The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Convention of States - THE MOST WIDESPREAD DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN IN U.S. HISTORY

THE MOST WIDESPREAD DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN IN U.S. HISTORY

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - National Purple Heart Honor Mission

SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENT WITH PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT & AUTHOR DERL HORN

The National Purple Heart Honor Mission is excited to announce that we will be hosting a special virtual event with Purple Heart recipient and author of Blood, Sweat and Honor: Memoirs of a "Walking Dead Marine" in Vietnam, Derl Horn, on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:00pm EST.

On July 2, 1967, Derl Horn and members of Bravo Company walked into a U-shaped ambush just north of the DMZ. The company of Marines showed tremendous courage against unbeatable odds as they spent hours fighting for their own lives and the lives of their fellow Marines. They were trapped and pinned down in what looked to be a hopeless and helpless situation, but they refused to give up. For all involved, it would be a day that changed their lives forever.

U.S. Marine veteran and Purple Heart recipient Derl Horn will share an inspiring, powerful and true story of being drafted into the Marine Corps during the heights of the Vietnam War, and how it shaped the projection of his life in the years after his service.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS SPECIAL VIRTUAL AUTHOR EVENT.

PURPLE HEART COMMEMORATIVE COIN DESIGN CONTINUES TO ADVANCE

Momentum continues to build toward the 2022 release of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin.

Along with the special announcement news conference that was recently held outside the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, the Honor Mission continues to engage with the U.S. Mint, its artists and design team to develop a 3-coin series that pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of our Purple Heart heroes. Purple Heart recipients bear the scars of war and some have given their lives so that we can live free. These special edition coins will be a tribute to that deep commitment to freedom and democracy.

We look forward to unveiling these special commemorative coins and and how to purchase them later this year.

Our mailing address is:

National Purple Heart Honor Mission

321 S, William St.

Newburgh, NY 12550

The Ramblings of Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring James Conboy Jr.

"Soldier, would you mind standing up? I'd like to take your picture" Robert Capa said to me.

"It was the last good picture of my right leg" (James Conboy Jr.)

This is James Conboy Jr of Philadelphia PA, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, just before heading towards Germany during Operation Varsity, wearing a 'Cheyenne Warlock' haircut as they had a Cheyenne native Indian trooper in their unit, Saturday March 24, 1945.

On this day Jim Conboy participated in Operation Varsity. He was only 19 years old when he made the jump near the Rhine River, northeast of Wessel, Germany. After the jump, however, a 20mm shell hit him in the right leg, shattering it. His leg was amputated, for which he received a Purple Heart.

War photographer Robert Capa's shot of Mr. Conboy, taken just before boarding the plane that took him to Germany, was featured in a 1945 Life magazine photo essay and picked up by media around the world. Mr. Conboy appeared in a 2003 PBS documentary, Robert Capa: In Love and War.

Conboy was awarded a Purple Heart and also a Bronze Star for his courage in combat.

He passed on January 29, 2004. He was 78 years old.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Trevor Stacey

Pause for a moment and join us in playing our respects to Trevor Stacey, who has passed away aged 99. Mr Stacey served with the Royal Marines and took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, as the Allied invasion of Normandy got under way. Thank you for your service, Trevor.

The Rambling of a Crusty Old Sailor - Gun for Hire

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - RIP Richard Hallen Davis

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Still More Coherent Than Joe Biden

Still More Coherent Than Joe Biden

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Lt. Colonel Robert Burr Smith

♠️Band of Brothers ♠️

Robert Burr Smith (May 2, 1924 - January 7, 1983) was an American Army Officer. He was famous for his service for Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II.

Smith was one of the 140 Toccoa men of Easy Company. Smith's life story was featured in the 2009 book We Who Are Alive and Remain: Untold Stories from Band of Brothers.

Smith enlisted in the army at Rochester, New York in August 18, 1942 and volunteered for paratroopers. He was sent to Toccoa, Georgia for training and befriended Warren 'Skip' Muck and Donald Malarkey.

William Guarnere in his biography said that Smith 'was a nice boy, so you blamed him for the devilment, because nobody believe it'

Smith made his first combat jump on D-Day into Normandy. He was originally with Plane 66, but was transferred out of the plane right before it took off as it was omvercrowded by Richard Winters[5] Plane 66 was later shot down by German artillery, killing everyone on board, including Easy Company Commander Lieutenant Thomas Meehan. Smith landed in an apple orchard in Normandy. He met with Robert Rader, Frank Perconte and others to engage in minor firefight . They joined with Easy Company at dawn. Smith was later wounded in Carentan.

Smith also fought in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. In January 13, 1945, Smith was wounded in Foy, Belgium and was evacuated to the hospital. He met Perconte and Malarkey and the three rejoined Easy Company in Germany before the end of the war.

After the war, Smith returned to Los Angeles. He married a woman named Mary Jane and they had three children. He became a lithographer by trade. Smith stayed active in the Army Reserves and rose to Major.

In the 1960s, Smith became a Green Beret after receiving Special Forces training.

He was then recruited by the CIA to be a paramilitary specialist for action in Laos during the Vietnam War. He continued to perform his Army Reserve duties at this period and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Smith returned to the States in 1974 and became the CIA liaison officer to the Delta Force. In 1980, Smith participated in the failed mission to free American hostages in the US embassy in Tehran, Iran.

Smith retired from the CIA after a hang gliding accident. He was later diagnosed with lung cancer. He died in January

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Spc. Joseph P. Collette

Honoring Spc. Joseph P. Collette who selflessly sacrificed his life two years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Never Forget

NEVER FORGET

THE ONES THAT GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR YOUR FREEDOM

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Paying Respects to Stan Markut

Pause for a moment and join us in paying our respects to Stan Markut, one of the last Polish Army combat veterans, who died this morning at the age of 100.

In October of 1942, Stan was in Kelso, Scotland. After initial training he was sent to a wheeled driver’s school in December of ’42. There he was familiarized with Ford and Chevrolet vehicles. After that he was again reassigned to armour training initially on Churchill and Valentine tanks.

The Normandy veteran lived and worked in the UK after the war, before emigrating to the USA.

Thank you for your service, Stan.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Trevor Casper

On March 24, 2015, Trooper Trevor Casper, 21 years of age and an eight-month veteran of the Wisconsin State Patrol made the ultimate sacrifice when he lost his life in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect in Fond du Lac County.

Trooper Casper was following a vehicle driven by a suspect from a bank robbery and murder that occurred earlier in the day. Before backup could arrive, the suspect opened fire on Trooper Casper. Though wounded, Trooper Casper was able to return fire and kill the suspect before succumbing to his fatal injuries.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison

Honoring Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison who selflessly sacrificed his life eighteen years ago in Iraq for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Airman A1C Keigan Baker

Honoring Airman A1C Keigan Baker who was KIT one year ago. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Boniface

Honoring Sgt. 1st Class Robert R. Boniface who selflessly sacrificed his life four years ago in Afghanistan for our great Country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Why Carry A Gun?

My old Grandpa said to me, 'Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and usually it's when he becomes too old to take a whoopin'.'

I don't carry a gun to kill people; I carry a gun to keep from being killed.

I don't carry a gun because I'm evil; I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the World.

I don't carry a gun because I hate the government; I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.

I don't carry a gun because I'm angry; I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.

I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone; I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.

I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man; I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.

I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate; I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.

I don't carry a gun because I love it; I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.

Police protection is an oxymoron: Free citizens must protect themselves because police do not protect you from crime; they just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess.

Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take a whoopin'!

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A LITTLE GUN HISTORY

PLEASE DON'T THINK FOR A MOMENT, THAT THIS COULDN'T HAPPEN IN OUR COUNTRY ALSO !!!!!!

(1) In 1911, Turkey established gun control:

(a) From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(2) In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control:

(a) From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(3) In 1938, Germany established gun control:

(a) From 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

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(4) China established gun control in 1935:

(a) From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(5) Cambodia established gun control in 1956:

(a) From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(6) Guatemala established gun control in 1964:

(a) From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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(7) Uganda established gun control in 1970:

(a) From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

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56 million defenseless people were rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control.

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You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information.

Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect ONLY the law-abiding citizens.

With guns, we are 'citizens'; without them, we are 'subjects'

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During WW II, the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED!

Gun owners in the USA are the largest armed forces in the World!

If you value your freedom, please spread this anti-gun control message to all of your friends.

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense.

The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either.

SWITZERLAND ISSUES A GUN TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD! SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT ISSUES AND TRAINS EVERY ADULT IN THE USE OF A RIFLE.

SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!!

IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.

I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment! If you are too, please forward this. If you're not a believer, please reconsider the true facts. This is history; and if we do not want history to repeat itself, we must wake up.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - We Remember Major Harold Slater

We Remember Major Harold Slater, MBE

Today we pause to remember the life and service of 2974 Major Harold Leslie Slater, MBE, who died of wounds as a result of his service in Vietnam on the 17th of March 1971.

Originally from Newtown, NSW, Harold enlisted in the Australian Army on the 5th of July 1942 as a Military Policeman. By the end of WWII he had attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1 and was posted to the 34th Australian Infantry Brigade Provost Company as part of the British and Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan.

Harold commissioned as a Lieutenant after WWII and continued to serve in the Provost Corps whilst in Korea. He was gazetted on the 24th of November 1953 as Member of the British Empire. Harold was promoted to Major and saw service in Vietnam from 1968 as part of the Australian Force Vietnam Provost Unit.

He was wounded in Vung Tau and evacuated to Brisbane, where he unfortunately died of his wounds on the 17th of March 1971. Harold spent 388 days in Vietnam during his service.

Lest we forget.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the Life and Ultimate Sacrifice of Joe R. Hastings - WWII - US Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of:
Joe R. Hastings | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

Citation: He fought gallantly during an attack against strong enemy forces defending Drabenderhohe, Germany, from the dug-in position on commanding ground.

As squad leader of a light machine-gun section supporting the advance of the 1st and 3d Platoons, he braved direct rifle, machine-gun, 20-mm, and mortar fire, some of which repeatedly missed him only by inches, and rushed forward over 350 yards of open, rolling fields to reach a position from which he could fire on the enemy troops.

From this vantage point he killed the crew of the 20-mm gun and a machine gun, drove several enemy riflemen from their positions, and so successfully shielded the 1st Platoon that it had time to reorganize and remove its wounded to safety.

Observing that the 3d Platoon to his right was being met by very heavy 40-mm and machine-gun fire, he ran 150 yards with his gun to the leading elements of that unit, where he killed the crew of the 40-mm gun. As spearhead of the 3d Platoon's attack, he advanced, firing his gun held at hip height, disregarding the bullets that whipped past him, until the assault had carried 175 yards to the objective.

In this charge he and the riflemen he led killed or wounded many of the fanatical enemy and put two machine guns out of action. Pfc. Hastings, by his intrepidity, outstanding leadership, and unrelenting determination to wipe out the formidable German opposition, cleared the path for his company's advance into Drabenderhohe.

He was killed four days later while again supporting the 3d Platoon.

Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring the Life and Sacrifice of Mikio Hasemoto - WWII - US Army - Medal of Honor Recipient

Today we honor the life and ultimate sacrifice of:
Mikio Hasemoto | World War II | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Private Mikio Hasemoto distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 29 November 1943, in the vicinity of Cerasuolo, Italy.

A force of approximately 40 enemy soldiers, armed with machine guns, machine pistols, rifles, and grenades, attacked the left flank of his platoon. Two enemy soldiers with machine guns advanced forward firing their weapons. Private Hasemoto, an automatic rifleman, challenged these two machine gunners. After firing four magazines at the approaching enemy, his weapon was shot and damaged. Unhesitatingly, he ran 10 yards to the rear, secured another automatic rifle and continued to fire until his weapon jammed. At this point, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader had killed approximately 20 enemy soldiers. Again, Private Hasemoto ran through a barrage of enemy machine gun fire to pick up an M-1 rifle.

Continuing their fire, Private Hasemoto and his squad leader killed 10 more enemy soldiers. With only three enemy soldiers left, he and his squad leader charged courageously forward, killing one, wounding one, and capturing another. The following day, Private Hasemoto continued to repel enemy attacks until he was killed by enemy fire.

Private Hasemoto's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Lest We Forget

LEST WE FORGET