Friday, August 31, 2007
Allen James Lynch was born on October 28, 1945, to loving parents. He had a passion for the military throughout his youth, and found himself in the Vietnam Conflict in late 1967. Officially he was a radioman, but Lynch was much more a hero than the latter. While on patrol with his unit in the Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Lynch and his fellow soldiers were ambushed by an overwhelming enemy force. The unit was outnumbered and given orders to retreat from their trenches and leave the area. Allen noticed that three men were seriously wounded in a trench 30 yards out, and were desperately in need of aid. With completed disregard for his own life, Lynch stormed through a fiery onslaught of enemy bullets, on three different occasions, to retrieve the fallen soldiers. Each time he did, it seemed the enemy was getting closer. On his third trip to retrieve the final remaining soldier Lynch had to kill two VC in close range. After realizing that the trench he had evacuated the fallen soldiers too was not secure, he decided to move the wounded soldiers to a safer location. By himself he killed five additional advancing VC, and then proceeded to run through the firefight five more times to move the men to a safer location where they could be extracted. Once he had returned home from the war he was honored by President Johnson with Medal of Honor. Says Lynch of the entire affair, “You see so much terror and so much trouble, and in the back of my mind, I always knew God was there. I wasn’t thinking of anything except staying alive and keeping the others alive. There was a lot of fire. You react as you were trained.” Labels: Allen James Lynch, Congressional Medal of Honor, Vietnam Conflict 
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Captain Steven Logan Bennett After a long stint at Webb Air Force Base, Steven Bennett had finally gotten his wings. He immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air force to fly military aircraft, a life long dream of his. He was trained to fly B-52’s in 1970 at Castle Air Force Base, and then went on to train as a flight controller at Cannon Air Force Base. The minute he graduated from flight school in 1972 he was hungry for action and enlisted for active duty in Vietnam. He was assigned as a pilot for the OV-10 aircraft while serving his tour in the East. Many pilots had dubbed this craft the “Death Trap” because it was nearly impossible to eject out of it the case of emergency. While flying a routine combat mission that involved marking Viet Cong targets of opportunity, Bennett was informed that a platoon of South Vietnamese were trapped and may be completely overrun by hundreds of advancing VC. Since help was still hours away, Bennett knew that the troops were doomed. He immediately sprung into action and maneuvered his craft to flank the advancing VC and push them back. It worked and he was able to save the platoon, however in doing this the VC were also able to target his OV-10 with a SAM. Resulting in much damage to the left engine and a fire onboard. Realizing time was of the essence Bennett quickly flew over a body of water and dumped most of the planes remaining fuel. When he went to eject and realized his ejection function had been compromised by the damaged sustained in battle. Knowing that he was doomed he crashed the plane into the water head first, flipping it on its underside as he did. He died immediately on impact, however, his navigator was able to crawl out and lived. Bennett was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor a few years later. The navy even named a ship after him to remember his heroics. Labels: Captain Steven Logan Bennett, Castle Air Force Base, Congressional Medal of Honor, Webb Air Force Base
 Bud is a retired newspaper journalist and history writer with sixty years experience in the publishing field. He is a World War Two U.S. Navy Veteran and was involved in the earliest forms of infrared technology during his service. His post-war civilian career began with his job as a newspaper feature writer and has since blossomed into his accomplished resume of more than a dozen published books and several hundred magazine articles. Bud’s Latest Projects Bud is currently working on two World War One projects. He is interested in receiving letters, photos, and diary material from relatives of the brave soldiers who served in the Dardanelles Campaign of 1915 and with the U.S. 91st Aero Squadron from 1918 to 1919. Also, for a project dealing with the 1920s, he would like to hear from anyone who has interesting stories about relatives who lived during that decade -- particularly newspapermen, politicians, and gangsters. Labels: A.B. Feuer, Bud Feuer
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Born to a military father in 1934, Schwarzkopf dreamed about becoming a general from his early youth. He was schooled mostly overseas, while his father was working for the military in Iran. During his travels, Norman was able to learn how to speak French and German. When his father’s service was up he came back to the United States and began his schooling at the famed West Point Academy. He graduated in 1956, as a second lieutenant and was shipped to the war in Vietnam; there he fought during two tours of duty before sustaining injury and returning home with a Purple Heart. He also was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts during the war. After successfully implementing the “Granada Student Rescue Effort” Schwarzkopf rose to the rank of Deputy Commander of The Joint Task Force. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990, and refused to withdraw, Norman was appointed command of the U.S. Military in Iraq. Nicknamed “Storming Norman” for his quick decisive strategies that yielded many victories and the ultimate surrendering of the Iraqi forces. He retired from the United States Military in 1991, after being credited with the victory in the first Gulf War and having been promoted to the rank of a four star general. Today the general is still a contributing member to society. He has created the Schwarzkopf Cup, a regional golf tournament that raises money for research into paralysis. Of the many great generals that have fought for freedom, General Norman Schwarzkopf is a modern day war hero. Labels: famous generals, Norman Schwarzkopf, Storming Norman, US Military, US Military in Iraq, War in Iraq
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
The tragic story of Lori Ann begins with her birth on December 14th, 1979 in Tuba City Arizona. Of Native American descent, Lori was part Hopi and part Mexican. Following in the tradition of her father and his father, Lori enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight for her country. Lori was a trademark American soldier and expressed her concern with the Conflict in Iraq, but was more than willing to give her life for her country. She was shipped off to the Middle East in late 2004 to serve her tour of duty. Being a woman, and a single mother of two children, Lori also had a “safety comes first attitude”. She was assigned as a driver of an armored Humvee transport unit in the 507th Maintenance Company. In route with the rest of her company to Iraq, their convoy was ambushed. Surrounded by the enemy on all sides, the young soldier was not left with many options. Knowing that the safety of her fellow soldiers was in grave jeopardy, Piestewa was forced to make an instant decision. With complete disregard for her own safety she barreled her hummer through the ambush, and almost made it out safely but a RPG (rocket propelled grenade) disabled her vehicle. Severely injured from the shrapnel, Lori and her fellow soldier, Jessica Lynch were both take captive by the Iraqi military. Due to the extent of her injuries Lori passed away not long after being captured. After a full investigation of the incident was conducted, the United States Government honored her with The Prisoner of War, and Purple Heart medals. Labels: Lori Ann Piestewa, Prisoner of War, Purple Heart, War in Iraq
Monday, August 27, 2007
Colin Luther Powell was born on April 5th, 1987 to loving parents in New York City, NY. His parents had emigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica and had always prioritized education to Powell during his youth. While attending community college in N.Y., Powell signed up for the R.O.T.C program (reserve officer training corp.). Colin graduated in with a geology degree and the rank of Cadet Colonel, the highest of any R.O.T.C. graduate. In 1958 he was promoted again, and shipped to Germany for his tour, this time wielding the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1962 he returned to the U.S. where he met and married his wife Alma Vivian. He was shipped over to Vietnam when the war broke out a few years later. He served 2 tours of duty, which in once case we was credited with saving lives of several soldiers who were trapped in a downed helicopter. Due to his logical personality, Powell was known for biding by diplomacy, viewing armed conflict as a final measure. As a testament to his diplomatic beliefs, he was criticized by many for wanting to pursue U.N. sanctions against Iraq before invading in the first Gulf War of 1990. Again he was promoted in 1989 to the status of a four star general, after serving more than 30 years in military service. President Bush made him the U.S. Secretary of State after he won the elections in 2000, marking a point in history as the first African-American to ever be appointed as such. General Powell serves a good example to us all, to never relinquish the positive efforts of diplomacy, and to view the declaration of war as last resort. Labels: Colin Luther Powell, famous generals, US Secretary of State, War in Iraq
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Edward Allen Carter was born to missionary parents in Los Angeles California, on May 26th, 1916. Due to his parents work in the missionary field, they traveled often. Carter found himself living with his parents in Shanghai, and ran away from home at the tender age of 15. Following his dream of being in the military he enlisted in the Chinese Nationalist Army. Much to his dismay, the Chinese Nationalist Army discovered that Carter was only 15 years old, and a lieutenant, consequently they discharged him. Carter’s parents realized his aspirations and enrolled him in Shanghai Military Academy, where he received a first-rate education and was able to learn multiple languages. He volunteered for Abraham Lincoln Brigade and went on to fight in the Spanish Civil War in the early 1930’s. He finally came back to U.S. in 1938 and met and married his wife Mildred two short years later. When World War II erupted in 1941, Carter was first in line to enlist. He was immediately appointed to the role of Staff Sergeant due to his extensive military experience. Unbeknownst to Carter, he was secretly being spied on by military intelligence due to his prior years in Shanghai. He was also frequently the center or racial abuse, due to the fact that he was an African-American. When he was shipped to WWII in 1944 he had to take a demotion to Private in order to fight, as the U.S. army did not want a man of color to be in command. During his tour of duty, on a particular combat mission Carter and his company were ambushed. After receiving multiple gunshot wounds, he successfully killed eight enemy combatants to save the lives of three fellow soldiers. He was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor for this, however ended up with a Distinguished Service Cross. Carter died in 1963, after trying for years to reenlist, only to be told he had communist ties. His daughter appealed the findings in 1997, and the U.S. Government finally awarded Carter his much deserver Medal of Honor. Labels: Allen Carter, Congressional Medal of Honor, sergeant
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Born to a very wealthy family on November 11th, 1885 in San Gabriel California, Patton was raised with a healthy respect for the military. Someone in his family had served in every major American war, a tradition Patton would continue. Hes was a graduate of the West Point Military Academy, where he met his wife Bee in 1910. Patton first saw action in 1916 when he was assigned to Mexico and aided in the capture of Poncho Villa under the command of General John Pershing. Impressed with his abilities, Pershing used Patton to command armored units in the onset of World War I. After the war had ended Patton was appointed a position as an instructor, teaching young soldiers how to use tanks. By the time the Second World War broke out in the late 1930’s, Patton was reassigned to an armored regiment where he won many victories. His great successes lead many to call him “Old Blood and Guts”. After the Doomsday invasion in 1944, Patton was awarded command of Third Army in Europe. He earned his reputation for his refusal to back down from the enemy and his apparent lack of fear. Of course his heroic pre-battle speeches also were a draw to his fame. Patton died near the end of the war in 1945, leaving behind only his legacy. A movie was later made about him entitled “Patton”, which defined his rise through the ranks in the military and his fearless approach. The movie would later be awarded seven Academy Awards, and tell the story to the rest of the world of this great and fearless military leader. Labels: Doomsday, famous generals, George Smith, WWII
Friday, August 24, 2007
Captain George Folta bravely served his country during World War II, appearing in numerous Pacific engagements, including several of the war’s signature battles. Born in Juneau, Alaska, on February 4, 1919, Folta graduated high school in his hometown and worked one year in the mines before attending University of Washington. After one year at college, Folta accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Upon graduation, he was immediately assigned to the USS Aylwin, which played key roles in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. The monumental victories paved the way for ultimate triumph in the Pacific. Emerging from both historic battles unscathed, Folta went to submarine school in Connecticut and was assigned to the USS Bluegill, making six successful war patrols. After the war, Folta continued his naval studies, attending U.S. Naval Graduate School and then becoming the Executive Officer of the USS Medregal. From there, the industrious sailor became the Chief Engineer of the USS Antietam, which was the first aircraft carrier in the world to have an angled deck. In 1958, Folta was part of another unique first, serving as the Executive Officer of the USS Boston, the first ship in the world to carry guided missiles. But Folta wasn’t done seeing military action. During the Vietnam War, he commanded the USS Monticello, helping to transport weaponry and marines into battle. He retired from the Navy in 1969. Captain Folta passed away on December 26, 2003, and was buried at sea with full military honors. Labels: Executive Officer, George Folta, military action
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Bob Dole has proudly served his country for the better part of his life, first on the battlefield and then in Washington. Born in Russell, Kansas, in 1923, Dole was attending the University of Kansas when World War II erupted. He immediately enlisted for duty and became a second lieutenant in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. In April 1945, Dole was cut down by German machine gun fire, sustaining severe wounds to his right arm and back. Due to the ongoing conflict, he had to suffer nine more hours on the battlefield before being evacuated to the nearest hospital. Thankfully, he survived, but his right arm was left paralyzed. Dole received two Purple Hearts for his injuries, along with the Bronze Star for valor in trying to assist a fallen soldier. In later years, Dole would become famous for carrying a pen in his right hand to alert others he could only shake hands with his left. And Dole would shake a lot of hands. He was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives in 1950, serving two years. At this same time, he also graduated from Washburn University law school in Topeka and began practicing law in his hometown in 1952. Dole’s political career took another step forward in 1960 when he entered the United States House of Representatives, winning reelection three times. In 1968, Dole was elected to the Senate, and he’d hold the seat for the next 30 years. Despite an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1996, Dole remains a popular and respected public figure, earning legions of admirers for his character, courage, and surprising sense of humor. Labels: Bob Dole, presidential candidate, senator
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Joseph Stilwell enjoyed a long, interesting military career, noted for devoted service and political intrigue. Born on March 19, 1883 in Palatka, Florida, Stilwell grew up in an overly religious family, leading the young man to adopt a rebellious attitude towards authority. After several instances of poor behavior in high school, Stilwell was sent to the West Point Military Academy in hopes the revered institution could instill some sense of discipline in the wayward lad. But he still had trouble obeying orders and received his share of demerits while finishing 32nd in a class of 124 cadets. Yet Stilwell eventually found his way, even accepting a teaching job at the Academy. In World War I, Stilwell served as the intelligence officer of the U.S. Fourth Corps in France and earned the Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts. Following the war, Stilwell did three tours in China, becoming fluent in Chinese and learning to admire the people and their culture. Prior to World War II, Stilwell organized and trained the 7th Infantry Division. In the process, he gained the nickname “Uncle Joe” for his friendly manner and sincere concern for his soldiers. By the time the war started, Stilwell was regarded as the top corps commander in the Army. He was originally chosen to plan the invasion of North Africa, but was reassigned to China in an attempt to keep the country in the war as opposition to Japan. Stilwell became the commander of the China Burma India Theater and would later rise to Deputy Commander of the South East Asia Command. But it was in China where Stilwell ran into political turmoil, often being caught between squabbles amongst U.S. commandeering officers and the local Chinese leaders. Labels: famous generals, Joseph Stilwell
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Albert C. Wedemeyer was an ingenious military mind, devising several key strategies vital to the Allied success in World War II. His foresight and vision could have even prevented China falling victim to communism had the powers that be heeded his advice. Wedemeyer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on July 9, 1897. He graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1919, eventually working his way up to Lieutenant Colonel by the onset of World Ward II. Serving as a Staff Officer for the war plans division of the U.S. War Department, Wedemeyer conceived the Victory Program, which proclaimed America’s prime military objective for the war to be the defeat of German forces on the European continent. The plan was expanded as the war progressed, but it served as the basis for the eventual Allied victory. Wedemeyer was also one of the men behind devising the Normandy Invasion. In 1943, Wedemeyer was assigned to South-East Asia, serving as Chief of Staff to Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Supreme Allied Commander in the region. A year later, Wedemeyer would be named commander of American forces in China, which at the time was ravaged by civil war. Wedemeyer recommended military intervention in China to help secure democracy, but President Truman suppressed Wedemeyer’s report, a mistake that would eventually allow communism to take hold of the country. To keep Wedemeyer quiet, the government assigned him to a military post in San Francisco. Rather then being brushed aside in such a manner, Wedemeyer retired in 1951. Three years later, an Act of Congress made him a full general. It wasn’t his last prestigious honor. In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan awarded Wedemeyer the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Labels: Albert C. Wedemeyer, famous generals
Monday, August 20, 2007
Born in 1896, Mark Clark was the son of a U.S. infantry colonel. With the military in his blood, Clark graduated the West Point Academy in 1917 and quickly joined the army. He served valiantly in World War I, suffering a serious shrapnel injury while a member of the 11th Regiment 5th Division. Following the war, Clark was promoted to major and graduated from the U.S. Army College in Washington. Upon graduation, he accepted a teaching position with the college and continued to work his way up the military ladder. In 1941, Clark became a brigadier general and soon after accompanied General Dwight D. Eisenhower to Britain. Clark was a pivotal player in Operation Torch, which was the Allied invasion of French North Africa. Clark went alone to broker a deal with the commanders of the Vichy forces, gaining their guarantee they would not confront the Allies. The clandestine agreement was an enormous factor in the operation’s overwhelming success. In October 1942, Clark was elevated to three-star general, becoming the youngest such officer in U.S. history. His relative youth in no way lessened his assignments, as he was placed in command of the 1943 invasion of Italy. Despite initial criticisms of his strategic decisions and planning, Clark spearheaded a successful drive through Italy, reaching Rome on June 4, 1944. In 1945, Clark added to his accolades, becoming the youngest full general in U.S. history. Even after the war ended, Clark continued commanding U.S. forces in Austria until 1947. Five years later, he went on to be the UN Supreme Commander in Korea. Clark retired from active duty in 1953, bringing a remarkably distinguished military career to a close. Labels: famous generals, Mark Clark
Sunday, August 19, 2007
George Price Hays’ military heroism spanned two world wars and knew no bounds. From the trenches of World War I to the mountain operations of World War II, Hays was a true American hero. In World War I, Hays was a First Lieutenant with the American Expeditionary Force near Greves Farm, France, when he displayed uncommon valor in the face of the enemy. In July of 1918, the Germans unleashed a fearsome bombardment upon the Allied positions. Communication lines were destroyed. With the sharing of information imperative and no other options available, Hays took it upon himself to establish contact with the neighboring French batteries. Showing no concern for his own safety, Hays bravely ventured into the deadly no man’s land. Hays made repeated journeys back and forth to the French positions, conveying vital intelligence regarding the location of the German forces. So determined was Hays in completing his dangerous mission, he continued despite being severely wounded and having seven different horses shot from under him. Thanks to Hays’ courageous help, the Allies were able to accurately target their artillery, halting the enemy’s advance. For his remarkable courage against the worst possible odds, Hays received not only the respect of all fighting men but the Congressional Medal of Honor as well. During World War II, Hays, now a general, commanded the 10th Mountain Division in the European Theater of Operations, where he again distinguished himself for valor. Hays died September 7, 1978. He’s proudly buried in Arlington National Cemetery alongside his fellow fallen soldiers. Labels: famous generals, George P. Hays
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Claire Lee Chennault was a war hero and a maverick, his innovative thinking often clashing with the military establishment. His unconventional approach to aviation led to two forced de-activations for “health” reasons. But time has proven Channault to be a tactical genius and visionary years ahead of his time. Chennault was born in Commerce, Texas, on September 6, 1890. He was a strong, independent spirit full of confidence and vigor. He felt a natural affinity for air travel and learned to fly with the Army during World War I. Following the war, Chennault became the Chief of Pursuit Training for the U.S. Army Air Corps. He held the position for several years before repeated clashes with superiors over training procedures led to his first forced retirement. Chennault felt the military was behind the times, still relying on antiquated dogfight tactics devised prior to World War I. His ideas were often ridiculed, but he was the first to propose parachute troops, increased firepower for fighter planes, and synching machine guns to shoot through propellers. Once free of the military, Chennault traveled to China and began instructing Chinese fighter pilots in preparation for war with Japan. When World War II began, Chennault organized the legendary Flying Tigers, a group of American volunteer fighter pilots to defend western China from Japanese aggression. Having rejoined the U.S. Army as a colonel, Chennault and the Flying Tigers were officially incorporated into the Army in 1942, serving valiantly in the Far East for the remainder of the war. Chennault received promotions to brigadier and major general, earning 17 medals for valor, including the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. Labels: Claire Lee Chennault, famous generals
Friday, August 17, 2007
Admiral Donald J. MacDonald was born in Du Bois, Pennsylvania, on July 25, 1908. He was raised and educated in Du Bois through high school and then received an appointment to the Naval Academy from the 23rd district of Pennsylvania. After graduating the Academy in 1931, he served several years on destroyers, battleships, and auxiliaries before venturing to Washington in 1938 as the Assistant Communications Officer at the Navy Department. He spent two years in the national's capital, also serving as a White House aid under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Following his assignment in Washington, MacDonald was ordered to serve as a Flag Lieutenant for Admiral Robert Lee Ghormley's cruiser division stationed in Hawaii. But Ghormley was soon ordered to London to see how the United States could assist the British military in preparation for war with Germany, and MacDonald agreed to join him. After two years in Europe as a Special Naval Observer and Flag Lieutenant, MacDonald returned to the States and was made the commanding officer of the destroyer the O’Bannon. From 1942 to 1944, MacDonald led the O’Bannon and its crew through numerous conflicts in the Pacific, emerging as the only destroyer to survive the intensive combat. MacDonald was highly-decorated for his heroism and courage. He briefly accepted a position instructing new destroyer commanders before returning to the European front as Admiral Alan Goodrich Kirk’s Operations and Plans officer. By the end of World War II, MacDonald was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of Admiral Ghormley's U.S, Forces in Germany. MacDonald’s illustrious military career even included serving as the commanding officer of the Williamsburg, which was President Harry Truman’s personal ship. Labels: admiral, commanding officer, Donald J. MacDonald, Germany
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
John “Black Jack” Pershing was a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army. He is the only person to rise to the highest rank ever held in the U.S. Army, General of the Armies, while still alive. He led the American Expeditionary Force in World War I and was a mentor for the generation of American generals who led the U.S. Army during World War II. Pershing got his first major action in the Spanish-American War. He was commissioned a Major of Volunteers in 1898 and fought with distinction during the war, and was cited for gallantry and was awarded the Silver Citation Star. In 1932 this was upgraded to the Silver Star Medal. When World War I started, Pershing’s superior in Mexico, Frederick Funston, was considered for the Commander of the American Expeditionary Force. He died of a heart attack, however, in 1817 and Pershing was named to the command. During this time George C. Marshall and Douglas MacArthur served under him. During his time in command, he went from major general to general and was responsible for the organization, training, and supply of all Army forces that grew from only 27,000 men to over two million soldiers. After the war in 1919, the U.S. Congress authorized the President to promote Pershing to General of the Armies of the United States. This position was created just for him and gave him the highest ranking possible in the U.S. armed forces. He is the only person to hold the rank besides George Washingon, who was promoted to the rank posthumously by President Gerald Ford in 1976. Labels: WWI
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