The AN/MSR-1 was used by USAF Security Agency personnel during the Viet Nam war to monitor friendly communications in SIGSEC missions. Capable of monitoring HF, VHF and UHF radio transmissions, the AN/MSR-1 could also monitor microwave communications. In addition to three receivers, the system was originally equipped with 12 tape recorders.
This ‘Misery’ is on display at the USAF Museum’s South East Asia War gallery at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH.
December 22 1944 – Encircled by German forces at the Battle of the Bulge, the 101st Airborne Division, under acting commander Brigadier General McAuliffe received a message from German General Heinrich Freiherr von Lüttwitz delivered under flag of truce.
To the U.S.A. Commander of the encircled town of Bastogne.
The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. More German armored units have crossed the river Our near Ortheuville, have taken Marche and reached St. Hubert by passing through Hompre-Sibret-Tillet. Libramont is in German hands.
There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. In order to think it over a term of two hours will be granted beginning with the presentation of this note.
If this proposal should be rejected one German Artillery Corps and six heavy A. A. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hours term.
All the serious civilian losses caused by this artillery fire would not correspond with the well-known American humanity.
His response was perfect.
To the German Commander.
NUTS!
The American Commander
President Roosevelt called December 7th, 1941, “A date which will live in infamy.”
This is the 73rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor. We no longer even hold ceremonies commemorating that day. Last year I made the argument that, “Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” This year, I just want to remember my grandparents and everything they sacrificed to keep America free.
I’d also like to take a moment of silence for the 2402 Americans who were lost on that day and the hundreds more who were wounded in service to this great Nation.
PBS recently aired a special on the history of the US Navy SEALs. There’s some great stuff in there.
You can watch the whole thing here: video.pbs.org/video/2365359070
Shadow End from Adam Taylor on Vimeo.
The MC-130P Combat Shadows have been retired from AFSOC service. This video was produced for the end party. Although they were a relic from a short lived Rescue/SOF amalgamation, their capability will be missed.
In this video, knife designer Ethan Becker describes another piece of kit he came up with, the Backer Patrol Pack.
Back in the day, the Becker Patrol Pack was the pack to have for short duration missions. Designed originally to be compatible with ALICE Slide Fasteners, it features strips of webbing to attach pouches. Additionally, there are six fixed external pouches closed via 1″ SR buckles.
The design also incorporates Coolmax padding in the back and shoulders for comfort in hot weather. You’ve got to remember, folks weren’t wearing armor all of the time. The shoulder straps also feature suede patches to offer purchase when shouldering a weapon. Like the ALICE pack, the top flap incorporates an internal pocket for maps or other items. Finally, the waist belt is removable and can be worn as a stand alone war belt.
Eventually, Eagle Industries would introduce a Large version of the BPP (above) with increased volume up around the Large ALICE as well as a MOLLE variant (below) that replaces the outer, fixed pockets and ALICE webbing with PALS.
Today marks the 30th Anniversary of the creation of the 75th Ranger Regiment but it’s also the date to remember 1993’s Battle of Mogadishu during which elements of TF Ranger, deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia conducted an operation on that city’s Olympic Hotel in order to capture key leaders of the Aidid Militia.
Unfortunately, during the exfil portion of the raid a battle ensued that claimed the lives of 18 Americans and wounded another 73. Additionally, CW3 Michael Durant was captured by the militia. Fortunately, Durant was later repatriated and went on to retire from the 160th.
For those of you unfamiliar, one of the best accounts of the battle is contained in the book, “Blackhawk Down” by author Mark Bowden. Much of the information was serialized prior to the book’s publication in the Philadelphia Enquirer. Later this was made into a movie bearing the same name.
If you want to here more from a man that was there in the thick of it, pick up a copy of Panteao Productions‘ “Battle of the Black Sea” featuring MSG Paul Howe (USA, Ret).
Please take a moment to remember these men and their sacrifice.
I’ve always been fascinated by the work conducted by LTC Jim Channon during his post-Viet Nam service. He spent some time surveying the early 70s Human Potential Movement. His answer to a new way of doing things was the First Earth Battalion Manual.
You can pass it all off as some new-age, hare-brained plan but the guy had vision. Sure, you’ve got the cut through the hippy language, but there are some gems in there.
Here, Jim Channon tells you in his own words about his work.
