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#TDIDCH: Jan 1, 1945: WWII. In the early morning of the New Year, Hitler launches Operation Bodenplatte (Baseplate), an assault by 900+ Luftwaffe planes flying at treetop altitude against Allied planes parked on airfields.
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By this time, the Luftwaffe was neutralized by Allied air superiority and had lost many trained pilots to Allied air strikes.
Bodenplatte was an attempt to knock out Allied aircraft & level the playing field enough to allow another German ground thrust into Bastogne.
By this time, the Luftwaffe was neutralized by Allied air superiority and had lost many trained pilots to Allied air strikes.
Bodenplatte was an attempt to knock out Allied aircraft & level the playing field enough to allow another German ground thrust into Bastogne.
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During Bodenplatte, some (but not all or even most) Luftwaffe pilots, having just returned from New Year's parties, flew in their full dress uniforms.
These pilots referred to the operation as "The Hangover Raid."
During Bodenplatte, some (but not all or even most) Luftwaffe pilots, having just returned from New Year's parties, flew in their full dress uniforms.
These pilots referred to the operation as "The Hangover Raid."
#TDIDCH: Dec 30, 1968 - Opelika, Alabama native Robert Howard, is among the most highly decorated American Soldiers of the post-WWII era.
53 years ago today saw his most valorous combat action.
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53 years ago today saw his most valorous combat action.
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That day, while on a joint Vietnamese-US patrol to recover a missing US Soldier, then-Sgt First Class Robert Howard, a platoon sergeant with @5thForces, found his platoon surrounded by North Vietnamese regulars.
That day, while on a joint Vietnamese-US patrol to recover a missing US Soldier, then-Sgt First Class Robert Howard, a platoon sergeant with @5thForces, found his platoon surrounded by North Vietnamese regulars.
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Robert was seriously wounded and his weapon destroyed by an enemy grenade.
He saw his PL was wounded as well.
He was too injured to walk and he had no weapon (even if he had a rifle, his hands were ripped up by the NVA grenade).
[📸: Robert on left]
Robert was seriously wounded and his weapon destroyed by an enemy grenade.
He saw his PL was wounded as well.
He was too injured to walk and he had no weapon (even if he had a rifle, his hands were ripped up by the NVA grenade).
[📸: Robert on left]
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#TDIDCH: Dec 21, 1945 – The Death of An American Legend.
George Patton long felt he deserved to die in battle, alongside the men he led. Instead, his death at age 60 came in a relatively minor auto accident.
#TDIDCH: Dec 21, 1945 – The Death of An American Legend.
George Patton long felt he deserved to die in battle, alongside the men he led. Instead, his death at age 60 came in a relatively minor auto accident.
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12 days prior, Dec 9, 1945, Patton was sitting in the back of his car when his driver, PFC Horace Woodring [pictured], sped over a railroad crossing in Manheim, Germany, plowing into a left-turning Army truck. Patton broke his neck & was paralyzed. No one else was hurt.
12 days prior, Dec 9, 1945, Patton was sitting in the back of his car when his driver, PFC Horace Woodring [pictured], sped over a railroad crossing in Manheim, Germany, plowing into a left-turning Army truck. Patton broke his neck & was paralyzed. No one else was hurt.
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Inside this hospital, doctors treated the Great General. For days, they prepared Patton for a flight back to the US. Before he could leave, however, a blood clot stopped his heart, killing him 76 years ago today.
Inside this hospital, doctors treated the Great General. For days, they prepared Patton for a flight back to the US. Before he could leave, however, a blood clot stopped his heart, killing him 76 years ago today.
This morning's #TDIDCH referenced a news story in a Lebanese magazine released #OTD in 1986 reporting the US illegally sold missiles to Iran [an enemy state under an arms embargo].
Here's a screenshot from that explosive story, which was initially denied by Washington
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Here's a screenshot from that explosive story, which was initially denied by Washington
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The administration hoped that in exchange for the arms, Iran would get Hezbollah [a group with Iranian ties] to free 7 American hostages [including this man, CIA Station Chief for Lebanon William Buckley] being held in Lebanon by Hezbollah.
The administration hoped that in exchange for the arms, Iran would get Hezbollah [a group with Iranian ties] to free 7 American hostages [including this man, CIA Station Chief for Lebanon William Buckley] being held in Lebanon by Hezbollah.
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It later emerged that the Reagan White House funneled profits from the sale to the Contras, anti-communist guerrillas in Nicaragua, an act forbidden by Congress [the Contras committed atrocities against citizens].
The stories turned into a scandal, dubbed "Iran-Contra.
It later emerged that the Reagan White House funneled profits from the sale to the Contras, anti-communist guerrillas in Nicaragua, an act forbidden by Congress [the Contras committed atrocities against citizens].
The stories turned into a scandal, dubbed "Iran-Contra.
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#TDIDCH: Aug 23, 1973 – Nixon SecDef James Schlesinger announced the “Total Force Policy” as the new doctrine of American military preparedness. The policy integrated the Active, Guard, & reserve forces into a homogeneous fighting force.
#TDIDCH: Aug 23, 1973 – Nixon SecDef James Schlesinger announced the “Total Force Policy” as the new doctrine of American military preparedness. The policy integrated the Active, Guard, & reserve forces into a homogeneous fighting force.
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Schlesinger’s policy coincided with the end of the draft, the end of the Vietnam War, and the start of Richard Nixon's All Volunteer Force.
Schlesinger’s policy coincided with the end of the draft, the end of the Vietnam War, and the start of Richard Nixon's All Volunteer Force.
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The American war in Vietnam was fought primarily with active-duty forces. Neither LBJ nor Nixon mobilized the Reserves and National Guard in large numbers and instead relied on the draft.
The American war in Vietnam was fought primarily with active-duty forces. Neither LBJ nor Nixon mobilized the Reserves and National Guard in large numbers and instead relied on the draft.
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#TDIDCH: July 26, 1947 – POTUS Harry Truman signs into law the National Security Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Most of provisions will not take effect until September 18, 1947.
#TDIDCH: July 26, 1947 – POTUS Harry Truman signs into law the National Security Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history. Most of provisions will not take effect until September 18, 1947.
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The visionary National Security Act was a MASSIVE restructuring of the American government and military. It served as the framework for today's military and for most foreign policy making ever since.
The bill did the following:
The visionary National Security Act was a MASSIVE restructuring of the American government and military. It served as the framework for today's military and for most foreign policy making ever since.
The bill did the following:
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1⃣Established the Department of Defense with its own Secretary to oversee and unify the Army & Navy.
With the burgeoning Cold War with the Soviet Union, Truman knew we could no longer isolate land and sea power in separate departments.
1⃣Established the Department of Defense with its own Secretary to oversee and unify the Army & Navy.
With the burgeoning Cold War with the Soviet Union, Truman knew we could no longer isolate land and sea power in separate departments.
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#TDIDCH: July 5, 1950 - Over the previous 4 days, #TDIDCH has been following the movement of Task Force Smith from Japan into Korea. 71 years ago today, saw the Battle for Osan, the first engagement between the US and North Korea during the Korean War.
#TDIDCH: July 5, 1950 - Over the previous 4 days, #TDIDCH has been following the movement of Task Force Smith from Japan into Korea. 71 years ago today, saw the Battle for Osan, the first engagement between the US and North Korea during the Korean War.
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TF Smith was the lead US force during this battle.
To recap the preceding days: Dawn on Sunday, 25 June 1950, North Korean People’s Arm) crashed through the 38th Parallel into democratic South Korea; 8th Army sends a delaying force of 400 (TF Smith) into Korea by sea
TF Smith was the lead US force during this battle.
To recap the preceding days: Dawn on Sunday, 25 June 1950, North Korean People’s Arm) crashed through the 38th Parallel into democratic South Korea; 8th Army sends a delaying force of 400 (TF Smith) into Korea by sea
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July 5, 1950 - Early, early morning: Task Force Smith moves out of Pyeongtaek in dozens of trucks in blackout condition in a pouring rain. The men reach their position at 3 a.m and are dug in by daylight.
July 5, 1950 - Early, early morning: Task Force Smith moves out of Pyeongtaek in dozens of trucks in blackout condition in a pouring rain. The men reach their position at 3 a.m and are dug in by daylight.
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#TDIDCH: May 23, 1967 - A public controversy erupts over the M-16, the basic combat rifle in Vietnam, when Congress hears reports that Soldiers in Vietnam are killed in firefights as a result of their new M-16 rifles jamming.
#TDIDCH: May 23, 1967 - A public controversy erupts over the M-16, the basic combat rifle in Vietnam, when Congress hears reports that Soldiers in Vietnam are killed in firefights as a result of their new M-16 rifles jamming.
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By this time, the M-16 had replaced the heavier M-14 as the standard rifle in Vietnam. The new rifle fired the lighter, faster, more destructive 5.56mm cartridge at the same effective range.
By this time, the M-16 had replaced the heavier M-14 as the standard rifle in Vietnam. The new rifle fired the lighter, faster, more destructive 5.56mm cartridge at the same effective range.
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The M-16 was already a source of controversy in Vietnam. Troops were writing home with stories of Soldiers killed due to the inferior rifle. 54 years ago today, some of those letters were read on the House floor.
The M-16 was already a source of controversy in Vietnam. Troops were writing home with stories of Soldiers killed due to the inferior rifle. 54 years ago today, some of those letters were read on the House floor.
#TDIDCH: April 7, 1954 - The birth of the Domino Theory.
The Domino Theory was a philosophy that drove much of American national security policy during the Cold War.
That theory, long firmly embraced in the late 1940s, was given its moniker 67 years ago today.
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The Domino Theory was a philosophy that drove much of American national security policy during the Cold War.
That theory, long firmly embraced in the late 1940s, was given its moniker 67 years ago today.
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The domino theory suggested a communist government in one nation would quickly lead to communist takeovers in neighboring states, each falling like a perfectly aligned row of dominos.
The National Security Council included the theory in a 1952 report on Indochina.
The domino theory suggested a communist government in one nation would quickly lead to communist takeovers in neighboring states, each falling like a perfectly aligned row of dominos.
The National Security Council included the theory in a 1952 report on Indochina.
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But the theory had never been publicly articulated until April 7, 1954. This was during the decisive battle between Viet Minh & French forces at Dien Bien Phu. It appeared the French might lose [they did] and communist forces would gain control of the North [they did].
But the theory had never been publicly articulated until April 7, 1954. This was during the decisive battle between Viet Minh & French forces at Dien Bien Phu. It appeared the French might lose [they did] and communist forces would gain control of the North [they did].
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THE CRONKITE MOMENT
#TDIDCH: February 27, 1968 - Until the shocking North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in January 1968, Walter Cronkite, the Nation's most trusted reporter and anchor of CBS Evening News, believed what his government told him about the war in Vietnam.
THE CRONKITE MOMENT
#TDIDCH: February 27, 1968 - Until the shocking North Vietnamese Tet Offensive in January 1968, Walter Cronkite, the Nation's most trusted reporter and anchor of CBS Evening News, believed what his government told him about the war in Vietnam.
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Cronkite, of course, covered the war from the US but made four trips to the front lines in 1967. He saw Vietnam as a necessary brushfire fight against communism.
Cronkite, of course, covered the war from the US but made four trips to the front lines in 1967. He saw Vietnam as a necessary brushfire fight against communism.
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Cronkite's nightly newscasts helped shape public opinion about the war [the level of influence Cronkite had within the US is a subject of debate]. Walter generally accepted the official statements of General Westmoreland
and President LBJ without much scrutiny.
Cronkite's nightly newscasts helped shape public opinion about the war [the level of influence Cronkite had within the US is a subject of debate]. Walter generally accepted the official statements of General Westmoreland
and President LBJ without much scrutiny.
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Here's an interesting footnote to this morning's #TDIDCH about the reactivation of the 10th Mountain Division 36 years ago today [at least WE think it's interesting]
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The Division was set to reactivate on Fort Drum as the 10th Division.
Here's an interesting footnote to this morning's #TDIDCH about the reactivation of the 10th Mountain Division 36 years ago today [at least WE think it's interesting]
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The Division was set to reactivate on Fort Drum as the 10th Division.
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No Mountain Tab for you!
According to Secretary of Army John Marsh, adding in the "Mountain" made no sense. After all, the 10th Division would be a standard division without any special capability.
Well, this infuriated10th Mountain Division veterans from WWII.
No Mountain Tab for you!
According to Secretary of Army John Marsh, adding in the "Mountain" made no sense. After all, the 10th Division would be a standard division without any special capability.
Well, this infuriated10th Mountain Division veterans from WWII.
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Their argument made sense: This reactivated division in northern NY was going to carry the lineage of the WWII 10th Mountain Division. Therefore, it needed the WWII Mountain tab.
The Army's response was simple, direct, to-the-point: No
Their argument made sense: This reactivated division in northern NY was going to carry the lineage of the WWII 10th Mountain Division. Therefore, it needed the WWII Mountain tab.
The Army's response was simple, direct, to-the-point: No
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#TDIDCH: Wednesday, January 29, 1964 - 57 years ago this morning, the 18th Airborne HQ was alerted for possible action.
Confusion, human error, and tragedy combined to lead to an international incident that heightened tensions between the world's two great powers.
#TDIDCH: Wednesday, January 29, 1964 - 57 years ago this morning, the 18th Airborne HQ was alerted for possible action.
Confusion, human error, and tragedy combined to lead to an international incident that heightened tensions between the world's two great powers.
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The day prior, Tuesday, January 28, 1964, US Air Force pilots flying an unarmed T-38 Sabreliner aircraft on a training mission over West Germany from Wiesbaden became disoriented by a large storm. Compounded the problem, the jet's radios malfunctioned.
The day prior, Tuesday, January 28, 1964, US Air Force pilots flying an unarmed T-38 Sabreliner aircraft on a training mission over West Germany from Wiesbaden became disoriented by a large storm. Compounded the problem, the jet's radios malfunctioned.
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Unable to communicate with ground control, the crew veered almost 100 miles off course and ended up over East Germany, airspace controlled by the Soviet Union.
Unable to communicate with ground control, the crew veered almost 100 miles off course and ended up over East Germany, airspace controlled by the Soviet Union.
#TDIDCH: Dec 31, 1968 - The bloodiest, most horrific year in Vietnam War comes to an end.
Killed in Vietnam in 1968: 14,584 Americans (a 56% increase over 1967); 181,150 North Vietnamese; 27,915 South Vietnamese.
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Killed in Vietnam in 1968: 14,584 Americans (a 56% increase over 1967); 181,150 North Vietnamese; 27,915 South Vietnamese.
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On this day, 536,040 American servicemen are stationed in Vietnam, an increase of over 50,000 from 1967.
On this day, 536,040 American servicemen are stationed in Vietnam, an increase of over 50,000 from 1967.
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For the first time since US involvement in Vietnam began in 1955, most Americans no longer support the Vietnam War.
For the first time since US involvement in Vietnam began in 1955, most Americans no longer support the Vietnam War.
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#TDIDCH: Nov 6, 1957 – The Gaither Report [a report from a special committee chaired by corporate titan Horace Gaither to review the nation’s defense readiness] is released to President Eisenhower.
#TDIDCH: Nov 6, 1957 – The Gaither Report [a report from a special committee chaired by corporate titan Horace Gaither to review the nation’s defense readiness] is released to President Eisenhower.
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Formal name of the report: Deterrence and Survival in the Nuclear Age.
Formal name of the committee: the Report the Security Resources Panel of the Science Advisory Committee.
The report paints Soviet missiles as a mortal threat to the United States
Formal name of the report: Deterrence and Survival in the Nuclear Age.
Formal name of the committee: the Report the Security Resources Panel of the Science Advisory Committee.
The report paints Soviet missiles as a mortal threat to the United States
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The report indicates that the US is falling far behind the Soviets in missile capabilities. In fact, the "the threat posed to SAC [Strategic Air Command] by the prospects of an early Russian ICBM capability, call for prompt remedial action."
The report indicates that the US is falling far behind the Soviets in missile capabilities. In fact, the "the threat posed to SAC [Strategic Air Command] by the prospects of an early Russian ICBM capability, call for prompt remedial action."
It was perhaps the most important civil right achievement in US history. On #TDIDCH: July 26 1948, POTUS Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 ending discrimination in the military.
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Truman’s order ended a long-standing practice of segregating Black soldiers and relegating them to more menial jobs. [footnote: the Women's Army Corps was open to black soldiers prior to EO 9981].
Truman’s order ended a long-standing practice of segregating Black soldiers and relegating them to more menial jobs. [footnote: the Women's Army Corps was open to black soldiers prior to EO 9981].
3 of 6: Truman didn't want to do this. For more than 2 years, however, civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph had been placing political pressure on Truman by inspiring key parts of the country w/ tales of black soldiers during WWII. [Truman was 99 days away from an election]
#TDIDCH: July 10 1943: Allied forces land on the beaches of Sicily during Operation Husky, a massive amphibious and airborne assault (British, US, & Canadian). [pay attention here @CAFinUS]
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2 of XVIII: Allied land forces = 2 Task Forces.
1. Eastern Task Force led by Monty was British 8th Army w/ Canadian Div.
2. Western Task Force led by Patton = US 7th Army
1. Eastern Task Force led by Monty was British 8th Army w/ Canadian Div.
2. Western Task Force led by Patton = US 7th Army
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The two task force commanders reported to Gen Sir Harold Alexander [pictured] commander of the 15th Army Group
The two task force commanders reported to Gen Sir Harold Alexander [pictured] commander of the 15th Army Group
TRAGIC LESSONS: A THREAD ON TASK FORCE SMITH
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70 years ago today, Task Force Smith was overrun by North Korean Forces. Let’s explore that event a little more closely.
70 years ago today, Task Force Smith was overrun by North Korean Forces. Let’s explore that event a little more closely.
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Throughout the Army “Task Force Smith” has become both a cautionary tale against complacency and shorthand for a lack of preparation for combat.
Throughout the Army “Task Force Smith” has become both a cautionary tale against complacency and shorthand for a lack of preparation for combat.
