GEN Dempsey talking about the tour of Cold Harbor from Nathan Long on Vimeo.

About the video: This video is from a private session that a few media reps had with TRADOC Commander, GEN Dempsey. This one focuses on a question to the General about a the previous day’s tour of Cold Harbor Civil War Battlefield.

Eric Blehm (who was interviewed on You Served Radio Feb 11th, http://www.blogtalkradio.com:80/youserved/2010/02/12/episode-75) did a great job writing the story of ODA574 and how this single 11-man Special Forces A-team did the true Special Forces job of partnering with local opposition to overthrow an oppressive regime and help that opposition train to get ready to fight against the regime. In this case the oppressive regime was the Taliban, and the opposition was a little-known influential leader in the area named Hamid Karzai. Even though there were already SF teams and CIA in northern Afghanistan teamed up with the Northern Alliance, the Northern Alliance was a loosely disciplined and defined fighting force. In the south, it was Hamid Karzai with maybe a dozen loyal supporters.

Read the entire Review HERE.

The English are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats and have raised their security level from “Miffed” to “Peeved.” Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to “Irritated” or even “A Bit Cross.” The English have not been “A Bit Cross” since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from “Tiresome” to a “Bloody Nuisance.” The last time the British issued a “Bloody Nuisance” warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

The Scots raised their threat level from “Pissed Off” to “Let’s get the Bastards.” They don’t have any other levels. This is the reason they have been used on the front line in the British army for the last 300 years.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from “Run” to “Hide”.
The only two higher levels in France are “Collaborate” and “Surrender.” The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France’s white flag factory, effectively paralyzing the country’s military capability.

It’s not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from “Shout loudly and excitedly” to “Elaborate Military Posturing.” Two more levels remain: “Ineffective Combat Operations” and “Change Sides.”

The Germans also increased their alert state from “Disdainful Arrogance” to “Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.” They also have two higher levels: “Invade a Neighbour” and “Lose”.

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels.

The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes on all of their allies, just in case.

New Zealand has also raised its security levels – from “baaa” to “BAAAA!”.
Due to continuing defense cutbacks (the Air Force being a squadron of spotty teenagers flying paper aeroplanes and the Navy some toy boats in the Prime Minister’s bath), New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is “Shit, I hope Australia will come and rescue us”.

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from “No worries” to “She’ll be all right, mate.” Three more escalation levels remain, “Crikey!’, “I think we might have to cancel the barbie this weekend” and “The barbie is cancelled”…………… So far no situation has ever warranted use of the final escalation level.

At a time when our president and other politicians tend to apologize for our country`s prior actions,here`s a refresher on how some of our former patriots handled negative comments about our country. I’m sure these probably aren’t true stories, but they could be.

1. JFK’S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60’s when DeGaule decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaule said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible.

Rusk responded “does that include those who are buried here?

DeGuale did not respond.

You could have heard a pin drop.

2. When in England, at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of empire building by George Bush.

He answered by saying, ‘Over the years, the United States has sent many of its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those that did not return.’

You could have heard a pin drop.

3. There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying ‘Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he intended to do, bomb them?’

A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: ‘Our carriers have three hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?’

You could have heard a pin drop.

4. A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included Admirals from the U.S. , English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large group of Officers that included personnel from most of those countries. Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, ‘Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?’

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, ‘Maybe it’s because the Brit’s, Canadians, Aussie’s and Americans arranged it so you wouldn’t have to speak German.’

You could have heard a pin drop.

5. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane. At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his carry on.

“You have been to France before, monsieur?” the customs officer asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously.

“Then you should know enough to have your passport ready.”

The American said, ‘The last time I was here, I didn’t have to show it.”

“Impossible. Americans always have to show your passports on arrival in France!”

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he quietly explained, ”Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn’t find a single Frenchmen to show a passport to.”

You could have heard a pin drop.

Last night we had Parks Stephenson from the NOVA special “Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor” on You Served Radio. It is a awesome show and the experts, analysis and investigations they performed to correct one of this most important historical days in our country’s history.

You can watch the entire show, commercial-free at http://video.pbs.org/video/1377494854

I encourage you take some time and watch it. They leave no doubt that a Japanese mini-sub invaded Pearl Harbor and was successful in attacking battleship row. The real surprise will come at the end when you see how we had this sub in our possession at one time not long after and we didn’t even know it.

At a time when the nation has been focused on health care legislation, winter storms, and the post office hostage issue, our nation has lost a hero and will probably never realize it.

Retired Army Col. Robert L. Howard, a Medal of Honor winner and one of America’s most decorated soldiers, died Wednesday in Waco after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Howard was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Howard has the distinction of being the only Soldier in our nation’s history to be nominated for the Medal of Honor for three separate events. The other two nominations were downgraded to a Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second and third highest awards for valor. He served FIVE tours in Vietnam.

Texas Governor Rick Perry today made the following statement regarding the passing of Colonel Robert L. Howard, one of America’s most decorated soldiers:

“As one of America’s most decorated veterans, Colonel Howard inspired everyone he met to consider their own commitment to our nation’s essential values, and was the bravest soldier I ever met. His unshakable commitment to freedom, displayed in countless episodes of battlefield gallantry, lives on in the actions of our military men and women who continue to serve in hostile conditions overseas. On behalf of all Texans, Anita and I extend our condolences and prayers to his family in their time of grieving.”

If you’re a reader, check out John Plaster’s book that includes Howard’s story, SOG: The Secret Wars of America’s Commandos in Vietnam.

Update: NBC News actually mentioned his passing and gave a little more information.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

h/t to This Ain’t Hell for the video link.

Faced with split-second decisions regarding life and death, Soldiers are trained to evaluate the situation and act in the next moment, knowing that their decision will affect not only themselves, but other Soldiers in their unit. On Jan. 5, 2009, Maj. Troy Scott was faced with one such decision, and acted without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own personal safety.

On what was supposed to be a routine site inspection in the Ghanzi Providence of Afghanistan, his patrol unit came under an attack from insurgents. When a grenade was thrown from a nearby rooftop, Scott risked his own life to save the lives his Soldiers. After throwing the grenade away from his fellow Soldiers before it detonated, he used his own body to shield a Soldier from the blast.

As a result, Scott sustained shrapnel wounds and dislocated his right shoulder that prevented him from firing with his dominant arm, but remained focused on the mission. After hearing the detonation, other Soldiers in the unit responded and were able to capture seven of the insurgents. Despite his injury, Scott led several other Soldiers in a foot chase to capture additional insurgents, as well as a substantial cache of bomb-making materials and ammunition.

In addition to receiving the Purple Heart, Scott has been nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day, as well as the Silver Star Medal for his exceptionally valorous actions while engaged in ground combat earlier in his deployment. Additionally, the Soldier was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and leadership throughout the year-long deployment. However, like most Soldiers, he does not consider himself a hero.

“I’m not sure if that day was any more dangerous than the other 400 days during my deployment. I witnessed a lot of heroic acts on a nearly daily basis from American, Polish and Afghani troops,” said Scott.
In conjunction with the National Guard State Partnership Program, more than a dozen members of the Illinois National Guard serve with thousands of Polish troops in the Ghazni Providence of Afghanistan. Working side-by-side with the Polish leadership, Scott served as the senior advisor to Task Force White Eagle and developed close bonds with many of the Polish troops.

“I was very happy with the time spent with them. They are all very well equipped and trained; they are great war fighters. At the unit level, they were as good as any force I have ever seen,” he said.
Scott currently resides in Springfield, Ill., with his wife and young son. He currently serves full-time with the Illinois National Guard as the Chief of Strategic Planning Division. After returning from his deployment, he keeps in touch with many of the Polish troops he worked with and has traveled to Poland several times. In the coming years, Scott anticipates another deployment to Afghanistan and looks forward to the chance to serve alongside the Polish Army again.

This was not the stock, newsreel or propaganda footage that the world had become all too familiar with seeing. This was provocative footage filmed by those who witnessed the war first-hand. This was the footage deemed ‘unfit’ for civilians to see. Until now. This Veterans Day, Smithsonian Channel premieres an epic presentation that will forever change the way we look at the Second World War, APOCALYPSE: THE SECOND WORLD WAR, a six-part, six -hour series narrated by acting icon Martin Sheen. Comprised of extraordinary footage that has been restored, colorized and transferred to stunning high definition, the series will air over six consecutive nights beginning Wednesday, November 11 at 8pm ET/PT.

As the French evacuated Paris in June 1940, amateur filmmakers documented the exodus as thousands of soon to be refugees lined the roads with their families and possessions. As the British sifted through the rubble, ordinary citizens grabbed cameras to capture first-hand what it meant to stand up to Hitler during the Blitz. When the Nazi army slogged through the mud and snow of Soviet Russia on the way to Moscow, soldiers used 8mm cameras to film war as they experienced it.

At the end of the war, this and other “Top Secret” footage of the war’s devastation was stashed away and forgotten. Now, thanks to the efforts of a few private collectors and archivists, these forgotten films have been rediscovered, restored and featured in Apocalypse: The Second World War.

Apocalypse: The Second World War recounts the battles and atrocities of the most destructive war in history, one that took the lives of millions. The restoration of the footage and its colorization were supervised by historical consultants to ensure accuracy. Researchers pulled and edited over 600 hours of footage from archives throughout the world.

“Smithsonian Channel is proud to be the exclusive U.S. home to this groundbreaking depiction of World War II,” said David Royle, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, Smithsonian Channel. “The filmmakers’ remarkable discovery of unseen footage, the vivid storytelling and attention to historical detail is exactly the type of programming that we are looking to bring to our audience.”

Apocalypse: The Second World War executive producer for Smithsonian Channel is Joy Galane. The series was directed by Isabelle Clarke, Jean-Louis Guillaud, and Henri de Turenne. It is written by the historian Daniel Costelle and produced by CC&C Louis Vaudeville and France 2 in association with Smithsonian Channel.

Catchy title huh? Well, it’s true. Then-Capt. John “Jack” Nicholson, veteran of the Vietnam War, was awarded the Silver Star for actions over 40 years ago.

Dec. 27, 1963 had already been a devastating day.

Of the 240 men then-Capt. John “Jack” Nicholson was with, only 39 were able to walk away from an eight-hour battle with the Viet Cong.

But for Nicholson, the night wasn’t over.

He would lead his men to save the lives of nine people.

The Struble native’s actions that evening were honored this week at Fort Myer, Washington D.C. — more than 45 years later — where he was awarded the Silver Star, the third-highest U.S. military honor.

Nicholson is now a retired Brigadier General. To read more of General Nicholson’s story, check out the Le Mars Daily Sentinel.

On Tuesday, October 20th at 11:45 am EST, the President will hold a recognition ceremony to honor Troop A, First Squadron, 11th Armored Combat Regiment of the U.S. Army, recipients of the Presidential Unit Citation for actions in the Republic of Vietnam.

The citation recognizes Troop A’s extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry on March 26, 1970 when it volunteered to rescue an American infantry company surrounded on the Cambodian border by an overwhelming enemy force. The determined enemy had resisted hours of aerial and artillery bombardment and was expected to destroy or capture the 100 American infantryman within hours.

Eighty-six Troop A veterans will be in attendance to receive the unit honor from the President at the White House in recognition of their exemplary service and personal sacrifice nearly four decades ago.

The Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and allies for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy on or after December 7, 1941. The unit must display such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions so as to set it apart from and above other units participating in the same campaign.

Allons!!