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MWH
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Post what you know happened on This Day in Military History during the month of September.
10/1/2009 4:31:12 PM |
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 1, 1990
At the age of 83, General Curtis LeMay died on this day. LeMay is noted for during World War II architecting the strategic bombing against the Japanese. He then headed up the Berlin Airlift after World War II had ended; it was an engineering marvel to supply an entire metropolitan city from the air. LeMay would go on to join Strategic Air Command and make the United States bombers the world’s most effective delivery agent of nuclear weapons. LeMay went on to become a 4-stare General in the USAF and even tried politics after his retirements.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 2, 1941
Operation Typhoon was enacted by the Germans during World War II to take over the Russians. The invasion was supposed to have been completed before the onset of winter but a harsh fall put the breaks on the German plan. After marching over the top of the Russians swiftly the Germans were finally held off less than 100 miles from the capital in Moscow. The Russians came very close to capitulating but they stood fast and used their own weather in their favor and repelled the German’s and gradually pushed them all the way back to Berlin.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 3, 1942
Wernher von Braun launches the first V-2 rocket setting a standard for future weapons systems. The V-2 had more a terrorizing affect on the enemy than it had a military affect. After the war the Soviets and the US would hunt for the German scientists so that they could bring them back to their country and create the next generation of weapons. Von Braun would surrender to the American’s and would become the father of the United States rocket program.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 4, 1944
One of the first post traumatic distress order is made available to General Eisenhower. The report by the Surgeon General states that long combat situations over 200 days seriously affects a soldier’s ability to stay sane and not break down.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 5, 1829
President Chester A. Arthur was born on this day. Arthur served in the Union Army and his highest rank from Brigadier General. His grandfather fought in the Continental Army during the Revolution.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 6, 1884
The Naval War College was founded on this day. The college is in Newport, Rhode Island and is the primary research institute for Naval Warfare to be used by Naval officers. On average established officers of the Navy attend the college for a 10 month course on policy, strategy, joint operations, and decision making.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 7, 1943
Oliver North was born on this day. He best known for his involvement in the Iran Contra scandal and is currently retired from the Marines. North was involved with selling weapons to Iran to get hostages out of Lebanon while proceeds went to rebels in Nicaragua. As part of the political scandal Oliver North was charged with several felonies. North was convicted on three felonies but were later vacated. The entire issue was that North lied to congress and the President as the premise of Iran-Contra.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 8, 1890
Edward Rickenbacker was a fighter ace during World War I. Rickenbacker became legendary with his exploits and medal of honor he earned. Before the war Eddie was even a race car driver. Rickenbacker shot down over 25 planes during the war. Eddie owned the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a while, an automobile company, Eastern Airlines, and numerous other endeavors. He was an adventurist and had many near death stories. Rickenbacker died in 1973 of a stroke while trying to find treatment for his wife.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 9, 1911
Joseph Rosenthal the photographer of Iwo Jima was born on this day. Rosenthal received a Pulitzer Prize for his photo of the flag raising on Feburary 23, 1945 when he snapped the picture during combat on Iwo Jima. Ironically enough the picture would become to symbolize the war and he was actually rejected from the Army for his eye site, which forced him to join the AP as a correspondent. The flag he shot was actually the second flag as the first flag was need by a high ranking trophy collector. The second flag was much larger.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 10, 1965
1st Cavalry division of the future comes online. In the next generation of the Calvary a long way from the horses used by General Custer the division would use helicopters. The division was built around the air mobile concept using hundreds of helicopters. On this day was the first attack by the 1st against the North Vietnamese, because of improper coordination it was not a huge success but nonetheless paved the way for future especially in rugged terrain not accessible by tradition means.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 11, 1862
General J.E.B. Stuart of the Confederate army during the Civil War raids Pennsylvania. Upon the Union army with a majority of its supplies entry into Chambersburg, General Stuart planned on decimating the Union supplies and troops. He cut telegraphs, captured horses, destroyed everything of military value and attempted to destroy a bridge which proved unsuccessful. The Union learned of Stuart’s plan but Stuart was tipped off and was able to escape between the Union forces.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 12, 1870
General Robert E. Lee died on this day. Lee from the onset of West Point was a top cadet and followed as an exemplary soldier. With the American Civil War about to break out, President Lincoln asked Lee to command the Union forces but Lee declined because of his some state being in the south. General Lee then went on to become the military leader of the South under President Davis. Lee went on to lead the South to some great military victories and demonstrated his skill as a leader but the North had more resources and ended up being a futile cause. Even near the end of the war, the North General’s still had great respect for Lee. Even today Lee is a military hero even though he fought for the wrong side.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 13, 1943
With the fall of Mussolini it was a step for Italy against fascism and the axis powers. On this day Italy made it official and declared war on Germany. Hitler had already seen this was going to happen so he had a plan in place to invade Italy immediately. Italy now part of the Allied powers began the slow drive from South Italy to the North driving out the Germans. Once and for all liberating themselves from a fascist dictator and brining liberation to the Italian people.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 14, 1890
Dwight D Eisenhower is born on this day. Eisenhower was a legendary figure both politically and militarily. General and President Eisenhower had the skills to lead a country as to not upset too many people to keep the peace while still maintain the overall objective. Eisenhower served in World War I and once Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Eisenhower quickly rose through ranks. Unlike many World War II General’s Eisenhower did not have an ego that could get him into trouble and was selected the Supreme Command of the Allies. Eisenhower was also a popular President for two terms, brining the Interstate system to the United States based upon what he observed in Germany. The Interstate system was designed as a way to evacuate large cities and let the military move in but the creation reason has mostly disappeared to the average person who gets to destination quickly.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 15, 1946
Herman Goering dies on this day. Hitler’s right hand man in bringing death and devastation throughout the world. Goering was involved in the Nazi party from very early on and became an instrumental organizing the extermination of Jews and other despicable programs. Goering was also the command of the Gestapo and Luftwaffe. Goering was captured after the war and found guilty of numerous war crimes. He was sentenced to be hung but was able to commit suicide the night before by cyanide which he somehow got.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 16, 1962
On October 15, a U-2 plane flies over Cuba and saw nuclear missile in the United States’ backyard. On the morning of the 16th President Kennedy is informed of the Cuban Missile Crisis at breakfast. After a miserable Bay of Pigs for JFK, the missile crisis were intense and went onto define the cold war for decades. Many of JFK’s advisors want to forcible action but Kennedy perceived through diplomacy. After a few weeks of intense bantering and on the brink of global annihilation Khrushchev begins the Soviet withdrawal and betters lines of communication were created between the super powers. If JFK would have decided to invade Cuba the Soviet are reported to having 40,000 soldiers in waiting and a bloody battle would have followed.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 17, 1941
Prime minister of Japan Konoye cabinet collapses and Tojo Hideki would take over. Konoye was interested in keeping relations with the United States but before Pearl Harbor things quickly deteriorated. Once Tojo took over war with the United States was imminent.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 18, 1942
Admiral William Halsey becomes the commander in the South Pacific. Halsey would become a legendary figure early in the War and show his Naval expertise. He was known for hating the Japanese after Pearl Harbor and used it to boost morale. Halsey would face some controversy after Leyte Gulf for not moving his task force out of a Typhoon. He also faced health challenges with a skin decease but regardless, Halsey it known as one of the great Naval leaders in Naval History.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 19, 1781
General Cornwallis surrenders Yorktown to the American and French forces bringing an end to the American Revolution on this day. In the beginning of the Revolutionary War Cornwallis was a superior figure winning many battles and driving George Washington out. However like many foreign invaders, British General Cornwallis could not keep pace with the continued onslaught of patriots wanting there freedom. Although the American Revolution would not officially end until the Treaty of Paris in 1783, this British defeat effectively ended any battles fought in the 13 colonies.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 20, 1944
On this day more than 100,000 soldiers land on Leyte Island in preparation of General McArthur’s invasion. The major battle of Leyte Gulf would start on October 23 and would consist of Japan’s largest Naval force assembled during the war.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 21, 1797
Old Ironsides as the called it was launched on this day in Boston. The USS Constitution was a Naval Frigate named by George Washington and currently is still commissioned and can be visited in Boston. The Constitution was made famous during the War of 1812 when she wiped our numerous British warships and merchant ships.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 22, 1965
PFC Milton Olive of the 503rd Infantry Division sacrifices his life to save four of his fellow soldiers. Near Saigon PFC Olive jumps on a grenade to save his friends and earned the Medal of Honor for his actions. At the mere age of 18, Milton made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. The city of Chicago has named numerous areas after him for his selfless service in the Vietnam war.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 23, 1864
Civil War Battle of Westport in Missouri occurred on this day. Confederate General Sterling Price was raiding when we got caught between to Union forces. Price lacked the forces needed to make an effective attack but was able to successfully move his forces away from the Union troops and escape to fight another day.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 24, 1972
Jackie Robinson died on this day. Although known most for being the first black baseball player he also served in World War II. Robinson had a spectacular career playing in numerous all star and World Series games while winning MVP award. Robinson was also inducted in to the baseball Hall of Fame. Robinson after much delay was accepted in Officer Candidate School as was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in 1943. Robinson would join the 761 Black Panther Tank Battalion. After an incident where a Robinson refused to go to the back of the bus, Robinson would undergo a large legal battle and would be the target of racism. After being transferred and charges brought upon him he was eventually acquitted but all the court martial hearings did not allow Robinson to see combat action.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 25, 1944
With the Japanese Empire’s future in Jeopardy, the Japanese use last resort tactics and deploy the Kamikaze attacks for the first time in Leyte Gulf. The Kamikaze struck fear into naval seaman more than they had a military significance as the attacks did not thwart the United States from continually taking over more Pacific islands. Although the Kamikaze did not have a major effect on the war’s outcome it did show the resolve of the Japanese of how they would fight until the very last man, making the war very bloody for both sides.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 26, 1966
USS Oriskany CV-34 catches on fire on this day killing 43 men. A seaman ignited a magnesium parachute flare inadvertently and then panicked and threw the lighted flare on top of more flares causing a large fire to break out. The fire raged for 3 hours before it could be controlled. After a review the flare design for the Navy was changed so that they would not accidentally light. If the crewman would have thrown it over board there would never had been an incident. After 25 years of service and decades in moth balls the Oriskany was sunk in 2004 to become an artificial reef in Pensacola, FL.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 27, 1942
USS Hornet (CV-8) Yorktown class carrier of World War II sank on this day. During the battle of Santa Cruz Hornet took on numerous hits over many attacks and even escaped a scuttling before finally being sunk. The Hornet was one of the few ships that survived Pearl Harbor, was involved in the Doolittle Raid, Battle of Midway and the Solomon islands. The USS Enterprise had gone to Pearl Harbor for repairs, and the USS Wasp had sunk earlier in the campaign and leaving the USS Saratoga and USS Hornet as the main task force in the South Pacific.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 28, 1922
Benito Mussolini marches on Rome and in a coup takes over as Prime Minister on this day. Mussolini with his Fascist and military supports would run Italy into the Axis powers and make Italians live a dictated life as the dictator attempts to build his empire. Italy would not be the same again until after it loses World War II. Mussolini was executed when trying to escape to Spain in April 1945 where he was captured, executed and his body put on display for the public to desecrate it.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 29, 1956
As the Cold War heats up Egyptian Leader Abdel Nasser adds fuel to the world’s tensions and Israel ceases the opportunity on this day. Nasser wanted to take over Suez Canal and the British were not having it along with the French. With Israel always looking to shore up its borders it attacks Egypt but quickly finds that its allies do not follow and with the Soviet’s backing Egypt holds on. With the Cold War in full force the United States wanted nothing to do with the invasion and wanted hostilities to end. After a couple months troops were withdrawn and another war was evaded.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 30, 1918
The Ottoman Empire essentially capitulates and marks it might multiple century reign by signing a peace treaty with the Allies in World War I. The Ottoman Empire tried to stay out of World War I but soon found it self as an ally of Germany. The Ottoman Empire was but a glimpse of its former self and made great efforts to fight but in the end the British and Russian forces destroyed them. The Arabs saw only a peace treaty as a solution even though not wanting to admit defeat. The Middle East ideals would take over from the Ottoman Empire.
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MWH
Joined: 02/12/2008
Posts: 346
Ohio
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October 31, 1887
Chiang Kai-Shek is born on this day. Kai-Shek was leader of China before and after World War II. Originally he had Soviets and communists as allies but after his dictatorship was being affected he cut off against communism. Japan invaded Manchuria and war with China began in 1937. Kai-Shek would fight the Japanese alone for 4 years before the Allies joined the fight in 1941. The United States hailed Kai-Shek but really he was a ruthless dictator but an effective ally against Japan nonetheless. In 1949 Kai-Shek lost the battle against communism and left the country.
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