stockings.  Jim Hivner had made them

without any of us knowing about it!

Christmas, 1969

        The first ten months of 1969 were the worst for the POWs. An attempt

to escape had failed and the Vietnamese had retaliated with extreme

brutality.

        In late October, however, a marked improvement in our living

conditions came about. We did not know the reason, but the death of Ho Chi

Minh may have had something to do with it. I believe now that it was the

outstanding support of the American people and the pressure they put upon

the North Vietnamese government that brought about the changes.

        In December we were allowed to write our first letters home. I had

about 800 million things to say to Ruth and questions to ask, but of course

this was impossible in a six-line letter.

        Several of us received packages from home, which we shared. In mine

was a set of thermal underwear for which I was most grateful. One of my

cellmates, Jim Sehorn, had given me one of his blankets. Finally, I could at

least stay warm during those long, sleepless, miserable nights.

        We made Christmas cards for the men in the other buildings. These

were "air-mailed" by tying a rock to the paper and throwing them from our

courtyard to theirs.

        For a Christmas tree, we decorated a small swiss-type broom with

strips of cloth and paper with various designs. Mike McGrath was quite a

good artist and enjoyed doing things with his hands. He used one of his

black pajama tops as a background and drew a tree on it. From paper and

cloth he made stars and other ornaments and attached them to the tree. Small

packages with each of our names were also attached. This was kept hidden

during the day but was hung on the wall in the evenings for our enjoyment.

        We exchanged gifts that Christmas, both real and imaginary. I gave

away gift certificates and treated everyone to a dinner at the Fireside Inn

in Las Vegas. One man, who had lost most of his hair, was given a wooden

comb. I was given ear plugs and a nose clip so I would not be disturbed at

night by nearby neighbors!

        Christmas Eve the guards came around and gave us the "gift from the

priest," also cookies and cigarettes. We were in a good mood and talked and

quietly sang carols til fairly late.

Before retiring we each tied a stocking to our nets. I had saved some peanut

butter candy from my package Ruth had sent and planned to put some in each

man's stocking while they were asleep.  I lay awake for about an hour and

was just about ready to get up when I heard a noise and looked up. A POW was

putting something in my stocking. He moved quickly from net to net and then

sneaked back under his own. Ten minutes later another man got up and did the

same thing. It took almost two hours for all eight of us to play Santa

Claus.

Early Christmas morning I was awakened by a loud shout from Jim Sehorn:

"Merry Christmas, everybody! Get up!. He did it! Santa Claus came! Get up!

Get up!" What a sight - Jim running from net to net pulling everybody out of

bed. Our stockings were full of candy, gifts, and greeting cards.

Later that day the guards came in and removed Mike's shirt with the

decorations on it. He was taken to Quiz and the officers told him they were

impressed with his art and were going to take it to the museum. Mike told

them, "No, you are not." He jerked it off the table and tore it up!

 

Christmas 1970

In November, 1970, there was an unsuccessful attempt by the United States to

rescue some POWs from a camp at Son Tay. Within the next few days all of the

POWs were moved to downtown Hanoi to a large complex of jails named Hoalo

Prison. We called it the Hanoi Hilton. Finally, after so many years, we were

all in the same camp, with 25 to 56 men per cell. We became better organized

militarily, academically, and religiously.

 

That Christmas season was a fairly good one for us. Many men had received

packages from home and were allowed to keep the items in their cells.

However, a few days before Christmas, the guards removed everything from the

cells except for what they had given us. In October I had received my first

letter from home, after more than four years as a prisoner. Included in the

letter was a picture of Ruth and Kevin. I prized that picture more than

anything in the world and I cannot describe my feelings when the guard took

it away.

We began again to scrounge materials for academic purposes, etc. We drew

names for gifts. Jim Sehorn gave me a wand and a pendulum to use with my

course in hypnotism. I gave him the use of my services for a whole week to

hold his legs while he did sit-ups and other exercises.

Christmas Eve the men put on an outstanding play. It was the POW version of

Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol." Scrooge was played by Dave Ford with

Jerry Venanzi directing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas carols sung by a 15-man choir. The

singing was disrupted once when a Vietnamese attempted to take pictures

through the barred windows.

Again we received a "gift from the priest."

That night was a sad one for me. I was reminiscing over past Christmases

when I had a strong feeling that my Mother had died. (She passed away in

August 1969, but I was not notified until our release.)

Christmas morning I was again awakened by Jim Sehorn - with the same

enthusiasm and excitement. About this time a most fascinating event occurred

- big Tom McNish (six feet, two inches tall) was running up and down the

long room with a large bag slung over his shoulder. Tom was dressed in white

long-handled underwear and continued his prancing until everyone was up.

Then he set down his bag, opened it, and out jumped Santa Claus! Rod Knutson

had on a red suit, black "boots", stocking cap, and a white beard and

mustache! I never found out where or how they scrounged all that material.

Rod then proceeded to give out hilariously funny imaginary gifts to

everyone.

We had an exceptionally good meal Christmas Day, and everyone was becoming

optimistic about going home soon.

Christmas 1971

        Our optimism suffered a setback in early 1971 due to the torturing

of many individuals and especially the senior ranking officers. This was in

retaliation for our attempts to conduct religious services and to gain

improvements in living conditions. The United States had resumed the bombing

of North Vietnam.

        Ten of us had been removed to another large cell along with thirty

four other POWs, all considered to be "die-hards" or trouble makers by the

Vietnamese.

       Christmas, 1971, was about the same as the year before. The choir

sang carols which I thoroughly enjoyed. Six of us non-singers put on a skit

imitating the choir.

        Ed Davis sang a lovely song, one I had never heard before, having to

do with Mary and her unborn child, Jesus.

        I'll never forget Gobel James and his beautiful rendition of "O Holy

Night."

        One man entertained us with his version of "How the Grinch Stole

Christmas."

        Tom McNish and Rod Knutson did their Santa Claus number again. Rod

gave me some silver oak leaves indicating my promotion to Lieutenant

Colonel. Ruth had written me that it was Autumn in Carolina and the silver

oak leaves were falling!

        Dwight Sullivan presented me with a small poker table which he had

made from bread and sticks. It even had ash trays. I kept the table for

almost a year until the guards finally found it and took it away. I gave my

friend Leroy Stutz an imaginary book, "How to Play Winning Poker" and

allowed him to "pin" me at his discretion once per week for a whole month.

Christmas 1972

        The bombing of North Vietnam continued into 1972, and many targets

near our camp were being attacked. In May over 200 of us were moved to a

camp within a few miles of China, in mountainous terrain. Our food and

living conditions greatly improved. We were permitted more time outside,

given canned meat and various types of vegetable soup to eat with the

ever-present rice. Periodically the Vietnamese would go to a nearby village

and kill a buffalo and cook it for us. We conducted weekly bridge and chess

tournaments.

        I spent one week in solitary confinement due to a minor disagreement

with the Vietnamese officers. During this time my thoughts were mostly with

my wife and son. Kevin is now thirteen years old. Graduating from high

school soon. Hard to believe. I had missed so much of his growing up. One of

these days he will come to me and ask for an automobile.

       Most of us were given letters and packages from home that Christmas.

There was a picture of Ruth and Kevin on a motorcycle. A black dog lay

nearby. I could imagine the companionship that the dog provided for Kevin. I

mentally composed a letter to "Blackie." I was both thankful for him and

envious of him. He knew more about my son than I did - his habits, stomping

grounds, and hiding places.

        One of the men heard from the guards that the United States was

bombing targets in Hanoi with big bombers night and day. We were jubilant at

this news and felt that the attacks would continue until the Vietnamese

agreed to release all prisoners.

        Christmas Eve, 1972, was a quiet one for us. The choir sang some

carols and that was about it. Our thoughts and prayers were about the

future.

        In January 1973, we were taken back to the "Hanoi Hilton" and were

told that the war was over and we would all be going home soon. What would

it be like? How have things changed after six and one-half years of

isolation from the real world?

     I was among the group of prisoners that was released on March 4,

1973. I did not look back at the camp. I said a prayer that went something

like this:

        Dear God,

        We thank you for taking care of us for such a long time.

        We now ask that you give us the courage to face the future

        and to accept the changes that have taken place.

  Ted Ballard

 

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From the archives Thanks to Billy and Shadow

Thanks to Billy who speaks for all of us in regards to the note from Shadow below for a Christmas Greeting to all of us .

From Billy

Shadow,  "Lugubrious," a word my Dear Mother used when one of us acted "pouty!"  I doubt anyone could ever describe you as such!

If I accomplish an important goal it will be reading your memoir!

Meanwhile, I am humbled to have seen my name included within those, certainly stalwarts, on your Christmas message this AM.   You've made my day !

I wish you and the Stafford Bunch a joyful day and a Happy Healthy New Year!

 

thanks to Shadow

Gents,

I'll try not to get too lugubrious… but if you see your name on this list… I want to express my undying gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. You have touched my life in one way or another and blessed me with your friendship. I want each and every one of you to know how grateful I am for your friendship and support over the years. You have touched my life, inspired me and showed me there are still men out there who are loyal, so very special and the best this nation has to offer.

 

Some of you have shared my highest highs and lowest lows… especially Jim Lucas and Mike Collins. Those two guys stood by me in my darkest hours. Mike Sullivan inspired me to accomplish my life's dream and introduced me to the mighty F-4… a man who personified the word "Leadership". Bear Taylor… a man who has dedicated much of his life to honor us and our extended "Band of Brothers" through his research and opus… with the Title of Rolling Thunder. My God, what an effort and accomplishment! I am in awe of his tenacity and dedication.

 

Then there is Jack Woodul… the man who inspired me to write. What an incredible gift he has… he brought joy, laughter and tears to my eyes, Thanks Puresome! Lonny McClung… what a guy. The consummate Aviator and leader… the man who saved Tailhook at the expense of his own career. Proud to call him a friend. Billy Walker… a guy who probably knows more about aviation and aviators than any man I know. Thanks for sharing Billy. Barrett Tillman, who along with Lonny helped save Tailhook and a prolific author who proved that the past is truly prologue through his works. Then there's Rick "Bruddah" Walker… a guy I went through Flight Training with… and a special kind of guy. I've never told him this but I have a special fondness for Bruddah in that I think of him as a soul mate in that we had a common gift of people underestimating our our abilities. He is a prolific writer of incredible insights into our world.

 

Rich Sugden… what a guy! A doctor who has given his time to others around the world… a philanthropist, a guiding light… and a humble, but proud American. Most of you don't have a clue of all the wonderful gifts he has given to his fellow man. We were introduced to each other by the world's oldest Test Pilot and I have been an admirer ever since.

 

Burt Rutan… my connection to true genius. I first met Burt decades ago when he let me fly one of his airplanes and I have cheered his many accomplishments ever since. I knew I had met true genius after spending some time with Burt. He has made the world a better place and inspired millions. God Bless you Burt!

One name up there most of you don't know, except for Jim Lucas. His name is Mike Collins… retired FBI and the greatest friend I've ever had. He has given so much of his time to me over the years… I will never be able to say "Thank You" enough. We first met when I was going through some hard times (not of my own making) and he has been a loyal and generous friend ever since. Thank you so much Mike! Love ya man!

 

In conclusion… I want to thank each and everyone of you for making my life richer, more assuring and a constant reminder that I have known the best this nation has to offer. Collectively, we have all dedicated our lives to service to our nation and in Bear's words, we have seen the elephant and spit in his eye. Merry Christmas to you each and every one!

 

I love you guys!

All the Best, Shadow

 

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This Day in U S Military History

1776 – During the American Revolution, Patriot General George Washington crosses the Delaware River with 5,400 troops, hoping to surprise a Hessian force celebrating Christmas at their winter quarters in Trenton, New Jersey. The unconventional attack came after several months of substantial defeats for Washington's army that had resulted in the loss of New York City and other strategic points in the region. At about 11 p.m. on Christmas, Washington's army commenced its crossing of the half-frozen river at three locations. The 2,400 soldiers led by Washington successfully braved the icy and freezing river and reached the New Jersey side of the Delaware just before dawn. The other two divisions, made up of some 3,000 men and crucial artillery, failed to reach the meeting point at the appointed time. At approximately 8 a.m. on the morning of December 26, Washington's remaining force, separated into two columns, reached the outskirts of Trenton and descended on the unsuspecting Hessians. Trenton's 1,400 Hessian defenders were groggy from the previous evening's festivities and underestimated the Patriot threat after months of decisive British victories throughout New York. Washington's men quickly overwhelmed the Germans' defenses, and by 9:30 a.m. the town was surrounded. Although several hundred Hessians escaped, nearly 1,000 were captured at the cost of only four American lives. However, because most of Washington's army had failed to cross the Delaware, he was without adequate artillery or men and was forced to withdraw from the town. The victory was not particularly significant from a strategic point of view, but news of Washington's initiative raised the spirits of the American colonists, who previously feared that the Continental Army was incapable of victory.

1944 – Allied forces surrounding the German-held bulge begin counterattacking. The US 4th Armored Division, an element of US 3rd Army, aims at relieving the Americans surrounded in Bastogne. Meanwhile, German attacks are halted by American armor at Celles, about 6 km east of the Meuse River, after having advanced about 80 km since the beginning of the offensive in mid-December.

1944–On Leyte, part of the US 77th Division makes an amphibious move from Ormoc to San Juan, on the west coast of the island, north of Palompon, where the Japanese forces are concentrated. The landing is unopposed. General MacArthur announces that the Leyte campaign has ended with Japanese losses totalling 113,221.

1972 – After a 36-hour respite for Christmas, the U.S. resumes Operation Linebacker II. The extensive bombing campaign was resumed because, according to U.S. officials, Hanoi sent no word that it would return to the peace talks. On December 13, North Vietnamese negotiators walked out of secret talks in Paris with National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger. President Nixon issued an ultimatum that North Vietnam send its representatives back to the conference table within 72 hours "or else." The North Vietnamese rejected Nixon's demand and the president ordered Operation Linebacker II, a full-scale air campaign against the Hanoi area that began on December 18. During the 11 days of Linebacker II, 700 B-52 sorties and more than 1,000 fighter-bomber sorties dropped an estimated 20,000 tons of bombs on North Vietnam–half the total tonnage of bombs dropped on England during World War II. Also on this day: U.S. headquarters in Saigon announces that American military strength in South Vietnam was reduced by 700 men during the previous week. The reduction brought the total U.S. forces in South Vietnam to 24,000, the lowest in almost eight years.

 

Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day

BARNUM, JAMES

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1816 Massachusetts. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Barnum served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and on 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close in shore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship. Barnum was commended for highly meritorious conduct during this period.

BINDER, RICHARD

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 1840, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during the attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864, and 13 to 15 January 1865. Despite heavy return fire by the enemy and the explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed 8 men and wounded 12 more, Sgt. Binder, as captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the first 2 days of battle. As his ship again took position on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns. During this action the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.

BLAKE, ROBERT

Rank and organization: Contraband, U.S. Navy. Entered service at: Virginia. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Accredited to: Virginia. Citation: On board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, in an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind.

CAMPBELL, WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838, Indiana. Accredited to: Indiana. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13 to 15 January 1865. Despite heavy return fire by the enemy and the explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed 8 men and wounded 12 more, Campbell, as captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the first 2 days of battle. As his ship again took position on the line of the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns. During this action the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.

DEMPSTER, JOHN

Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1839, Scotland. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Dempster served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship.

DUNN, WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: Maine. Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Monadnock in action during several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. With his ship anchored well inshore to insure perfect range against the severe fire of rebel guns, Dunn continued his duties when the vessel was at anchor, as her propellers were kept in motion to make her turrets bear, and the shooting away of her chain might have caused her to ground. Disdainful of shelter despite severe weather conditions, he inspired his shipmates and contributed to the success of his vessel in reducing the enemy guns to silence.

ENGLISH, THOMAS

Rank and organization: Signal Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1819, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: English served on board the U.S.S. New Iron sides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship.

FARLEY, WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Born: 1835, Whitefield, Maine. Accredited to: Maine. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Citation: Served on board the U.S.S. Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, during an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Behaving in a gallant manner, Farley animated his men and kept up a rapid and effective fire on the enemy throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's abandonment of his positions, leaving a caisson and 1 gun behind.

HAFFEE, EDMUND

Rank and organization: Quarter Gunner, U.S. Navy. Born: 1832, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Haffee served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore, and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire, as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproof to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire orders were given by the flagship.

JONES, THOMAS

Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1820, Baltimore, Md. Accredited to: Maryland. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13 to 15 January 1865. Despite heavy return fire by the enemy and the explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed 8 men and wounded 12 more, Jones, as captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the first 2 days of battle. As his ship again took position on the line on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well-placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter, as she materially lessened the power of guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns. During this action the flag was planted on one side of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.

LEAR, NICHOLAS

Rank and organization. Quartermaster, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, Rhode Island. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Lear served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well-directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease-fire order was given by the flagship.

MILLER, JAMES

Rank and organization. Quartermaster, U.S. Navy Born 1835 Denmark. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864 Citation: Served as quartermaster on board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, during an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Acting courageously under the fierce hostile fire, Miller behaved gallantly throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy's withdrawal and abandonment of its arms.

MILLIKEN, DANIEL

Rank and organization: Quarter Gunner, U.S. Navy. Born: 1838 Maine. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation Milliken served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864_ and 13,14 and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the Ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the cease_fire orders were given by the flagship.

MOORE, CHARLES

Rank and organization: Landsman, U.S. Navy. Born: 1839, Ireland. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 32, 16 April 1864. Citation: Serving on board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, during an engagement with the enemy on John's Island. Wounded in the fierce battle, Moore returned to his quarters until so exhausted by loss of blood that he had to be taken below. This engagement resulted in the enemy's abandonment of his positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind.

PRANCE, GEORGE

Rank and organization: Captain of the Main Top, U.S. Navy. Born: 1827, France. Accredited to: Massachusetts. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13 to 15 January 1865. Despite heavy return fire by the enemy and the explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle which killed 8 men and wounded 12 more, Prance as captain of a gun, performed his duties with skill and courage during the first 2 days of battle. As his ship again took position on the line on the 13th, he remained steadfast as the Ticonderoga maintained a well_placed fire upon the batteries on shore, and thereafter as she materially lessened the power of guns on the mound which had been turned upon our assaulting columns. During this action the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels.

TAYLOR, WILLIAM G.

Rank and organization: Captain of the Forecastle, U.S. Navy. Born: 1831, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864. As captain of a gun, Taylor performed his duties with coolness and skill as his ship took position in the line of battle and delivered its fire on the batteries on shore. Despite the depressing effect caused when an explosion of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle killed 8 men and wounded 12 more, and the enemy's heavy return fire, he calmly remained at his station during the 2 days' operations.

WALLING, WILLIAM H.

Rank and organization: Captain, Company C, 142d New York Infantry. Place and date: At Fort Fisher, N.C., 25 December 1864. Entered service at:——. Birth: Hartford, N.Y. Date of issue: 28 March 1892. Citation: During the bombardment of the fort by the fleet, captured and brought the flag of the fort, the flagstaff having been shot down.

WHITE, JOSEPH

Rank and organization: Captain of the Gun, U.S. Navy. Born: 1840, Washington, D.C. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: White served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13,14, and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy came out of his bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ships battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the ceasefire order was given by the flagship.

WILLIS, RICHARD

Rank and organization: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 1826, England. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. G.O. No.: 59, 22 June 1865. Citation: Willis served on board the U.S.S. New Ironsides during action in several attacks on Fort Fisher, 24 and 25 December 1864; and 13, 14 and 15 January 1865. The ship steamed in and took the lead in the ironclad division close inshore and immediately opened its starboard battery in a barrage of well_directed fire to cause several fires and explosions and dismount several guns during the first 2 days of fighting. Taken under fire as she steamed into position on 13 January, the New Ironsides fought all day and took on ammunition at night, despite severe weather conditions. When the enemy troops came out of their bombproofs to defend the fort against the storming party, the ship's battery disabled nearly every gun on the fort facing the shore before the ceasefire order was given by the flagship.

MORRIS, JOHN

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 25 January 1855, New York, N.Y. Accredited to: New York. G.O. No.: 326, 18 October 1884. Citation: For leaping overboard from the U.S. Flagship Lancaster, at Villefranche, France, 25 December 1881, and rescuing from drowning Robert Blizzard, ordinary seaman, a prisoner, who had jumped overboard.

WIEDORFER, PAUL J.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant (then Private), U.S. Army, Company G, 318th Infantry, 80th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near, Chaumont, Belgium, 25 December 1944. Entered service at: Baltimore, Md. Birth: Baltimore, Md. G.O. No.: 45, 12 June 1945. Citation: He alone made it possible for his company to advance until its objective was seized. Company G had cleared a wooded area of snipers, and 1 platoon was advancing across an open clearing toward another wood when it was met by heavy machinegun fire from 2 German positions dug in at the edge of the second wood. These positions were flanked by enemy riflemen. The platoon took cover behind a small ridge approximately 40 yards from the enemy position. There was no other available protection and the entire platoon was pinned down by the German fire. It was about noon and the day was clear, but the terrain extremely difficult due to a 3-inch snowfall the night before over ice-covered ground. Pvt. Wiedorfer, realizing that the platoon advance could not continue until the 2 enemy machinegun nests were destroyed, voluntarily charged alone across the slippery open ground with no protecting cover of any kind. Running in a crouched position, under a hail of enemy fire, he slipped and fell in the snow, but quickly rose and continued forward with the enemy concentrating automatic and small-arms fire on him as he advanced. Miraculously escaping injury, Pvt. Wiedorfer reached a point some 10 yards from the first machinegun emplacement and hurled a handgrenade into it. With his rifle he killed the remaining Germans, and, without hesitation, wheeled to the right and attacked the second emplacement. One of the enemy was wounded by his fire and the other 6 immediately surrendered. This heroic action by 1 man enabled the platoon to advance from behind its protecting ridge and continue successfully to reach its objective. A few minutes later, when both the platoon leader and the platoon sergeant were wounded, Pvt. Wiedorfer assumed command of the platoon, leading it forward with inspired energy until the mission was accomplished.

 

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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS for December 25, FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY

1949: The USAF revealed the development of stupalith, a ceramic that contracted when heated and expanded when cooled. It also withstood up to 2,000 degrees and would be used on jet and rocket engines. (24)

 

 

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