Monday, April 28, 2008

UAV EXHIBIT - An RQ-3A Darkstar (top to bottom), MQ-1L Predator A and X-45A Joint Unmanned Combat Air System hang in the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in a new exhibit of military unmanned aerial vehicles. The exhibit which opened to the public, April 24, 2008, includes six UAVs from all four services and will be on display for the next 10 years. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.G. Buzanowski

Labels: aircraft, Darkstar, Joint Unmanned Combat Air System, military history, MQ-1L, photos, Predator, RQ-3A, X-45A

posted by Pam @ 4:38 PM |

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

February 19, 1945

Iwo Jima Operation, 1945
"H-Hour" on "D-Day": Waves of amphibious tractors (LVTs) approach the Iwo Jima invasion beaches in the first moments of the U.S. Marine amphibious assault on the island, 19 February 1945. Mount Suribachi is in the left center background. This image is cropped from Photo # 80-G-415308. Taken from an airplane flying over the invasion area, it was flown to Guam, transmitted by radio, and printed in an American newspaper within fifteen hours after it was made. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Sixty-three years ago today, the largest armada invasion to date began on a small island in the Pacific.

Sixty-three years ago today, the black beaches of Iwo "ran red with blood."

It would be a battle that would prompt Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz (USN) to later say, "Among the men who fought on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue."

Iwo Jima Links:
Iwo Jima Operation, February - March 1945 (navy.mil)
Iwo Jima.com
Battle of Iwo Jima - Wikipedia
Veterans honor those lost on Iwo Jima (Sign on San Diego)
U.S. Department of Defense Official Website - Battle for Iwo Jima

Graphic by Doug Kidd

Labels: Iwo Jima, military history, photos, USMC, WWII

posted by Pam @ 5:05 PM |

Monday, September 24, 2007

The American Soldier, 1847

Photo by U.S. Army Center of Military History

September 02, 2007

The horseman in the foreground of this painting is a dragoon. The yellow band on his forage cap, in contradiction to regulations, was worn by many of the cavalrymen. His distinctive dark blue fatigue jacket laced with yellow is the same as that adopted in 1833. Beside the dragoon is a first lieutenant of infantry in the dark blue frock coat worn by most officers. The lieutenant is wearing the regulation dark blue, waterproof, cloth forage cap, and his rank is indicated by the single silver bar on his shoulderstrap to distinguish him from the second lieutenants, who wore no insignia on their shoulderstraps at this time. The light blue trousers with a white stripe down the side and the silver buttons on his coat proclaim his arm. In the background is a column of infantrymen in light blue fatigue jackets and trousers. These, with the dark blue forage cap, were the universal dress of the regular enlisted infantryman in this war. (From: The American Soldier, Set No. 1)

Labels: military history, photos, US Army

posted by Pam @ 7:05 PM |

Friday, May 18, 2007

Now, This is a Surprise...

Apparently, my leadership style resembles...

Robert E. Lee!

Photo: Robert E. Lee
National Archives

Biography:
Robert E. Lee was the legendary commander of the Confederate forces in the Civil War. Against overwhelming odds, Lee scored victory after victory against the Union forces led by seven different generals. Famous battles include: 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, and — possibly his greatest performance — Chancellorsville. Outnumbered two to one, Lee broke with convention and divided his forces not once but twice — ultimately driving the Federal army under Joseph Hooker from the field.

Leadership Attributes:
Personally, General Lee was reserved and seemed enigmatic to his men. But on the battlefield he was daring and audacious, as at Chancellorsville, where he divided his troops in the face of greater opposing forces. His diplomatic skills were as well-honed as his generalship. For example, in his early role as presidential adviser to Jefferson Davis, he tried to ease the difficult personalities of Confederacy President Jefferson Davis and General Joseph E. Johnston.

So Which Historical Military Leader Are You Most Like?

Take the quiz at Military.com

Labels: fun stuff, military history, quizzes

posted by Pam @ 8:06 AM |

Iraq War Today is...
...News and photos of Heroes deployed to the Middle East and elsewhere. IWT is dedicated to all of our military Heroes - past, present and future.