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davidshawnsown · 2 months

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USA BASEBALL ONE-SHOT RPF 2: Mike's Boys (chapter 2)

(AN: Given the recommendations by a fellow Tumblr writer, I have created a second chapter of this one shot story. This is dedicated to recently retired Olympic silver medal pitcher Edwin Jackson of Team USA who retired from active play by the time of this writing and in celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the USA's Olympics gold in baseball in 2000. A third chapter may be on the way. Given the fact that Patrick Mahomes II's father played for the NPB team now known as the Yokohama DeNA Baystars and was himself a MLB veteran and also due to his former participation as part of the USA Baseball high school program trials, he and his Superbowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs will be included as well beginning this chapter - making it a NFL crossover.)

Warnings: War, language, blood, battle scenes

1030H EEST

With the briefing now over, the strategy for the 1st Battalion 78th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was finally set, with the full blessing of brigade leadership and battalion command. The operation entailed the battalion following the elements of the two battalions of the lightly armed 113rd Territorial Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces in liberating the villages of Cherkas'ki Tyshky and Rus'ki Tyshky while the 2nd Battalion joins the rest of the forces from that brigade in the main road of the township. The goals are to help the brigade liberate the northern villages of Tsyrkuny from elements of the Russian 200th Motor Rifle Brigade of the Northern Fleet reinforced by a battalion of the Donetsk People's Militia's 1st Motor Rifle Regiment. They are supported by the M3 Bradleys of the armored cavalry squadron as well as the field artillery and air defense elements of the brigade. The battalion's strategy was to help defeat company or battalion sized elements of the 200th Motor Rifle Brigade and the 1st Motor Rifle Regiment as well as the 200th's T-80BVM MBTs of its tank battalion whose elements are in the village in a company formation, the rest of the companies are north of that area or on the main road alongside the rest of the SPG batteries as one battery is in the village equipped with the Msta tracked SPG. And also their additional role is to capture the village road junction located in the east of Cherkas'ki Tyshky which links it to Rus'ki Tyshky and the main road, which leads north to Borshchova and the border.

Basically the battalion's orders were to capture these two villages north of Kharkiv, pushing Russia's infantry and armor forces away from the city's suburbs, as well as artillery, as the 2nd Battalion moves on the main road alongside 3 battalions under 169th Corps' regiments (2 from 76th Infantry Division, one coming from the 901st Infantry) and word is now clear that a National Guard of Ukraine company is reinforcing the rear to help in the operation. In addition, their duty is to push away most of Russian artillery sytems futher from Kharkiv itself.

During the pre-combat brief, the company commanders were given their set orders for the day. A and B Companies would be the lead in the operation with D, E and F Companies, the latter assisted by CPT Jack Wilson, their founding commander, following them together with the battalion HQ company, with A Troop of the armored cavalry squadron and two tank companies of the armored battalion using a modernized M60 Patton and a mix of M8 AGS, M41 Walker Bulldogs and M555 Sheridans, as well as engineers helping in minesweeping and combat support ops and an air defense element mounted on Humvee platforms. The two field artillery battalions under the brigade would provide the much needed fire support using M777, M198, M108 and M109 systems and the portable Javellin system and other anti-tank systems in the anti-tank battalion, with batteries from the two assigned to the 1st Battalion set up on the rear and protected also by MANPADs and a company of TDF militias and joined by the two battalions' cannon batteries of M101 howitzers and NLAW and Javellin platoons of the heavy weapons companies. Three companies from the 1st battalions of the three regiments under 169th corps have been assigned to help 1st Battalion, the remainder to help the 2nd battalion clear the main road, as agreed upon that morning by their regimental commanders. Reinforcing them as artillery reserve are a battery of modernized M91 MLRS systems mounted on M35s - the HIMARS to be used when needed because the older M91s are similar to the BM-21 Grad systems the UGF has operated for decades.

Before their company commanders would talk about the operation, LTCOL Fenster, 1st Battalion commanding officer, spoke to his boys from the battalion and their attached elements in the presence of COL Bianco and some of the brigade staff: "Gentlemen, this morning is just the start of yet another operation for elements of the 1st Battalion, 78th BCT. But today is yet another glorious day in our unit's annals of history. This is the first task force styled-operation in our history as a brigade, with two of the battalions already fighting Russians and their allies from Donetsk with our Ukrainian brothers. We've done battlegroup styled ops before here, but now two of our infantry battalions are finally fighting together alongside the armor and artillery elements as well as support elements of the brigade present, for before this I've been given the orders from Brigadier General deRosa on his briefing call to the battalion command early today. Our task here, he said, is to remove Russians from the main highway of this township and its northern villages with the assistance of the Ukrainians of the 113rd Brigade and a company of National Guardsmen, helping to push back Russian guns from within range of the city itself and its suburbs and push these soldiers out for good away from it. In these past weeks, and even more today, all of us the men of 1st Battalion and the whole of the brigade are determined more than ever before to win this battle and the others to come for not just Ukraine but for our country and our NATO allies against the Russian aggressor threatening not just Ukrainians but ALL of us NATO countries at all fronts. In these past days, we've helped the 93rd Brigade do their jobs, now we've been helping these territorial militias as well as our fellow Americans in the International Legion. This is for their freedom and ours, boys. For the fallen in Bucha and all around this land, including those in the Kharkiv area, we will not stop our fighting with the Ukrainian people and her army, no matter what the costs. Understood gentlemen?"

"Sir yes sir" was the response of the boys.

COL Bianco then began to talk to the boys of the 6th platoon. Its commander 1LT Payton had stated that they are indeed ready once again, having perfected all they have trained for before in Irpin and Chernihiv with the rest of their company. This was the same sentiment shared by their XO and adjutant as well as its platoon sergeant. The colonel said that now would be a more better time for them to be better than ever, having shown their lot in earlier battles. "Now, gentlemen, its the time for us to show our strength once more in alliance with the Ukrainian people. I expect the best for you boys as you help the company achieve its objectives today, is that clear?"

"Sir yes sir" was the collective response. The colonel turned to the rest of the company stating his hope that the objectives of today's operations will surely be met with success.

"Captain Frazier," said the colonel, "I hope you and these personnel under your command achieve all the objectives for these operation, dead or alive. Not just America depends on this operation done. It is the Ukrainian people and our NATO partners and allies, and it will a big help for Ukraine if we flush out those Russians out of the range of Kharkiv."

"We will do our best, colonel," replied Captain Frazier.

"The same for us in B Company," then said Captain Arrietta. He said that they too will do their best to get things accomplished and the Ukrainians assisted in removing Russian soldiers from the village borders, limiting thus the Russian attacks on Kharkiv city itself. This is what captains Ober, Zimmerman and Cupp stated as well for D, E and F Companies of the 1st Battalion, detailing their readiness to follow the order of the day. Captain Wilson, now a part of A Company staff, remarked as well that what the lads of F Company did in these past weeks in Chernihiv in support of the Ukrainian forces relieving the Russian siege of the city stunned the battalion with their initiative and determination despite the young age of the boys and now they were ready to do it again.

Captain Judge then informed the colonel of his boys' preparedness for the combat ops they are about to do, saying, "Sir, given that all that the lads of the Bronx has gone thru, me and my boys are ready to fight for the nation and for the Ukraine. I have informed Colonel Boone that they are all prepared to fulfill the tasks for today."

Darren then informed him that he wishes the best as he prepares to help the 1st Battalion fulfill their objectives. He told him that they are assigned to help A Company led by his former superior, now Captain Frazier, to clear out Russians from Cherkas'ki Tyshky and support the Ukrainian offensive there.

1LT Aaron Nola of A Company 1st Battalion 83rd Philadelphia said the same. Given that they too were given the task to assist A Company, and that he has been given XO status in support of his commander 1LT Hoskins as his superior officer 1LT Harper has been called up to the colors because of his prior commitments before, he stated to COL Bianco that as part of the operation he felt proud to serve as part of the regiment raised and headquartered in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, and that it was his duty to continue the city's heritage of leading in the defense of the nation in peace and in war. He also stated, "Being a New Orleans guy, I also bear in my heart the city's resistance in the War of 1812, and am ready to fight till the last with the boys from Philly."

The lieutenant from Sacramento then said, "No matter what happens today, colonel Bianco, we're ready to die carrying the arms of Philadelphia and the fighting legacy of her sons and daughters, sir. Most of all it is the American people, as well as the Ukrainian people already suffering after a few months of Russia's invasion, that we're ready to fight for at all costs. " Having served with the regiment since 2014 as an officer fresh from OCS, he became one of Bryce's deputies when he arrived in the city in 2019 on transfer from Washington. Since then he has served as one of his faithful comrades in arms. Alongside the company first sergeant 1SGT Muzziotti and his 1st platoon sergeant, SSGT Vierling, the two have carried on their duties to the company while Bryce is now at the 78th.

The same sentiments were shared by Captain Duvall of A Company from the 1st Battalion of the 72nd Atlanta. Raised in Louisville, KY, he has served as the company commander beginning late last year taking over from long time commander 1LT Freeman. He knew the importance of the cause they were fighting for and why the country has to help Ukraine now in its time of need. In his words, he felt that "missing families and friends at home, I knew I had a band of brothers ready to stand by me fighting for freedom no matter what the cost." His boys, assisted by 1LT Riley his executive officer and 1SGT Matzek the company first sergeant, are positioned to support CPT Arrietta and the B Company lads alongside SSGT Albies.

Then the colonel got a cellphone call from MG Scioscia.

"Make sure my boys from Tokyo are ready to lead the battalion for today," said the major general, confident that the men are ready to do it again in northern Kharkiv Oblast. They indeed needed that motivation badly from the overall commander of the Tokyo contingent in order to get the ball rolling for today's operations. He stated that Captain Frazier will be ready to lead the boys of 1st Battalion to the battle field once more, determined to continue on their winning ways in support of their Ukrainian brothers, who over these past few weeks have started to understand the Americans fighting with them for a singular cause.

"They will do their best, Mike. I'm confident these boys of yours together with mine, now fighting in the same unit, are committed to do their duties for the country and to obey the order given to them today to remove the remaining Russians from the Tsyrkuny area in support of the Ukrainians," replied Colonel Bianco. "I am truly amazed at what they did in past battles and am hopeful they will do it again."

"Good luck Colonel Bianco," replied the major general from Upper Darby. "Scioscia out."

After the call ended, LTC Fenster informed his operational commander that he's now ready to deploy the battalion for their operational goals for the day.

"Brigadier General DeRosa, sir, the 1st Battalion's ready to move out. We're ready to fulfill the orders for today's operation no matter what the cost, for the victory of the Ukrainian people, the very people we are fighting with today."

"Good luck gentlemen," replied the brigadier general. "Once more, America sends its prayers for your victories today and so does every Ukrainian. Do not fail this mission, boys, Ukraine needs this one and so does the USA. Move those boys now!"

"DeRosa, we will do our best, sir. We will not fail. We will not doubt all of America and Ukraine rooting for us once more," replied the commander. Then he presented his phone so that the boys will hear his order clearly to the battalion: to fulfill all objectives and help the 2nd Battalion, as well as the Ukrainians of the 113rd Brigade, clear Tsyrkuny township once and for all so that the Ukrainians will now be set to clear the areas north of Kharkiv from Russian forces with their support. Intel stated that the 1st Motor Rifles from the Donetsk People's Republic are moving out with a battalion of wheeled mechanized infantry to support the Russian 2nd Battalion of the 200th Motor Rifles, with elements of its 1st battalion and the 4th armored battalion in reserve as force multipliers. It is the duty of the Ukrainian 113rd TDB to push them out, and thus the 78th Brigade's 1st and 2nd battalions, as well as the 3 battalions from the 169th Corps regiments, have been tasked to assist them by all means. Thus the 1st Battalion must not fail in its objectives no matter what. The 3rd and 4th battalions, as well as the mortar and tank battalions of the brigade are also moving as brigade reserve to supplement and reinforce the formations as well as the Ukrainian forces fighting with them while the field artillery battalions will provide fires support and the air defense battalions will provide mobile and fixed air defense cover of the battlefield and protection of command elements.

After the call, the battalion commander replied, "We will do whatever it takes. Kharkiv's future rests on our efforts, general."

"Good luck LTC Fenster," answered the brigadier general. "And make sure these boys end the day safe and in a joint US-Ukrainian victory. DeRosa out."

"Good luck to you as well, brigadier general, sir," replied LTC Fenster. "We will continue to update via radio. Fenster out, Slava Ukraini."

"Heroyam Slava", replied the brigadier general.

"This is Major General Reagins speaking, colonel. Make sure these Russians are fucked when your boys fight them with the Ukrainians."

"We will do just that. I am confident than ever these boys will end the day with a win for Ukraine, sir", replied Darren.

The commander's Ukrainian interpreter informed him as well in English and then phoned the commander of the 113rd Territorial Defense Brigade that the 78th will soon be arriving to help reinforce their positions. He then phoned a member of the ILTD operating there to be on standby as the 78th too is helping in their combat ops.

With the order now granted to proceed, the 1st Battalion was now in battle mode once more.

"Is everything ready, sergeant major?"

"Yes sir, all systems go for this one," replied SGM Ronai.

"Has the Ukrainians of the 113rd Brigade and the International Legion been informed?"

The advisor said yes, adding that there's someone left a video message on his cellphone for the brigade. It's Malcolm Nance, the ex-US Navy SEAL turned soldier of the ILTD already fighting there with his fellow legionnaires, wishing the boys good luck. He had phoned brigade command this morning regarding their presence in the area.

"You heard the man, gentlemen," said LTC Fenster. "We have a battle to win in Tsyrkuny, to help the Ukrainians clear the Russians from this township and push them away futher from Kharkiv city, denying their artillery from firing directly at this city and thus save more lives. We must not fail this combat mission. It is imminent that we fulfill the tasks set by the brigade in conjuction with our Ukrainian brothers and the men of the International Legion fighting with them. The 2nd battalion is on the main road of the township and brigade command has told just minutes ago that the 4th and 5th battalions are being deployed as the reserve, while the tanks and artillery are ready as well to be deployed to support our main forces. Three more battalions, each from the 169th Corps, are also fighting with us. We expect heavy and tense resistance by the Russians where we are, but do not fear them, they know they will fear our guns, equipment, uniforms, everything that symbolizes our freedom, our country, and all that we stand for and that we're fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people in this the greatest hour that they are facing. Carried in our shoulders is a heavy burden of helping Ukraine defend itself from Russia and its allies. Now let's show the world our combine power once more to help defeat Russia in the lands of Ukraine and help it finally defeat this aggressor that has been terrorising this land for many years - and has been also been doing its best to obstruct and destroy ALL our freedoms around the world. For America and her people, and our newfound allies in Ukraine, we have a battle - and a war - to help win NOW no matter what. Understood, boys?"

"Sir yes sir" was the response.

"Slava Ukraini!"

"Heroyam Slava!", answered the gathered formation and the Ukrainian liasons with them.

"What's our battle cry 78th Brigade?"

"FOR GLORY!"

While this was happening someone had already arrived as well to the place: a member of the 59th Kansas City Infantry of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 610th Infantry Division, 20th Corps, nicknamed the "Chiefs" due to its Native American heritage and history, had arrived to join them: MAJ Patrick Mahomes II, whose father was a veteran of the 169th Corps and had previously been on secondment in Japan in a infantry battalion based in Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, in the late 90s. He arrived with his battalion mounted on the Stryker system as wheleed mechanized infantry - one of 4 in the regiment. The 2nd has been placed in reserve to help assist in the operation when needed. The major had radioed the 1st Battalion commander informing him of his presence. Wearing the usual red and gold armband with the heraldic arms of their home city, he informed the leadership present of his battalion's arrival.

"Lieutenant colonel sir, forces of the 59th Kansas City's 1st Battalion are ready to assist in your efforts."

"Who are you and who asked you to reinforce the 78th Brigade?" asked the commander.

"Major Patrick Mahomes II, sir, commanding officer of 1st Battalion 59th Kansas City. Been an executive officer last year since I was promoted Major, and now I'm a battalion commander. Colonel Reid, my commanding officer who's in Ukraine with his regiment stationed in Poltava, ordered me and my battalion to join the 78th north of Kharkiv out of respect for my father's service with the 169th Corps wth the regiment in Minneapolis. We've just arrived today from Kharkiv coordinate efforts to remove Russians from north of the city. I'm ready to help these boys win."

"That's Colonel Andy Reid of the 59th and his boys in Poltava?" asked MAJ Sogard.

"Yes indeed, sir, that's the colonel," Mahomes answered.

"You guys are lucky around. Tell your regimental commander the 1st Battalion will help the 78th Brigade Combat Team's elements here in Tsyrkuny. These wheeled APCs will help this brigade and the Ukrainians of the 113rd Territorial Brigade defeat those BTRs of the Russians and drive them out of the twin villages of Cherkas'ki Tyshky and Rus'ki Tyshky. We're counting on you guys to help them win," told the major.

"We will do our best today, sir. Slava Ukraini!"

"Heroyam Slava!" was the response by everyone.

"Looks like this Mahomes guy will be joining us today," said LTC Fenster. "These Strykers, also used by one of the battalions of the 78th, will be the ones that will hopefully arm the Ukrainian Army in the coming months, they will be needing them and all the other equipment we use to help them drive out the Russians. Gentlemen, I hope he will be of big help to us here. Coordinate your efforts and make sure he will be fighting with his boys on the ground as well. Is that clear boys?"

"Sir yes sir!"

The "mount up and move out" order then given, the 1st Battalion boys and those of the companies under the 1st Battalions of the 3rd NY, 83rd Philadelphia and 72nd Atlanta all mounted their vehicles. The artillery batteries of the artillery battalions and anti-tank crews of the anti-tank battalion under the brigade, the gunners of the infantry gun companies and air defense crews soon geared up to provide supporting fire and air defense cover to their formations at the right time, expecting Russian Mil and Kamov helicopters to fly in support of their comrades on the ground as the Bradleys and M113s soon sprang to life, with engines roaring, alongside the M60s and Abrams from the tank battalion and the self-propelled guns from one of the field artillery battalions getting the systems started and moving south to avoid Russian counter battery fire. At the same time MAJ Mahomes, mounted on his M1130 Commander's Vehicle's turret had finished radioing his regimental commander informing him of his battalions' readiness to lead the operation in support of 78th Brigade elements, before calling his father, retired sergeant first class Mahomes who is at Poltava with regimental command. With him are his XO, CPT Smith-Schuster, the battalion sergeant major SGM Girardi and several men under the battalion staff and the headquarters and HQ company, with the new A Company commander 1LT Kelce and his XO 1LT Buechele on their own Stykers with the rest of the formation. All 5 rifle companies and their cannon company, all told, are to join the fight of the 78th that morning with their Ukrainian counterparts, while the HHC remains with elements of the 78th's command. Following that he got a call from BG DeRosa later on regarding what his battalion would do that morning.

The 1st Battalion 78th BCT, its personnel (sans those of C Company) now mounted on their M2 Bradleys, began to prepare for battle like never before.

"Is everyone ready First Sergeant Gose?" called Captain Frazier on his M2 Bradley, on the commander's turret radioing his company first sergeant.

"We're all ready, sir," replied 1SGT Gose on his M113A3 Rise APC. "Same with my crew, we're ready to roll out."

He radioed 1LT Austin as well on his readiness to lead the platoon. He responded, "Able 1, we're ready. Captain Frazier, we're in it to win, Able 1-11's ready, including many of the Tokyo lads. Let's get this rolling now, sir."

"Able 2-11 ready," said 1LT Jackson on his radio. "When we will all dismount sir, give us the signal. The vehicle commanders and the operational armored column commander, 1LT Thames, will be ready to take over command to provide the mounted elements of the operation for Able Company under your command as the leader of the dismounted force. We will never fail you, captain, no matter what the cost. And so too, we cannot fail the American people nor the Ukrainians in which we've been grateful to stand by them these past months."

"Will do my best to signal you guys to fight with me as one against those Russians, lieutenant," Todd answered on his radio.

2LT Eddy Alvarez then replied on his radio inside the Bradley, "So am I, sir."

"Able 1-21 ready, sir, elements of 2nd Platoon ready to move out," said 1LT Alec Bohm.

"Confirmed sir, you guys will follow our lead," replied the captain. He was sure 1LT Austin knew of the readiness of his platoon to help prepare for the battle this morning.

1LT Dylan Crews then informed his commanding officer via radio, "Able 1-31 ready for the operation, captain. Expect that 3rd Platoon will be ready as well."

His deputy, 2LT Teel, informed the captain via radio of his boys' readiness to help their unit achieve all their objectives for the day.

"Able 1-41, reporting. We're ready as well at 4th Platoon," 1LT Bailey informed his company commander as well. He told the captain they too are ready to risk their lives for not just Ukraine but of their homeland as well and thus his platoon is ready to fulfill their mission.

The platoon second in command, 2LT Meyer, added, "The same for me and the other officers and NCOs assigned to our Bradley crews. They are ready since the last time they fought these bastards, captain and you known that. We're ready to fight them again to the last."

The 5th platoon commander, 1LT Brandon Crawford voiced his readiness replying: "Able 1-51 ready Captain Frazier. The men of 5th Platoon have entered battle readiness and will follow your lead."

His XO said the same sentiments of combat readiness. So did the other platoon commanders of A Company, including 6th platoon's 1LT Payton.

At the same time the platoon commanders of the other companies had reported to their company commanders of their preparedness to fight.

CPT Tulowitzki reported to his CO on his Bradley, "Captain Frazier sir, all of A Company has stated their readiness for the operation. We're all ready for the battle to start."

"Affirmative, Tulo. Let's get those boys moving, we have an operation ongoing."

"Roger that Cap."

"Captain Jake!" radioed 1LT Fowler on his Bradley. "Bravo Company is all ready for the operation."

"Affirmative Lieutenant Fowler. I hope the men are all ready for this moment. Major Gall is thinking of us as he studies his command course far away from the front right now."

The rest of the company commanders did the same.

Following the order to proceed by LTC Fenster, the infantry, mounted as usual in their M2 Bradleys, moved out of the assembly area and into the battlefield, with gunfire and artillery blasts increasing as the battalion's fighting elements moved north along Sadova Street. Their objectives are to liberate Cherkas'ki Tyshky and help the Ukrainian territorials. And joining them in their Strykers are elements of the 59th Kansas City's 1st Battalion, who are taking part as force multipliers for the operation, alongside armored elements of the brigade.

@joeybosa-aaronjudge @lightninging @homerofthebraves @dilangleywritesfanfic @auroralightsthesky @alekmanoah @ilovetheyankees @darkorderaf @highwaytothedangerzone502 @zackcollins @lukeexplorer

#usa baseball #ukraine au #baseball fanfiction #baseball rpf #usa baseball rpf #modern au #usa baseball cnt #baseball au #sports rpf #sports fic #a league of their own #usa softball #ukraine war au #mlb rpf #baseball fic #nfl rpf #nfl fic

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mgicorp · 4 years

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—Wartime Letter from Captain Bellenden S. Hutcheson: Dear Captain Gwynn, Replying to your first series of questions, concerning the 76th Brigade of Royal Field Artillery: The 76th Brigade was supporting the Canadian Infantry which was holding the line in front of Vimy. The brigade consisted of four batteries of 18 pounders (field guns) and one battery of 4.5 inch Howitzers. The cover of the guns, while poor was, I suppose, as good as that usually occupied by field guns in position only a few days, and the quarters of the gun that crews were in cellars near the guns, but the shells thrown at us were eight inch, and armour piercing. At least the artillerymen said that they were armour piercing, and after viewing the effects of their explosions I was in no position to argue with them. After several dugouts had been blown in, some of the uninjured personnel set to work digging out the injured while the bombardment was in progress and it was this rescue work which was carried out under scanty or no cover. [Continued] Shades of Sacrifice 🌺 #construction #contractorsofinsta #heavyduty #constructionsite #engineer #mgiconstruction #build #heavyiron #civilengineering #heavyequipment #heavyequipmentlife #igdaily #constructinghistory #mgicorp #shadesofsacrifice (at Toronto, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHyL_WCgJqC/?igshid=1liatyuwkluah

#construction #contractorsofinsta #heavyduty #constructionsite #engineer #mgiconstruction #build #heavyiron #civilengineering #heavyequipment #heavyequipmentlife #igdaily #constructinghistory #mgicorp #shadesofsacrifice

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warpicshistory · 7 years

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Stalingrad 24 January 1943 Due to the dramatic reduction of the overall perimeter still held by 6th Army, there is no more justifying to continue the hostilities in order to tie down Soviet troops and gain time for other German fronts. Most of the armies besieging the "Kessel" have already been directed elsewhere, leaving to a smaller part of the Don Front's forces the task of crushing down the last opposition in the city. At this stage, rebellion against suicidal orders could have been logical. But Paulus is undecided, he hesitates once again, calling up his own duty as a soldier to obey orders: "I report the situation on the basis of discussion with the commanders whom I could contact. The troops have neither ammunition nor food. Communication is possible with six divisions only. Cases of insubordination were reported on the southern, northern and western fronts. Unified command and control is impossible. 18,000 wounded are deprived of the most basic assistance due to lack of medicines and facilities. 44th, 76th, 100th, 305th and 384th Infantry Divisions are destroyed. Because of the enemy penetrations the front is torn apart. Shelter only possible inside the city, further defense is meaningless. Collapse is inevitable. For the sake of saving men I request for permission to surrender immediately. Paulus." Hitler replied the next day: "I forbid the surrender! Army must hold its positions to the last man and to the last bullet!" It was thus clear that what was needed was a sacrifice, in order to save at least the illusion of some kind of morale victory, when nothing real could be saved. Neither Paulus nor Manstein chose to oppose this murderous order. Thousands of German and Soviet soldiers could have been spared, but the fight was to go on against all reason. [Stalingrad Battle Data on Facebook] #war #history #vintage #retro #guns #gun #ww2 #40s #tank #tanks #1940s #military #battle #warrior #warriors #combat #campaign #battles #wwii #worldwartwo

#warrior #tank #campaign #combat #ww2 #vintage #gun #battles #war #wwii #40s #retro #tanks #warriors #battle #military #worldwartwo #1940s #guns #history

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phgq · 3 years

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Catanduanes marks 76th Liberation Day

#PHinfo: Catanduanes marks 76th Liberation Day

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 10, (PIA) - The Provincial Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Catanduanes spearheaded the 76th commemoration of Catanduanes Liberation Day yesterday, February 09, 2021 at Heroes Wall, Virac Fountain, here.

Due to COVID-19, attendance were limited to the liberation veterans, Vice Governor Shirley A. Abundo, PNP Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CATPPO) and employees of the Provincial Government of Catanduanes.

A flag raising ceremony, wreath-laying and twenty-one gun salute were also done to honor and acknowledge the veterans.

On January 1995, the Sangguniang Bayan passed Municipal Resolution 95-1 declaring Feb. 8 of every year as Liberation Day of Virac.

Meanwhile, on November 13, 2013, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Catanduanes passed Resolution No. 237-2013 sponsored by Provincial Board Member EdwinT. Tanael, enacting an ordinance institutionalizing the observance and celebration of February 8 of every year as Catanduanes Liberation Day.

The Liberation of Catanduanes took place in what is now the municipal building and the Virac Parish Church area on Feb. 8, 1945.

The battle started at Km. 4 at Brgy. Calatagan at about 12 noon, and ended with the Filipino soldiers of the 5th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 55th, 56th and 57th Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and recognized guerrillas taking full control of the Japanese barracks. (PIA5/Catanduanes)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Catanduanes marks 76th Liberation Day." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066394 (accessed February 10, 2021 at 05:11PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Catanduanes marks 76th Liberation Day." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066394 (archived).

#Philippines #News #Filipino #Pinoy #Tourism #Politics #Culture #Editorial #Environment #Society #History

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familylovescom · 4 years

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Us Army 76Th Infantry Division Ssi Military Pay Scale Cloth Face Mask Gift

Comfortable wearing: The soft elastic ear straps make it very easy to wear and ensure long-term wearing comfort. The adjustable hook-and-loop strap provides a perfect feeling for you to wear all day.

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davidshawnsown · 2 years

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USA BASEBALL RPF (MODERN SETTING) 2 - Campaigns in the Ukraine (Chapter 2)

(AN: Made in honor of the Astros clinching the 2022 World Series championship, as Alex Bregman will be featured from this chapter onward. As a future reenactor, I will also plan to write a reenacting RPF set in this war to express gratitude to reenactors of wars past and present for preserving history in this day and age and it will be a first or 3rd person perspective.)

(Late edit: Given that John Gall has been elected the new and current president of USA Baseball, this series will be updated with my view that Gaski would find in him a successor as leader & commander of 76th Command in the future.)

CAMP LASORDA BARRACKS COMPLEX

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

1151H EST

"Welcome to the Able Company barracks."

These words by SFC Eric Filia introduced the 5 new additions to A Company of the 1st Battalion 78th BCT to where their company barracks is. Just southwest of the parade field and the headquarters buildings of the brigade are the barracks wherein the 1st Battalion's men live and work, either as a cadre formation or in active duty. Given the huge expansion, there are already works underway to build new barracks and related buildings in the Camp Lasorda complex to accomodate the growing number of personnel and the additional battalions of infantry, as well as plans to build a larger camp in Raleigh, where the 2nd Battalion is headquartered, to house the brigade's artillery and the other newly formed battalions with the armor and air defense artillery being expected to be at Chapel Hill at the UNC campus, its cadet brigade being expanded to include as well a light armor unit that the 78th is helping to form armed with the Humvee. Unlike the 1st Battalion, the rest of the brigade is made up of reservists and National Guardsmen, as well as select active duty transferees.

While the 5 are being welcomed to the barracks rooms where the personnel sleep and take their free time, as well as the mess halls for enlisted personnel and officers, and clinic for medical checks, as well as the other amenties, SSGT Patrick Kivlehan is chatting with 1LT Eric Thames regarding his Korean experience and the days they spent in Cincinnati while in separate regiments. The veteran staff sergeant hailing from New York state, in Nyack village situated within the town of Orangetown, served for some years with a number of 169th Corps regiments. Last year, his call to Tokyo as part of the national contingent came as a member of the 690th San Diego Infantry in the battalion based in El Paso in Texas state, near the Mexican border.

"Lieutenant Thames, you did show the people of Milwaukee all you worked so hard and with distinction in Korea, right?"

"Yeah, those were hard times. Having to be in Green Bay even in the winter, staff sergeant, but those were great years I may say," replied the lieutenant.

"And speaking of which," said the staff sergeant, " the battalion is planning to bring back 2LT Yelich. Part of the 2017 contingent. I expect that he will be one heck of a strategist for us here for future operations."

"Second Lieutenant Yelich? One of my fellow servicemen whom I served with before in Milwaukee?"

"Yes, he will arrive here in days."

Captain Frazier has been already helping the newbies to the 1st Platoon get used to their surroundings as well as the quarters for enlisted personnel and NCOs when he returned. These 5 and 1LT Thames had carried many of their belongings with them as well as their uniforms and boots. The captain then began to talk with 1LT Thames regarding his experiences in Milwaukee and the memories spent in New York's eastern neighborhoods together, first as the second in command to now retired Major David Wright and then as company commander of his unit of the 1st Battalion, 62nd New York Metropolitan, twice.

At the same time, Triston's already guiding Gavin towards his assigned quarters with the enlistees. Given that the specialist is about to spend the coming months with his brother, he knew of the risks it would take for him to fulfill his duty.

In the meantime Captain Tulowitzki, who is outside together with 1LT Robertson and the others, received a call from LTC Fenster informing that 1st Battalion will be 6 rifle companies strong together with the heavy weapons and cannon companies and the HQ company with F Company being set to be activated, making the battalion stronger than ever with 9 companies organizing this unit. It would entail the 2nd Battalion based in Raleigh to rename its companies as G, H, I and J companies together with the HQ and heavy weapons companies and they would also be granted permission to include a cannon company also armed with the M101 howitzer. These heavy weapons companies will be armed with the M60 machine gun and unlike the mortar platoons under the companies, are to be armed with the Israeli-made M120 and the BGM-71 TOW systems mounted on the Humvee chassis. F Company will be made up of the 2021 and 2022 high school cadet contingents trained in Cary given that they are 17 years old, the minimum age for enlistment, and the officers are already being studied at the Army OCS on acclerated courses before commissioning, as well as the junior high school mobilization contingents of 2012-17, as well as any available alumni of the high school contingents of 2008-2011.

1415H EST

Following a hearthy lunch at the mess hall, the men of the 5 platoons mobilized so far for Able Company of the 1st Battalion 78th BCT are already on the field for firearms training first before platoon level ops training for future operations within the territory of Camp Lasorda and within the fields and hills of Cary. Today they are already testing fast response methods of operation against possible hostile elements while on dismounted patrol.

As LTC Fenster and his staff are watching their manuevers, Captain Jake Arrieta approached them regarding B Company and its readiness to be activated, having taken command since last night with the left of its few officers and NCOs of the headquarters from its former cadre personnel from the Army Reserve. He was told that the captain had emailed the remainder of the 2008 national contingent as well as those of the 2013 contingent informing them of their recall to the colours as part of the brigade they trained with before, and they will be coming to Cary in days. He and his XO, 1LT Fowler, have arrived in Cary yesterday with the officers and NCOs who took over the company upon reactivation. The captain is a veteran sharpshooter and grenadier of several 169th Corps regiments, including the 71st North Chicago and the 83rd Philadelphia, and was a part of the 2008 national contingent as its commander. Together the personnel of that contingent to slated to return to Cary that week, almost all coming out of retirement with a few still serving and holding active ranks, were as follows:

Captain Jake Arrieta, company commander

Major John Gall, company representative to 78th BCT command (appointed to that role that same week and reactivated from the reserves as a Captain, set to study at the Command and Staff College)

1LT Fowler, company executive officer

1LT Brian Barden, adjutant

1LT Marson, 1st platoon commander

1LT Stephen Strasberg, 1st platoon second in command

1LT Brandon Knight, recalled from South Korea

SFC Matt LaPorta, company first sergeant

SFC Cummings, platoon sergeant

SSGT Teagarden

SSGT Cahill

SSGT Neal

SSGT Schierholtz

SGT Weathers

SGT Tiffee

SGT Nix

SGT Brett Anderson

CPL Donald

CPL Koplove

CPL Duensing

CPL Brown

CPL Hessman

CPL Stevens

"All of them under the leadership of Major General Watson?" asked the lieutenant colonel.

"Yes they were," Captain Jake replied as he is still observing how A Company has been training lately since reactivation into active service with the new personnel taking over. "He died years ago and we still hold him in high esteem as our mentor. We miss this man and so too is the entire 169th Corps, including regiments in Houston and New York. He was our overall commander back in 2008," he said. The late Major General Watson, who for many years served in a number of regiments of the 169th Corps, including that of the 62nd Houston and the 3rd NY, was in 1996 appointed brigadier general and regimental colonel of the latter, having helped the then BGEN Torre to ensure his strong command despite his advanced age. He was together with retired MGEN Johnson, who was part as well of the contingent sent to Australia in 2000 to mark the country's centennial of federation, serving as superior officers in charge of that contingent.

The captain stated that the rest of that contingent will arrive here on this week. Staff Sergeant Adam Jones has been helping the captain in calling out the past mobilization contingents back into Cary and those retired or in reserve returned to active duty, once his fellow personnel of the 2017 contingent are arrived in Cary, he says, he will be slotted into A Company's 5th platoon. Retired personnel of the 2006 and 2009 mobilization platoons, he says, will be informed of mobilization in days while the 2015 and 2013 contingents are expected to be informed as well together with the rest as proposed by the battalion command. On that note the staff sergeant arrived to join them and to watch the training drills alongside Sergeant Major Ronai, battalion CSM, who reports to SGM Rosenblum under brigade headquarters and overall reports under CSM Wallace, who is planning to retire after many years due to his age, with SGM Beeker set to be his successor in the future.

"So how's B Company doing so far while you are still helping them before the rest arrives here?" asked the battalion commander.

The staff sergeant replied that they are already preparing the company barracks and the other facilities for those assigned to the unit before the bulk of the unit's personnel will arrive in time for activation into active duty service in the coming days. When that's all done he will join A Company's headquarters while the rest of his boys will arrive in Cary in days. He is also busy preparing the garrison chapel, PX, press office and other facilities with the civilian employees.

His battalion XO, Major Sogard, also a veteran of the 169th Corps, then asked him on what his experiences in Japan meant for him. He answered, "Although my experiences in Japan have been brief for me it has been a memorable few years there, meeting new people, training so hard with our Japanese allies and my fellow soldiers deployed there, and of course, sharpening my skills as a soldier of this nation."

The Major said to him, "Adam, these boys, the men who you be fighting with soon, are the boys who have trained here in these ground for years for one purpose - serving this country."

At this time, the individual drills have been replaced by squad level drills to orient the company towards small scale ops on their own accord or with allied or friendly forces. The officers and NCOs watching are in awe of the training skills shown by personnel of the company as they prepare for operations coming up for them.

1510H EST

1LT Dexter Fowler of the regiment from St. Louis had just arrived earlier to begin full time duties as XO of B Company when he made the call via his cellphone.

"Colonel Fenster, sir."

The call was from 1LT Michael Cuddyer, a part of brigade staff. 1LT Fowler, a veteran of several 169th Corps regiments, handed the cellphone over to his battalion commander.

He was already calling the brigade command regarding MAJ Jason Maxwell, a fellow veteran of the corps and commander of the 2021 high schools mobilization contingent. Slated to be promoted to lieutenant colonel, his contingent, he says, is being called up for service in the active ranks on his advice, following the meeting the 46th Command did in the Pentagon days ago. They will form the 8th platoon just as planned and by this week all of these young boys - including those OCS graduates via its short course - will be in Cary preparing for what the coming months may bring.

"So, lieutenant," asked LTC Fenster, "are the boys ready to be called up?"

The veteran 1LT, who served in a number of infantry regiments of the 169th Corps, first as a direct entry corporal and later on as a OCS alumnus, said yes and replied "They are to be informed thru phones and email of their deployment to Cary next week." Those who did not and were part of the pre-deployment contingents will be a part of the planned F Company slated to be activated in weeks, he also states. One thing's for sure is it will be ready to serve under Captain Frazier's command.

"When will the major come here to Cary?"

"Tomorrow", replied the lieutenant.

"Has the contingent roster been in the hands of the Major General as well?"

"Yes it is, and a copy is with the 1st Battalion HQ. These young boys are ready, colonel Fenster, to finally apply all that they have learned last year. They are preparing to leave even their college days just for the job that they have been training for."

"So are you sure 8th Platoon will be activated within the month with the rest?"

The lieutenant said yes, stating that they will be ready to join A Company ASAP. In addition, he stated that COL Jones will be in Cary that night to join battalion staff, given his son's preparedness to join the battalion's A Company as planned. He will be joined by MAJ Bracther, a part of the 46th's general staff, who was with him last year and was the superior officer of that contingent.

The 2021 high schools contingent slated to be 8th platoon of Able Coy. of the 78th Brigade's 1st Battalion upon future activation is to be composed of the following:

1LT Cuddyer, Platoon commander

1LT Druw Jones, Platoon second in command

2LT Johnson

2LT Fisher, Platoon adjutant

2LT Mitchell

2LT Austin

2LT Philips

SSGT Wilson, newly assigned as platoon sergeant

SSGT Penny

SGT Murphy

SGT Rodriguez

SGT Jackson Holliday, son of MSGT Matt Holliday, now part of 1st Battalion staff and assistant to 1SGT Gose

CPL Phillips

CPL Jayson Jones

CPL Sanford

CPL Dutkanych

CPL Dickerson

CPL Milbrandt

CPL Young

CPL Moore

SPC Collier

SPC Toman

SPC Biven

SPC Guidry

SPC Green

SPC Bowen

SPC Ritchie Jr.

SPC Romero

PFC Grove

PFC Smith

PFC Barriera

PFC Santos

PFC Kilen

PFC Kennedy

PFC Fisher

PFC Kling

PFC Hylton

PFC Ferris

PVT Anderson

PVT Bitonti

PVT Jenkins

PVT O'Connor

PVT Disbro

PVT Ford

Like the other platoons of A Company, it will be Bradley equipped and will follow Captain Frazier's lead in performance of its duties in home or overseas operations. The young lads, all of them who did their short training course before home training last year for combat ops abroad, are soon ready to join the ranks of that formation. 1LT Cuddyer confirmed in that call that his boys are to be informed thru their emails or cellphones, or even android phones for their call up to Camp Lasorda to prepare for their mobilization.

"Is that true, colonel?"

As the call ended, LTC Fenster informed Captain Frazier that indeed they are being called. The captain knew Jackson as his father, MSGT Matt, served with him with the 3rd NY in 2017. And there's no timeline yet on when they will arrive in Cary for their activation, said the battalion commander.

Captain Tulowitzki too was stunned by the news that the 2021 high schools contingent will join A Company, and so were those present while most of the company were already doing platoon level operational training for close quarters operations in the cities. In the past days, they have been training for open area operations in the plains and hills while dismounted, in preparation for the arrival of the other companies as well as for mounted drill using the Bradley systems. So he asked his company commander, "Are we ready to welcome these young lads straight out of high school?"

Captain Frazier replied yes, given that they are above the minimum age for enlistment.

"And how about the senior veterans assigned?" asked First Sergeant Gose.

The captain said "I have full confidence in 1LT Michael Cuddyer and the boys under his leadership, as well as Staff Sergeants Penny and Wilson. They will be in good hands and will surely be ready to fight with the rest of the company. And also, when I was assigned to the regiment in Cincinnati as a young second lieutenant, I met up with Druw's father, COL Jones, whenever I met him if he was available. He will be happy to see me again, this time, as the one helping his son be prepared to serve the nation and uphold his oath of service."

Major Sogard then told the men that he is indeed excited to see the young boys finally join the company and also he got a call from SSGT Cole that he's on his way to Cary to join the brigade. In addition he was told that the 4th Platoon, made of personnel from the 2019 college contingent that served with the brigade for mobilization training, will be formed up and its men, per its commander 1LT Bailey who led that unit as the operational commander 3 years ago, are now already en route after being in Raleigh with the 2nd Battalion yesterday, as per his call that morning. He called the brigade command in Cary the previous night stating that he and his boys are all ready to return to Cary to begin their preps for overseas service. In addition, he recieved another call, this time from First Lieutenant Alex Bregman of the 1st Battalion, 62nd Houston, informing him that elements of the 2017 contingent have all been called that morning following the activation announcement and will be in Cary via Raleigh in a day or two to get their training ready. He and the other officers of the platoon together with the NCOs and enlisted will be ready to join the rest of the company.

"First Lieutenant Bregman?" asked a stunned Captain Frazier. "Are you kidding me that he's coming back to Cary?"

"Yes he is coming to the brigade HQ", answered LTC Fenster.

"That Jewish guy from New Mexico. He was a thorn for the 3rd NY and Brigadier General Girardi in '17. Those air assault boys from Houston, boy these are very fast guys. Proficient in rappeling and other things."

"Same for us in the Toronto Rifles that year", said Captain Tulowitzki.

Never did the captain from Toms River in New Jersey become so upset. Having began his military service in 2007 as a direct entry specialist with the 169th Cincinnati and later on became a OCS grad in 2010, in 2011 Todd, by now a second lieutenant, was reassigned to his parent formation after many years in the affilated units of this regiment. Before that, everyone knew him as a young cadet leader who at 12 years old distinguished himself with leadership skills with his fellow cadets of the Middle School Cadet Corps. 6 years on, he moved to the 901st South Chicago, and in summer 2017, got reassigned to New York and the aformentioned 3rd NY, alongside 1LT Robertson. That was when he first met then 2LT Austin, who promoted to 1LT the following year alongside 1LT Aaron Judge. In 2018, he got reassigned to the 62nd New York Metropolitan Light Infantry, two years later, with the 61st Texas, then back in Queens, and later on in Pittsburgh before joining a local militia formation under one of the 46th's corps. That was the situation last year when he recieved his papers to be redeployed to Cary once more, first as a college student, later as part of the 2011 national contingents, and by then as part of the 2021 contingent that ultimately went to Japan.

And of course, Todd's two brothers Jeff and Charlie too served in the 169th Corps, and that motivation for serving the nation was what made him motivated in leading this bunch of men once more, this time, as a company commander with the 1st Battalion of the 78th Brigade, a duty he did in 2019 with the 62nd to suceed retired lieutenant colonel David Wright, his superior the year before.

As they watched the platoons of A Company simulate combat operation scenarios in enemy held cities, they knew that it would be a matter of time before a company wide training drill would be held to apply all that they have trained for.

1526H EST

Meanwhile, the men of the 1st platoon of A Company under 1LT Austin its commander are have finished operational training for urban scenarios, in that time finding for hostile elements in such open-air places like parks and sports stadiums. This is to futher their preparedness for urban combat ops. In these scenarios, they and the 2nd, 3rd and 6th platoons are being shaped to fight in urban open areas against hostile elements and in conjuction with fellow US Army units and those of NATO allies. They did a huge job that morning after the activation ceremony, and will continue training for a variety of ground operations while waiting for the other mobilization companies to be activated. The 5 newbies are already with 1st Platoon, Gavin with 1st squad and the 4 others with the 4th squad.

The first lieutenant hailing from no less than Conyers in Georgia state and part of the 2021 national mobilization contingent that trained in Japan despite the pandemic had been a good leader to the boys and served as one of Captain Frazier's assistance during that summer deployment. The decade before he started out as a direct entry ROTC grad who recieved his 2nd Lieutenant's rank board and an officer's commission with the 3rd NY. It was in Japan as a XO with the local reserve battalion of the JSDF when he got the call to return home to join the national mobilization contingent that year after a lengthy stinct in Milwaukee and San Francisco.

"First Lieutenant Austin", phoned Captain Frazier, "1LT Bailey is now here in Cary with his men. He and the boys of the 2019 collegiate contingent who trained here in Camp Lasorda are ready for their activation."

"Understood sir, the 1st Platoon will be ready to meet them."

The first lieutenant from Greensboro in North Carolina had just arrived with the entire 2019 contingent with, with LTC Kingston from South Carolina representing BGEN McDowell, regimental colonel of the 2nd regiment of ROTC servicemen assigned to Louisville University and who served as the long time battalion commander of their unit affilated with the 46th. The brigadier general served as the commanding officer that year for that contingent from the nation's colleges and universities. With the colonel who returned to Cary alongside MSGT Turgeon from the Pittsburgh regiment and MAJ Barksdale assigned to 46th Command HQ were 1SGT Moore and SFC Skole.

The company ended their drills and began to march as a unit to meet the new additions that would expand the ranks. As the company's 4th platoon Bailey's men would be a big help to Captain Frazier and the rest of the company, as well as to the entire 1st Battalion.

@joeybosa-aaronjudge @lightninging @homerofthebraves @dilangleywritesfanfic @auroralightsthesky @alek @ilovetheyankees @darkorderaf @highwaytothedangerzone502 @zackcollins @lukeexplorer

#usa baseball #usa baseball cnt #baseball fic #baseball rpf #baseball fanfiction #ukraine au #a league of their own #usa softball #ukraine war au #athletes unlimited #usa baseball rpf #usa softball rpf

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davidshawnsown · 3 years

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COMMEMORATIVE MESSAGE IN HONOR OF THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE JUNE REBELLION AND THE 77TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY SEABORNE LANDINGS

Ladies and gentlemen, to all the people of the United States of America and Canada, to all our remaining living veterans of the Second World War of 1939-1945 and of all conflicts past and present and their families, to our veterans, active servicemen and women, reservists and families of the entire United States Armed Forces and Canadian Armed Forces, and to all the uniformed military and civil security services of the Allied combatants of this conflict, to all the immediate families, relatives, children and grandchildren of the deceased veterans, fallen service personnel and wounded personnel of our military services and civil uniformed security and civil defense services, to all our workers, farmers and intellectuals, to our youth and personnel serving in youth uniformed and cadet organizations and all our athletes, coaches, judges, sports trainers and sports officials, and to all our sports fans, to all our workers of culture, music, traditional arts and the theatrical arts, radio, television, digital media and social media, cinema, heavy and light industry, agriculture, business, tourism and the press, and to all our people of the free world:

Today, in the midst of the global pandemic, and with the end now in sight with vaccinations being done in many countries, we once more honor two memorable events of our history.

189 years ago, in 1832 at a cost of hundreds of lives, the Paris Rebellion of July 1832 was ended when Frnech Army servicemen crushed the rebellion of students and workersof the capital demanding moral reforms and for France’s stronger foreign policies and stronger military so that it can help European independence movements.

77 years ago, under the overall leadership of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Dwight Eisenhower, with the paratroopers that had landed earlier having met their landing objectives and were now fighting behind enemy lines, a million-strong multinational landing force made up of personnel from many Allied national armed forces, mainly composed of personnel from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and France, together with forces from many more countries, with naval and air support also from multinational forces, landed on 5 pre-designated beaches in Normandy in France, which had been under Axis occupation for over 4 years. This second front would finally begin as in each of these beaches, regardless of enemy resistance and full of determination and courage, these infantrymen, gunners, tankers and support personnel landed on the soils of occupied western Europe to begin the long awaited Allied military operations for the liberation of this part of the world, one that they have prepared for years, just as their fellow servicemen where fighting in Italy, Eastern Europe, and Yugoslavia. The D-Day seaborne landings were one of the first ever in modern times to be successfully conducted and thus proved to be a historic victory, the first of many that would finally bring an an end of the Nazi occupation of most of Europe and bring fascism to a smashing defeat. Working hand in hand, these men and women of the Allied Powers provided the manpower and equipment for the success of one of the greatest amphibious operations of modern history.

As the days and hours came and went, the victory of Normandy would be the first of many victories won in mainland Western Europe by the Allies, the first on the long road to the great victory in the spring of 1945 and the surrender of Germany to the triumphant Allied Powers. It was indeed thanks to these millions of men and women whose bravery and determination, at the cost of thousands of lives lost to the Axis, made the D-Day operation a success as they pushed opened the door towards the long road of victory against Nazi Germany.

Today, we honor and celebrate these two great events that will forever be a part of human history. Forever remembered in books, theater, visual arts, radio and television, these two great events are forever a part of our heritage and our common memory, as these have no dobut became a part of the long history of the human race. Spread on the same day years apart, they deserve to be remembered and commemorated today for generation after generation.

The heroes of 1832 fought for their country’s place in the world, the heroes of 1944 fought for global freedom and independence against Nazi Germany and international fascism. Then as in today, no matter what the situation in the world may be today, we will never let the memories of these events fade and promise once more to let the legacy live on for our future generations, for the sake of our dreams and goals for a better world!

Today, as we mark Canadian Armed Forces Day and Swedish National Day, we also thank the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Swedish Armed Forces for the service and determination for the defense of the freedom and sovereignty of their countries, as well as for the protection of their people and national interests.

LONG LIVE THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1832 JUNE REBELLION!

LONG LIVE THE 77TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY OFFENSIVE OF 1944!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF OUR WORLD!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THE FORCES OF FASCISM AND LIBERATED THE WORLD FROM THE THREATS AND EVIL ACTIONS OF THE AXIS POWERS!

GLORY TO THE VICTORIOUS PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, SWEDEN AND THEIR UNIFORMED SERVICES!

GLORY TO THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA AND SWEDEN, TOGETHER THE DEFENDERS OF OUR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY AND GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE WORTHY OF OUR GENERATIONS TO COME!

And in honor of the 77th year anniversary of the great baptism of fire of the 101st Airborne Division, and to the entire HBO War Fandom who for all time will always remember this very moment in history as depicted in the 2nd episode of the award winning 2001 HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers”:

LONG LIVE EASY COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 506TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT), XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY!

CURRAHEE! AIR ASSAULT! ARMY STRONG! HOOOAH!!

1800h, June 6, 2021, the 245th year of the United States of America, the 246th year of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, the 127th of the International Olympic Committee, the 125th of the Olympic Games, the 103rd since the conclusion of the First World War, the 82nd of the beginning of the Second World War in Europe, the 80th since the beginning of the Second World War in the Eastern Front and in the Pacific Theater, the 76th since the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and the victories in Europe and the Pacific, the 74th of the United States Armed Forces and the 54th of the modern Canadian Armed Forces.

Semper Fortis A Mari Usque A Mare

John Ramos-Henderson

Makati City, Philippines

Grandson of Philippine Navy veteran PO2 Paterno Cueno, PN (Ret.)

(Requiem for a Soldier and The Mission Begins)

#hbo war #band of brothers #d-day #easy company #d-day 77 #les miserables #barricade day #les mis #dday77 #hbo war fandom

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davidshawnsown · 3 years

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MESSAGE IN HONOR OF THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE PARIS REVOLT AND THE 77TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY AIRBORNE OFFENSIVE

As the whole world enters a new chapter in the long struggle against the COVID-19 pandemic with the arrival of vaccines, we today mark two very important anniversaries in world history, two very important milestones in the history of humanity.

Today we honor the anniversary of the beginning of the 1832 June Rebellion, which occurred in the French capital, Paris, as a republican rebellion of students, industry workers and common people calling for France to uphold its duty as the protector of freedoms of the peoples of the world, as a result of the failed Polish November Uprising months before, so that France and her armed forces could come to the aid of independence movements in the continent.

And today marks the 77th year anniversary since the beginning of one of the greatest airborne operations of the Second World War in the European Theater of Operations. The D-Day airborne landings, the first part of the memorable air and seaborne operations that began the long road for the liberation of western parts of Europe, took place exactly 77 years ago as airborne units from the United States, British and French Armies began to land in designated areas of Normandy in France in advance of the million-strong amphibious landing forces that were to disembark the following day. These paratroopers, including personnel of Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), were the first wave of solder liberators of Western Europe, whose landings were the first steps towards the first great victory of the Western Front – the victorious liberation of parts of Normandy from Nazi Germany, the first of many to be liberated from the aggression of the Axis Powers. The bravery and courage shown by these paratroopers enabled the amphibious solders, gunners and armored crews, assisted by sailors and aircraft pilots and crews, to make the landings happen.

Today, as we honor the twin anniversaries of these two events, we honor and remember these events’ contributions to the long history of the human race, and the need to forever sustain the memory of these events in our consciousness because of the fact that these events have been forever immortalized in many forms of art, including in literature like Hugo’s Les Miserables and Ambrose’s Band of Brothers, in theater and television. We will never forget the immortal legacy left behind by these events to our history, and we pledge to forever keep them in our hearts for generation upon generation. We will forever cherish those who died during these two great events and carry on the lessons learned and the memory of such great events in our times.

Today, as the world comes closer to the end of the long pandemic that was the cause of the cancellation of the festivities last year in honor of the 76th year of D-Day, in recalling the brave heroes of our times in the form of the medical workers, all essential public and private sector workers and all members of our military, law enforcement and emergency services, we remember once more the heroes of 1832 and 1944 and always pledge to forever honor and remember such immortal legacies today and for the years and decades more to come, for the sake of our children and grandchildren and for the hope of a better world and a more civilized and united society!

LONG LIVE THE 189TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1832 JUNE REBELLION!

LONG LIVE THE 77TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY OFFENSIVE OF 1944!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF OUR WORLD!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THE FORCES OF FASCISM AND LIBERATED A WORLD FROM THE THREATS AND EVIL ACTIONS OF THE AXIS POWERS IN EUROPE AND NORTHERN AFRICA!

LONG LIVE EASY COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 506TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT), XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY! CURRAHEE! AIR ASSAULT! ARMY STRONG! HOOOAH!!

John Emmanuel Ramos

Makati City, Philippines

1140h, June 5, 2021

#hbo war #hbo war fandom #d-day #band of brothers #easy company #dday #d-day 77 #d-day77 #les amis de l'abc #les mis #les miserables #barricade day

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davidshawnsown · 4 years

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COMMEMORATIVE MESSAGE IN HONOR OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE JUNE REBELLION AND THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY SEABORNE LANDINGS

Ladies and gentlemen, to all the people of the United States of America and Canada, to all our remaining living veterans of the Second World War of 1939-1945 and of all conflicts past and present and their families, to our veterans, active servicemen and women, reservists and families of the entire United States Armed Forces and the Canadian Armed Forces, and to all the uniformed military and civil security services of the Allied combatants of this conflict, to all the immediate families, relatives, children and grandchildren of the deceased veterans, fallen service personnel and wounded personnel of our military services and civil uniformed security and civil defense services, to all our workers, farmers and intellectuals, to our youth and personnel serving in youth uniformed and cadet organizations and all our athletes, coaches, judges, sports trainers and sports officials, and to all our sports fans, to all our workers of culture, music, traditional arts and the theatrical arts, radio, television, digital media and social media, cinema, heavy and light industry, agriculture, business, tourism and the press, and to all our people of the free world:

Today, as our we mark as one people two great anniversaries of great importance.

First, we honor the 138th anniversary since the defeat of the June Rebellion of 1832, wherein hundreds of people involved were killed by gunfire as they fought against the French Army and the National Guard. Many of the fallen were students and workers, as well as republicans, who agitated for France to once more take the cause of freedom to the peoples of Europe.

And today, we mark 76 years since the date of one of the biggest ever amphibious landings in military history. 76 years ago, the seaborne landing phrase of D-Day occurred in the five marked beaches in occupied Normandy in France, wherein hours after airborne landings within miles of the beaches began to clear German resistance and opened the door to the beginning of the liberation of western parts of Europe from the English Channel coast while fellow servicemen were fighting in Italy’s south and center and the Soviet Armed Forces, together with the Polish People’s Army and the Czechoslovak Armed Forces in the East were fighting in Eastern Europe alongside the Yugoslav partisan movement millions of army personnel from many nations of the Allied forces, escorted by a multinational naval force and aviation, all under the orders of General Dwight Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, landed in these beaches signaling the start of the final chapters of the war in Western and Central Europe. The mass landings that began on this day and stretched into the following days was only the beginning of the long road to liberation for millions of people in western and central parts of Europe, who for years had suffered long under the cruel hands of Nazi Germany and its allies.

Only hundreds remain of the millions who entered France via sea and air to begin the final stages of the war in Western Europe, as well as of the veterans of the Italian campaigns as well. Their memory as well as of their deceased comrades in arms and the fallen of this operation will remain forever engraved in our hearts and therefore we owe to teach our children, the youth, and future generations of the victory won by the sacrifices of men and women of the Allied Nations in the Second World War and the many operations, including D-Day, that led to the defeat of the Axis Powers in 1945. It is thus our duty and obligation to forever honor and remember the Greatest Generation – these millions of men and women of the armed forces and civil security services and home front workers who through their sacrifices in all fields of endeavor and in the defense of our freedom and independence, won the war and helped defeat international fascism in Europe, Northern Africa and the Asia-Pacific exactly 75 years ago. With just over two months to go before the diamond jubilee of its conclusion, in the midst of the current crisises of this world let us, empowered by their legacy, continue to work onwards to the building of a better world.

These two events, forever honored in books, radio, film, television, paintings, monuments, poems and other forms of act, remembered year after year, are now a part of our modern culture and part of our history and these events are for all of us an inspiration to forever striving to preserve freedom and independence in our world and build on a brighter and hopeful future for our planet and all of humanity. As we forever honor and commemorate such historic moments of our times, let us, with the spirits of this great days with us and in our memories, forge onwards on our long road to a future prosperous, progressive, green free and independent, and a world that is truly world defending.

And to the people of Sweden, as we send National Day greetings to all of you, we hope that, as well all move together onwards an uncertain but bright future the people of Sweden and her Armed Forces , together, will ensure that it will forever be independent, prosperous and free for generations to come.

LONG LIVE THE 187TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1832 JUNE REBELLION!

LONG LIVE THE 75TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY OFFENSIVE OF 1944!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF OUR WORLD!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THE FORCES OF FASCISM AND LIBERATED THE WORLD FROM THE THREATS AND EVIL ACTIONS OF THE AXIS POWERS!

GLORY TO THE VICTORIOUS PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, SWEDEN AND THEIR UNIFORMED SERVICES!

GLORY TO THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA AND SWEDEN, TOGETHER THE DEFENDERS OF OUR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY AND GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE WORTHY OF OUR GENERATIONS TO COME!

And in honor of the 76th year anniversary of the great baptism of fire of the 101st Airborne Division, and to the entire HBO War Fandom who for all time will always remember this very moment in history as depicted in the 2nd episode of the award winning 2001 HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers”:

LONG LIVE EASY COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 506TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT), XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY!

CURRAHEE! AIR ASSAULT! ARMY STRONG! HOOOAH!!

2300h, June 6, 2020, the 244th year of the United States of America, the 245th year of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, the 126th of the International Olympic Committee, the 124th of the Olympic Games, the 102nd since the conclusion of the First World War, the 81st of the beginning of the Second World War in Europe, the 79th since the beginning of the Second World War in the Eastern Front and in the Pacific Theater, the 75th since the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and the victories in Europe and the Pacific, the 73rd of the United States Armed Forces and the 53rd of the modern Canadian Armed Forces.

Semper Fortis A Mari Usque A Mare

John Ramos-Henderson

Makati City, Philippines

Grandson of Philippine Navy veteran PO2 Paterno Cueno, PN (Ret.)

(Requiem for a Soldier and The Mission Begins)

#hbo war #band of brothers #d-day #les miserables #barricade day #easy company #masters of the air #dday76 #les amis #les mis

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davidshawnsown · 2 years

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USA Baseball RPF 1 - WW2 AU: Bridge Battle (Chapter 5)

(AN: Sorry if that chapter took long to write. Hope all of you baseball fans had a happy holiday season.)

As the 3rd Platoon Able Company 1/473rd commanding officer spoke to the company command, 1LT Bohm gave his all to report to them how much they were preparing for that forthcoming operation at San Marcello Pistoise slated in a few days' time. The Omaha-based officer ended his report with his personal readiness to "fufill this operation even if it means losing my life for the country" and the readiness of the much needed weaponly the platoon needed to join the company in the battle. Knowing the hard task the platoon was about to face, he was confident that the operation would be completed as ordered and the German and Italian garrison at the town defeated at all costs, as well as those assigned to the villages to the south of the town proper. Being part of the Philadelphia regiment of the National Army, he expected that the captain of his former assigned company of 1st Battalion, CPT Harper, is expected to join him, with his XO 1LT Realmuto taking over for now with the expectation to return to the front in the regular ranks in just months or weeks.

1LT Adell then reported to his company commander, Captain Tulowitzki, and his company XO Captain Frazier, in front of the adjutant of the unit 1LT Robertson and company first sergeant TSGT Gose regarding their readiness as a whole, as well as of himself and the other platoon officers assigned to it. Being a Kentucky native from Louisville, while experiencing the horrors of oppression that befell upon fellow African Americans, he experienced the friendship and respect from whites in his town, especially when they learned of his decision to enlist. Now that he was fighting in a company with whites, blacks and Hispanics in its ranks, he was more determined, in his words, to be ready to fight for a "united people, for the defense of the country and for the cause of freedom and equality for all the people of the world", a cause he was ready to give his life and that of his fellow servicemen. As the backup of the main force of the 1st, 2nd and 5th platoons crossing the bridge and the capture of San Marcello Pistoise with the rest of the battalion and elements of the Italian partisan movement coordinating their actions together with the 442nd RCT's 2nd battalion, he was ready to back up 1LT Bohm and help accomplish the operation the company would be engaged in. Before he was assigned to Able Company, following a brief tour in a all-African American formation, as part of the racial integration plan he was at that time serving with the 7th Armoured Division's 26th Armoured Infantry Battalion, given that the division was based in the greater LA area during its formation and thus was the affilated battalion of the regiment based in Anaheim, which was formerly being just truck transported infantry was, given its "Angels" nickname and the red and white bicolor patch of its servicemen, was to be originally converted to the airborne role.

However he and his fellow servicemen of the regiment, including now CAPT Trout, A Company commander who had been appointed a year ago, served as mechanized infantry given their regiment's affilation to it for those serving in Europe (the regiment's 2nd battalion, given its fast motorized capability, was to be the reinforcement of the 11th Airborne Division already active in the Philippines as the mobile element). It's battalions, under the 1st Task Force, were the counterparts of the 76th Task Force of the Army Reserve's 46th Special Command responsible for the vanguard platoon and company formations for administrative functions, upon which the 2nd battalion of the Brooklyn-based regiment in NYC which was a part of it, given the threat of Japanese invasion, was reassigned in Los Angeles with the 1st battalion still based there in NYC, the 3rd battalion in Vero Beach in Florida, the 4th battalion stationed in Rancho Cucamonga, also in California, the 5th battalion in Glendale, Arizona and the 6th battalion in Oklahoma City, following the lead of the armored divisions given that many of their servicemen by that time had service duties within these divisions. That regiment followed the British practice of being a parent regiment of battalions based under different brigades. While the two battalions based in the east were under the Eastern Defense Command together with the regimental command and depots, the western battalions fell under the Western Defense Command and the 6th under the Southern Defense Command's supervision. These battalions had a number of regiments and battalions affilated to the regimental HQ and depots as well as reservist companies carring similar links to the regiment.

The same case fell for the other regiments, the Anaheim regiment had just 6 militia battalions and a number of reserve companies reporting to the regimental depot in Anaheim, where the first two battalions are stationed, the 3rd battalion based in San Jose and the 4th battalion in Salt Lake City. The 1st Battalion's A Company, the very unit where CPT Trout had exercised leadership since early 1943 as commanding officer, included 1LT Marsh and a Japanese ex-IJA officer, now 1LT Ohtani, who serves as liason to Anaheim's Japanese-American community urging many to enlist. The lieutenant had left the IJA in 1935 as a then Sergeant and had moved to the US to accept a job in Orange County, eventually enlisted in the Army in 1940 and after just 4 years in the enlisted ranks, had been commissioned via OCS, remaining with that Army Reserve unit. Apparently the Army took notice of a letter written by his interpreter, Ippei, regarding the fact that he left the Imperial Army - and his home country - due to the increasing nationalist and pro-war attitudes of many in the officer corps, who were demanding that the country strike hard on China, as well as the increasing dissatisfaction among many of his fellow NCOs regaring the service's work in Manchuria working with the Manchurian Imperial Army and the national goverment there.

1LT Dalbec then spoke next. He was a fellow serviceman to 1LT Lopez in the Worchester regiment before being reassigned to the primary Boston regiment under COL Cora's command. Now he was serving in the regular army and had a few battles to his credit, together with servicemen of the Boston based 26th Infantry Division - the "Yankee Division" - which the Boston regiment of the National Army and its affilated reserve units, all the regiments and battalions, were assigned to. Given the fact that all of the men were assigned with that regiment and the reserve formations of the Army Reserve before their active duty deployment in Europe 1LT Dalbec served with the division's 1st battalion of the 101st Infantry Regiment, the senior regiment of the historic division based in the Boston area, and thus was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge before his reassignment to Italy given his service there and in the battles for northern France and southern Belgium. This was the case of many of his fellow servicemen like 1LT Verdugo, SSGT Vazquez, TSGT Schwaber and 1LT Hernandez. He was in his early 20s when he came to Italy by the time the 473rd RCT was activated and that was during his transfer to the young unit. As platoon adjutant he was determined to help the officers continue their work and was responsible for the platoon's administrative duties, alongside the heavy work they were doing as servicemen. As such, he helped carry on their high morale. He spoke on how he would be ready to get that mission done in a few days even as the Germans were determined to get the Allies out of the mountains in coordination with the Italians of the National Republican Army and for the platoon to be set to risk everything just to finish it. The young officer from Seattle said that given the fact that many of those in military service came from his state and that the 442nd had included many Japanese Americans also from that city who volunteed despite the interment of many of these citizens of Japanese descent in California, in his own words, he wanted "to help not just win total victory, but also inspire the youth to serve the country with honor and utmost respect in the armed forces". He continued: "No matter how hard our foes are ready to stop our path, I and my fellow soldiers are determined to crush them at every cost, at every step of the way. We are to win this war and are dedicated to die for the country for which we swore to faithfully serve under her flag. And thus I am ready to sacrifice my life fighting in the traditions of the loyal sons of New England who served this country." He was already referring to the role played by New England servicemen since the Revolution as he ended his words. For it was in that part of the country where in 1775 the American Revolution's first battles began.

The last to report was the platoon sergeant, SSGT Feyereisen. A keen sharpshooter and rifleman, the sergeant was before being shipped to Italy already a veteran of the Western European battles of the fall of 1944. Now assigned to the 473rd for some time after he arrived in Italy when the regiment was raised he was given the huge job as the platoon's senior NCO and the adviser to the platoon leadership regarding the enlisted personnel and sergeants in the unit. Now he was set for the company's first big battle. A Wisconsin native, he enlisted in 1943 and was a D-Day veteran as well, and after several unit transfers, joined the 473rd's 1st Battalion as part of Able Company's 3rd platoon. Being in charge of the NCOs of his platoon he was indeed ready to fulfill his part in the forthcoming operation to begin. He said that given the huge task ahead he was "determined to do whatever it takes to make this operation a successful one and that will help bring victory to the country of our fathers". Given that the platoon was tasked to assist the 1st and 5th platoons on the crossing of the bridge and the capture of the town together with the rest of the company he felt honored to be a part of this outfit. He indeed was prepared no matter the outcome of the operation was. Before his Italian assignment, his prior service in Europe was with the servicemen of his Army Reserve formation in Milwaukee (and was formerly assigned in Tampa). He was under the command of COL Counsell and thus was a friend and combat buddy to CPL Westbrook.

Now that the 3rd platoon leaders ended their reports to the company leadership, it was the turn of the company command to speak to them, given how much they were gearing up for that moment in their military careers. Captain Tulowitzki spoke first in his capacity as company commander.

In his early 30s the captain was well aware of the heavy task the company lay ahead. Given that the prior skirmishes and small battles the company fought before were now past, they were now ready for the real battle that awaited them. He told the men: "In a few days, you men are to provide the protection for the vanguard force that will cross the Lima River before you. As I lead the men of the 1st and 5th platoons together with some of the seconded officers and NCOs assigned to the company, Lieutenant Bohm, you and the platoon you lead will be the first of the main force of the company that will cross the bridge. Make sure that you guys help us and the rest of the company fulfill the objectives of the operation ahead of us. I know well how difficult this battle will be, but we are determined to win this one, for the country expects a victory closer to the goal of defeating Musollini and his allies in the north and once more reunifying Italy. Not all of us will be alive after this, but if we make it together, no matter what the cost and the outcome of this battle, we are all gonna be heroes. For all the work we're doing, in concert with our other forces here and those in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands now, are towards one goal - the total defeat of the Axis Powers. One battle will not help end this conflict, more are coming till the people who were a few years ago responsible for the beginning of this cruel war will pay the price for the destruction they have brought to the European continent and the countless lives that have lost till this point, including millions of civilians. One more step it may take us to victory and I am confident that this battle is just one of many till the goal of victory in this part of the world has been achieved at all costs. Understood gentlemen?"

"Sir yes sir" was the response by the men.

Captain Frazier then spoke next to the men of the platoon. As company XO and the former concurrent commander of 1st Platoon he surely knew the task that lay before them, as a fellow D-Day and France veteran. And now even more the company's servicemen, including those of the 1st, 2nd and 5th platoons which were the vanguard of the bridge crossing, were every much ready for it. He said, "3rd platoon, the task is in our shoulders. Capturing the bridge at San Marcello Pistoise and the town itself is our first big battle that we never have had anticipated to come. Having fought skirmishes and minor battles before, never did we expect something like this. You lads have been directed, just like what our commanding officer said, to be the lead of the main force of the company providing the rear covering force while me and the boys of the 1st platoon, together with 1LT Posey and the boys of the 5th platoon and 1LT Crews and the men of the 2nd platoon, are to attack the Germans and Italians first. I expect you men to be ready at all times and cover me and the men of the platoons leading the crossing. Should the first three platoons and the company HQ fail to cross the Lima River, the main force will carry on and you men of this platoon will lead the way forward. Regardless of the results I expect that the objectives of the mission be finished: to clear the road to Modena and east to Bologna for the Allies before the spring begins, clear the German-Italian defenses, flush out any resistance and enemy forces and break open the main defenses of the Gothic Line itself within San Marcello Pistoise and the villages away and their garrison forces. No matter what happens, we have a battle to win and a goal to fulfill to liberate northern Italy. Are we ready to fulfill this mission together gentlemen?" The same answer was given by the men of the platoon afterwards, and then the XO informed Lieutenant Bohm, the 3rd platoon commander, to be ready to fulfill the mission assigned to the company and do their part, knowing the difficult they were facing with the rest of the unit. He then talked to 1LT Adell, the platoon XO, regarding the role he would take in the operation as the second in command of the unit.

Company adjutant 1LT Robertson spoke next. Knowing the role they would play as the first of the main force crossing the river after the vanguards have crossed, he told the men of how much they were to be ready at all times to fulfill their assigned tasks. With the operation coming fast he advised them to hit the enemy precisely with rifle fire and grenades and do whatever it takes to overtake the aggressor as the lead unit of the main forces of the company. He told the men of the platoon: "The task, just as Captains Tulowitzki and Frazier has said, has fallen on the shoulders of all of us. You all know what will happen on the day of the crossing of the ruined bridge and we do not know yet what we will encounter. As you men cross after me and my fellow officers have crossed the river first together with the 1st, 2nd and 5th platoons, remember that you are fighting for our country and for the liberation of millions in this part of the world. No matter what the cost we will pay to win this battle, remember that the country and our people have expected that we will do our duty for them. We have to compete our objectives, and every battle we will fight brings us closer to the goal of victory in Italy."

The last to speak was TSGT Gose. The company first sergeant told them, especially the NCOs, that in achieving the objectives of the operations to come the defenses along the Appenines are about to be broken by the Allied forces. Now in his early 30s the sergeant was now ready to be the guide and voice of the company's NCOs and enlisted as they were gearing up for the battle. He told them that given that there would be battalions of Germans and Italians of military and paramilitary formations stationed there in San Marcello Pistoise proper and the villages away from it, they would be ready for any action together with units of the Italian resistance and the 2nd battalion of the 442nd RCT, to ensure the sucess of this forthcoming battle, together with support from the artillery and aviation units. He said that the company expects all its servicemen to fire hard with everything they have at the enemy determined to block the roads to the mountains, the very mountains where soon millions of Allied servicemen will be crossing on the roads to the north central towns and cities on the Po Valley. "With all our might", the sergeant said, "we are determined to begin the next chapter of the road to victory in this part of the globe. To the NCOs and enlisted men of the platoon, I wish you the best and I hope, together with the rest of the company leadership, that even if all of you will be alive or not all when the battle's over, at least all of you and the rest of the unit have fulfilled their sacred duty." He then admonished SSGT Houck, the platoon sergeant, to fulfill his responsibillities, not just individually, but as the senior NCO in charge.

With these words said, 1LT Bohm then responded that the 3rd platoon was prepared to fullfill the objectives of that company and what would they would do in the coming operation. After that talk, the company command, together with the 1st platoon officers and TSGT Filia, platoon sergeant, all left the men of the 3rd platoon to return to the rest of the 1st platoon's servicemen. All were talking about what the operation meant to them. As they all approached the platoon's position, TSGT Filia then talked to his company and platoon superiors. In his mid-30s and having been previously under secondment in the Dominican Republic in a few of its major cities, he was, before his return to the Italian front, a part of the Army Reserve's local reserve regiment in Tacoma, nicknamed the Rainiers after the nearby mountain ranges. MAJ Negron, by then the newly appointed regimental commander, was his former superior officer before deployed to Europe once more in the fall of 1944 to replace those wounded veterans there. A Carlsbad resident, he had been in service for much of the war, having joined the Army in 1940 and soon saw action in North Africa, Sicily and much of Italy rising thru the enlisted and NCO ranks and now had become the 1st platoon's senior NCO in charge, having joined the 473rd in early February by the time of its raising with the 1st Btn's Able Company as his assigned unit. It was his first ever billet as a then Staff Sergeant before he got promoted as the regiment was at full strength. Now he was set to serve in his capacity, given all the platoon had done when it was raised at first and the role he played with his fellow servicemen.

That February, the platoon was established as part of the raising of the 473rd and its battalions. But unlike those of the other companies wherein air defense gunners converted into soldiers filled the ranks, Able Company of the 1st Battalion was, per the demands of Undersecretary Manfred and some of the general officers, filled by veteran infantrymen from previous battles in France, Italy and the Low Countries to give the new RCT the experienced soldiers it badly needed to help these new infantrymen adjust to their new role and to help the Army brace for the spring battles ahead. Majority of these servicemen were with the National Army branch of the Army Reserve and several had active duty stincts before the formation of the unit. By the time the regiment was in full strength the camaraderie and strong bonds shared by the new regiment's veteran soldiers of Able Company was quite clear, as both young and old servicemen from different units became united in a singular formation. The company's first set of officers were assigned by then when MGEN Curll offically telegramed the Allied command in Rome and LTGEN Torre regarding his choice of officers, given their expertise as veterans of the recent operations in the continent, with CPT Tulowitzki assigned as commanding officer and then 1LT Frazier as XO, with 1LT Robertson assigned as company adjutant. TSGT Gose, by then newly promoted to that rank, was designated company first sergeant. Undersecretary Manfred and no less than Undersecretary Lyons, who was responible for mobilization affairs under the Secretary of War, approved the recommendations together with BGEN Tony Clarke, who served as an adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for personnel matters and to help implement the phrased racial integration, and no less than the Allied command of the MTO forced their hand on the 92nd ID in order that the new regiment be partically integrated at least to ensure the presence of servicemen from African American and Hispanic communities. 1st Platoon of the company was led by 1LT Frazier as its concurrent commander in addition to his position as company second in command, pending the appointment of a new commanding officer, with 1LT Jackson, also newly promoted, as second in command. 1LT Roberson did double duty as the platoon adjutant in addition to his company reponsibilities. That was before 1LT Austin was appointed permanent platoon leader and 1LT Alvarez the platoon adjutant, as well as commander of the 1st squad. TSGT Filia, by virtue of his combat experience, was designated the platoon sergeant of the unit and made it clear that he would be responsible for the welfare and concerns of the NCOs and enlisted personnel under his overall supervision. These men who served with him came, just as in the case of the other platoons of the company, from all corners of the country, all of them combat vets. As of his case, he was a veteran of the Southern France landings of the late summer of 1944. These bunch of lads, who trained in the midst of the cold Italian winter, would be the men who would form part of the vanguard preparing the way for the forthcoming spring crossing of the Appenines.

Organized into a platoon HQ and the standard 3 squads similar to most platoons, the platoon's men are a highly disciplined bunch, even more motivated to serve their country. From just a bunch of strangers from different parts of the US mainland and from Puerto Rico, they were now buddies in both the barracks and in the battefields. Platoon HQ had First Lieutenants Austin, Jackson and Alvarez, by now newly promoted as he recieved his telegram for a promotion that night when the company commander handed over a telegram informing him of his promotion from being a Second Lieutenant, and those three officers exercised overall command, formerly Captain Frazier assumed command duty while he was organizing the squads with 1LT Robertson serving as acting platoon adjutant. TSGT Filia was placed under the headquarters given his role as platoon sergeant. The squads were composed as follows:

1st - 1LT Alvarez (squad leader), 1LT Casas, 2LT Federowicz, SSGT Allen, and SGT Kolozsvary with 1LT Frazier assigned operationally (while keeping his duty as company XO) exercising command if needed together with 2LT Kratz, majority of the squad being officers

2nd - SGT Starling, SGT Lopez, SGT Kivlehan and CPL Westbrook, with 1LT Austin and TSGT Filia assigned operationally, 1LT Austin serving as defacto squad leader while SGT Starling exercises command in his absence while he performs duties of platoon XO

3rd- 2LT Kazmir (squad leader), 2LT Martinez, SSGT McGough, SSGT Carter, SGT Ryan, CPL Baz, CPL Ryan and CPL Woods-Richardson with 1LT Jackson, 1LT Robertson and TSGT Gose assigned operationally

Technical Sergeant Filia was lucky to be a part of that bunch of boys of the 1st platoon, and now as platoon sergeant he was even more confident of his duty to help his fellow servicemen achieve the objectives of that operation. Telling of his thoughs to his platoon and company leaders as he returned to the platoon after joining these officers earlier to help prepare those of other platoons for the battles to come, he said, "Guys, we have days to prepare, and there are new servicemen coming to join the platoon. Are you all confident that these will help us achieve our goals for the battle?" His company commander said yes, and so too was his XO, confident that he would be ready to be at the forefront of that spearhead at the forthcoming crossing of the bridge. He then said that just like the rest of the NCOs and corporals of the platoon he was ready to sacrifice his life for the country. He was also indeed ready to help in the capture of San Marcello Pistoise, the first major battle the 473rd's 1st Battalion would be preparing to fight that its regimental commander had ordered its second battalion to Piteglio town to help it upon learning of the disposition of Axis forces in the town and in order to also help the Italian resistance liberate it. Also, he stated that in this tough time for the country at large as many of its ground and air forces in Europe are now entangled in fighting the Germans west and east of the Rhine together with those of the British, Canadian and Free French armed forces together with those of Poland and Czechoslovakia, he was confildent that he and his fellow servicemen will make their contribution in the victory to come.

By then CPT Tulowitzki had already called to one of the men regarding his personal feelings on the battle as he returned to the 1st Platoon as it was already beginning to wrap up the day. It was the young but energetic SGT Ryan, now a part of the Minnesota-based regiment of the National Army, previously of St. Paul and formerly assigned to the Durham regiment affilated to the Army Reserve regiment stationed in Tampa in Florida before he was designated to move to Minnesota on account of his incredible combat skills. He was a proficient sharpshooter and rifleman, just as the rest of the platoon was. A San Francisco native whose parents survived the 1906 earthquake and whose relatives served before in the Great War, he was indeed ready to face the company's first great battle since the RCT was formed. Captain Frazier was with the company commander when the sergeant spoke of his expectations on the forthcoming operation in which the company was preparing for. He was indeed prepared to fulfill his unit's objectives.

@joeybosa-aaronjudge @lightninging @homerofthebraves @dilangleywritesfanfic @auroralightsthesky @alekmanoah

#baseball rpf #ww2 au #usa baseball #mlb #sports rpf #usa baseball cnt #baseball fic #milb #baseball

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davidshawnsown · 7 years

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COMMEMORATIVE MESSAGE IN HONOR OF THE 16TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE TELEVISION PREMIERE OF BAND OF BROTHERS

Ladies and gentlemen, to all the people of the United States of America and Canada, to all our remaining living veterans of the Second World War of 1939-1945 and of all conflicts past and present and their families, to our veterans, active servicemen and women, reservists and families of the entire United States Armed Forces and the Canadian Armed Forces, and to all the uniformed military and civil security services of the Allied combatants of this conflict, to all the immediate families, relatives, children and grandchildren of the deceased veterans, fallen service personnel and wounded personnel of our military services and civil uniformed security and civil defense services, to all our workers, farmers and intellectuals, to our youth and personnel serving in youth uniformed and cadet organizations and all our athletes, coaches, judges, sports trainers and sports officials, and to all our sports fans, to all our workers of culture, music, traditional arts and the theatrical arts, radio, television, digital media and social media, cinema, heavy and light industry, agriculture, business, tourism and the press, and to all our people of the free world:

On this day in 1941, the controversial anti-Jewish laws were enacted in Slovakia clearing the way for a full blown attack against the Jewish communities in that country.

It was also on this day in 1944 when Bulgarian communists plus fellow supporters of the opposition to the Bulgarian fascist government, led by the Fatherland Front, overthrew it through a coup d’etat in Sofia.

And in 1991, Tajikistan broke away from the Soviet Union to become an independent republic.

Today marks the formal admission of California as a constituent member of the United States in 1850.

And ladies and gentlemen, today, we mark as one people the 16th year anniversary since the 2001 premiere of the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, based on the real stories of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), XVIII Airborne Corps, United States Army, during the Second World War in the European Theater of Operations, from their vanguard actions as part of their division from the Normandy airborne landings up to the assault on the Eagle’s Nest, all the way fighting in almost every battle of the war from 1944 to 1945 and written into a book by the late Stephen Ambrose. Today, only a few veterans are left of the once great company of 200 who served in the war, whose stories were retold on television and have now entered our culture of today, for these stories of bravery and courage in times of war have become part of our lives.

It was the first of what is now four series produced by HBO based on the stories of veterans of the United States Armed Forces – what we now know as the HBO War Series, with a fourth, Masters of the Air, coming soon to TV screens everywhere, preparing to join the ranks of this great franchise of dramas that honor the service of those who fought for their country in times of war. As we prepare for its premiere let us once more recall the vailiant men who have inspired these stories and honor them with our words and actions, especially those of the Second World War who are the inspiration behind Band of Brothers and The Pacific. These series have indeed honored the memory of those who fell in battle for the freedom and independenc e of our people and the future of our United States of America, and showed the world the true spirit of the fighting American soldier, defender of democracy and independence and a warrior determined to stand for the sake of his beloved people and country.

May this historic anniversary and the memory of these Band of Brothers of Easy Company remain forever in the memories of our generations of today and tomorrow!

And may the memory of all the heroes who have inspired these stories be remembered forever and preserved for the posterity and inheritance of our generations of today and tomorrow!

As the men of Easy Company would always say: WE STAND ALONE TOGETHER!

ETERNAL GLORY TO THE MLLIONS OF THE FALLEN AND THE HEROES AND VETERANS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR IN EUROPE AND THE PACIFIC FROM 1939-1945, WHOSE LEGACY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ALL THE GENERATIONS TO COME!

ETERNAL GLORY TO ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE OF OUR WORLD AGAINST FASCISM, NAZISM AND IMPERIALISM IN THE FIELDS OF BATTLE, THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS, AND IN THE HOME FRONT!

LONG LIVE THE VICTORIOUS MEN AND WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF THE ALLIES OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR IN EUROPE, NORTHERN AFRICA AND THE ASIA-PACIFIC!

LONG LIVE ALL THE ALLIED MILITARY VETERANS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR!

LONG LIVE THE INVINCIBLE AND FOREVER VICTORIOUS PEOPLE OF THE FREE WORLD AND ALL OUR SERVING ACTIVE AND RESERVE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN AND VETERANS OF THE ARMED SERVICES OF ALL THE COMBATANT ALLIED COUNTRIES THAT HELPED WIN THIS GREAT WAR AGAINST FASCISM, NAZISM AND IMPERIALISM, AS WELL AS ALL OUR ACTIVE AND RESERVE SERVICE PERSONNEL, CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AND VETERANS OF THE POLICE, FIREFIGHTING, FORESTRY, BORDER CONTROL, CUSTOMS AND RESCUE SERVICES AS WELL AS OUR YOUTH OF TODAY AND THE CHILDREN OF OUR TOMORROW WHO WILL CARRY ON THE LEGACY OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE THEM, ESPECIALLY TO THE MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO TOOK PART IN THIS GREAT WORLD WAR!

LONG LIVE THE VALORIOUS, INVINCIBLE AND LEGENDARY AMERICAN NATION, ITS EVER-VICTORIOUS PEOPLE, AND THE ACTIVE AND RESERVE SERVING MEN AND WOMEN IN SERVICE OF ITS ARMED FORCES!

LONG LIVE THE VETERANS OF THE UNIFORMED MILITARY AND CIVIL SECURITY AND DEFENSE SERVICES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

GLORY TO THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, GUARDIAN DEFENDERS OF OUR DEMOCRATIC WAY OF LIFE, OUR FREEDOM AND OUR LIBERTY AND GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE WORTHY OF OUR GENERATIONS TO COME!

And to the entire HBO War Fandom, especially the fans of Band of Brothers, who will celebrate for all time this historic anniversary of the beginning of such a series of programs that have always honored the memory of the men and women who fought for our United States of America:

LONG LIVE EASY COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 506TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 4TH BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM AND NOW 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION (AIR ASSAULT), XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS, UNITED STATES ARMY… THE “BAND OF BROTHERS”!

CURRAHEE! AIR ASSAULT! ARMY STRONG!

MAY OUR ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

1545h, September 9, 2017, the 241th year of the United States of America and the 150th of Canada, the 242nd year of the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, the 123rd of the International Olympic Committee, the 121st of the Olympic Games, the 76th since the beginning of the Second World War in the Eastern Front and in the Pacific Theater, the 72nd since the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and the victories in Europe and the Pacific, the 5th since the attacks on Benghazi, the 12th of Operation Red Wings, the 42nd of the TV program Battle of the Network Stars, the 70th of the United States Department of Defense and the United States Armed Forces and the 50th of the modern Canadian Armed Forces.

Semper Fortis

John Emmanuel Ramos

Makati City, Philippines

Grandson of the late Philippine Navy veteran PO2 Paterno Cueno, PN (Ret.)

(Requiem for a Soldier) (Honor by Hans Zimmer)

(Slavsya from Mikhail Glinka’s A Life for the Tsar)

(Victory Day by Lev Leshenko)

(Last Post) (Taps) (Rendering Honors)

#hbo war #band of brothers #easy company #hbo war fandom #the pacific #generation kill #masters of the air

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