Today in the history of mounted warfare

[Calendar]

May 29

1265 Dante, author, cavalryman, dies at age 56.

1416 Battle of Gallipoli in which Venetian fleet annihilates the Turkish fleet.

1453 In one of most fateful days in history, the long ailing Byzantine Empire falls to the forces Sultan Mehemet II, who captures Constantinople. A great slaughter follows, even extending to the great church the Hagia Sophia, where Ottoman soldiers break into the church during a Mass and kill the priests. Constantine XI,age 49, last Byzantine Emperor dies defending the Romanus Gate. Seen fighting in the desperate action, his body is never found, and the legend immediately starts that he had not died in the battle. The Ottoman's unsuccessfully dredge the the straits in the hopes of finding his body. The fall of Constantinople brings to a sad end the history of the Eastern Roman Empire, which had managed to preserve for an additional 1,000 years after the demise of the Western Roman Empire.



1630 King Charles II of England born.

1660 England's King Charles II was restored to the monarchy after an interregnum of 11 years.

1727 Peter II becomes Czar.

1733 The right of Canadians to keep Indian slaves is upheld at Quebec City.

1736 Patrick Henry, born.

1765 Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act before Virginia's House of Burgesses, saying, "If this be treason, make the most of it!".

1780 Battle of Waxhaws in which dragoon Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton allegedly massacres Colonel Abraham Buford's continentals after their surrender.

1781 Frigate Alliance captures HMS Atalanta and Trepassy off Nova Scotia.

1787 The "Virginia Plan" was proposed.

1790 Rhode Island became the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the United States Constitution.

1848 Wisconsin became the 30th state of the union.

1810 Erasmus Darwin Keyes, Maj Gen, U.S. born.

1810 Solomon Meredith, Brig Gen, U.S., born.

1813 James Yeo raids Isaac Chauncey's naval base at Sackett's Harbour with Roger Sheaffe.

1815 British government opens Canadian commerce to US citizens following the end of the War of 1812.

1824 Cadmus Marcellus Wilcox, Maj Gen, C.S.A., born.

1825 David Bell Birney, Maj Gen, U.S., born.

1827 Reuben Lindsay Walker, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1843 John C. Fremont again departs from St. Louis to explore the West, having only recently returned from his first western expedition.

1849 A patent for lifting vessels was granted to Abraham Lincoln.

1861 Dorothea Dix offered to help set up hospitals for Union Army.

1862 Confederate General P.T. Beauregard retreated to Tupelo, Mississippi.

1864 Archduke Maximilian of Austria arrives in Mexico to become Emperor.

1865 President Andrew Johnson issues general amnesty for all Confederates.

1866 Gen. Winfield Scott, "Old Fuss and Feathers" , dies at age 79.

1886 John Pemberton places his first advertisement for Coca-Cola, the ad appearing in the Atlanta Journal.

1879 Something was going on involving the 9th Cavalry at Mimbres Mountains, at the Cuchillo Negro River near Ojo Caliente, N. Mex, but I don't know what. See today's CMH citations.

1890 The Wyoming's first Federally recognized National Guard unit formed, Company A, 1st Wyoming Regiment, the Laramie Grays. The Laramie Grays are a short lived cavalry unit. In spite of the absolute dependance on the horse for the economy of the region, Wyoming National Guard units were generally infantry, and then artillery, up until after World War One.

1891 The cemetery for Ft. Bridger relocated to Ft. McPherson Nebraska.

1904 A Natrona County Wyoming boy was shot while herding sheep at Alkali Gulch. Part of the ongoing local sheep war.

1914 Canadian Pacific ocean liner Empress of Ireland outbound from Quebec is hit by a Norwegian collier ship Storstad. Third largest maritime disaster after the Titanic and Lusitania.


1917 John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Mass.

1918 Armenia defeats the Ottoman Army in the Battle of Sardarapat.

May 29: On this day in 1933 attorney Lloyd N Hamilton and 'Abd Allah al-Sulayman, finance minister of Saudi Arabia, signed an exclusive agreement that allowed Standard Oil of California to to begin prospecting for oil in the eastern part of that country. Miles from nowhere, amid a scattered and suspicious nomadic culture, with no roads, electricity, water, nor any of the other support structure found in the developed world, the logistics of the enterprise were considerable. It was an expensive and risky gamble.

May 29: On this day in 1933 attorney Lloyd N Hamilton and 'Abd Allah al-Sulayman, finance minister of Saudi Arabia, signed an exclusive agreement that allowed Standard Oil of California to to begin prospecting for oil in the eastern part of that country. Miles from nowhere, amid a scattered and suspicious nomadic culture, with no roads, electricity, water, nor any of the other support structure found in the developed world, the logistics of the enterprise were considerable. It was an expensive and risky gamble.

Also on this day, May 29, in 1932, WWI Veterans begin to descend on Washington D. C. seeking early payment of veterans benefits.

May 29: On this day in 1933 attorney Lloyd N Hamilton and 'Abd Allah al-Sulayman, finance minister of Saudi Arabia, signed an exclusive agreement that allowed Standard Oil of California to to begin prospecting for oil in the eastern part of that country. Miles from nowhere, amid a scattered and suspicious nomadic culture, with no roads, electricity, water, nor any of the other support structure found in the developed world, the logistics of the enterprise were considerable. It was an expensive and risky gamble.

Also on this day, May 29, in 1932, WWI Veterans begin to descend on Washington D. C. seeking early payment of veterans benefits.

Here is a little background on the "Bonus Army".

At the height of the Great Depression, the so-called "Bonus Expeditionary Force," a group of 1,000 World War I veterans seeking cash payments for their veterans' bonus certificates, arrive in Washington, D.C. One month later, other veteran groups spontaneously made their way to the nation's capital, swelling the Bonus Marchers to nearly 20,000 strong, most of them unemployed veterans in desperate financial straits. Camping in vacant government buildings and in open fields made available by District of Columbia Police Chief Pelham D. Glassford, they demanded passage of the veterans' payment bill introduced by Representative Wright Patman. While awaiting a vote on the issue, the veterans conducted themselves in an orderly and peaceful fashion, and on June 15 the Patman bill passed in the House of Representatives. However, two days later, its defeat in the Senate infuriated the marchers, who refused to return home. In an increasingly tense situation, the federal government provided money for the protesters' trip home, but 2,000 refused the offer and continued to protest. On July 28, President Herbert Hoover ordered the army, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, to evict them forcibly. MacArthur's men set their camps on fire, and the veterans were driven from the city. Hoover, increasingly regarded as insensitive to the needs of the nation's many poor, was much criticized by the public and press for the severity of his response.

Well its Tommy this and Tommy that until the guns begin to roar.

Here is a little background on the "Bonus Army".

At the height of the Great Depression, the so-called "Bonus Expeditionary Force," a group of 1,000 World War I veterans seeking cash payments for their veterans' bonus certificates, arrive in Washington, D.C. One month later, other veteran groups spontaneously made their way to the nation's capital, swelling the Bonus Marchers to nearly 20,000 strong, most of them unemployed veterans in desperate financial straits. Camping in vacant government buildings and in open fields made available by District of Columbia Police Chief Pelham D. Glassford, they demanded passage of the veterans' payment bill introduced by Representative Wright Patman. While awaiting a vote on the issue, the veterans conducted themselves in an orderly and peaceful fashion, and on June 15 the Patman bill passed in the House of Representatives. However, two days later, its defeat in the Senate infuriated the marchers, who refused to return home. In an increasingly tense situation, the federal government provided money for the protesters' trip home, but 2,000 refused the offer and continued to protest. On July 28, President Herbert Hoover ordered the army, under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, to evict them forcibly. MacArthur's men set their camps on fire, and the veterans were driven from the city. Hoover, increasingly regarded as insensitive to the needs of the nation's many poor, was much criticized by the public and press for the severity of his response.

The whole event has gone down in infamy, but at the same time, the atmosphere of the event has been somewhat forgotten. A significant fear of the Administration was that extremist agitators would use the event as an excuse for disruptive, or even violent, agitation. The fears weren't completely unfounded, as some extreme left wing agitators did make their appearance, although they did not seem to have any influence on the veterans at all. The fear was there, however, and some contemporary accounts, which admittedly were written shortly after events, with an eye to somewhat excusing them, suggest that this fear loomed large at the time. If that's correct (and it might have been exaggerated after the fact), things both got out of hand and were probably excessive.

In retrospect also, a person has to feel sorry for President Hoover. He was condemned for years as being insensitive and accused of ignoring the nation's economic plight. In actuality, his economic response was no different that any other administration's likely would have been, and the nation had been through a worse (now nearly forgotten) depression in the 1890s, which was within living memory. No President had ever proposed anything like the economic intervention which FDR undertook after he was elected except, ironically, Hoover, who was headed in that direction very late in his administration.

Hoover was an engineer, probably the only engineer to ever be President. Being President cost him his fortune, which he rebuilt after loosing the election. While vilified by the public, he remained a trusted personage to both Democratic and Republican government officials for the remainder of his life.[/quote]

I believe that the eviction of the Bonus marchers was one of the few times that the M1913 sabre was used in earnest (albeit with the flat of the blades) by serving troops? Not a glorious occasion for l'arme blanche...

Well its Tommy this and Tommy that until the guns begin to roar.

Well, that could play out both ways in this one.

The Bonus Marchers were seeking the early payment of a bonus granted to them in 1924, and scheduled to be paid in 1945. So they were seeking to have it paid, in a time of tremendous financial distress, twenty years early. The march came at a time of rising social unrest, which was being accompanied by increasing left wing agitation. Extreme political parties were having success, albeit minor success, in the US to a degree they never had before, and have never had since. It's the only time in American history when when Socialist parties, and even a small Communist party, were real political parties.

This isn't to say that the Bonus Marchers fit into these extreme groups, nor is it to say that these extreme political parties ever had any chance of success in American politics. But the Hoover, and Roosevelt, administrations had to approach thing in the context of which they appeared at the time, not as we look back on them now.

The Bonus Marchers, who ultimately numbered up to 17,000, came into the city at a time of severe financial distress, demanding early payment of a benefit that was conferred in thanks after their service had expired. They were desperate, but then a lot of Americans were similarly desperate. About 1/3d of the American workforce was unemployed. By modern standards, this would be more like 75% of the workforce, as most women did not work at the time and were not counted in unemployment figures. Imagine what things would be like politically today if 75% of adults in the workforce now were unemployed. It was worse in Canada, where approximately half of the workforce was unemployed, which would equate to something darned near 90% of the workforce by modern standards. Russia had fallen to Communism about ten years prior. Germany was being ripped apart in an electoral process that was going to go either Communist or Fascist in the end, which we know the result of. Italy had gone over to Fascism. France teetered on the brink of falling to the extreme left or right. Civil government in Japan had fallen. Things were not good. Extreme agitators did come into Washington during the Bonus march, and to the veteran's credit, the veterans did not fall into alignment with them. But the administration had some reason to fear what was going on.

The bonus was not paid by the Hoover Administration. But the Roosevelt Administration did not pay it either. So, as much as Hoover is criticized, Roosevelt took the same approach to payment. He did, however, prioritize finding public works in the numerous public work projects of his administration so as to relieve their unemployment.

Anyhow, Veterans do deserve our thanks and respect, including the Bonus marchers. The bonus marchers, however, were a tiny percentage of WWI veterans, and can't be regarded as symbolic of them as a group. The Army that was called on to displace them also contained a very high percentage of WWI veterans, and likely almost all the officers above captain, and all the senior NCOs, were also WWI vets. Many of the officers involved, MacArthur, Patton, Eisenhower, Truscott, later went on to give great service to their country in WWII. They did not hesitate to carry out their orders, and have been vilified for that ever since. They deserve our respect too.

I believe that the eviction of the Bonus marchers was one of the few times that the M1913 sabre was used in earnest (albeit with the flat of the blades) by serving troops? Not a glorious occasion for l'arme blanche...

We have some photos up of Colorado National Guardsmen whacking marchers in the Ludlow event, but I can't recall which saber it is. I think it's an earlier one. I'll bump that one up when I get a chance.

1937 Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister.

1940 The British Army began its evacuation from Dunkirk. Some 338,000 Allied troops--including about 38,000 French soldiers--were withdrawn by 4 June. The failure to prevent this withdrawal can in some ways be regarded as as defeat for the Germany Army and a victory for the French Army, which covered the withdrawal.

1940 The first flight of the F4U Corsair.

1943 “Rosie the Riveter” appeared on the cover of “The Saturday Evening Post" in an illustration by Norman Rockwell. The concept of Rosie the Riveter would go on to virtually define the war industry employed working woman of World War Two, and would later be the subject of a very famous war poster, by another artist. The image has gone on to later somewhat define feminism, but the image it has come to portray is inaccurate. In truth, women were employed in war industries during World War One as well, and in some ways female labor during World War One was not only every bit as important as it was during World War Two, but more important, as women took over many roles in agriculture normally occupied by men. The entire concept, therefore, that World War Two caused women to enter the workplace is incorrect, as the same forces were at work during World War One.

The Norman Rockwell painting:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/e ... iveter.jpg

The much better known poster:


1943 Churchill, Marshall and Eisenhower met in the Confederacy of Algiers.

1943 Meat and cheese began to be rationed in US.

1944 On Biak Island the Japanese make use of tanks to force the US 162nd Regiment back towards its landing zone.

1944 The American escort carrier Block Island and a destroyer are sunk by U-549 before it is itself sunk.

1944 About 400 American bombers attack German synthetic fuel works and oil refineries at Polits and other locations. The damage caused sets back aircraft fuel production.

1944 At Anzio, the British and American troops of the US 6th Corps take Campoleone and Carroceto. The Canadian 1st Corps begins to advance up Route 6 from Caprano toward Frosinone.

1945 On Okinawa the 1st Marine Division Captures Shuri Castle.

1945 American B-29s drop incendiaries on Yokohama, burning 85 percent of the port area.

1945 First combat mission of the obscure Consolidated B-32 Dominator heavy bomber.

1950 Henry Asbjorn Larsen sails RCMP patrol ship St. Roch to Halifax after passing through the Panama Canal from Vancouver; first ship to circumnavigate the North American continent.

1953 Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and sherpa Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first climbers to reach the summit, or at least the first to make it and make it back down alive.

1957 Algerian Rebels kill 336 "collaborators".

1973 Canada announces it will withdraw from International Control Commission truce observance force in Vietnam by July 31, two months after the end of the initial 60-day period.

1989 Student protesters in China erect a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

1990 Boris Yeltsin was elected president of the Russian republic by the Russian parliament.

1999 Space shuttle Discovery completed the first docking with the International Space Station.

2001 Four followers of Osama bin Laden were convicted in New York of a global conspiracy to murder Americans, including the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 224 people.

2004 A memorial to America's World War II veterans was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

2005 French voters soundly rejected the European Union's proposed constitution.

Congressional Medals of Honor for action on this day:

BOYNE, THOMAS: Sergeant, Company C, 9th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Mimbres Mountains, N. Mex., 29 May 1879; at Cuchillo Negro River near Ojo Caliente, N. Mex., 27 September 1879. Citation: Bravery in action.

"Sgt.Thomas Boyne

Of the three black soldiers qualifying for the Medal of Honor in 1879, from the state of Maryland, a native of Prince Georges County Thomas Boyne was the first. A sergeant of Company C, 9th Cavalry, Boyne was one of the few men to earn the award for action in two encounters. They were both with a band of Mescalero and Chiricahua Apaches led by Chief Victorio. The medal was presented to him for "bravery in action" at the Mimbres Mountains, New Mexico on May 29th,1879, and at the Cuchillo Negro River near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico on September 27 of the same year.
When Victorio and his followers fled from their New Mexican reservation and headed for old Mexico,9th cavalrymen commanded by Captain Charles D. Beyer were sent from Fort Bayard to intercept the runaways. Captain Beyer with second Lieutenant Henry H. Wright, 31 enlisted men of Company C,15 enlisted men of Company I, and two Navaho scouts. On the third day out the command struck a two-day old trail which was headed towards the Mimbres Mountains.Early in the morning on the 20th of May the troops descended into a canyon and were deployed in a skirmish line to continue the search.Finally they sighted the Indians atop a peak, busily erecting a breastwork.While engaged in this activity, one of the Indians raised a white flag and in Apache asked too talk with the officer commanding the troops.Captain Beyer proposed that Victorio meet him halfway,but the suggestion was rejected.

Then according to Beyer the Indians made a "harangue" and all that could be gather from this was that his people wanted to be left alone. Growing suspicious Capt. Beyer directed his skirmishers under Lieut. Wright to move halfway up the peak within 200 yards of the breastwork. After instructing the skirmishers on the right to move slightly forward and to the right in order to flank the Indians, Beyer gave the order to advance. The soldiers opened fire; the Indians responded. Thomas Boyne, among others was specifically mentioned by Captain Beyer "for gallantry and bravery displayed." Lieutenant Wright took "pleasure in certifying as a eyewitness to the gallant conduct of Sergeant Boyne. Wright also wrote that"I was engaged in bringing in a wounded man with a few men and was surpised by the Indians,my horse was killed and corralled by hostiles when Sergeant Thomas Boyne commanded a detachment sent to my assistance, flanked and gallantly charged the Indians driving them off." Lieutenant Wright recommended Boyne for the Medal Of Honor and his recommendation was heartily endorsed by Major Albert P. Morrow, who stated that "I have seen him repeatedly in action and in every instance he distinguished himself." Morrow also wrote that"I cannot speak too highly of his conduct" and expressed the belief that"if any soldier ever deserved a .....Medal of Honor Sergeant Boyne does and I hope he may be so rewarded.

Thomas Boyne's western experience began early-earlier than that of any other black Medal of Honor winner in the West. A member of a light artillery regiment activated during the Civil War, he served in Texas for several months after that confict and was discharged in Brownsville early in 1866. Less than a year later he joined the Regular Army, serving for many years in the 25th Infantry before transferring to the 9th Cavalry. After almost 25 years of service the native of Prince Georges County, Maryland, was discharged in 1889 because of a disability. He was admitted to the U.S. Soldiers Home in Washington, D.C. in 1890, where he remained until his death in 1896."

http://www.baltimorebuffalosoldiers.org/heroes.html

NOLAN, JOSEPH A.: Artificer, Company B, 45th Infantry, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Labo, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 29 May 1900. Citation: Voluntarily left shelter and at great personal risk passed the enemy's lines and brought relief to besieged comrades.

KING, JOHN: Watertender, U.S. Navy. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Vicksburg, for heroism in the line of his profession at the time of the accident to the boilers, 29 May 1901.

Note that this was the second award for John King, for essentially the exact same type of event. A US destroyer was later named after him.

GALT, WILLIAM WYLIE: Captain, U.S. Army, 168th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. Place and date: At Villa Crocetta, Italy, 29 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Galt, Battalion S3, at a particularly critical period following 2 unsuccessful attacks by his battalion, of his own volition went forward and ascertained just how critical the situation was. He volunteered, at the risk of his life, personally to lead the battalion against the objective. When the lone remaining tank destroyer refused to go forward, Capt. Galt jumped on the tank destroyer and ordered it to precede the attack. As the tank destroyer moved forward, followed by a company of riflemen, Capt. Galt manned the .30-caliber machinegun in the turret of the tank destroyer, located and directed fire on an enemy 77mm. anti-tank gun, and destroyed it. Nearing the enemy positions, Capt. Galt stood fully exposed in the turret, ceaselessly firing his machinegun and tossing hand grenades into the enemy zigzag series of trenches despite the hail of sniper and machinegun bullets ricocheting off the tank destroyer. As the tank destroyer moved, Capt. Galt so maneuvered it that 40 of the enemy were trapped in one trench. When they refused to surrender, Capt. Galt pressed the trigger of the machinegun and dispatched every one of them. A few minutes later an 88mm shell struck the tank destroyer and Capt. Galt fell mortally wounded across his machinegun. He had personally killed 40 Germans and wounded many more. Capt. Galt pitted his judgment and superb courage against overwhelming odds, exemplifying the highest measure of devotion to his country and the finest traditions of the U.S. Army.

MORELAND, WHITT L.: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Kwagch'i-Dong, Korea, 29 May 1951. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an intelligence scout attached to Company C, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Voluntarily accompanying a rifle platoon in a daring assault against a strongly defended enemy hill position, Pfc. Moreland delivered accurate rifle fire on the hostile emplacement and thereby aided materially in seizing the objective. After the position had been secured, he unhesitatingly led a party forward to neutralize an enemy bunker which he had observed some 400 meters beyond, and moving boldly through a fire-swept area, Almost reached the hostile emplacement when the enemy launched a volley of handgrenades on his group. Quick to act despite the personal danger involved, he kicked several of the grenades off the ridge line where they exploded harmlessly and, while attempting to kick away another, slipped and fell near the deadly missile. Aware that the sputtering grenade would explode before he could regain his feet and dispose of it, he shouted a warning to his comrades, covered the missile with his body and absorbed the full blast of the explosion, but in saving his companions from possible injury or death, was mortally wounded. His heroic initiative and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death reflect the highest credit upon Pfc. Moreland and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

BUCKLEY Cecil William: Lieutenant. Royal Navy. On 29 May 1855 in the Sea of Azov, Crimea, Lieutenant Buckley of HMS Miranda, with a lieutenant (Hugh Talbot Burgoyne) from HMS Swallow and a gunner (John Robarts) from HMS Ardent, volunteered to land at a beach where the Russian army were in strength. They were out of covering gunshot range of the ships offshore and met considerable enemy opposition, but managed to set fire to corn stores and ammunition dumps and destroy enemy equipment. On 3 June Lieutenant Buckley carried out another raid with a boatswain (Henry Cooper) from Miranda. They landed at the town of Taganrog and were successful in destroying enemy equipment and stores, whilst being under enemy fire.

BURGOYNE Hugh Talbot Ruxton. Lieutneant. Royal Navy. See above.

ROBARTS John. Gunner. Royal Navy. See above.

Last supplemented on May 29, 2012.

[Calendar]

This year, Memorial Day is today, May 30

For May 28

Today, for 2007, is Memorial Day.

Memorial Day started off as a day to commemorate U.S. War dead, which it largely still is. The day has had a variety of names over the years, including Decoration Day, and unofficially in some locations after World War one, Poppy Day.

Like many Holidays the meaning of the day tends to become somewhat lost over time, particularly in good times. The three day holiday weekend is sort of regarded as the unofficial start of Summer in the United States, and many people travel during it. In years like this one, however, in which the country if involved in two wars, the original meaning is much more apparent.

Pat

As this Holiday is always on a Monday, it moves from date to date. This year, it's today, May 25, 2009.

An item reprinted in the Casper Star Tribune form a 1954 issue of the Casper Tribune Herald:

"CIVIL WAR VETERAN WHO DESERTED ARMY ASKS FOR CITIZENSHIP RESTORATION

"When the drums roll each Memorial day, ... Henry Stephen Smith, 91, Omaha (Neb.), finds himself a man without a flag to follow. Smith, a veteran of both the Union and the Confederate armies, has been listed for 69 years as an army deserter."

A Union soldier held prisoner by the Confederates, Smith switched sides to obtain his release. He "then allowed himself to be captured by Union troops," and rejoined the Union Army. At the end of the Civil War he was "sent to Niobrara, Nebr., then an outpost in the Indian campaign." He said he deserted "to get away from the grumbling men" disappointed with their assignment.

"'Each Memorial day I have shamefully watched and listened,'" he said. "'I am broken hearted.'"

[/quote]

[Calendar]

May 30

70 Roman legions breach the Second Wall of Jerusalem. The Jewish defenders retreat to the First Wall. The Romans build a circumvallation, cutting down all trees within fifteen kilometers.

1220 Alexander Nevski, Prince of Novgorod born.

1431 Joan of Arc burned at the stake in Rouen, France.

1498 Columbus departed with 6 ships for his third trip to America.

1536 King Henry VIII of England marries Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting to his first two wives. This would have seemed to have made the chances of the marriage lasting a bit dicey.

1539 Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto landed in Florida.

1588 The last ship of the Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon heading for the English Channel.

1642 All honors granted by Charles I are retrospectively annulled by a crabby Parliament.

1672 Czar Peter I "the Great" of Russia born.

1806 In Logan County, Kentucky, Andrew Jackson participates in a duel, killing Charles Dickinson.

1812 John Alexander McClernand, Maj Gen, U.S., born.

1814 British seamen ambushed near Sackett's Harbour.

1832 George Doherty Johnston, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1834 William Sublette and William Anderson arrive at "Laramee's Fork", named for the late Jacque LaRamie, a trapper who had been killed there. The next day they lay the foundation logs for Fort William, which would be come Ft. Laramie.

1838 Queen Victoria grants an extension of the Hudson's Bay Company's monopoly for 21 years.

1842 John Francis attempts to assassinate Queen Victoria.

1848 Mexico ratified the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

1854 The territories of Nebraska and Kansas were established.

On this day in 1854 the Kansas-Nebraska Act was passed by the U.S. Congress.

Kansas and Nebraska were important areas for growing wheat, corn, oats and rye and were therefore popular places for migrants from the eastern areas of American to settle. In 1854 Stephen A. Douglas introduced his Kansas-Nebraska bill to the Senate. These states could now enter the Union with or without slavery. Frederick Douglass warned that the bill was "an open invitation to a fierce and bitter strife".

The result of this legislation was to open the territory to organised migrations of pro-slave and anti-slave groups. Southerners now entered the area with their slaves while active members of the Anti-Slavery Society also arrived. Henry Ward Beecher, condemned the bill from his pulpit and helped to raise funds to supply weapons to those willing to oppose slavery in these territories. These rifles became known as Beecher's Bibles. John Brown and five of his sons, were some of the volunteers who headed for Kansas.

Kansas elected its first legislature in March, 1855. Although less than 2,000 people were qualified to take part in these elections, over 6,000 people voted. These were mainly Missouri slave-owners who had crossed the border to make sure pro-slavery candidates were elected. The new legislature passed laws that imposed the death penalty for anyone helping a slave to escape and two years in jail for possessing abolitionist literature.

In January 1861 Kansas entered the Union as a Free State. During the American Civil War Kansas provided 20,000 soldiers from the Union Army. This made it a target and on 21st August 1863, the Quantrill Raiders raided the town of Lawrence. attacked the town of Lawrence. During the raid Quantrill's gang killed 150 inhabitants and destroyed over 180 buildings.

After the American Civil War there was a great demand for meat in the northern and eastern parts of the United States. It is estimated that at this time there were over 5 million Longhorns in Texas. Between 1866 to 1895 some 10 million cattle were taken to the railroad cowtowns. The main route from Texas to Kansas was the Chisum Trial and the Goodnight Trail. The task of the cowboy was to take part in cattle drives where cattle were driven from Texas to the railroad cowtowns in Kansas (Ellsworth, Abilene, Dodge City, Wichita and Newton).

1861 Confederate States Post Office Department set up.

1862 Companies A, B, C, and D of the First Battalion of the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry arrived at Fort Laramie.

1864 Chilcotin Indians massacre group of road builders in British Columbia.

1865 Cheyenne and/or Sioux attack Three Crossings Station, Wyoming.

1868 The First "Decoration Day" (Memorial Day), Columbus, Missouri.

1868 The 8th Cavalry is engaged at San Carlos, Ariz, (see CMH awards), but I don't know anything about the action. Dusan?

1871 Wyoming Stock Growers Association, which would have an enormous impact on regional history, formed.

1896 First recorded car accident occurs when Henry Wells hit a bicyclist in New York City.

1897 Cree Indian Almighty Voice surrounded and shot to death in Saskatchewan after a two year search. He had first been arrested for killing a cow, escaped and shot a NWMP sergeant.

1901 Memorial Day becomes a national observance.

1903 Theodore Roosevelt visited Cheyenne and Laramie. He stopped first in Laramie, where he delivered a speech at Old Main. Invited by Rough Rider veterans to ride to the next stop, Cheyenne, he did so.


1908 The commencement of a Evanston Wyoming to Denver Colorado horse race.

1912 Wilbur Wright, aviation pioneer, died at age 45.

1913 Treaty of London: Ends the First Balkan War, with large Turkish territorial losses in Europe.

1913 Canadian Senate rejects by a vote of 51 to 24 a bill to create a Canadian Navy.

1915 Turkish government orders deportation of Armenians.

1922 The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C.

1937 Chicago police shoot on union marchers at Memorial Day rally. Ten are killed.

1941 Germans bombs Dublin.

1941 British enter Baghdad.

1941 Germans capture Kreta

1942 The RAF carried out its first "thousand bomber raid". The target was Cologne.

1943 US troops complete recapture of Attu.

1943 De Gaulle arrives in Algiers

1958 Unknown soldiers of WWII and Korean War entombed in Arlington National Cemetery.

1962 USS Arizona Memorial dedicated in Pearl Harbor.

1967 Biafra secedes from Nigeria, civil war results.

1982 Spain joined NATO.

2002 A wordless ceremony marked the end of the cleanup at Ground Zero in New York, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, took place.

2011 German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledges to end all nuclear power by 2022.

Congressional Medals of Honor for action on this day:

SAXTON, RUFUS: Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers. P/ace and date: At Harpers Ferry, W. Va., 26 to 30 May 1862. Citation: Distinguished gallantry and good conduct in the defense.

ASTON, EDGAR R.: Private, Company L, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At San Carlos, Ariz., 30 May 1868. Citation: With 2 other men he volunteered to search for a wagon passage out of a 4,000-foot valley wherein an infantry column was immobile. This small group passed 6 miles among hostile Apache terrain finding the sought passage. On their return trip down the canyon they were attacked by Apaches who were successfully held at bay.

CUBBERLY, WILLIAM G.: Private, Company L, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At San Carlos, Ariz., 30 May 1868. Citation: With 2 other men he volunteered to search for a wagon passage out of a 4,000-foot valley wherein an infantry column was immobile. This small group passed 6 miles among hostile Apache terrain finding the sought passage. On their return trip down the canyon they were attacked by Apache who were successfully held at bay.

"The battle proven reliability and always ready smashing firepower of the Spencer inspired confidence and affection in the frontier troopers and, on occasion, turned seeming disaster into triumph over their savage foes. Two troopers of Company L, Eighth Cavalry on scouting duty in the Tonto Basin of Arizona in May of 1868 had reason to bless the stubby little repeaters when they and a civilian companion were suddenly confronted by a war party of "at least 19" Apaches. Private Edgar L. Aston recalled that when he and his bunkie, William G. Cubberly, were cautiously descending a canyon, having dismounted, they"...had not proceeded more than 150 yards, when the redskins suddenly appeared and with a whoop and yell opened up on us. We continued on our retreat, but also made our Spencer carbines talk. How we did fire! The Apaches too, were furious and sent arrows and bullets after us, till we were in a shower of missiles…" Keeping up a steady fire the troopers retreated to the bottom of the canyon and up the other side where they were able to mount their wounded animals and make a getaway. Their determined retreat and the continuous fire made possible by the magazine repeaters had saved their lives as Aston concluded: "…There is no doubt but what we would have been killed had we taken to our heels and simply ran, and that only by keeping up a hot fire we held the Indians at bay." (15). Their fighting retreat and the information brought to the main command won Aston and Cubberly the Medal of Honor."

(15)"Deeds of Valor, How American Heroes Won the Medal of Honor", Editors W. F. Beyer & O. F. Keydel, Vol 2, Perrien-Keydel Co. Detroit, 1906, pp.143-145.

Arming and Equipping the United States Cavalry 1865-1902 p.17.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

UPHAM Charles Hazlitt. Captain. New Zealand Military Forces. Citation: The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of awards of the VICTORIA CROSS to the undermentioned: —

Second Lieutenant Charles Hazlitt Upham (8077), New Zealand Military Forces.

During the operations in Crete this officer performed a series of remarkable exploits, showing outstanding leadership, tactical skill and utter indifference to danger.

He commanded a forward platoon in the attack on MALEME on 22nd May and fought his way forward for over 3,000 yards unsupported by any other arms and against a defence strongly organised in depth. During this operation his platoon destroyed numerous enemy posts but on three occasions sections were temporarily held up.

In the first case, under a heavy fire from a machine gun nest he advanced to close quarters with pistol and grenades, so demoralizing the occupants that his section was able to "mop up" with ease.

Another of his sections was then held up by two machine guns in a house. He went in and placed a grenade through a window, destroying the crew of one machine gun and several others, the other machine gun being silenced by the fire of his sections.

In the third case he crawled to within 15 yards of an M.G. post and killed the gunners with a grenade.

When his Company withdrew from MALEME he helped to carry a wounded man out under fire, and together with another officer rallied more men together to carry other wounded men out.

He was then sent to bring in a company which had become isolated. With a Corporal he went through enemy territory over 600 yards, killing two Germans on the way, found the company, and brought it back to the Battalion's new position. But for this action it would have been completely cut off.

During the following two days his platoon occupied an exposed position on forward slopes and was continuously under fire. Second Lieutenant Upham was blown over by one mortar shell, and painfully wounded by a piece of shrapnel behind the left shoulder, by another. He disregarded this wound and remained on duty. He also received a bullet in the foot which he later removed in Egypt.

At GALATAS on 25th May his platoon was heavily engaged and came under severe mortar and machine-gun fire. While his platoon stopped under cover of a ridge Second-Lieutenant Upham went forward, observed the enemy and brought the platoon forward when the Germans advanced. They killed over 40 with fire and grenades and forced the remainder to fall back.

When his platoon was ordered to retire he sent it back under the platoon Serjeant and he went back to warn other troops that they were being cut off. When he came out himself he was fired on by two Germans. He fell and shammed dead, then crawled into a position and having the use of only one arm rested his rifle in the fork of a tree and as the Germans came forward he killed them both. The second to fall actually hit the muzzle of the rifle as he fell.

On 30th May at SPHAKIA his platoon was ordered to deal with a party of the enemy which had advanced down a ravine to near Force Headquarters. Though in an exhausted condition he climbed the steep hill to the west of the ravine, placed his men in positions on the slope overlooking the ravine and himself went to the top with a Bren Gun and two riflemen. By clever tactics he induced the enemy party to expose itself and then at a range of 500 yards shot 22 and caused the remainder to disperse in panic.

During the whole of the operations he suffered from dysentery and was able to eat very little, in addition to being wounded and bruised.

He showed superb coolness, great skill and dash and complete disregard of danger. His conduct and leadership inspired his whole platoon to fight magnificently throughout, and in fact was an inspiration to the Battalion.

Captain Upham is the most decorated Commonwealth soldier of World War Two and the only combat soldier to receive two Victoria Crosses. He was also extremely humble and eccentric. The son of a lawyer, his love was sheep farming, and he was a farmer for most of his life. He had been a sergeant in the NZ Territorial forces prior to WWII, but enlisted in the army at the start of the war as a private. He became an officer only reluctantly. In appreciation of his World War Two service his community donated money for the purchase of a farm for him, but he declined it and donated it to a scholarship fund, buying a farm through a war loan program.

MANSER Leslie Thomas: Flying Officer. Royal Air Force. On 30 May 1942 over Germany, Flying Officer Manser was captain and first pilot of an Avro Manchester bomber (serial L7301) which took part in the first 1,000 bomber raid of the war; the raid being against the city of Cologne. He bombed the target successfully but the aircraft was hit repeatedly, the rear gunner was wounded, the front cabin filled with smoke and the port engine was overheating. Flying Officer Manser was determined to save his aircraft and crew from falling into enemy hands and it was not until he knew that a crash was inevitable that he gave the order to bail out. As the crew parachuted down, they saw the bomber, still carrying their captain, crash in flames.

Last Supplemented on May 30, 2012

[Calendar]

May 31

1279 BC Rameses II becomes pharaoh.

1223 Battle of Kalka sees Subotai's Mongols defeat the Russians.

1257 Battle of Pontargottn sees the Welch defeat the English.

1634 Massachusetts Bay colony annexed the Maine colony.

1819 Walt Whitman was born in West Hill, N.Y.

1834 Sublette and Campbell start constructing Ft. William, which would later become Ft. Laramie.

1837 Stephen Dodson Ramseur, Maj Gen, C.S.A., born.

1837 William Henry Fitzhugh "Rooney" Lee, Maj Gen, C.S.A., born.

1862 Battle of Seven Pines/Fair Oaks, Va.

1866 Fenians invade Ontario and Quebec from the US.

1889 More than 2,000 people died when a dam break sent water rushing through Johnstown, Pa.

1898 US ships and Spanish batteries exchange fire at Santiago, Cuba.

1900 Multi-national relief forces reach Peking in the Boxer Rebellion.

1902 Treaty of Vereeniging signed. Boer War ends, Britain annexes Transvaal.

1910 Union of South Africa formed.

1913 The 17th Amendment to the US Constitution, providing for the popular election of U.S. senators, was declared in effect.

1915 Zeppelin LZ-38 makes an air raid on London.

1916 British and German fleets fought the Battle of Jutland.

1945 1,500,000 lbs of wool reported to have been shipped from Rock Springs during the last six weeks. Wool was a vital defense fiber during World War Two as it formed the fabric used for all military uniforms used in the ETO and over half used in the Continental United States. Only in the Pacific was cotton the dominant fiber. Attribution: Wyoming State Historical Society.

1947 Communists seize power in Hungary.

1947 Ft. F. E. Warren becomes an Air Force Base

1961 South Africa became an independent republic outside of the English Commonwealth.

1977 The trans-Alaska oil pipeline was completed after three years of work.

1991 Leaders of Angola's two warring factions signed a peace treaty, ending a 16-year civil war.

1994 The United States announced it was no longer aiming long-range nuclear missiles at targets in the former Soviet Union.

2009 Millvina Dean, last survivor of the RMS Titanic, died at age 97.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day

FALLON, THOMAS T.: Civil War. Private, Company K, 37th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Williamsburg, Va., 5 May 1862. At Fair Oaks, Va., 30-31 May 1862. At Big Shanty, Ga., 14-15 June 1864. Citation: At Williamsburg, Va., assisted in driving rebel skirmishers to their main line. Participated in action, at Fair Oaks, Va., though excused from duty because of disability. In a charge with his company at Big Shanty, Ga., was the first man on the enemy's works.

FORMAN, ALEXANDER A.: Civil War. Corporal, Company E, 7th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May 1862. Citation: Although wounded, he continued fighting until, fainting from loss of blood, he was carried off the field.

FRENCH, SAMUEL S.: Civil War. Private, Company E, 7th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May 1862. Citation: Continued fighting, although wounded, until he fainted from loss of blood.

GILLESPIE, GEORGE L.: Civil War. First Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army. Place and date: Near Bethesda Church, Va., 31 May 1864. Citation: Exposed himself to great danger by voluntarily making his way through the enemy's lines to communicate with Gen. Sheridan. While rendering this service he was captured, but escaped; again came in contact with the enemy, was again ordered to surrender, but escaped by dashing away under fire.

O'BEIRNE, JAMES R: Civil War. Captain, Company C, 37th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May and 1 June 1862. Citation: Gallantly maintained the line of battle until ordered to fall back.

PURCELL, HIRAM W.: Civil War. Sergeant, Company G, 104th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May 1862. Citation: While carrying the regimental colors on the retreat he returned to face the advancing enemy, flag in hand, and saved the other color, which would otherwise have been captured.

SHAFTER, WILLIAM R.: Civil War. First Lieutenant, Company I, 7th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May 1862. Citation: Lt. Shafter was engaged in bridge construction and not being needed there returned with his men to engage the enemy participating in a charge across an open field that resulted in casualties to 18 of the 22 men. At the close of the battle his horse was shot from under him and he was severely flesh wounded. He remained on the field that day and stayed to fight the next day only by concealing his wounds. In order not to be sent home with the wounded he kept his wounds concealed for another 3 days until other wounded had left the area.

CRAFT, CLARENCE B.: World War Two. Private, First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 382d Infantry, 96th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hen Hill, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 31 May 1945. Citation: He was a rifleman when his platoon spearheaded an attack on Hen Hill, the tactical position on which the entire Naha-Shuri-Yonaburu line of Japanese defense on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, was hinged. For 12 days our forces had been stalled, and repeated, heavy assaults by 1 battalion and then another had been thrown back by the enemy with serious casualties. With 5 comrades, Pfc. Craft was dispatched in advance of Company G to feel out the enemy resistance. The group had proceeded only a short distance up the slope when rifle and machinegun fire, coupled with a terrific barrage of grenades, wounded 3 and pinned down the others. Against odds that appeared suicidal, Pfc. Craft launched a remarkable 1-man attack. He stood up in full view of the enemy and began shooting with deadly marksmanship wherever he saw a hostile movement. He steadily advanced up the hill, killing Japanese soldiers with rapid fire, driving others to cover in their strongly disposed trenches, unhesitatingly facing alone the strength that had previously beaten back attacks in battalion strength. He reached the crest of the hill, where he stood silhouetted against the sky while quickly throwing grenades at extremely short range into the enemy positions. His extraordinary assault lifted the pressure from his company for the moment, allowing members of his platoon to comply with his motions to advance and pass him more grenades. With a chain of his comrades supplying him while he stood atop the hill, he furiously hurled a total of 2 cases of grenades into a main trench and other positions on the reverse slope of Hen Hill, meanwhile directing the aim of his fellow soldiers who threw grenades from the slope below him. He left his position, where grenades from both sides were passing over his head and bursting on either slope, to attack the main enemy trench as confusion and panic seized the defenders. Straddling the excavation, he pumped rifle fire into the Japanese at pointblank range, killing many and causing the others to flee down the trench. Pursuing them, he came upon a heavy machinegun which was still creating havoc in the American ranks. With rifle fire and a grenade he wiped out this position. By this time the Japanese were in complete rout and American forces were swarming over the hill. Pfc. Craft continued down the central trench to the mouth of a cave where many of the enemy had taken cover. A satchel charge was brought to him, and he tossed it into the cave. It failed to explode. With great daring, the intrepid fighter retrieved the charge from the cave, relighted the fuse and threw it back, sealing up the Japs in a tomb. In the local action, against tremendously superior forces heavily armed with rifles, machineguns, mortars, and grenades, Pfc. Craft killed at least 25 of the enemy; but his contribution to the campaign on Okinawa was of much more far-reaching consequence for Hen Hill was the key to the entire defense line, which rapidly crumbled after his utterly fearless and heroic attack.

SMITH, FURMAN L.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strong point, an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and 1 other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand.

HERNANDEZ, RODOLFO P.: Korean War. Corporal, U.S. Army, Company G, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Place and date: Near Wontong-ni, Korea, 31 May 1951. Citation: Cpl. Hernandez, a member of Company G, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon, in defensive positions on Hill 420, came under ruthless attack by a numerically superior and fanatical hostile force, accompanied by heavy artillery, mortar, and machine gun fire which inflicted numerous casualties on the platoon. His comrades were forced to withdraw due to lack of ammunition but Cpl. Hernandez, although wounded in an exchange of grenades, continued to deliver deadly fire into the ranks of the onrushing assailants until a ruptured cartridge rendered his rifle inoperative. Immediately leaving his position, Cpl. Hernandez rushed the enemy armed only with rifle and bayonet. Fearlessly engaging the foe, he killed 6 of the enemy before falling unconscious from grenade, bayonet, and bullet wounds but his heroic action momentarily halted the enemy advance and enabled his unit to counterattack and retake the lost ground. The indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding courage, and tenacious devotion to duty clearly demonstrated by Cpl. Hernandez reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.

Last supplemented on May 31, 2012.

[Calendar]

June 1

193 Roman Emperor Didius Julianus assassinated.

987 Hugh Capet elected King of France.

1495 - The first written record of Scotch Whiskey appeared in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. Friar John Cor was the distiller. (for you scotch lovers)

June 1

1495 - The first written record of Scotch Whiskey appeared in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. Friar John Cor was the distiller. (for you scotch lovers)

On a belated, but related, note, Old Bushmills, the Irish Whiskey, traces the 400th year of its founding back to April 20.

June 1

1495 - The first written record of Scotch Whiskey appeared in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland. Friar John Cor was the distiller. (for you scotch lovers)

On a belated, but related, note, Old Bushmills, the Irish Whiskey, traces the 400th year of its founding back to April 20.

Thanks Pat. That deserves a belated birthday toast. Cheers.

[/quote]

1533 Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was crowned Queen Consort of England.

1637 Fr. Jacques Marquette, French Jesuit missionary and explorer of North America, born.

1657 First Quakers arrived in New Amsterdam.

1648 The Roundheads defeat the Cavaliers at the Battle of Maidstone.

1755 Robert Monckton lands over 2,000 troops at mouth of Missaguash River in Acadia and attacks Vergor at Fort Beausejour.

1763 Pontiac takes Fort Michilimackinac.

1774 The Boston Port Bill, the first bill of the Intolerable Acts, became effective.

1779 - The court-martial of Benedict Arnold convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1780 Karl von Clausewitz born.

1783 Last British troops sailed from New York.

1792 - Kentucky became the 15th state of the union.

1806 John B. Floyd, crooked US SecWar, Brig Gen, C.S.A born.

1813 - The U.S. Navy gained its motto as the mortally wounded commander of the U.S. frigate "Chesapeake", Captain James Lawrence (b.1871) was heard to say, "Don't give up the ship!", during a losing battle with a British frigate "Shannon"; his ship was captured by the British frigate.

1814 Philip Kearney, Gen US, born.

1825 John Hunt Morgan, Brig Gen, C.S.A., cavalryman, born.

1831 John Bell Hood, Gen, C.S.A., born.

1832 Nathaniel J. Wyeth's Oregon expedition reached Fort Laramie.

1844 Galusha Pennypacker, Brig Gen, U.S., born.

1855 William Walker entered Granada, Nicaragua, and declared himself president.

1861 The US and the CSA simultaneously stopped mail interchange.

1861 The first land skirmish in the Civil War occured at Fairfax Court House, Arlington Mills, Va.

1862 Slavery abolished in all U.S. possessions.

1862 Robert E. Lee assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia.

1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign began.

1865 Sioux and/or Cheyenne attempt to drive stock off Sweetwater Station, Wyoming. They burn Rocky Ridge Station that night but dispersed with the blackpowder stores exploded. The five enlisted me of the 11th Ohio stationed there took refuge in the well.

1866 Fenians attack Fort Erie, Ontario, from US soil.

1868 - Fifteenth President of the United States James Buchanan dies. While serving as a member of the Pennsylvania legislature in 1814 when the British army burned Washington D.C. and started their advance on Baltimore, Buchanan quickly enlisted in a militia cavalry troop from Lancaster. His unit was soon moved to assist in the defense of Baltimore. Upon the troop’s arrival he volunteered to help gather spare mounts from behind enemy lines and bring them into the American camp. Though facing possible capture or death Buchanan performed his mission with great credit. After the British defeat and withdraw from the Chesapeake Bay, he was released from active duty. Following service in several governmental posts he was elected president in 1856.

1877 US troops authorized to pursue bandits and Indians into Mexico.

1879 Eugene Napoleon, the last heir to Napoleon's dynasty, killed fighting for Britain in the Zulu Wars. What a weird twist of fate.

1916 - The National Defense Act increased the strength of the U.S. National Guard by 450,000 men.

1922 The Royal Ulster Constabulary is founded.

1924 - Congress establishes the Border Patrol, under the jurisdiction of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Previously, border duty was done sporadically by the Army or the militia of the border states.

1925 Lou Gehrig's streak of playing in 2,130 consecutive games began.

1940 Coffee and tea rationing begins in German occupied Holland.

1941 Germany takes Crete.

1941 Germany bans all Catholic publications

1941 The Navy organized the "South Greenland Patrol".

1944 The BBC broadcast the first part of a coded message to inform the French resistance that D-Day invasion was imminent, that being: "Les sanglots longues des violons de l'automne" with the second part, from the same poem, being "blessent mon coeur d'un langueur monotone".

It translates as "The long sobs of the violins of Autumn wound my heart with a monotonous languor".

1944 ontgomery, Patton, Bradley, Dempsey and Crerar met in Portsmouth.

1944 The ZP-14 Airships complete first crossing of Atlantic by non-rigid lighter-than-air aircraft.

1946 The Coast Guard returned to operation under the Treasury Department.

1947 The US dissolves the 'Office of Price Administration".

1958 Charles de Gaulle became premier of France.

1962 Adolf Eichmann hanged for orchestrating genocide against the Jewish people.

1977 The Soviet Union charged Anatoly Shcharansky with treason.

1991 RCMP unfurls its official flag.

2005 Dutch voters rejected the European Union constitution.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

FARNSWORTH, HERBERT E.
Rank and organization: Sergeant Major, 10th New York Cavalry. Place and date: At Trevilian Station, Va., 11 June 1864. itation: Voluntarily carried a message which stopped the firing of a Union battery into his regiment, in which service he crossed a ridge in plain view and swept by the fire of both armies.

GRANT, GABRIEL: Civil War. Surgeon, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 1 June 1862. Citation: Removed severely wounded officers and soldiers from the field while under a heavy fire from the enemy, exposing himself beyond the call of duty, thus furnishing an example of most distinguished gallantry.

HASKELL, FRANK W.: Civil War. Sergeant Major, 3d Maine Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 1 June 1862.Citation: Assumed command of a portion of the left wing of his regiment, all the company officers present having been killed or disabled, led it gallantly across a stream and contributed most effectively to the success of the action.

HENRY, GUY V.: Civil War. Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 1 June 1864. Citation: Led the assaults of his brigade upon the enemy's works, where he had 2 horses shot under him.

HILL, EDWARD: Civil War. Captain, Company K, 1 6th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 1 June 1864. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich. Birth: Liberty, N.Y. Date of issue: 4 December 1893. Citation: Led the brigade skirmish line in a desperate charge on the enemy's masked batteries to the muzzles of the guns, where he was severely wounded.

HOWARD, OLIVER O.: Civil War. Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 1 June 1862. Citation: Led the 61st New York Infantry in a charge in which he was twice severely wounded in the right arm, necessitating amputation.

O'BEIRNE, JAMES R.: Civil War Captain, Company C, 37th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 31 May and 1 June 1862. Citation: Gallantly maintained the line of battle until ordered to fall back.

TOMPKINS, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Fairfax, Va., 1 June 1861. Citation: Twice charged through the enemy's lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy's captain.

Victoria Crosses awarded for cation on this day:

LYONS John: Crimean War. : Private. 19th Regiment of Foot. Citation: On 10 June 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea, Private Lyons picked up a live shell which had fallen among the guard of the trenches, and threw it over the parapet, thus saving many lives.

ERVINE-ANDREWS Harold Marcus: World War Two. Captain. The East Lancashire Regiment, British Army. 1 June 1940. Citation: Heroism under fire at Dunkirk.

Last supplemented on June 1, 2012

[Pat Holscher]

Man, what a bunch of well known names on the list today.

June 1

1879 Eugene Napoleon, the last heir to Napoleon's dynasty, killed fighting for Britain in the Zulu Wars. What a weird twist of fate.

Not the end of the Napoleons I would have expected.

HENRY, GUY V.: Civil War. Colonel, 40th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 1 June 1864. Citation: Led the assaults of his brigade upon the enemy's works, where he had 2 horses shot under him.

Well known name there.

HOWARD, OLIVER O.: Civil War. Brigadier General, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Fair Oaks, Va., 1 June 1862. Citation: Led the 61st New York Infantry in a charge in which he was twice severely wounded in the right arm, necessitating amputation.

O. O. Howard, another well known name.

TOMPKINS, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Fairfax, Va., 1 June 1861. Citation: Twice charged through the enemy's lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy's captain.

A familiar last name there.

[Couvi]

Calendar wrote:
John Fitzgerald wrote:

TOMPKINS, CHARLES H.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, 2d U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Fairfax, Va., 1 June 1861. Citation: Twice charged through the enemy's lines and, taking a carbine from an enlisted man, shot the enemy's captain.

Father of Selah Reeve Hobbie (“Tommy”) Tompkins, who became Colonel of the 7th Cavalry Regiment and Frank Tompkins of Columbus, NM fame, http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/onli ... cles/fto37

[Calendar]

June 2

455 The Vandals enter Rome and commence to sack it for a two week period, donating their name to history as a term for hooliganism.

1098 The Crusaders take Antioch, ending the First Siege of Antioch.

1763 Chippewahs take Fort Michilimackinac during Pontiac's Rebellion by using a ruse, a game of lacrosse, to divert the defenders attention.

1774 The Quartering Act, requiring American colonists to allow British soldiers into their houses, was reenacted.

1780 The Derby horse race held for the first time.

1780 Gordon Riots commence in the UK.

1851 Maine became the first state to enact a law prohibiting alcohol. An interesting item in light of the June 1 anniversaries noted above.

1865 The Civil War concludes when Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith, commander of Confederate forces west of the Mississippi, surrenders his forces.

1865 Sioux and/or Cheyenne attack Platte Bridge Station, Wyoming. The Indians approach the station and fire on it, men of the 11th Ohio give chase. They run into trouble when the Indian band they were chasing, only ten men, turns out to be a lure and they are ambushed. Fortunately for them, at that moment a a detachment from the 11th Kansas arrived and a running fight ensued. Two troopers were killed, and one Indian.

1866 Irish Fenians surrendered to US forces after attempting a cross border insurrection aimed at Canada.

1886 President Grover Cleveland married Frances Folsom in a White House ceremony.

1897 Mark Twain was quoted by the New York Journal as saying "the report of my death was an exaggeration."

1899 The Wild Bunch robbed the Union Pacific Overland Flyer No. 1 near Wilcox, Wyoming taking between $30,000 and $60,000. This robbery is famous not only for the large amount taken, but for the fact that explosives were used to open a safe on a rail car, as depicted in the Film Butch Cassiday and the Sundance Kid.

1924 - With Congress' passage of the Indian Citizenship Act, the government of the United States confers citizenship on all Native Americans born within the territorial limits of the country.

1941 Baseball Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig died at age 37.

1946 The Italian monarchy was abolished in favor of a republic following a plebiscite on the issue.

1953 Queen Elizabeth II of Britain was crowned in Westminster Abbey.

1954 - Senator Joseph McCarthy charges that communists have infiltrated the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the atomic weapons industry.

1966 The U.S. space probe Surveyor 1 landed on the moon.

1969 Australian aircraft carrier Melbourne sliced the destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in half off the shore of South Vietnam in a tragic accident. Seventy four sailors were killed.

1979 Pope John Paul II arrived in his native Poland on the first visit by a pope to a Communist country.

1995 A U.S. Air Force F-16C was shot down by Bosnian Serbs while on a NATO air patrol in northern Bosnia.

1997 - Timothy McVeigh, a former U.S. Army soldier, is convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy for his role in the 1995 terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

2008 Ellas Otha Bates, more commonly known by his stage name, Bo Diddley, died at age 79.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

BARRICK, JESSE T.: Corporal, Company H, 3d Minnesota Infantry. Place and date: Near Duck River, Tenn., 26 May-2 June 1863. Citation: While on a scout captured single-handed 2 desperate Confederate guerrilla officers who were together and well armed at the time.

CHARETTE, GEORGE: Gunner's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Charette displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

CLAUSEN, CLAUS KRISTIAN: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Clausen displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

DEIGNAN, OSBORN: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Deignan displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

KELLY, FRANCIS: Watertender, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Kelly displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

MONTAGUE, DANIEL: Chief Master-at-Arms, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish batteries, Montague displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

MURPHY, JOHN EDWARD: Coxswain, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish shore batteries, Murphy displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

PHILLIPS, GEORGE F.: Machinist First Class, U.S. Navy. Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the harbor of Santiago de Cuba 2 June 1898. Despite heavy fire from the Spanish shore batteries, Phillips displayed extraordinary heroism throughout this operation.

KOBASHIGAWA, YEIKI: Technical Sergeant Yeiki Kobashigawa distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June 1944, in the vicinity of Lanuvio, Italy. During an attack, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa’s platoon encountered strong enemy resistance from a series of machine guns providing supporting fire. Observing a machine gun nest 50 yards from his position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa crawled forward with one of his men, threw a grenade and then charged the enemy with his submachine gun while a fellow soldier provided covering fire. He killed one enemy soldier and captured two prisoners. Meanwhile, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa and his comrade were fired upon by another machine gun 50 yards ahead. Directing a squad to advance to his first position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa again moved forward with a fellow soldier to subdue the second machine gun nest. After throwing grenades into the position, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa provided close supporting fire while a fellow soldier charged, capturing four prisoners. On the alert for other machine gun nests, Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa discovered four more, and skillfully led a squad in neutralizing two of them. Technical Sergeant Kobashigawa’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.

KRAUS, RICHARD EDWARD: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.

NAKAMINE, SHINYE: Private Shinyei Nakamine distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 2 June 1944, near La Torreto, Italy. During an attack, Private Nakamine’s platoon became pinned down by intense machine gun crossfire from a small knoll 200 yards to the front. On his own initiative, Private Nakamine crawled toward one of the hostile weapons. Reaching a point 25 yards from the enemy, he charged the machine gun nest, firing his submachine gun, and killed three enemy soldiers and captured two. Later that afternoon, Private Nakamine discovered an enemy soldier on the right flank of his platoon’s position. Crawling 25 yards from his position, Private Nakamine opened fire and killed the soldier. Then, seeing a machine gun nest to his front approximately 75 yards away, he returned to his platoon and led an automatic rifle team toward the enemy. Under covering fire from his team, Private Nakamine crawled to a point 25 yards from the nest and threw hand grenades at the enemy soldiers, wounding one and capturing four. Spotting another machine gun nest 100 yards to his right flank, he led the automatic rifle team toward the hostile position but was killed by a burst of machine gun fire. Private Nakamine’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.

CHARLTON, CORNELIUS H.: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chipo-ri, Korea, 2 June 1951. Citation: Sgt. Charlton, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. His platoon was attacking heavily defended hostile positions on commanding ground when the leader was wounded and evacuated. Sgt. Charlton assumed command, rallied the men, and spearheaded the assault against the hill. Personally eliminating 2 hostile positions and killing 6 of the enemy with his rifle fire and grenades, he continued up the slope until the unit suffered heavy casualties and became pinned down. Regrouping the men he led them forward only to be again hurled back by a shower of grenades. Despite a severe chest wound, Sgt. Charlton refused medical attention and led a third daring charge which carried to the crest of the ridge. Observing that the remaining emplacement which had retarded the advance was situated on the reverse slope, he charged it alone, was again hit by a grenade but raked the position with a devastating fire which eliminated it and routed the defenders. The wounds received during his daring exploits resulted in his death but his indomitable courage, superb leadership, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself the infantry, and the military service.

GRAHAM, JAMES A.: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, Company F, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1967. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During Operation Union 11, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, consisting of Companies A and D, with Capt. Graham's company attached launched an attack against an enemy occupied position with 2 companies assaulting and 1 in reserve. Company F, a leading company, was proceeding across a clear paddy area 1,000 meters wide, attacking toward the assigned objective, when it came under fire from mortars and small arms which immediately inflicted a large number of casualties. Hardest hit by the enemy fire was the 2d platoon of Company F, which was pinned down in the open paddy area by intense fire from 2 concealed machine guns. Forming an assault unit from members of his small company headquarters, Capt. Graham boldly led a fierce assault through the second platoon's position, forcing the enemy to abandon the first machine gun position, thereby relieving some of the pressure on his second platoon, and enabling evacuation of the wounded to a more secure area. Resolute to silence the second machine gun, which continued its devastating fire, Capt. Graham's small force stood steadfast in its hard won enclave. Subsequently, during the afternoon's fierce fighting, he suffered 2 minor wounds while personally accounting for an estimated 15 enemy killed. With the enemy position remaining invincible upon each attempt to withdraw to friendly lines, and although knowing that he had no chance of survival, he chose to remain with 1 man who could not be moved due to the seriousness of his wounds. The last radio transmission from Capt. Graham reported that he was being assaulted by a force of 25 enemy soldiers; he died while protecting himself and the wounded man he chose not to abandon. Capt. Graham's actions throughout the day were a series of heroic achievements. His outstanding courage, superb leadership and indomitable fighting spirit undoubtedly saved the second platoon from annihilation and reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

LAPOINTE, JOSEPH G., JR.: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division . place and date: Quang Tin province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Lapointe, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2d Squadron, distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat helicopter assault mission. Sp4c. Lapointe's patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, 2 soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from 1 of the wounded, Sp4c. Lapointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to 1 man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier. In spite of his painful wounds, Sp4c. Lapointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all 3 men. Sp4c. Lapointe's courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

POXON, ROBERT LESLIE: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 June 1969. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Poxon, Armor, Troop B, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader on a reconnaissance mission. Landing by helicopter in an area suspected of being occupied by the enemy, the platoon came under intense fire from enemy soldiers in concealed positions and fortifications around the landing zone. A soldier fell, hit by the first burst of fire. 1st Lt. Poxon dashed to his aid, drawing the majority of the enemy fire as he crossed 20 meters of open ground. The fallen soldier was beyond help and 1st Lt. Poxon was seriously and painfully wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon, with indomitable courage, refused medical aid and evacuation and turned his attention to seizing the initiative from the enemy. With sure instinct he marked a central enemy bunker as the key to success. Quickly instructing his men to concentrate their fire on the bunker, and in spite of his wound, 1st Lt. Poxon crawled toward the bunker, readied a hand grenade and charged. He was hit again but continued his assault. After succeeding in silencing the enemy guns in the bunker he was struck once again by enemy fire and fell, mortally wounded. 1st Lt. Poxon's comrades followed their leader, pressed the attack and drove the enemy from their positions. 1st Lt. Poxon's gallantry, indomitable will, and courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

KIRBY Frank Howard: Corporal, later Group Captain. Corps of Royal Engineers. On the morning of the 2nd June, 1900, a party sent to try to cut the Delagoa Bay Railway were retiring, hotly pressed by very superior numbers. During one of the successive retirements of the rearguard, a man, whose horse had been shot, was seen running after his comrades. He was a long way behind the rest of his troop and was under a brisk fire. From among the retiring troop Corporal Kirby turned and rode back to the man's assistance. Although by the time he reached him they were under a heavy fire at close range, Corporal Kirby managed to get the dismounted man up behind him and to take him clear off over the next rise held by our rearguard. This is the third occasion on which Corporal Kirby has displayed gallantry in the face of the enemy.

Kirby transferred to the Royal Flying Corps upon its formation.

BISHOP William Avery: Captain (later Air Marshall) Royal Flying Corps. Citation: For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and skill. Captain Bishop, who had been sent out to work independently, flew first of all to an enemy aerodrome; finding no machines about, he flew on to another aerodrome about three miles southeast, which was at least 12 miles the other side of the line. Seven machines, some with their engines running, were on the ground. He attacked these from about fifty feet, and a mechanic, who was starting one of the engines, was seen to fall. One of the machines got off the ground, but at a height of 60 feet, Captain Bishop fired 15 rounds into it at very close range, and it crashed to the ground. A second machine got off the ground, into which he fired 30 rounds at 150 yards range, and it fell into a tree. Two more machines then rose from the aerodrome. One of these he engaged at a height of 1,000 feet, emptying the rest of his drum of ammunition. This machine crashed 300 yards from the aerodrome, after which Captain Bishop emptied a whole drum into the fourth hostile machine, and then flew back to his station. Four hostile scouts were about 1,250 feet above him for about a mile of his return journey, but they would not attack. His machine was very badly shot about by machine gun fire from the ground.[/i]

Bishop remains a well known Canadian hero. He started off his military association at the Royal Military College of Canada, and entered service in World War one as a member of the Mississauga Horse.

[Calendar]

June 3

350 Nepotianus proclaims himself Roman Emperor, entering Rome at the head of a group of gladiators.

1098 The First Crusade captures Antioch after an eight month siege.

1539 Hernando De Soto claimed Florida for Spain.

1621 The Dutch West India Company received a charter for New Netherlands, present-day New York City.

1798 British Government reinforces Gorey and Bunclody, Co. Wexford against Irish rebels. Rebels decide to attack Gorey.

June 3

1800 - John Adams, the second president of the United States, becomes the first president to reside in Washington, D.C., when he takes up residence at Union Tavern in Georgetown.

Worth noting here that John Adams was a horseman, and rode the circuit while a practicing lawyer. He bought a green horse as late as his 80s.

1808 - Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederacy (1861-1865), was born in Christian County, Ky. He was imprisoned and indicted for treason, but the case was dropped.

1815 Martin Edward Green, Brig Gen, C.S.A. born.

1824 Charles Kinnaird Graham, Brig Gen, U.S., born.

1831 Otho French Strahl, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1862 6th Ohio Cavalry regimental commander Lieutenant Colonel William O. Collins received orders to take three companies to South Pass to protect the employees and property of the Overland Mail Company and the Pacific Telegraph.

1863 Lee launches a second invasion of the North.

1864 - Union General Ulysses S. Grant makes what he later recognizes to be his greatest mistake by ordering a frontal assault on entrenched Confederates at Cold Harbor.

Note: I try to stay away from ACW history. This item is worth noting because Union forces suffered 7000 casualties in about 40 minutes.

Also worth noting that Grant was a very good horsemen. We do not tend to think of him in that fashion, but you can even find occasional older claims that he was one of the best horsemen in the Army.

1866 British regulars and Canadian militia depart to relieve Fort Erie. Fenians retreat across the border.

1885 Samuel Steele leads a NWMP detachment against Big Bear, but the Cree leader escapes in the last military engagement fought on Canadian soil.

1888 The poem "Casey at the Bat" by Ernest Lawrence Thayer was first published, in the San Francisco Daily Examiner.

The Outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, if only Casey could get but a whack at that -
We'd put up even money, now, with Casey at the bat.

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a lulu and the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despis-ed, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and the men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from 5,000 throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It knocked upon the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped-
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one," the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore.
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And its likely they'd a-killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the spheroid flew;
But Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said, "Strike two."

"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered fraud;
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.

The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate;
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout;
But there is no joy in Mudville - mighty Casey has struck out.

1916 - The National Defense Act of 1916 is signed into law. One of the most important pieces of Guard legislation in the nation’s history, it greatly increased federal supervision of, as well as federal pay for, the National Guard. The law gave the federal government more control over what units the states could raise and how they would be equipped and trained. Most importantly for Guardsmen, it authorized federal pay for 48 days of armory drill a year, as well as for 15 days of annual training (previously the federal government paid for five days of summer camp, and nothing for drills). It established a separate Militia Bureau (re-named the National Guard Bureau in 1933) to oversee federal spending on the Guard. And it settled the issue of how to employ the National Guard outside the United States (where they were limited by the Constitution in their service as militia) by stating that, in the event of an emergency, Congress would draft the National Guard into federal service. It was by this means that the National Guard was sent to fight in World War I.

Very interesting item. I didn't know when pay for annual training had come in, or drill pay for that matter. It's interesting to note how the Guard had such limited benefits up until around WWII.

On deploying the Guard overseas, it's also interesting to note that it was widely assumed that this issue was fully resolved until the Woodrow Wilson Administration. Guardsmen had served overseas in the Spanish American War and the Philippine Insurrection, and the Guard and the Army believed there was no problem legally with this at all. When Wilson became President, however, his Attorney General suddenly issued an opinion that deploying the Guard overseas was Unconstitutional, a rather strained reading of the Constitution. However, that likely reflected the fact that Wilson's Administration was a compromise Administration, which sought to unify the populist Bryan wing of the party with its more conservative base.

1926 Training Camp for National Guard at Pole Mountain approved. Attribution: Wyoming State Historical Society.

1935 1,000 unemployed men board freight cars in Vancouver to begin a trip to Ottawa to protest.

1940. Last British troops leave Dunkirk. An Allied defeat of sorts, it can also be viewed as an example of the first of the major German miscalculations, in that they failed to use their armor to break through and eliminate the British Army when they could have.

1941 The Wehrmacht razes the Greek village of Kandanos to the ground, killing 180 of its inhabitants.

1943 In Los Angeles, California, white U.S. Navy sailors and Marines clash with Latino youths in the Zoot Suit Riots.

1948 According to my local history calendar, which is agonizingly economical on details, thirty eight contestants entered a horse race between Sheridan Wyoming and Billings Montana, 137 miles, on this date in 1948. There was a regional tradition of long distance horse races at the time.

1948 First Newfoundland referendum returns 69,000 votes for self-government, 64,000 for union with Canada; 22,000 for no change.

1961 Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy meet in Vienna, Austria. Khrushchev makes new threats concerning the status of West Berlin.

1965 - One hundred and 20 miles above the earth, Major Edward H. White II opens the hatch of the Gemini 4 and steps out of the capsule, becoming the first American astronaut to walk in space.

1989 Chinese army troops began a sweep of Beijing to crush student-led pro-democracy demonstrations.

1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, died.

1999 Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic accepted a peace plan for Kosovo.

2001 Mel Brooks' musical comedy "The Producers" won a record 12 Tony Awards. The Producers is, of course, a musical following the old successful movie that was a movie about a musical. The movie is, in my view, better than the at least the filmed variant of the play made into a movie following the success of the musical.

Congressional Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day

BEGLEY, TERRENCE
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company D, 7th New York Heavy Artillery. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864. Citation: Shot a Confederate color bearer, rushed forward and seized his colors, and although exposed to heavy fire, regained the lines in safety.[/quote]

BOSS, ORLANDO: Corporal, Company F, 25th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864. Citation: Rescued his lieutenant, who was Iying between the lines mortally wounded; this under a heavy fire of the enemy.

CASEY, DAVID: Private, Company C, 25th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864. Citation: Two color bearers having been shot dead one after the other, the last one far in advance of his regiment and close to the enemy's line, this soldier rushed forward, and, under a galling fire, after removing the dead body of the bearer therefrom, secured the flag and returned with it to the Union lines.

SEITZINGER, JAMES M.: Private, Company G, 116th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864.Citation: When the color bearer was shot down, this soldier seized the colors and bore them gallantly in a charge against the enemy.

TINKHAM, EUGENE M.: Corporal, Company H, 148th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864. Citation: Though himself wounded, voluntarily left the rifle pits, crept out between the lines and, exposed to the severe fire of the enemy's guns at close range, brought within the lines 2 wounded and helpless comrades.

WILLIAMS, LE ROY
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company G, 8th New York Heavy Artillery. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 3 June 1864. Citation: Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters and located the body of his colonel who had been killed close to the enemy's lines. Under cover of darkness, with 4 companions, he recovered the body and brought it within the Union lines, having approached within a few feet of the Confederate pickets while so engaged.

[/quote][/quote]

HOBSON, RICHMOND PEARSON: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy. (Medal presented by President, 29 April 1933.) Citation: In connection with the sinking of the U.S.S. Merrimac at the entrance to the fortified harbor of Santiago de Cuba, 3 June 1898. Despite persistent fire from the enemy fleet and fortifications on shore, Lt. Hobson distinguished himself by extraordinary courage and carried out this operation at the risk of his own personal safety.

CHRISTIAN, HERBERT F.: Private, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Valmontone, Italy, 2-3 June 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 2-3 June 1944, at 1 a.m., Pvt. Christian elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving massed fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions only 30 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled to the patrol to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Although his right leg was severed above the knee by cannon fire, Pvt. Christian advanced on his left knee and the bloody stump of his right thigh, firing his submachinegun. Despite excruciating pain, Pvt. Christian continued on his self-assigned mission. He succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. He killed 3 enemy soldiers almost at once. Leaving a trail of blood behind him, he made his way forward 20 yards, halted at a point within 10 yards of the enemy, and despite intense fire killed a machine-pistol man. Reloading his weapon, he fired directly into the enemy position. The enemy appeared enraged at the success of his ruse, concentrated 20-mm. machinegun, machine-pistol and rifle fire on him, yet he refused to seek cover. Maintaining his erect position, Pvt. Christian fired his weapon to the very last. Just as he emptied his submachinegun, the enemy bullets found their mark and Pvt. Christian slumped forward dead. The courage and spirit of self-sacrifice displayed by this soldier were an inspiration to his comrades and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

JOHNSON, ELDEN H.: Private, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Valmontone, Italy, 3 June 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Then, despite 20mm. machineguns, machine pistol, and rifle fire directed at him, Pvt. Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow deliberate walk. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. Advancing to within 5 yards of a machinegun, emptying his weapon, Pvt. Johnson killed its crew. Standing in full view of the enemy he reloaded and turned on the riflemen to the left, firing directly into their positions. He either killed or wounded 4 of them. A burst of machinegun fire tore into Pvt. Johnson and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that he slumped forward dead. Pvt. Johnson had willingly given his life in order that his comrades might live. These acts on the part of Pvt. Johnson were an inspiration to the entire command and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

COOPER Henry, Boatswain. Royal Navy. On 3 June 1855 at Taganrog, Sea of Azov, Crimea, Boatswain Cooper of HMS Miranda together with a lieutenant landed while the town was actually under bombardment by the Allied Squadron. It was garrisoned by 3,000 Russian troops, but the two men landed at several places and set fire to government buildings and destroyed enemy equipment and arms. They were under fire themselves for most of the time.

ROGERS Maurice Albert Windham, Sergeant. 2nd Battalion, The Wiltshire Regiment, British Army. On 3 June 1944 at Anzio, Italy, a carrier platoon was held up by barbed wire and intense machine-gun fire only 70 yards from the objective. Sergeant Rogers, with his Thompson machine-gun, crashed through the wire, ran across a mine-field beyond, and accounted for two of the enemy posts. This action so inspired his platoon, now 100 yards behind, that they advanced to the assault, but before they could reach the sergeant he had been wounded in the leg. Undaunted, he continued to advance until he was shot and killed at point blank range.

[Calendar]

June 4

1039 Henry III becomes Holy Roman Emperor.

1411 King Charles VI granted a monopoly for the ripening of Roquefort cheese to the people of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

1615 Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu captures Osaka.

1647 Puritan troops capture King Charles I

1738 King George III was born.

1760 New England planters arrive to claim land in Nova Scotia taken from the Acadians.

1756 Quakers left the assembly of Pennsylvania.

1789 - The US constitution, enacted as sovereign law, went into effect.

1792 Captain George Vancouver claims Puget Sound for the UK.

1794 Congress passed Neutrality Act banning Americans from serving in armed forces of foreign powers.

1800 - The White House was completed and President & Mrs. John Adams moved in.

1803 Gabriel James Rains, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1805 The US signed a Treaty of Peace and Amity at Tripoli.

1812 - The Louisiana Territory was renamed the Missouri Territory.

1812 Congress votes to Declare War against Britain.

1815 Paul Jones Semmes, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1816 Philippe Regis Denis de Keredern de Trobriand, Brig Gen, U.S., born.

1828 Alexander William Campbell, Brig Gen, C.S.A. born.

1832 The British Great Reform Act redistributes parliamentary seats giving due weight to Britain's industrial cities.

1862 Confederates evacuate Fort Pillow on the Mississippi River.

1876 - A mere 83 hours after leaving New York City, the Transcontinental Express train arrives in San Francisco.

1878 The Ottoman Empire cedes Cyprus to the United Kingdom but retains nominal title.

1896 - At approximately 1:30 a.m., Henry Ford test-drove his Quadricycle, the first automobile he ever designed or drove.

1913 Suufragette Emily Davison runs out in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, at the Epsom Derby. She is trampled and dies a few days later.

1932 Air force colonel Marmaduke Grove and other Chilean officers stage a coup d'etat and establish the Socialist Republic of Chilem which lasted only a few months.

1939 The MS St. Louis, carrying 963 Jewish refugees, is denied permission to land in Florida.

1940 Allied evacuation of Norway begins.

1941 Kaiser Wilhelm II dies in exile in Holland.

1942 Japanese launch attack on Midway Island, start of the battle. They also hit Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians, but with few aircraft due to poor weather.

1943 A coup in Argentina ousts Ramón Castillo.

1943 Zoot Suit riots in Los Angeles.

1944 The U-505 captured by the U.S Navy, the first German U-boat to be captured by the US.

1944 The U.S. 5th Army entered Rome.

1956 Khrushchev's "secret" speech on Stalin made public.

Comrades, in the report of the Central Committee of the party at the 20th Congress, in a number of speeches by delegates to the Congress, as also formerly during the plenary CC/CPSU sessions, quite a lot has been said about the cult of the individual and about its harmful consequences. . . .

Allow me first of all to remind you bow severely the classics of Marxism-Leninism denounced every manifestation of the cult of the individual. In a letter to the German political worker, Wilhelm Bloss, Marx stated: "From my antipathy to any cult of the individual, I never made public during the existence of the International the numerous addresses from various countries which recognized my merits and which annoyed me. I did not even reply to them, except sometimes to rebuke their authors. Engels and I first joined the secret society of Communists on the condition that everything making for superstitious worship of authority would be deleted from its statute. . . .

The great modesty of the genius of the revolution, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, is known. Lenin had always stressed the role of the people as the creator of history, the directing and organizational role of the party as a living and creative organism, and also the role of the central committee.

Marxism does not negate the role of the leaders of the workers' class in directing the revolutionary liberation movement.

While ascribing great importance to the role of the leaders and organizers of the masses, Lenin at the same time mercilessly stigmatized every manifestation of the cult of the individual, inexorably combated the foreign-to-Marxism views about a "hero" and a "crowd" and countered all efforts to oppose a "hero" to the masses and to the people.

Lenin taught that the party's strength depends on its indissoluble unity with the masses, on the fact that behind the party follow the people - workers, peasants and intelligentsia. "Only lie will win and retain the power," said Lenin, "who believes in the people, who submerges himself in the fountain of the living creativeness of the people.". . .

During Lenin's life the central committee of the party- was a real expression of collective leadership of the party and of the Nation. Being a militant Marxist-revolutionist, always unyielding in matters of principle, Lenin never imposed by force his views upon his coworkers. He tried to convince; he patiently explained his opinions to others. Lenin always diligently observed that the norms of party life were realized, that the party statute was enforced, that the party congresses and the plenary sessions of the central committee took place at the proper intervals.

In addition to the great accomplishments of V. I. Lenin for the victory of the working class and of the working peasants, for the victory of our party and for the application of the ideas of scientific communism to life, his acute mind expressed itself also in this that lie detected in Stalin in time those negative characteristics which resulted later in grave consequences. Fearing the future fate of the party and of the Soviet nation, V.I. Lenin made a completely correct characterization of Stalin, pointing out that it was necessary to consider the question of transferring Stalin from the position of Secretarv General because of the fact that Stalin is excessively rude, that he does not have a proper attitude toward his comrades, that lie is capricious, and abuses his power. . . .

Vladimir Ilyich said: "Stalin is excessively rude, and this defect, which can be freely tolerated in our midst and in contacts among us Communists, becomes a defect which cannot be tolerated in one holding the position of the Secretary General. Because of this, I propose that the comrades consider the method by which Stalin would be removed from this position and by which another man would be selected for it, a man, who above all , would differ from Stalin in only one quality, namely, greater tolerance, greater loyalty, greater kindness, and more considerate attitude toward the comrades, a less capricious temper, etc.".

As later events have proven, Lenin's anxiety was justified; in the first period after Lenin's death Stalin still paid attention to his (i.e., Lenin's) advice, but, later be began to disregard the serious admonitions of Vladimir Ilyich.

When we analyze the practice of Stalin in regard to the direction of the party and of the country, when we pause to consider everything which Stalin perpetrated, we must be convinced that Lenin's fears were justified. The negative characteristics of Stalin, which, in Lenin's time, were on1v incipient, transformed themselves during the last years into a grave abuse o f power by Stalin, which caused untold harm to our party. . . .

Stalin acted not through persuasion, explanation, and patient cooperation with people, but by imposing his concepts and demanding absolute submission to his opinion. Whoever opposed this concept or tried to prove his viewpoint, and the correctness of his position-was doomed to removal from the leading collective and to subsequent moral and physical annihilation. This was especially true during the period following the 17th party congress, when many prominent party leaders and rank-and-file party workers, honest and dedicated to the cause of communism, fell victim to Stalin's despotism. . . .

Stalin originated the concept enemy of the people. This term automatically rendered it unnecessary that the ideological errors of a man or men engaged in a controversy be proven; this term made possible the usage of the most cruel repression, violating all norms of revolutionary legality, against anyone who in any way disagreed with Stalin, against those who were only suspected of hostile intent, against those who had bad reputations. This concept, enemy of the people, actually eliminated the possibility of any kind of ideological fight or the making of one's views known on this or that issue, even those of a practical character. In the main, and in actuality, the only proof of guilt used, against all norms of current legal science, was the confession of the accused himself, and, as subsequent probing proved, confessions were acquired through physical pressures against the accused. . . .

Lenin used severe methods only in the most necessary cases, when the exploiting classes were still in existence and were vigorously opposing the revolution, when the struggle for survival was decidedly assuming the sharpest forms, even including a civil war.

Stalin, on the other hand, used extreme methods and mass repressions at a time when the revolution was already victorious, when the Soviet state was strengthened, when the exploiting classes were already liquidated, and Socialist relations were rooted solidly in all phases of national economy, when our party was politically consolidated and had strengthened itself both numerically and ideologically. It is clear that here Stalin showed in a whole series of cases his intolerance, his brutality, and his abuse of power. Instead of proving his political correctness and mobilizing the masses, he often chose the path of repression and physical annihilation, not only against actual enemies, but also against individuals who had not committed any crimes against the party and the Soviet Government. Here we see no wisdom but only a demonstration of the brutal force which had once so alarmed V.I Lenin. . . .

Considering the question of the cult of an individual we must first of all show everyone what harm this caused to the interests of our party. . . .

In practice Stalin ignored the norms of party life and trampled on the Leninist principle of collective party leadership.

Stalin's willfulness vis-a-vis the party and its central committee became fully evident after the 17th party congress, which took place in 1934. . . .

It was determined that of the 139 members and candidates of the party's Central Committee who were elected at the 17th congress, 98 persons, that is, 70 percent, were arrested and shot (mostly in 1937-38). [Indignation in the hall.] . . .

The same fate met not only the central committee members but also the majority of the delegates to the 17th party congress. Of 1,966 delegates with either voting or advisory rights, 1,108 persons were arrested on charges of anti-revolutionary crimes, i.e., decidedly more than a majority. This very fact shows how absurd, wild, and contrary to commonsense were the charges of counter-revolutionary crimes made out, as we now see, against a majority of participants at the 17th party congress. [Indignation in the hall.] . . .

What is the reason that mass repressions against activists increased more and more after the 17th party congress? It was because at that time Stalin had so elevated himself above the party and above the nation that he ceased to consider either the central committee or the party. While he still reckoned with the opinion of the collective before the 17th congress, after the complete political liquidation of the Trotskyites, Zinovievites and Bukharinites, when as a result of that fight and Socialist victories the party achieved unity, Stalin ceased to an ever greater degree to consider the members of the party's central committee and even the members of the Political Bureau. Stalin thought that now lie could decide all things alone and all he needed were statisticians; he treated all others in such a way that they could only listen to and praise him.

After the criminal murder of S. M. Kirov, mass repressions and brutal acts of violation of Socialist legality began. On the evening of December 1, 1934, on Stalin's initiative (without the approval of the Political Bureau - which was passed 2 days later, casually) the Secretary of the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee, Yenukidze, signed the following directive:

I. Investigative agencies are directed to speed up the cases of those accused of the preparation or execution of acts of terror.

II. Judicial organs are directed not to hold up the execution of death sentences pertaining to crimes of this category in order to consider the possibility of pardon, because the Presidium of the Central Executive Committee, U.S.S.R, does not consider as possible the receiving of petitions of this sort.

III. The organs of the Commissariat of Internal Affairs are directed to execute the death sentences against criminals of the above-mentioned category immediately after the passage of sentences.

This directive became the basis for mass acts of abuse against Socialist legality. During many of the fabricated court cases the accused were charged with "the preparation" of terroristic acts; this deprived them of any, possibility that their cases might be reexamined, even when they stated before the court that their confessions were secured by force, and when, in a convincing manner, they disproved the accusations against them. . . .

Mass repressions grew tremendously from the end of 1936 after a telegram from Stalin and Zhdanov, dated from Sochi on September 25, 1936, was addressed to Kaganovich, Molotov, and other members of the Political Bureau. The content of the telegram was as follows: "We deem it absolutely necessary and urgent that Comrade Yezhov be nominated to the post of People's Commissar for Internal Affairs. Yagoda has definitely proved himself to be incapable of unmasking the Trotskyite-Zinovievite bloc. The OGPU is 4 years behind in this matter. This is noted by all party workers and by the majority of the representatives of the NKVD." Strictly speaking we should stress that Stalin did not meet with and therefore could not know the opinion of party workers. . . .

The mass repressions at this time were made under the slogan of a fight against the Trotskyites. Did the Trotskyites at this time actually constitute such a danger to our party and to the Soviet state? We should recall that in 1927, on the eve of the 15th party congress, only some 4,000 votes were cast for the Trotskyite-Zinovievite opposition, while there were 724,000 for the party line. During the 10 years which passed between the 15th party congress and the February-March central committee plenum, Trotskyism was completely disarmed; many former Trotskyites had changed their former views and worked in the various sectors building socialism. It is clear that in the situation of Socialist victory there was no basis for mass terror in the country . . . .

The majority of the Central Committee members and candidates elected at the 17th congress and arrested in 1937-38 were expelled from the party illegally through the brutal abuse of the party statute, because the question of their expulsion was never studied at the Central Committee plenum.

Now when the cases of some of these so-called spies and saboteurs were examined it was found that all their cases were fabricated. Confessions of guilt of many- arrested and charged with enemy activity were gained with the help of cruel and inhuman tortures. . . .

An example of vile provocation of odious falsification and of criminal violation of revolutionary legality is the case of the former candidate for the central committee political bureau, one of the most eminent workers of the party and of the Soviet Government, Comrade Eikhe, who was a party member since 1905. [Commotion in the hall.]

Comrade Eikhe was arrested on April 29, 1938, on the basis of slanderous materials, without the sanction of the prosecutor of the USSR, which was finally received 15 months after the arrest.

Investigation of Eikhe's case was made in a manner which most brutally violated Soviet legality and was accompanied by willfulness and falsification.

Eikhe was forced under torture to sign ahead of time a protocol of his confession prepared by the investigative judges, in which he and several other eminent party workers were accused of anti-Soviet activity.

On October 1, 1939, Eikhe sent his declaration to Stalin in which be categorically denied his guilt and asked for an examination of his case. In the declaration he wrote:

"There is no more bitter misery than to sit In the jail of a government for which I have always fought.". . .

On February 2, 1940, Eikhe was brought before the court. Here he did not confess any guilt and said as follows:

"In all the so-called confessions of mine there is not one letter written by me with the exception of my signatures under the protocols which were forced from me. I have made my confession under pressure from the investigative judge who from the time of my arrest tormented me. After that I began to write all this nonsense. The most important thing for me is to tell the court, the party and Stalin that I am not guilty. I have never been guilty of any conspiracy. I will die believing in the truth of party policy as I have believed in it during my whole life."

On February 4 Eikhe was shot. [Indignation in the hall.] It has been definitely established now that Eikhe's case was fabricated; he has been posthumously rehabilitated. . . .

The way in which the former NKVD workers manufactured various fictitious "anti-Soviet centers" and "blocs" with the help of provocatory methods is seen from the confession of Comrade Rozenblum, party member since 1906, who was arrested in 1937 by the Leningrad NKVD.

During the examination in 1955 of the Kornarov case Rozenblum revealed the following fact: when Rozenblum was arrested in 1937 he was subjected to terrible torture during which be was ordered to confess false information concerning himself and other persons. Be was then brought to the office of Zakovsky, who offered him freedom on condition that be make before the court a false confession fabricated in 1937 by the NKVD concerning "sabotage, espionage and diversion in a terroristic center in Leningrad." [Movement in the hall.] . . .

"You, yourself," said Zakovskv, "will not need to invent anything. The NKVD will prepare for you a ready outline for every branch of the center; you will have to study it carefully and to remember well all questions and answers which the court might ask. Pus case will be ready in 4-5 months, or perhaps a half year. During all this time you will be preparing yourself so that you will not compromise the investigation and yourself. Your future will depend on how the trial goes and on its results. If you begin to lie and to testify falsely, blame yourself. If you manage to endure it, you will save your bead and we will feed and clothe you at the government's cost until your death."

This is the kind of vile things which were then practiced. [Movement in the hall.] . .

When we look at many of our novels, films, and historical scientific studies, the role of Stalin in the patriotic war appears to be entirely improbable. Stalin had foreseen everything. The Soviet Army, on the basis of a strategic plan prepared by Stalin long before, used the tactics of so-called active defense, i.e., tactics which, as we know, allowed the Germans to come up to Moscow and Stalingrad. Using such tactics, the Soviet Army, supposedly, thanks only to Stalin's genius, turned to the offensive and subdued the enemy. The epic victory gained through the armed might of the land of the Soviets, through our heroic people, is ascribed in this type of novel, film, and scientific study as being completely due to the strategic genius of Stalin.

We have to analyze this matter carefully because it has a tremendous significance, not only from the historical but especially from the political, educational, and practical point of view. . . .

During the war and after the war, Stalin put forward the thesis that the tragedy which our nation experienced in the first part of the war was the result of the unexpected attack of the Germans against the Soviet Union. But, comrades, this is completely untrue. As soon as Hitler came to power in Germany be assigned to himself the task of liquidating communism. The Fascists were saying this openly; they did not hide their plans. In order to attain this aggressive end, all sorts of pacts and blocs were created, such as the famous Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis. Many facts from the prewar period clearly showed that Hitler was going all out to begin a war against the Soviet state and that lie had concentrated large armed units, together with armored units, near the Soviet borders. . . .

We must assert that information of this sort concerning the threat of German armed invasion of Soviet territory was coming in also from our own military and diplomatic sources; however, because the leadership was conditioned against such information, such data was dispatched with fear and assessed with reservation. . . .

Despite these particularly grave warnings, the necessary steps were not taken to prepare the country properly for defense and to prevent it from being caught unaware.

Did we have time and the capabilities for such preparations? Yes; we had the time and capabilities. Our industry was already so developed that it was capable of supplying fully the Soviet Army with everything that it needed. . . .

Had our industry been mobilized properly and in time to supply the army with the necessary materiel, our wartime losses would have been decidedly smaller. Such mobilization had not been, however, started in time. And already in the first days of the war it became evident that our Army was badly armed, that we did not have enough artillery, tanks, and planes to throw the enemy back. . . .

Very grievous consequences, especially in reference to the beginning of the war, followed Stalin's annihilation of many military commanders and political workers during 1937-41 because of his suspiciousness and through slanderous accusations. During these years repressions were instituted against certain parts of military cadres beginning literally at the company and battalion commander level and extending to the higher military centers; during this time the cadre of leaders who had gained military experience in Spain and In the Far East was almost completely liquidated. . . .

After the conclusion of the patriotic war the Soviet nation stressed with pride the magnificent victories gained through great sacrifices and tremendous efforts. The country experienced a period of political enthusiasm. The party came out of the war even more united; in the fire of the war party cadres were tempered and hardened. Under such conditions nobody could have even thought of the possibility of some plot in the party.

And it was precisely at this time that the so-called Leningrad affair was born. As we have now proven, this case was fabricated. Those who innocently lost their lives included Comrades Voznesensky, Kuznetsov, Rodionov, Popkov, and others. . . .

Facts prove that the Leningrad affair is also the result of willfulness which Stalin exercised against party cadres. . . .

We must state that after the war the situation became even more complicated. Stalin became even more capricious, irritable, and brutal; in particular his suspicion grew. His persecution mania reached unbelievable dimensions. Many workers were becoming enemies before his very eyes. After the war Stalin separated himself from the collective even more. Everything was decided by him alone without any consideration for anyone or anything.

This unbelievable suspicion was cleverly taken advantage of by the abject provocateur and vile enemy, Beriya, who had murdered thousands of Communists and loyal Soviet people. The elevation of Voznesensky and Kuznetsov alarmed Beriya. As we have now proven, it had been precisely Beriya who had suggested to Stalin the fabrication by him and by his confidants of materials in the form of declarations and anonymous letters, and in the form of various rumors and talks. . . .

The question arises: Why is it that we see the truth of this affair only now, and why did we not do something earlier, during Stalin's life, in order to prevent the loss of innocent lives? It was because Stalin personally supervised the Leningrad affair, and the majority of the Political Bureau members did not, at that time, know all of the circumstances in these matters, and could not therefore intervene. . . .

The willfulness of Stalin showed itself not only in decisions concerning the internal life of the country but also in the international relations of the Soviet Union.

The July plenum of the Central Committee studied in detail the reasons for the development of conflict with Yugoslavia. It was a shameful role which Stalin played here. The "Yugoslav affair" contained no problems which could not have been solved through party discussions among comrades. There was no significant basis for the development of this "affair;" it was completely possible to have prevented the rupture of relations with that country.

I recall the first days when the conflict between the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia began artificially to be blown up. Once, when I carne from Kiev to Moscow, I was invited to visit Stalin who, pointing to the copy of a letter lately sent to Tito, asked me, "Have you read this?"

Not waiting for my reply be answered, "I will shake my little finger and there will be no more Tito. He will fall.". . .

But this did not happen to Tito. No matter how much or how little Stalin shook, not only his little finger but everything else that be could shake, Tito did not fall. Why? The reason was that, in this case of disagreement with the Yugoslav comrades, Tito had behind him a state and a people who had gone through a severe school of fighting for liberty and independence, a people which gave support to its leaders.

You see to what Stalin's mania for greatness led. He bad completely lost consciousness of reality; he demonstrated his suspicion and haughtiness not only in relation to individuals in the USSR, but in relation to whole parties and nations. . . .

Let us also recall the affair of the doctor plotters. [Animation in the ball.] Actually there was no affair outside of the declaration of the woman doctor Timasbuk, who was probably influenced or ordered by someone (after all, she was an unofficial collaborator of the organs of state security) to write Stalin a letter in which she declared that doctors were applying supposedly improper methods of medical treatment.

Such a letter was sufficient for Stalin to reach an immediate conclusion that there are doctor plotters in the Soviet Union. He issued orders to arrest a group of eminent Soviet medical specialists. He personally issued advice on the conduct of the investigation and the method of interrogation of the arrested persons. He said that the academician Vinogradov should be put in chains, another one should be beaten. Present at this Congress as a delegate is the former Minister of State Security Comrade Ignatiev. Stalin told him curtly, "If you do not obtain confessions from the doctors we will shorten you by a head." [Tumult in the hall.] . . .

In organizing the various dirty and shameful cases, a very base role was played by the rabid enemy of our party, an agent of a foreign intelligence service-Beriya, who had stolen into Stalin's confidence. In what way could this provocateur gain such a position in the part), and in the State, so as to become the First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union and a member of the Central Committee Political Bureau? It has now been established that this villain bad climbed up the government ladder over an untold number of corpses.

Were there any signs that Beriya was an enemy of the party? Yes; there were. Already in 1937, at a Central Committee plenum, former People's Commissar of Health Protection Kaminsky said that Beriya worked for the Mussavat intelligence service. But the Central Committee plenum had barely concluded when Kaminsky was arrested and then shot. Had Stalin examined Kaminsky's statement? No; because Stalin believed in Beriya and that was enough for him. And when Stalin believed in anyone or anything, then no one could say anything which was contrary to his opinion; anyone who would dare to express opposition would have met the same fate as Kaminsky. . . .

Comrades, the cult of the individual acquired such monstrous size chiefly because Stalin himself, using all conceivable methods, supported the glorification of his own person. This is supported by numerous facts. One of the most characteristic examples of Stalin's self -glorification and of his lack of even elementary modesty is the edition of his Short Biography, which was published in 1948.

This book is an expression of the most dissolute flattery, an example of making a man into a godhead, of transforming him into an infallible sage, "the greatest leader," "sublime strategist of all times and nations." Finally no other words could be found with which to lift Stalin up to the heavens.

We need not give here examples of the loathsome adulation filling this book. All we need to add is that they all were approved and edited by Stalin personally and some of them were added in his own handwriting to the draft text of the book. . . .

Comrades, if we sharply criticize today the cult of the individual which was so widespread during Stalin's life and if we speak about the many negative phenomena generated by this cult which is so alien to the spirit of Marxism-Leninism, various persons may ask: How could it be? Stalin headed the party and the country for 30 years and many victories were gained during his lifetime. Can we deny this? In my opinion, the question can be asked in this manner only by those who are blinded and hopelessly hypnotized by the cult of the individual, only by those who do not understand the essence of the revolution and of the Soviet State, only by those who do not understand, in a Leninist manner, the role of the party and of the nation in the development of the Soviet society. . . .

Our historical victories were attained thanks to the organizational work of the party, to the many provincial organizations, and to the self-sacrificing work of our great nation. These victories are the result of the great drive and activity of the nation and of the party as a whole; they are not at all the fruit of the leadership of Stalin, as the situation was pictured during the period of the cult of the individual. . . .

Let us consider the first Central Committee plenum after the 19th party congress when Stalin, in his talk at the plenum, characterized Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov and Anastas Ivanovich Mikoyan and suggested that these old workers of our party were guilty of some baseless charges. It is not excluded that had Stalin remained at the helm for another several months, Comrades Molotov and Mikoyan would probably have not delivered any speeches at this congress.

Stalin evidently had plans to finish off the old members of the political bureau. He often stated that political bureau members should be replaced by new ones. . . .

We can assume that this was also a design for the future annihilation of the old political bureau members and in this way a cover for all shameful acts of Stalin, acts which we are now considering.

Comrades, in order not to repeat errors of the past, the central committee has declared itself resolutely against the cult of the individual. We consider that Stalin was excessively extolled. However, in the past Stalin doubtless performed great services to the party, to the working class, and to the international workers' movement. . . .

We should in all seriousness consider the question of the cult of the individual. We cannot let this matter get out of the party, especially not to the press. It is for this reason that we are considering it here at a closed congress session. We should know the limits; we should not give ammunition to the enemy; we should not wash our dirty linen before their eves. I think that the delegates to the congress will understand and assess properly all these proposals. [Tumultuous applause.]

Comrades, we must abolish the cult of the individual decisively, once and for all; we must draw the proper conclusions concerning both ideological-theoretical and practical work.

It is necessary for this purpose:

First, in a Bolshevik manner to condemn and to eradicate the cult of the individual as alien to Marxism-Leninism and not consonant with the principles of party leadership and the norms of party life, and to fight inexorably all attempts at bringing back this practice in one form or another.

To return to and actually practice in all our ideological work, the most important theses of Marxist-Leninist science about the people as the creator of history and as the creator of all material and spiritual good of humanity, about the decisive role of the Marxist party in the revolutionary fight for the transformation of society-, about the victory of communism.

In this connection we will be forced to do much work in order to examine critically from the Marxist-Leninist viewpoint and to correct the widely spread erroneous views connected with the cult of the individual in the sphere of history, philosophy,, economy, and of other sciences, as well as in the literature and t be fine arts. It is especially necessary that in the immediate future we compile a serious textbook of the history of our party which will be edited in accordance with scientific Marxist objectivism, a textbook of the history of Soviet society, a book pertaining to the events of the civil war and the great patriotic war.

Secondly, to continue systematically and consistently the work done by the party's central committee during the last years, a work characterized by minute observation in all party- organizations, from the bottom to the top, of the Leninist principles of party- leadership, characterized, above all, by the main principle of collective leadership, characterized by the observation of the norms of party life described in the statutes of our party, and, finally, characterized by- the wide practice of criticism and self-criticism.

Thirdly, to restore completely the Leninist principles of Soviet Socialist democracy., expressed in the constitution of the Soviet Union, to fight willfulness of individuals abusing their power. The evil caused by acts violating revolutionary Socialist legality which have accumulated during a long time as a result of the negative influence of the cult of the individual has to be completely corrected.

Comrades, the 20tb Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union has manifested with a new strength the unshakable unity- of our party, its cohesiveness around the central committee, its resolute will to accomplish the great task of building communism. [Tumultuous applause.] And the fact that we present in all the ramifications the basic problems of overcoming the cult of the individual which is alien to Marxism-Leninism, as well as the problem of liquidating its burdensome consequences, is an evidence of the great moral and political strength of our party'. [Prolonged applause.]

We are absolutely certain that our party, armed with the historical resolutions of the 20th Congress, will lead the Soviet people along the Leninist path to new, successes, to new victories. [Tumultuous, prolonged applause.]

Long live the victorious banner of our party-Leninism

1961 Khrushchev threatens to sign a separate peace treaty with East Germany ending American, British and French access to East Berlin.

1976 Canada declares 200 nautical mile offshore fisheries jurisdiction zone, effective Jan 1, 1977.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

HILLIKER, BENJAMIN F.: Civil War. Musician, Company A, 8th Wisconsin Infantry. Place and date: At Mechanicsburg, Miss., 4 June 1863. Citation: When men were needed to oppose a superior Confederate force he laid down his drum for a rifle and proceeded to the front of the skirmish line which was about 120 feet from the enemy. While on this volunteer mission and firing at the enemy he was hit in the head with a minie ball which passed through him. An order was given to "lay him in the shade; he won't last long." He recovered from this wound being left with an ugly scar.

GATES, GEORGE
Rank and organization: Bugler, Company F, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: At Picacho Mountain, Ariz., 4 June 1869. Citation: Killed an Indian warrior and captured his arms.

WATSON, JOSEPH
Rank and organization: Private, Company F, 8th U.S. Cavalry. Place and date: Near Picacho Mountain, Ariz., 4 June 1869. Cltation: Killed an Indian warrior and captured his arms.

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DAVID, ALBERT LEROY: World War Two. Posthumous award. : Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. Pillsbury during the capture of an enemy German submarine off French West Africa, 4 June 1944. Taking a vigorous part in the skillfully coordinated attack on the German U-505 which climaxed a prolonged search by the Task Group, Lt. (then Lt. j.g.) David boldly led a party from the Pillsbury in boarding the hostile submarine as it circled erratically at 5 or 6 knots on the surface. Fully aware that the U-boat might momentarily sink or be blown up by exploding demolition and scuttling charges, he braved the added danger of enemy gunfire to plunge through the conning tower hatch and, with his small party, exerted every effort to keep the ship afloat and to ass1st the succeeding and more fully equipped salvage parties in making the U-505 seaworthy for the long tow across the Atlantic to a U.S. port. By his valiant service during the first successful boarding and capture of an enemy man-o-war on the high seas by the U.S. Navy since 1815, Lt. David contributed materially to the effectiveness of our Battle of the Atlantic and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

FLEMING, RICHARD E.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as Flight Officer, Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. When his Squadron Commander was shot down during the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Capt. Fleming led the remainder of the division with such fearless determination that he dived his own plane to the perilously low altitude of 400 feet before releasing his bomb. Although his craft was riddled by 179 hits in the blistering hail of fire that burst upon him from Japanese fighter guns and antiaircraft batteries, he pulled out with only 2 minor wounds inflicted upon himself. On the night of 4 June, when the squadron commander lost his way and became separated from the others, Capt. Fleming brought his own plane in for a safe landing at its base despite hazardous weather conditions and total darkness. The following day, after less than 4 hours' sleep, he led the second division of his squadron in a coordinated glide-bombing and dive-bombing assault upon a Japanese battleship. Undeterred by a fateful approach glide, during which his ship was struck and set afire, he grimly pressed home his attack to an altitude of 500 feet, released his bomb to score a near miss on the stern of his target, then crashed to the sea in flames. His dauntless perseverance and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

BARKER, CHARLES H.: Korean War. Posthumous award. Private First Class. U.S. Army, Company K, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Sokkogae, Korea, 4 June 1953. Citation: Pfc. Barker, a member of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While participating in a combat patrol engaged in screening an approach to "Pork-Chop Outpost," Pfc. Barker and his companions surprised and engaged an enemy group digging emplacements on the slope. Totally unprepared, the hostile troops sought cover. After ordering Pfc. Barker and a comrade to lay down a base of fire, the patrol leader maneuvered the remainder of the platoon to a vantage point on higher ground. Pfc. Barker moved to an open area firing his rifle and hurling grenades on the hostile positions. As enemy action increased in volume and intensity, mortar bursts fell on friendly positions, ammunition was in critical supply, and the platoon was ordered to withdraw into a perimeter defense preparatory to moving back to the outpost. Voluntarily electing to cover the retrograde movement, he gallantly maintained a defense and was last seen in close hand-to-hand combat with the enemy. Pfc. Barker's unflinching courage, consummate devotion to duty, and supreme sacrifice enabled the patrol to complete the mission and effect an orderly withdrawal to friendly lines, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the military service.

Last supplemented on June 4, 2012.

[Calendar]

June 5

468 BC Socrates born.

1637 English and Mohegans aslaughter as many as 600 Pequot Indians in New England.

1798 Second session of second Parliament of Upper Canada meets, sets up county system and makes valid marriages performed by non-Anglicans.

1806. The trotter Yankee does the mile in 2.59, being the first trotter to do the mile under three minutes while under saddle.

I'd like to know more details about that, Pat. That's quite a bit sooner than I would have expected. Before the age of hippodrome racing speed was not much valued for it's own sake apart from it being an indicator of quality and the ability to win races, which were predominantly match races. But breaking records was not viewed as a virtue in the same way as we know it today. I'll have to look up where my impression comes from but I had thought that that time was broken a bit later around the time of Dexter, in the course of winning a race. Trotting races under saddle were as common as under various harness rigs then, and often in harness a pace setter that actually didn't pull would accompany the horse who was racing.

I don't know many more details, but here's a couple of links mentioning it.

http://www.angelfire.com/oh/racingunder ... ndex8.html

http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?articleId=211441

Thanks Pat. I'll get back to it this evening and also run down a few of the sources for my comments and see if I can add some details to my impressions.

Sandy

I couldn't lay my hands on the book I was looking for but putzing around on the net I ran into this article by John A. Craig in the "Cyclopedia of American Agriculture" a book that I believe has been linked to at our forum in the past. Pages 500 -507 might be of interest as the author writes about 19th century trotting families and their origins. There is a section on the relation and intermixture of Morgan, Gansett,Tb and Canadian blood as it relates to imported Messenger and the influence of N American horses in the subheading 'History' (p501). (The book I was trying to find was Woodruff's 'Trotting Horse of America' which gives a pretty good first hand account of the run up to the 2:00 mile and the racing scene in the first half of the 19th century.) Anyway I hope Craig's article is of interest.

http://books.google.com/books?id=T9iNd5 ... #PPA506,M1

BTW Pat thanks for the articles above. I just read them and immediately saw my mistake this morning: mistaking 3:00 for 2:00. I see Woodruff is prominently featured in the first of them, as well as an outline of early races. Lady Suffolk is also mentioned who raced and won for something like 15 years. They don't train them like they used to.

Sandy

1813 British regulars and Canadian militia launch surprise attack against American force under Brigadiers William Winder and John Chandler at Stoney Creek, Ontario. Americans withdraw.

1827 Beverly Holcombe Robertson, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1831 Marcus Joseph Wright, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1848 - Army officer John C. Fremont submitted his “Geographical Memoir” to the US Senate where the SF Bay entrance was called Chrysopylae (Golden Gate). He had in mind the Chrysoceras (Golden Horn) of Constantinople, and suggested that the SF Bay would be advantageous for commerce.

1856 - U.S. Army troops in the Four creeks region of California, headed back to quarters, officially ending the Tule River War. Fighting, however, continued for a few more years.

1878 Doroteo "Pancho Villa" Arango, Mexican revolutionary, born.

1884 - Civil War hero General William T. Sherman refused the Republican presidential nomination, saying, "I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected."

1884 Gabriel Dumont, Michel Dumas, Moise Ouelette, and James Isbister, visit Louis Riel in Montana, where he is teaching, to encourage his return to Canada.

1900 Stephen Crane, war correspondent, author ("The Red Badge of Courage"), died.

1900 British take Pretoria.

1912 - Senator Charles E. Townsent of Michigan introduced a bill to consolidate Life-Saving Service and Revenue Cutter Service to form Coast Guard. The bill became law on 28 January 1915.

1916. The Sherif of Mecca declares his revolt against the Turks. This would lead to a notable mounted campaign, ultimately lead by T. E. Lawrence, the legendary British officer.

Credit on this one is due to A. J. Plotke, of the University of Kansas WWI list, from whom I frankly lifted it.

1916 Horatio H Kitchener, age 65, died when the ship he was a passenger on went down at sea.

1917 U.S. draft registration commences.

1917 First Naval Aeronautical Detachment, the first US unit sent to France, reaches France on board USS Jupiter.

1919 Eugen Leviné, head of the Bavarian Soviet Republic, executed at age 33.

1920 Cornelius Ryan, war correspondent, historian ("The Longest Day", "A Bridge Too Far", "The Last Battle"), born.

1933 U.S. goes off of the Gold Standard. This entailed an act of Congress ending the ability of creditors to seek payment in gold via the use of Gold Notes. Gold Notes and gold coins were ordered to be returned to the Treasury, assuming that they had a denomination in excess of $100.

1942 Admiral Chester Nimitz announces the defeat of the Imperial Japanese Naval fleet at the Battle of Midway.

1942 The United States declares war on Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania.

1943 Day two of the Los Angeles Zoot Suit Riots.

1944. The Allies make a triumphal entry into Rome.

The fall of Rome, while universally acknowledged as a significant event in World War Two, tends to be overshadowed by the events of the following day.

1944 The BBC broadcasts the second part of a message intended to alert French Resistance units to the imminent nature of the Allied landings. German intelligence appreciates the meaning of the message but little is done in response to it.

1944 The earliest Operation Overlord airborne operations commence late at night.

1945 473 US B-29 Superfortress bombers strike Kobe with 3000 tons of incendiary bombs.

1947 George Marshall delivers a speech at Harvard calling for economic aid for Europe.

1967 The Israel air force attacks targets in Egypt and Syria, commencing the Six Day War.

1968 Robert Kennedy murdered at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles by Sirhan Sirhan.

1989 The "Peoples Army" of China slaughters pro-democracy students at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

2004 Ronald Reagan died at age 93.

2006 Serbia declares independence.

Congressional Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day

AVERY, WILLIAM B.: Civil War. Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 1st New York Marine Artillery. Place and date: At Tranters Creek, N.C., 5 June 1862.Citation: Handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire.

BEATTY, ALEXANDER M.: Civil War. Captain, Company F, 3d Vermont Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 5 June 1864. Citation: Removed, under a hot fire, a wounded member of his command to a place of safety.

EVANS, THOMAS: Civil War. Private, Company D, 54th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Piedmont, Va., 5 June 1864. Citation: Capture of flag of 45th Virginia (C.S.A.).

HUNTERSON, JOHN C.
Rank and organization: Private, Company B, 3d Pennsylvania Cavalry. Place and date: On the Peninsula, Va., 5 June 1862. Citation: While under fire, between the lines of the 2 armies, voluntarily gave up his own horse to an engineer officer whom he was accompanying on a reconnaissance and whose horse had been killed, thus enabling the officer to escape with valuable papers in his possession.

SNEDDEN, JAMES: Civil War. Musician, Company E, 54th Pennsylvania Infantry. Place and date: At Piedmont, Va., 5 June 1864. Citation: Left his place in the rear, took the rifle of a disabled soldier, and fought through the remainder of the action.

STAHEL, JULIUS: Civil War. Major General, U.S. Volunteers. Place and date: At Piedmont, Va., 5 June 1864. Citation: Led his division into action until he was severely wounded.

FLEMING, RICHARD E.: World War Two. Posthumous award. : Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 2 November 1917, St. Paul, Minn. Appointed from: Minnesota. Citation: For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty as Flight Officer, Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 241, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the battle of Midway on 4 and 5 June 1942. When his Squadron Commander was shot down during the initial attack upon an enemy aircraft carrier, Capt. Fleming led the remainder of the division with such fearless determination that he dived his own plane to the perilously low altitude of 400 feet before releasing his bomb. Although his craft was riddled by 179 hits in the blistering hail of fire that burst upon him from Japanese fighter guns and antiaircraft batteries, he pulled out with only 2 minor wounds inflicted upon himself. On the night of 4 June, when the squadron commander lost his way and became separated from the others, Capt. Fleming brought his own plane in for a safe landing at its base despite hazardous weather conditions and total darkness. The following day, after less than 4 hours' sleep, he led the second division of his squadron in a coordinated glide-bombing and dive-bombing assault upon a Japanese battleship. Undeterred by a fateful approach glide, during which his ship was struck and set afire, he grimly pressed home his attack to an altitude of 500 feet, released his bomb to score a near miss on the stern of his target, then crashed to the sea in flames. His dauntless perseverance and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

HARR, HARRY R.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Corporal, U.S. Army, Company D, 124th Infantry, 31st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Maglamin, Mindanao, Philippine Islands, 5 June 1945. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity. In a fierce counterattack, the Japanese closed in on his machinegun emplacement, hurling hand grenades, 1 of which exploded under the gun, putting it out of action and wounding 2 of the crew. While the remaining gunners were desperately attempting to repair their weapon another grenade landed squarely in the emplacement. Quickly realizing he could not safely throw the unexploded missile from the crowded position, Cpl. Harr unhesitatingly covered it with his body to smother the blast. His supremely courageous act, which cost him his life, saved 4 of his comrades and enabled them to continue their mission.

I feel the following CMH citation is worth including because it is truly amazing.

VANCE, LEON R., Jr.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Corps, 489th Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Wimereaux. France, 5 June 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 5 June 1944, when he led a Heavy Bombardment Group, in an attack against defended enemy coastal positions in the vicinity of Wimereaux, France. Approaching the target, his aircraft was hit repeatedly by antiaircraft fire which seriously crippled the ship, killed the pilot, and wounded several members of the crew, including Lt. Col. Vance, whose right foot was practically severed. In spite of his injury, and with 3 engines lost to the flak, he led his formation over the target, bombing it successfully. After applying a tourniquet to his leg with the aid of the radar operator, Lt. Col. Vance, realizing that the ship was approaching a stall altitude with the 1 remaining engine failing, struggled to a semi-upright position beside the copilot and took over control of the ship. Cutting the power and feathering the last engine he put the aircraft in glide sufficiently steep to maintain his airspeed. Gradually losing altitude, he at last reached the English coast, whereupon he ordered all members of the crew to bail out as he knew they would all safely make land. But he received a message over the interphone system which led him to believe 1 of the crewmembers was unable to jump due to injuries; so he made the decision to ditch the ship in the channel, thereby giving this man a chance for life. To add further to the danger of ditching the ship in his crippled condition, there was a 500-pound bomb hung up in the bomb bay. Unable to climb into the seat vacated by the copilot, since his foot, hanging on to his leg by a few tendons, had become lodged behind the copilot's seat, he nevertheless made a successful ditching while lying on the floor using only aileron and elevators for control and the side window of the cockpit for visual reference. On coming to rest in the water the aircraft commenced to sink rapidly with Lt. Col. Vance pinned in the cockpit by the upper turret which had crashed in during the landing. As it was settling beneath the waves an explosion occurred which threw Lt. Col. Vance clear of the wreckage. After clinging to a piece of floating wreckage until he could muster enough strength to inflate his life vest he began searching for the crewmember whom he believed to be aboard. Failing to find anyone he began swimming and was found approximately 50 minutes later by an Air-Sea Rescue craft. By his extraordinary flying skill and gallant leadership, despite his grave injury, Lt. Col. Vance led his formation to a successful bombing of the assigned target and returned the crew to a point where they could bail out with safety. His gallant and valorous decision to ditch the aircraft in order to give the crewmember he believed to be aboard a chance for life exemplifies the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.

WILSON, BENJAMIN F.: Korean War. First Lieutenant (then M/Sgt.), U.S. Army Company I, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Hwach'on-Myon, Korea, 5 June 1951. Citation: 1st Lt. Wilson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Company I was committed to attack and secure commanding terrain stubbornly defended by a numerically superior hostile force emplaced in well-fortified positions. When the spearheading element was pinned down by withering hostile fire, he dashed forward and, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, neutralized the position denying the advance and killed 4 enemy soldiers manning submachineguns. After the assault platoon moved up, occupied the position, and a base of fire was established, he led a bayonet attack which reduced the objective and killed approximately 27 hostile soldiers. While friendly forces were consolidating the newly won gain, the enemy launched a counterattack and 1st Lt. Wilson, realizing the imminent threat of being overrun, made a determined lone-man charge, killing 7 and wounding 2 of the enemy, and routing the remainder in disorder. After the position was organized, he led an assault carrying to approximately 15 yards of the final objective, when enemy fire halted the advance. He ordered the platoon to withdraw and, although painfully wounded in this action, remained to provide covering fire. During an ensuing counterattack, the commanding officer and 1st Platoon leader became casualties. Unhesitatingly, 1st Lt. Wilson charged the enemy ranks and fought valiantly, killing 3 enemy soldiers with his rifle before it was wrested from his hands, and annihilating 4 others with his entrenching tool. His courageous delaying action enabled his comrades to reorganize and effect an orderly withdrawal. While directing evacuation of the wounded, he suffered a second wound, but elected to remain on the position until assured that all of the men had reached safety. 1st Lt. Wilson's sustained valor and intrepid actions reflect utmost credit upon himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.

CAVAIANI, JON R.: Vietnam War. Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Vietnam Training Advisory Group, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 4 and 5 June 1971. Citation: S/Sgt. Cavaiani distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 5 June 1971 while serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security for an isolated radio relay site located within enemy-held territory. On the morning of 4 June 1971, the entire camp came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from a superior size enemy force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani acted with complete disregard for his personal safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to move about the camp's perimeter directing the platoon's fire and rallying the platoon in a desperate fight for survival. S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returned heavy suppressive fire upon the assaulting enemy force during this period with a variety of weapons. When the entire platoon was to be evacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaiani unhesitatingly volunteered to remain on the ground and direct the helicopters into the landing zone. S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to direct the first 3 helicopters in evacuating a major portion of the platoon. Due to intense increase in enemy fire, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was forced to remain at the camp overnight where he calmly directed the remaining platoon members in strengthening their defenses. On the morning of S June, a heavy ground fog restricted visibility. The superior size enemy force launched a major ground attack in an attempt to completely annihilate the remaining small force. The enemy force advanced in 2 ranks, first firing a heavy volume of small arms automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire while the second rank continuously threw a steady barrage of hand grenades at the beleaguered force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani returned a heavy barrage of small arms and hand grenade fire on the assaulting enemy force but was unable to slow them down. He ordered the remaining platoon members to attempt to escape while he provided them with cover fire. With 1 last courageous exertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered a machine gun, stood up, completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire directed at him, and began firing the machine gun in a sweeping motion along the 2 ranks of advancing enemy soldiers. Through S/Sgt. Cavaiani's valiant efforts with complete disregard for his safety, the majority of the remaining platoon members were able to escape. While inflicting severe losses on the advancing enemy force, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was wounded numerous times. S/Sgt. Cavaiani's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

Every one of today's VC's pertains to action on the continent of Africa.

HARTLEY Edmund Barron: g the Basuto Gun War. Surgeon Major. Cape Mounted Riflemen, Cape Colonial Forces. Citation: On 5 June 1879 in South Africa, Surgeon Major Hartley attended the wounded under fire at the unsuccessful attack at Morosi's Mountain. From an exposed position, on open ground, he carried in his arms a wounded corporal of the Cape Mounted Riflemen. The surgeon major then returned under severe enemy fire in order to dress the wounds of the other men of the storming party.

MOOR George Raymond Dallas Ruxton World War One. Second Lieutenant. The Hampshire Regiment, British 29th Division. Citation: On 5 June 1915 south of Krithia, Gallipoli, Turkey, when a detachment of the battalion which had lost all its officers was rapidly retiring before a heavy Turkish attack, Second Lieutenant Moor, realising the danger to the rest of the line, dashed back some 200 yards, stemmed the retirement, led back the men and recaptured the lost trench. This brave act saved a dangerous situation.

He was still in service as a lieutenant when he won the Military Cross in 1918. Citation: On October 20th, 1918, about Pijpestraatthe vanguard commander was wounded and unable to carry on. Owing to heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, the vanguard came to a standstill. Lieut. Moor, Acting General Staff Officer, who was reconnoitring the front, noticed this ; he immediately took charge, and by his fearless example and skilful leading continued the advance until the objective was reached. He has a positive contempt for danger, and distinguishes himself on every occasion.

However, his war experiences left him in poor health, and he died in the Spanish Flu epidemic on November 3, 1918.

CRAIG John Manson: World War One. Second Lieutenant. 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers, British Army. Citation: On 5 June 1917 in Egypt, an advanced post having been rushed by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Craig immediately organised a rescue party and after tracking the enemy back to his trenches, set his party to work removing the dead and wounded under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. An NCO was wounded and a medical officer who went to his aid was also wounded. Second Lieutenant Craig went out at once and got the NCO under cover, but while taking the medical officer to shelter was himself wounded. Nevertheless the rescue was effected, and he then scooped cover for the wounded, thus saving their lives.

He went on to serve in the RAF in World War Two.

SMYTHE Quentin George Murray: World War Two. Sergeant in the Royal Natal Carabineers, 1st SA Infantry Division, South African Forces. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry in action in the Alem Hamza area on the 5th June, 1942. During the attack on an enemy strong point in which his officer was severely wounded; Sergeant Smythe took command of the platoon although suffering from a shrapnel wound in the forehead. The strong point having been overrun, our troops came under enfilade fire from an enemy machine-gun nest. Realising the threat to his position, Sergeant Smythe himself stalked and destroyed the nest with hand grenades, capturing, the crew. Though weak from loss of blood, he continued to lead the advance, and on encountering an anti-tank gun position again attacked it single-handed and captured the crew. He was directly responsible for killing several of the enemy, shooting some and bayonetting another as they withdrew. After consolidation he received orders for a withdrawal, which he successfully executed, defeating skilfully an enemy attempt at encirclement. Throughout the engagement Sergeant Smythe displayed remarkable disregard for danger, and his leadership and courage were an inspiration to his men.

Smythe was a farmer and returned to that pursuit after his discharge.

Last supplemented on June 5, 2012.

[Calendar]

June 6

1513 At the Battle of Novara. Swiss troops defeat the French under Louis de la Tremoille, forcing the French to abandon Milan.

1639 Massachusetts granted 500 acres of land to erect a gunpowder mill.

1752 A fire destroys 1/3 of Moscow.

1808 Joseph Bonaparte is crowned King of Spain, a job he didn't really want.

1813 The U.S. invasion of Canada during the War or 1812 was halted at Stoney Creek, Ontario.

1833 President Andrew Jackson becomes the first president to take a ride on a train.

1844 The Young Men's Christian Association formed in London.

1862 Union takes Memphis.

1865 William Quantrill dies from wounds sustained in a skirmish with Union soldiers in Kentucky.

1894 In the reverse of the usual story, Colorado's Governor Davis H. Waite orders the Colorado state militia to protect and support tminers engaged in a strike at Cripple Creek. Mine owners had already formed private army.

1908 A man from Cody Wyoming was the co-winner of the Evanston Wyoming to Denver horse race, one of the long distance horse races that were common in Wyoming at the time.

1909 French troops capture Abéché in Chad and install a puppet sultan in the Ouaddai Empire.

1912 In the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th Century Novarupta in Alaska begins erupting.

1912 President Taft signs the Homestead Act of 1912, which reduces the period to "prove up" from five years to three. This was unknowingly on the eve of a major boom in homesteading, as World War One would create a huge demand for wheat for export, followed by the largest number of homestead filings in American history as would be wheat farmers attempted to gain land for the endeavor.


1915 British commissioners began to purchase remounts in Wyoming. The purchase of horses for British service in World War One created a boom in horse ranching which would continue, fueled both by British and American service purchases, throughout the war, but which would be followed by a horse ranching crash after the war.

U.S. Army Remounts, Camp Kearny California, 1917.

1918 The battle of Belleau Wood begins. The U.S. Marine Corps suffers its worst single day's casualties.

1925 Walter Percy Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corp.

1933 The first drive-in movie theater opened, in Camden County, N.J.

1934 The Securities and Exchange Commission was established.

1940 Japanese take Chingmen, in Hupeh province, China.

1941 The U.S. government authorized the seizure of foreign ships in U.S. ports.

1941 British Intelligence receives information that Germany will invade the Soviet Union on June 22.

1941 Hitler issues an order to the Wehrmacht to eliminate all Soviet Commissars that come into its control, in the planned invasion of the Soviet Union.

1942 The first nylon parachute jump was made in Hartford, Ct., by Adeline Gray.

Ms. Gray, depicted here, was an employee of the Pioneer Parachute Company. She was an experienced civilian parachutist at the time of the jump.

1942 The Japanese landed on Kiska, Aleutians.

1942 At the Battle of Midway, U.S. Navy dive bombers sink the Japanese cruiser Mikuma and four Japanese carriers.

1943 Riots break out in Detroit. The riots were caused by resentment over blacks being employed in defense plants.




U.S. Army Photograph. Army Air Corps photographers documented D-Day beach traffic, as photographed from a Ninth Air Force bomber on June 6, 1944. Note vehicle lanes leading away from the landing areas, and landing craft left aground by the tide.


U.S. Army Photograph. Soldiers of the 16th Infantry Regiment, wounded while storming Omaha Beach, wait by the chalk cliffs for evacuation to a field hospital for treatment, D-Day, June 6, 1944.


U.S. Army photograph.


U.S. Army Photograph. Gliders over Utah Beach.


U.S. Army Photograph. 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Utah Beach.


U.S. Army Photograph. German soldiers surrendering.

Images courtesy U.S. Army and Navy.

1944. The Invasion of Normandy, so day so famously remembered as D-Day (somewhat in error, given as any WWII allied invasion date goes by "D-Day")

While probably a surprising entry here, as pointed out some time ago here, there actually was some surprising mounted action that is associated with the Invasion of Normandy. This came in the days following the invasion when Cossacks in German service would make a brief unsuccessful appearance in the action. Also, US paratroopers extremely briefly, in very small numbers, utilized some German mounts.

From an earlier entry: The western Allies, the US, UK, Canada, and Free French, launch operation Overlord. The air, sea, and ground invasion of Normandy. The events of the invasion would actually see some use of military horses. The Germans, of course, relied upon horse transportation for artillery and supplies to the same general extent in Normandy as in other areas of Europe. Moreover, a German Cossack unit would make an ill advised attempt to assault an U.S. airborne unit. Individual American units did make slight use of captured horses for message running. We have at least one such photograph up here.

The invasion is the subject of numerous books, and is incorporated in numerous good and bad movies. Often missed in all of the intense analyzation of this event is the extremely rapid time line that would follow. Even with the much discussed delays at Caan, the Allied armies in the West had advanced so far by mid September 1944, a mere 3.5 months later, that a massive airborne operation was attempted in Holland. That assault, Operation Market Garden, failed in terms of objectives, in that the plan famously went "a bridge too far", but the impressive thing to consider here is that the Allies were actually in a position to attempt a war ending advance in September 1944. The Germans would recover sufficiently to launch an offensive in the Ardennes in December 1945, but would be finished by May 1945. So, from the invasion to the end was a period of only 11 months.

None of this, of course, is to discount the enormous efforts of the Soviet Union, which had been committed on the ground for four years. But it is an impressive time line.

US Rangers also used horses from the same source during the Normandy campaign.
Somewhere i have pics
Later
Sam

Sam Cox

Edited by - Sam Cox on 06/07/2002 07:15:29

June 6,1944, D Day. Nothing more needs to be said as we reflect upon the courage and sacrifice of those who stormed the beaches at Normandy.
Tom

June 6,1944, D Day. Nothing more needs to be said as we reflect upon the courage and sacrifice of those who stormed the beaches at Normandy.
Tom

Units involved in the invasion, on this date were:

US 82nd Airborne
British 1st Airborne
US 101st Airborne
British 50th Infantry
US 4th Infantry
British 8th Armored
US 1st Infantry
British 27th Armored Brigade
3rd Canadian Infantry
British 3rd Infantry
2nd Canadian Armored Brigade
US 29th Infantry
US 359th Infantry Regiment (of the 90th ID)

40th & 48th Royal Marine Commandos
US 2nd Ranger Battalion

Information courtesy of the WWII List.

German units engaged on this day were:

711th Infantry Division
716th Infantry Division
21st Panzer Division
316th Infantry Division
91st Infantry Division
709th Infantry Division
352 Infantry Division

Information courtesy of the WWII list.

Like some other examples from WWI and WWII, an event of such enormity, and such sacrifice, it boggles the mind today.

This is not to belittle, in any fashion, the ongoing sacrifices of soldiers at war today, including the soldiers of the nations represented by the participants here. Rather, it serves to point out the enormous scale of what is really the fairly recent past, which is already fairly forgotten.

It's interesting the extent to which the anniversary of June 6, 1944, has come to be sort of a second, World War Two specific, Memorial Day.

1944 South African 6th Armored Div. takes Civita Castellona, Italy.

1944 Free French forces capture Tivoli, Italy.

1946 The British government announces that 357,116 British service members were killed in World War Two.

1968 Sen. Robert F. Kennedy died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, a day after he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan.

1982 Israeli forces invaded Lebanon to drive PLO fighters out of that country.

1985 Authorities in Brazil exhumed a body later identified as that of Dr. Josef Mengele.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

Emile Lejeune Peacetime award. Seaman U.S. Navy for gallant conduct in rescuing a citizen from drowning at Port Royal, S.C., 6 June 1876.

Charles F. Hoffman (Ernest A. Janson): World War One. Gunnery Sergeant. U.S. Marine Corps, 49th Company, 5th Regiment, 2d Division, for heorism near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Chateau-Thierry, France, 6 June 1918. Immediately after the company to which G/Sgt. Janson belonged, had reached its objective on Hill 142, several hostile counterattacks were launched against the line before the new position had been consolidated. G/Sgt. Janson was attempting to organize a position on the north slope of the hill when he saw 12 of the enemy, armed with 5 light machineguns, crawling toward his group. Giving the alarm, he rushed the hostile detachment, bayoneted the 2 leaders, and forced the others to flee, abandoning their guns. His quick action, initiative and courage drove the enemy from a position from which they could have swept the hill with machinegun fire and forced the withdrawal of our troops.


Weedon E. Osborne: World War One. Posthumous award. Lieutenant, Junior Grade. United States Navy. Citation: For extraordinary heroism while attached to the 6th Regiment, U.S. Marines, in actual conflict with the enemy and under fire during the advance on Bouresche, France, on 6 June 1918. In the hottest of the fighting when the marines made their famous advance on Bouresche at the southern edge of Belleau Wood, Lt (j.g.). Osborne threw himself zealously into the work of rescuing the wounded. Extremely courageous in the performance of this perilous task, he was killed while carrying a wounded officer to a place of safety.

Carlton W. Barrett: World War Two. Private. U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-day Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat lying offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Jimmie W. Montieth Jr.: World War Two. Posthumous award. First Lieutenant . U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machine gun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.

John J. Pinder Jr.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Technician Fifth Grade. U.S. Army, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-day, Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the coast 100 yards off shore under devastating enemy machinegun and artillery fire which caused severe casualties among the boatload. Carrying a vitally important radio, he struggled towards shore in waist-deep water. Only a few yards from his craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician 5th Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and in fierce pain, on 3 occasions went into the fire-swept surf to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On the 3rd trip he was again hit, suffering machinegun bullet wounds in the legs. Still this valiant soldier would not stop for rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishing the vital radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this dauntless soldier was hit for the third time and killed. The indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician 5th Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with whom he served.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.: World War Two. Brigadier general. U.S. Army. Citation: For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.

The photograph above shows Gen. Roosevelt shortly after D-Day and shortly before his death on July 12, 1944 due to a heart attack. Roosevelt, much like his father, lived a very active life and died fairly young, in part no doubt due to a weak heart (a condition that his father also had) and in part due to the toll of many injuries acquired in a very active life. He was actually fairly ill at the time of Operation Overlord but concealed it.

Howard E. Woodward: World War Two. Staff Sergeant. U.S. Army, Company I, 130th Infantry, 33d Infantry Division. Place and date: for heroism near Tabio, Luzon, Philippine Islands, 6 June 1945.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

SYMONS George: Crimean War. Sergeant. Royal Regiment of Artillery, British Army. 6 June 1855 Citation: For heroism at Inkerman, Crimea.

MACKENZIE John: The Ashanti Expedition. Sergeant. 2nd Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders. Citation: On 6 June 1900 at Dompoassi, Ashanti, Sergeant Mackenzie, after working two Maxim guns under heavy fire and being wounded while doing so, volunteered to clear the stockade of the enemy. This he did, most gallantly, leading the charge himself and driving the enemy headlong into the bush.

HOLLIS Stanley Elton: World War Two. Warrant Officer Class II. 6th Battalion, Green Howards, British Army. Citation: In Normandy on 6 June 1944 Company Sergeant-Major Hollis went with his company commander to investigate two German pill-boxes which had been by-passed as the company moved inland from the beaches. "Hollis instantly rushed straight at the pillbox, firing his Sten gun into the first pill-box, He jumped on top of the pillbox, re-charged his magazine, threw a grenade in through the door and fired his Sten gun into it, killing two Germans and taking the remainder prisoners. Later the same day... C.S.M. Hollis pushed right forward to engage the [field] gun with a PIAT from a house at 50 yards range... He later found that two of his men had stayed behind in the house...In full view of, the enemy who were continually firing at him, he went forward alone...distract their attention from the other men. Under cover of his diversion, the two men were able to get back. Wherever the fighting was heaviest...[he]...appeared, displaying the utmost gallantry... It was largely through his heroism and resource that the Company's objectives were gained and casualties were not heavier. ....he saved the lives of many of his men.

Last supplemented on June 6, 2011.

[Calendar]

June 7

Today is Canadian Mounted Forces Day.



1099 The Siege of Jerusalem begins.

1494 Spain and Portugal divide the New World between themselves with the Treaty of Tordesillas.

1498 Christopher Columbus left on his third voyage of exploration.

1586 Sir Francis Drake sacks and burns St. Augustine, Florida.

1654 Louis XIV was crowned king of France in Rheims.

1712 The Pennsylvania Assembly banned the importation of slaves.

1769 Daniel Boone first began to explore the present-day Kentucky.

1775 - The United Colonies changed their name to United States.

1776 Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed to the Continental Congress a resolution calling for a Declaration of Independence.

1776 Arthur St. Clair's American forces skirmishes with the British at Three Rivers.

1819 Lt John White on merchant ship Franklin, anchored off Vung Tau becomes the first U.S. naval officer to visit Vietnam.

1866 Chief Seattle dies at about age 77.

1866 Fenian leader Spier's band raids across the border, loots around Pigeon Hill and plunder St-Armand and Frelighsburg. They retreat when Canadian militia cavalry arrive and attack them. US troops later seize their supplies at St. Alban's, and they retreat south.

1868 - The American flag was raised over Fort Wrangell, formerly known as Fort Stikine and Fort Dionysius.

"Wrangell is one of the oldest non-Native settlements in Alaska. In 1811, the Russians began fur trading with area Tlingit at the site of present-day Wrangell. In 1834, Baron Ferdinand Petrovich Wrangel, then head of Russian government interests in Russian America, ordered a stockade built near the Tlingit Naanyaa.aayi clan house of Chief Shakes that was located about 13 miles (21 km) north of the large Tlingit village of Kotzlitzna. The stockade, named Redoubt Saint Dionysius, was on the location of present-day Wrangell. The British Hudson's Bay Company leased the fort in 1840 and named the stockade Fort Stikine".

1869 Ft. Bridger Treaty, Wyoming (then part of the Territory of Utah) stating:

ANDREW JOHNSON, President of the United States of America, to all and singular to whom these presents shall come, greeting:

Whereas a treaty was made and concluded at Fort Bridger, in the Territory of Utah, on the third day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eigbt, by and between Nathaniel G. Taylor, William T. Sherman, William S. Harney, John B. Sanborn, S. F. Tappan, C. C. Augur, and Alfred H. Terry, commissioners on the part of the United States, and Wash-a-kie, Wan-ni-pitz, and other chiefs and head-men of the eastern-band of Shoshonee Indians, and Tag-gee, Tay-to-ba, and other chiefs and head-men of the Bannack tribe of Indians, on the part of said band and tribe of Indians, respectively, and duly authorized thereto by them, which treaty is in the words and figures following, to wit:

Articles of a treaty with the Shoshonees (eastern band) and Bannack tribes of Indians, made the third day of July, 1868, at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory.

Articles of a treaty made and concluded at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, on the third day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-eight, by and between the undersigned commissioners on the part of the United States, and the undersigned chiefs and head-men of and representing the Shoshonee (eastern band) and Bannack tribes of Indians, they being duly authorized to act in the premises:
ARTICLE 1.

From this day forward peace between the parties to this treaty shall forever continue. The Government of the United States desires peace, and its honor is hereby pledged to keep it. The Indians desire peace, and they hereby pledge their honor to maintain it. If bad men among the whites, or among other people subject to the authority of the United States, shall commit any wrong upon the person or property of the Indians, the United States will, upon proof made to the agent and forwarded to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, at Washington City, proceed at once to cause the offender to be arrested and punished according to the laws of the United States, and also re-imburse the injured person for the loss sustained.

If bad men among the Indians shall commit a wrong or depredation upon the person or property of any one, white, black, or Indian, subject to the authority of the United States and at peace therewith, the Indians herein named solemnly agree that they will, on proof made to their agent and notice by him, deliver up the wrong-doer to the United States, to be tried and punished according to the laws; and in case they wilfully refuse so to do, the person injured shall be re-imbursed for his loss from the annuities or other moneys due or to become due to them under this or other treaties made with the United States. And the President, on advising with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, shall prescribe such rules and regulations for ascertaining damages under the provision, of this article as in his judgment may be proper. But no such damages shall be adjusted and paid until thoroughly examined and passed upon by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and no one sustaining loss while violating or because of his violating the provisions, of this treaty or the laws of the United States shall be re-imbursed therefor.
ARTICLE 2.

It is agreed that whenever the Bannacks desire a reservation to be set apart for their use, or whenever the President of the United States shall deem it advisable for them to be put upon a reservation, he shall cause a suitable one to be selected for them in their present country, which shall embrace reasonable portions of the "Port Neuf" and "Kansas Prairie" countries, and that, when this reservation is declared, the United States will secure to the Bannacks the same rights and privileges therein, and make the same and like expenditures therein for their benefit, except the agency-house and residence of agent, in proportion to their numbers, as herein provided for the Shoshonee reservation. The United States further agrees that the following district of country, to wit: Commencing at the mouth of Owl Creek and running due south to the crest of the divide between the Sweetwater and Papo Agie Rivers; thence along the crest of said divide and the summit of Wind River Mountains to the longitude of North Fork of Wind River; thence due north to mouth of said North Fork and up its channel to a point twenty miles (32 km) above its mouth; thence in a straight line to head-waters of Owl Creek and along middle of channel of Owl Creek to place of beginning, shall be and the same is set apart for the absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the Shoshonee Indians herein named, and for such other friendly tribes or individual Indians as from time to time they may be willing, with the consent of the United States, to admit amongst them ; and the United States now solemnly agrees that no persons except those herein designated and authorized so to do, and except such officers, agents, and employes of the Government as may be authorized to enter upon Indian reservations in discharge of duties enjoined by law, shall ever be permitted to pass over, settle upon, or reside in the territory described in this article for the use of said Indians, and henceforth they will and do hereby relinquish all title, claims, or rights in and to any portion of the territory of the United States, except such as is embraced within the limits aforesaid.
ARTICLE 3.

The United States agrees, at its own proper expense, to construct, at a suitable point on the Shoshonee reservation, a warehouse or store-room for the use of the agent in storing goods belonging to the Indians, to cost not exceeding two thousand dollars; an agency building for the residence of the agent, to cost not exceeding three thousand; a residence for the physician, to cost not more than two thousand dollars; and five other buildings, for a carpenter, farmer, blacksmith, miller, and engineer, each to cost not exceeding two thousand dollars; also a school-house or mission building so soon as a sufficient number of children can be induced by the agent to attend school, which shall not cost exceeding twenty-five hundred dollars.

The United States agrees further to cause to be erected on said Shoshonee reservation, near the other buildings herein authorized, a good stearn circular-saw mill, with a grist-mill and shingle-machine attached, the same to cost not more than eight thousand dollars.
ARTICLE 4.

The Indians herein named agree, when the agency house and other buildings shall be constructed on their reservations named, they will make said reservations their permanent home, and they will make no permanent settlement elsewhere; but they shall have the right to hunt on the unoccupied lands of the United States so long as game may be found there on, and so long as peace subsists among the whites and Indians, on the borders of the hunting districts.
ARTICLE 5.

The United States agrees that the agent for said Indians shall in the future make his home at the agency building on the Shoshonee reservation, but shall direct and supervise affairs on the Bannack reservation; and shall keep an office open at all times for the purpose of prompt and diligent inquiry into such matters of complaint by and against the Indians as may be presented for investigation under the provisions of their treaty stipulations, as also for the faithful discharge of other duties enjoined by law. In all cases of depredation on person or property he shall cause the evidence to be taken in writing, and forwarded, together with his finding, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, whose decision shall be binding on the parties to this treaty.
ARTICLE 6.

If any individual belonging to said tribes of Indians, or legally incorporated with them, being the head of a family, shall desire to commence farming, he shall have the privilege to select, in the presence and with the assistance of the agent then in charge, a tract of land within the reservation of his tribe, not exceeding three hundred and 20 acres in extent, which tract so selected, certified, and recorded in the "land-book," as herein directed, shall cease to be held in common, but the same may be occupied and held in the exclusive possession of the person selecting it, and of his family, so long as he or they may continue to cultivate it.

Any person over eighteen years of age, not being the head of a family, may, in like manner, select and cause to be certified to him or her, for purposes of cultivation, a quantity of land not exceeding 80 acres in extent, and thereupon be entitled to the exclusive possession of the same as above described. For each tract of land so selected a certificate, containing a description thereof, and the name of the person selecting it, with a certificate indorsed thereon that the same has been recorded, shall be delivered to the party entitled to it by the agent, after the same shall have been recorded by him in a book to be kept in his office subject to inspection, which said book shall be known as the "Shoshone (eastern band) and Bannack land-book."

The President may, at any time, order a survey of these reservations, and when so surveyed Congress shall provide for protecting the rights of the Indian settlers in these improvements, and may fix the character of the title held by each. The United States may pass such laws on the subject of alienation and descent of property as between Indians, and on all subjects connected with the government of the Indians on said reservations, and the internal police thereof, as may be thought proper.
ARTICLE 7.

In order to insure the civilization of the tribes entering into this treaty, the necessity of education is admitted, especially of such of them as are or may be settled on said agricultural reservations, and they therefore pledge themselves to compel their children, male and female, between the ages of six and sixteen years, to attend school; and it is hereby made the duty of the agent for said Indians to see that this stipulation is strictly complied with; and the United States agrees that for every thirty children between said ages who can be induced or compelled to attend school, a house shall be provided and a teacher competent to teach the elementary brances of an English education shall be furnished, who will reside among said Indians and faithfully discharge his or her duties as a teacher. The provisions of this article to continue for twenty years.
ARTICLE 8.

When the head of a family or lodge shall have selected lands and received his certificate as above directed, and the agent shall be satisfied that he intends in good faith to commence cultivating the soil for a living, he shall be entitled to receive seeds and agricultural implements for the first year, in value one hundred dollars, and for each succeeding year he shall continue to farm, for a period of three years more, he shall be entitled to receive seeds and implements as aforesaid in value twenty-five dollars per annum.

And it is further stipulated that such persons as commence farming shall receive instructions from the farmers herein provided for, and whenever more than one hundred persons on either reservation shall enter upon the cultivation of the soil, a second blacksmith shall be provided, with such iron, steel, and other material as may be required.
ARTICLE 9.

In lieu of all sums of money or other annuities provided to be paid to the Indians herein named, under any and all treaties heretofore made with them, the United States agrees to deliver at the agency-house on the reservation herein provided for, on the first day of September of each year, for thirty years, the following articles, to wit:

For each male person over fourteen years of age, a suit of good substantial woollen clothing, consisting of coat, hat, pantaloons, flannel shirt, and a pair of woollen socks; for each female over twelve years of age, a flannel skirt, or the goods necessary to make it, a pair of woollen hose, twelve yards (11 m) of calico, and twelve yards (11 m) of cotton domestics.

For the boys and girls under the ages named, such flannel and cotton goods as may be needed to make each a suit as aforesaid, together with a pair of woollen hose for each.

And in order that the Commissioner of Indian Affairs may be able to estimate properly for the articles herein named, it shall be the duty of the agent, each year, to forward to him a full and exact census of the Indians, on which the estimate, from year to year, can be based ; and, in addition to the clothing herein named, the sum of ten dollars shall be annually appropriated for each Indian roaming, and twenty dollars for each Indian engaged in agriculture, for a period of ten-years, to be used by the Secretary of the Interior in the purchase of such articles as, from time to time, the condition and necessities of the Indians may indicate to be proper. And if, at any time within the ten years, it shall appear that the amount of money needed for clothing under this article can be appropriated to better uses for the tribes herein named, Congress may, by law, change the appropriation to other purposes; but in no event shall the amount of this appropriation be withdrawn or discontinned for the period named. And the President shall annually detail an officer of the Army to be present, and attest the delivery of all the goods herein named to the Indians, and he shall inspect and report on the quantity and quality of the goods and the manner of their delivery.
ARTICLE 10.

The United States hereby agrees to furnish annually to the Indians the physician, teachers, carpenter, miller, engineer, farmer, and blacksmith, as herein contemplated, and that such appropriations shall be made, from time to time, on the estimates of the Secretary of the Interior, as will be sufficient to employ such persons.
ARTICLE 11.

No treaty for the cession of any portion of the reservations herein described which may be held in common shall be of any force or validity as against the said Indians, unless executed and signed by at least a majority of all the adult male Indians occupying or interested in the same; and no cession by the tribe shall be understood or construed in such manner as to deprive, without his consent, any individual member of the tribe of his right to any tract of land selected by him, as provided in Article 6 of this treaty,
ARTICLE 12.

It is agreed that the sam of five hundred dollars annually, for three years from the date when they commence to cultivate a farm, shall be expended in presents to the ten persons of said tribe who, in the judgment of the agent, may grow the most valuable crops for the respective year.
ARTICLE 13.

It is further agreed that, until such time as the agency-buildings are established on the Shoshonee reservation, their agent shall reside at Fort Bridger, U. T., and their annuities shall be delivered to them at the same place in June of each year.

N. G. TAYLOR,
W. T. SHERMAN,
Lt. Genl.
WM. S. HARNEY,
JOHN B. SANBORN,
S. F. TAPPAN,
C. C. AUGUR,
Bvt. Major Genl. U. S. A., Commissioners.
ALFRED H. TERRY,
Brig. Gen. and Bvt. M. Gen. U. S. A.

Attest:
A. S. H. WHITE, Secretary.

Shoshones:
WASH-A-KIE. his + mark
WAU-NY-PITZ. his + mark
TOOP-SE-PO-WOT. his + mark
NAR-KOK. his + mark
TABOONSHE-YA. his + mark
BAZEEL. his + mark
PAN-TO-SHE-GA. his + mark
NINNY-BITSE. his + mark

Bannacks:
TAGGEE. his + mark
TAY-TO-BA. his + mark
WE-RAT-ZE-WON-A-GEN. his + mark
COO-SHA-GAN. his + mark
PAN-SOOK-A-MOTSE. his + mark
A-WITE-ETSE. his + mark

Witnesses:<br /> HENRY A. MORROW,
Lt. Col. 36th Infantry and Bvt. Col. U. S. A., Comdg. Ft. Bridger.
LUTHER MANPA, U. S. Indian Agent.
W. A. CARTER.
J. VAN ALLEN CARTER, Interpreter.

Ratification by United States Government

And whereas, the said treaty having been submitted to the Senate of the United States for its constitutional action thereon, the Senate did, on the sixteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, advise and consent to the ratification of the same, by a resolution in the words and figures following, to wit:

IN EXECUTIVE SESSION, SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, February 16, 1869.

Resolved, (two thirds of the senators present concurring,) That the Senate advise and consent to the ratification of the treaty between the United States and the Shoshonee (eastern band) and Bannack tribes of Indians, made and concluded at Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, on the third day of July, 1868.

Attest: GEO. C. GORHAM, Secretary.

Now, therefore, be it known that I, ANDREW JOHNSON, President of the United States of America, do, in pursuance of the advice and consent of the Senate, as expressed in its resolution on the sixteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and sixtynine, accept, ratify, and confirm the said treaty.

In testimony whereof I have hereto signed my name, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this twenty-fourth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the ninety-third.

ANDREW JOHNSON.
By the President

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State.

1905 Norway declares independence from Sweden.

1912 - US army tested the 1st machine gun mounted on a plane.

1914 - The first vessel passed through the Panama Canal.

1915 William Jennings Bryan resigns as secretary of state.

1917 The British detonate 19 huge mines under German lines at Messines, and the salient is soon captured.

1918 French and Americans capture Veuilly-la-Poterie and Vinly, Bouresches and Hill 204.

1932 Over 7,000 war veterans march on Washington, D.C. demanding their bonuses for service in WW I.

1940 A crew of 25 workmen began construction of Elmendorf Air Force Base near Anchorage.

1942 The Battle of Midway comes to an end.

1942 Japanese occupy Attu and Kiska.

1943 The worst of the L.A. Zoot Suit Riot violence occurs.

1944 The SS Division Hitlerjugend murdered twenty-three Canadian POWs.

1944 Construction of artificial harbors and sheltered anchorages begins off Normandy coast.

1955 - Pres. Eisenhower became the 1st president to appear on color TV.

1968 New Mexico’s 188th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), NMARNG arrives at Tuy Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, becoming the third Air National Guard unit to serve in Vietnam. Sergeant Melvyn S. Montano of the unit will become a commissioned officer after the unit returns home and in December 1994 he is appointed the Adjutant General of New Mexico; the only known enlisted Guardsman serving in Vietnam War to later achieve this position in any state.

1981 Israeli planes destroyed a nuclear power plant in Iraq.

Congressional Medals of Honor for action on this day:

DOODY, PATRICK: Civil War. Corporal, Company E., 164th New York Infantry. Place and date: At Cold Harbor, Va., 7 June 1864. Citation: After making a successful personal reconnaissance, he gallantly led the skirmishers in a night attack, charging the enemy, and thus enabling the pioneers to put up works.

McTUREOUS, ROBERT MILLER, JR.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 3d Battalion, 29th Marines, 6th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa in the Ryukyu Chain, 7 June 1945. Alert and ready for any hostile counteraction following his company's seizure of an important hill objective, Pvt. McTureous was quick to observe the plight of company stretcher bearers who were suddenly assailed by slashing machinegun fire as they attempted to evacuate wounded at the rear of the newly won position. Determined to prevent further casualties, he quickly filled his jacket with hand grenades and charged the enemy-occupied caves from which the concentrated barrage was emanating. Coolly disregarding all personal danger as he waged his furious 1-man assault, he smashed grenades into the cave entrances, thereby diverting the heaviest fire from the stretcher bearers to his own person and, resolutely returning to his own lines under a blanketing hail of rifle and machinegun fire to replenish his supply of grenades, dauntlessly continued his systematic reduction of Japanese strength until he himself sustained serious wounds after silencing a large number of the hostile guns. Aware of his own critical condition and unwilling to further endanger the lives of his comrades, he stoically crawled a distance of 200 yards to a sheltered position within friendly lines before calling for aid. By his fearless initiative and bold tactics, Pvt. McTureous had succeeded in neutralizing the enemy fire, killing 6 Japanese troops and effectively disorganizing the remainder of the savagely defending garrison. His outstanding valor and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice during a critical stage of operations reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.



HANSON, JACK G.: Korean War. Posthumous award. Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company F, 31st Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Near Pachi-dong, Korea, 7 June 1951. Entered service at: Galveston, Tex. Born: 18 September 1930, Escaptawpa, Miss. G.O. No.: 15, 1 February 1952. Citation: Pfc. Hanson, a machine gunner with the 1st Platoon, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. The company, in defensive positions on two strategic hills separated by a wide saddle, was ruthlessly attacked at approximately 0300 hours, the brunt of which centered on the approach to the divide within range of Pfc. Hanson's machine gun. In the initial phase of the action, 4 riflemen were wounded and evacuated and the numerically superior enemy, advancing under cover of darkness, infiltrated and posed an imminent threat to the security of the command post and weapons platoon. Upon orders to move to key terrain above and to the right of Pfc. Hanson's position, he voluntarily remained to provide protective fire for the withdrawal. Subsequent to the retiring elements fighting a rearguard action to the new location, it was learned that Pfc. Hanson's assistant gunner and 3 riflemen had been wounded and had crawled to safety, and that he was maintaining a lone-man defense. After the 1st Platoon reorganized, counterattacked, and resecured its original positions at approximately 0530 hours, Pfc. Hanson's body was found lying in front of his emplacement, his machine gun ammunition expended, his empty pistol in his right hand, and a machete with blood on the blade in his left hand, and approximately 22 enemy dead lay in the wake of his action. Pfc. Hanson's consummate valor, inspirational conduct, and willing self-sacrifice enabled the company to contain the enemy and regain the commanding ground, and reflect lasting glory on himself and the noble traditions of the military service.

McDONALD, PHILL G.: Vietnam War. Posthumous award. Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. place and date: Near Kontum City, Republic of Vietnam, 7 June 1968. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. McDonald distinguished himself while serving as a team leader with the 1st platoon of Company A. While on a combat mission his platoon came under heavy barrage of automatic weapons fire from a well concealed company-size enemy force. Volunteering to escort 2 wounded comrades to an evacuation point, Pfc. McDonald crawled through intense fire to destroy with a grenade an enemy automatic weapon threatening the safety of the evacuation. Returning to his platoon, he again volunteered to provide covering fire for the maneuver of the platoon from its exposed position. Realizing the threat he posed, enemy gunners concentrated their fire on Pfc. McDonald's position, seriously wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, Pfc. McDonald recovered the weapon of a wounded machine gunner to provide accurate covering fire for the gunner's evacuation. When other soldiers were pinned down by a heavy volume of fire from a hostile machine gun to his front, Pfc. McDonald crawled toward the enemy position to destroy it with grenades. He was mortally wounded in this intrepid action. Pfc. McDonald's gallantry at the risk of his life which resulted in the saving of the lives of his comrades, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

MURRAY, ROBERT C.: Vietnam War. Posthumous award. Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near the village of Hiep Duc, Republic of Vietnam, 7 June 1970. Citation: S/Sgt. Murray distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader with Company B. S/Sgt. Murray's squad was searching for an enemy mortar that had been threatening friendly positions when a member of the squad tripped an enemy grenade rigged as a booby trap. Realizing that he had activated the enemy booby trap, the soldier shouted for everybody to take cover. Instantly assessing the danger to the men of his squad, S/Sgt. Murray unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own safety, threw himself on the grenade absorbing the full and fatal impact of the explosion. By his gallant action and self sacrifice, he prevented the death or injury of the other members of his squad. S/Sgt. Murray's extraordinary courage and gallantry, at the cost of his life above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

ARTHUR Thomas: Gunner and Driver, Royal Regiment of Artillery. On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Gunner Arthur was in charge of the magazine in one of the left advanced batteries of the right attack, when the Quarries were taken. On his own initiative he carried barrels of infantry ammunition for the 7th Fusiliers several times during the evening, across the open. He volunteered for and formed one of the spiking party of artillery at the assault on the Redan on 18 June 1855 and on numerous occasions left the trenches to bring in wounded officers and men.

HUGHES Matthew: Pvt. 7th Royal Fusiliers. THE Queen has been graciously pleased to signify Her intention to confer the Decoration of the Victoria Cross on the undermentioned Officers and Men of Her Majesty's Navy and Marines, and Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and Men of Her Majesty's Army, who have been recommended to Her Majesty for that Decoration, in accordance with the rules laid down in Her Majesty's Warrant of the 29th of January, 1856 on account of acts of bravery performed by them before the Enemy during the late War, as recorded against their several names, viz. :—

7th Regiment No. 1879 Private Mathew Hughes

Private Mathew Hughes, 7th Royal Fusiliers, was noticed by Colonel Campbell, 90th Light Infantry, on the 7th June, 1855, at the storming of the Quarries, for twice going for ammunition, under a heavy fire, across the open ground; he also went to the front, and brought in Private John Hampton, who was lying severely wounded; and on the 18th June, 1855, he volunteered to bring in Lieutenant Hobson, 7th Royal Fusiliers, who was lying severely wounded, and, in the act of doing so, was severely wounded himself.

JONES Henry Mitchell: Captain, 7th Royal Fusiliers, same action as above.

WILKINSON Thomas: Barbardier. Royal Marine Artillery. On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Bombardier Wilkinson was especially recommended for gallant conduct with the advanced batteries. He worked at the task of placing sandbags to repair damage done to the defences under a most galling fire.

WARNEFORD Reginald Alexander John: Flight Sub Lieutenant, Royal Navy. On 7 June 1915 at Ghent, Belgium, Warneford, flying a Morane-Saulnier Type L, attacked and completely destroyed the German airship LZ37 in mid air. He had chased the airship from the coast near Ostend and, despite its defensive machine-gun fire, succeeded in dropping his bombs on it, the last of which set the airship on fire. The Zeppelin LZ37 crashed in Sint-Amandsberg (51°3′43.2″N 3°44′54.7″E).[6] The explosion overturned the attacking plane and stopped its engine. Having no alternative, Warneford had to land in hostile country, but after 35 minutes spent on repairs, he managed to restart the engine and returned to base. In remembrance of this event and the pilot, in Ghent a street was named Reginald Warnefordstreet on the spot where the airship crashed.

FRICKLETON Samuel: Lance Corporal. 3d Bn New Zealand Rifles. 7 June 1917 "[a]lthough slightly wounded, Lance Corporal Frickleton dashed forward at the head of his section, rushed through a barrage and personally destroyed with bombs an enemy machine gun and crew, which were causing heavy casualties. He then attacked the second gun, killing the whole of the crew of twelve. By the destruction of these two guns he undoubtedly saved his own and other units from very severe casualties and his magnificent courage and gallantry ensured the capture of the objective."

GRIEVE Robert Cuthbert: Captain, Australian Forces. On 7 June 1917 at Messines, Belgium, during an attack on the enemy's position, and after his own company had suffered very heavy casualties, Captain Grieve located two hostile machine-guns which were holding up his advance. Under continuous heavy fire from the two guns, he succeeded in bombing and killing the two gun crews, then reorganized the remnants of his own company and gained his original objective. Captain Grieve set a splendid example and when he finally fell, wounded, the position had been secured.

STUART Ronald Neil: Lieutenant, Royal Navy. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the following honours, decorations and medals to officer and men for services in action with enemy submarines:

To receive the Victoria Cross.

Lieut. Ronald Neil Stuart, D.S.O., R.N.R.
Sea. William Williams, R.N.R., O.N., 6224A

WILLIAMS William: Seaman. Royal Navy. On 7 June 1917, HMS Pargust (one of the Q ships) was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from a U-boat. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling and betraying the ship to the enemy.

TURNER Hanson Victor: Sergeant. 1st Battalion, The West Yorkshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's Own), British Army. In Burma, at Ningthoukong on the night of 6th-7th June, 1944, an attack was made by Japanese with medium and light machine guns. The attack largely fell on the position held by a platoon of which Serjeant Turner was one of the Section Commanders. The enemy were able to use grenades with deadly effect. Three machine-guns in the platoon were destroyed and the platoon was forced to give ground. Serjeant Turner with coolness and fine leadership reorganised his party and with a doggedness and spirit of endurance of the highest order repelled all attacks. The position was held throughout the night. When it was clear that the Japanese were attempting to outflank the position, Serjeant Turner, armed with grenades, boldly and fearlessly attacked them single handed. He went back five times for more grenades; and on the sixth occasion, still singlehanded, he was killed while throwing a grenade among the enemy. His conduct on that night will ever be remembered by the Regiment. His superb leadership and undaunted will to win in the early stages of the attack was undoubtedly instrumental in preventing the enemy plan from succeeding. The number of enemy found dead the next morning was ample evidence of the effect his grenade throwing had had. He displayed outstanding valour and had not the slightest thought of his own safety. He died on the battlefield in a spirit of supreme self-sacrifice.

Last supplemented on June 7, 2012.

[Calendar]

June 8

68 The Roman Senate proclaims Galba as emperor.

632 Mohammed died in Medina.

793 Vikings raid the Lindsfarne Monastery in Northumbria and slaugter the monks. This is the beginning of the Scandinavian invasion era.

1042 King Hardicanute of Denmark and England died at age 24. He was an unpopular monarch, and the last Danish king of England.

1376 Edward "the Black Prince," son of Edward III, died at 46.

1561 Shane O'Neill rebels and is proclaimed a traitor to the United Kingdom.

1685 Jacques de Meulles uses playing cards to pay soldiers during a coin shortage. They are redeemed in 1718.

1736 Jean-Baptiste Gaultier de La Vérendrye and 20 of his men are killed by a Sioux raiding party near Fort St. Charles in the Lake of the Woods Ontario.

1776 Simon Fraser leads 24th Regiment in beating back St. Clair's Americans at Three Rivers.

1798 In County Wicklow Ireland the British Arklow garrison is reinforced. In Wexford the rebel southern division moves camp from Carrickbyrne to Slievecoilte. In Ulster, British General Nugent offers amnesty to rank and file rebels. Rebel forces in Antrim begin to disintegrate

1806 Gideon Pillow, Maj Gen, USV, Mexico, Brig Gen, CSA, born.

1813 David Dixon Porter, US Admiral, born.

1815 Germanic Confederation formed by 39 Norther European states.

1821 John Dunlap Stevenson, Brig Gen, U.S. born.

1824 William Montgomery Gardner, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1830 Sloop-of-war Vincennes becomes first U.S. warship to circle the globe.

1845 Andrew Jackson died in Nashville at age 78.

1847 Acts setting up soup-kitchens and rate-aided outdoor Irish Famine relief come to an end

1861 Tennessee seceded from the Union.

1864 Abraham Lincoln was nominated for a second term as president at the Republican Party convention in Baltimore.

1869 Frank Lloyd Wright was born.

June 8

1874 - Chief Cochise, one of the great leaders of the Apache Indians in their battles with the Anglo-Americans, dies on the Chiricahua reservation in southeastern Arizona." Little is known of Cochise's early life. By the mid-19th century, he had become a prominent leader of the Chiricahua band of Apache Indians living in southern Arizona and northern Mexico. Like many other Chiricahua Apache, Cochise resented the encroachment of Mexican and American settlers on their traditional lands. Cochise led numerous raids on the settlers living on both sides of the border, and Mexicans and Americans alike began to call for military protection and retribution. War between the U.S. and Cochise, however, resulted from a misunderstanding. In October 1860, a band of Apache attacked the ranch of an Irish-American named John Ward and kidnapped his adopted son, Felix Tellez. Although Ward had been away at the time of the raid, he believed that Cochise had been the leader of the raiding Apache. Ward demanded that the U.S. Army rescue the kidnapped boy and bring Cochise to justice. The military obliged by dispatching a force under the command of Lieutenant George Bascom. Unaware that they were in any danger, Cochise and many of his top men responded to Bascom's invitation to join him for a night of entertainment at a nearby stage station. When the Apache arrived, Bascom's soldiers arrested them. Cochise told Bascom that he had not been responsible for the kidnapping of Felix Tellez, but the lieutenant refused to believe him. He ordered Cochise be kept as a hostage until the boy was returned. Cochise would not tolerate being imprisoned unjustly. He used his knife to cut a hole in the tent he was held in and escaped. During the next decade, Cochise and his warriors increased their raids on American settlements and fought occasional skirmishes with soldiers. Panicked settlers abandoned their homes, and the Apache raids took hundreds of lives and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damages. By 1872, the U.S. was anxious for peace, and the government offered Cochise and his people a huge reservation in the southeastern corner of Arizona Territory if they would cease hostilities. Cochise agreed, saying, "The white man and the Indian are to drink of the same water, eat of the same bread, and be at peace." The great chief did not have the privilege of enjoying his hard-won peace for long. In 1874, he became seriously ill, possibly with stomach cancer. He died on this day in 1874. That night his warriors painted his body yellow, black, and vermilion, and took him deep into the Dragoon Mountains. They lowered his body and weapons into a rocky crevice, the exact location of which remains unknown. Today, however, that section of the Dragoon Mountains is known as Cochise's Stronghold. About a decade after Cochise died, Felix Tellez--the boy whose kidnapping had started the war--resurfaced as an Apache-speaking scout for the U.S. Army. He reported that a group of Western Apache, not Cochise, had kidnapped him."

1880 Office of Judge Advocate General of the Navy established.

1885 Apaches under Chihuahua raid a contingent of the 4th Cavalry at Guadalupe Canyon, Arizona, while the Officers are on a scouting patrol.

1904 U.S. Marines landed in Tangiers, Morocco, to protect U.S. citizens

1915 William Jennings Bryan resigned as Secretary of State.

1918 Prisoners of War Conference at the Hague opens.

1929 Margaret Bondfield becomes Britain's first female cabinet minister, serving as minister of labour.

1940 USS Vincennes, Truxton and Simpson arrive at Casablanca to transship French gold to US.
http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1940.html

1941 Operation Exporter occurs in which British Commandos and Australian troops cross the Litani River and capturing Vichy French positions in Lebanon. French destroyers bombard Allied troops until countered by Royal Navy. French submarine Caiman attacks British cruiser HMS Phoebe unsuccessfully.
http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1941.html

1941 U-46 sinks British SS Phidias. U-101 sinks British SS Trevarrack.
http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1941.html

1941 Allied forces enter Syria and Lebanon.

1942 Japanese submarines I-21 and I-24 shell the Australian cities of Sydney and Newcastle.

1942 U-107 sinks American SS Suwied 3ast of Cozumel, Mexico. U-172 sinks US MV Sicilien off of the Dominican Republic. U-504 sinks Honduran SS Tela and British SS Rosenborg off Cozumel, Mexico. U-128 sinks Norwegian tanker MV South Africa. U-135 sinks Norwegian MV Pleasantville. U-83 sinks Egyptian SS Said off of Jaffa and Palestinian sail boat Estheroff Sidon, Lebanon.

Italian submarine Alagi mistakenly torpedoes and sinks Italian destroyer Antoniotto Usodimare whcih was escorting an Axis supply convoy from Naples, Italy, to Tripoli. Oops.

http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1942.html

1942 I-10 sinks British SS King Lud. I-16 sinks Greek merchant Aghios Georgios IV. I-18 sinks Norwegian merchant Wilford. I-20 sinks Greek merchant Christos Markettos.

http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1942.html

1943 Military officials bring the Zoot Suit Riot under control by declaring Los Angeles off-limits to all sailors, soldiers, and marines.

(Dusan and Sandy sporting their Zoot Suits outside the clubhouse).

1944 A second wave of Allied troops completes landing in Normandy. Elements of the US 7th Corps, from Utah beach, advance toward Cherbourg. Elements of the US 5th Corps, on Omaha beach, capture Isigny. A link is established between Omaha and Gold beach once British Marines, part of the 30th Corps, take Port-en-Bessin. Joseph Stalin telegraphs British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to announce that the Allied success at Normandy "is a source of joy to us all." German rearguards slow the advance of the US 5th Army and British 8th Army.

1944 Flight Officer K. O. Moore, piloting a Canadian Liberator bomber, destroys two German U-Boats in 22 minutes.

1944 The SS murders Canadian POWs for the second day in a row in Normandy, including six Winnipeg Rifles, and a Red Cross stretcher-bearer, who are ordered into a wood and shot in the temple; 13 more Canadians are executed within 100 yards of the Command post; the bodies of 7 more are found near-by, all shot in the head with small arms; and 40 Winnipegs and Cameron Highlanders are marched into a field, ordered to sit together with the wounded at their center, and machine gunned; 5 escape.

1944 Joseph Stalin telegraphs Winston Churchill that the Allied success at Normandy "is a soucrse of joy to us all".

1946 Field Marshal Lord Montgomery leads a grand victory parade for World War Two through London.

1948 John Rudder becomes the first black Marine Corps commissioned officer.

1969 The New York Yankees retired Mickey Mantle's uniform No. 7 during "Mickey Mantle Day" at Yankee Stadium.

1974 Suddenly a pop icon years after his death, due to the movie "Jeremiah Johnson", Mexican War veteran, frontiersman, trapper and former Cody Sheriff John "Liver Eating" Johnston is re-interred at the Cody Cemetery. Robert Redford, who had played him in the film, was on hand.

1982 In the first speech to the British Parliament, President Ronald Reagan predicted that Marxism-Leninism would wind up "on the ash heap of history."

1995 U.S. Marines rescued Capt. Scott O'Grady, whose F16-C had been shot down by Bosnian Serbs on June 2.

1998 The National Rifle Association elected actor Charlton Heston its president.

2001 British Prime Minister Tony Blair was elected to a second term.

2009 North Korea's highest court sentenced American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee to 12 years' hard labor for trespassing and "hostile acts."

Congressional Medals of Honor for action on this day:

Fred Faulkner Lester: World War Two. Posthumous award. Hospital Apprentice First Class U.S. Navy. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with an Assault Rifle Platoon, attached to the 1st Battalion, 22d Marines, 6th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 8 June 1945. Quick to spot a wounded marine lying in an open field beyond the front lines following the relentless assault against a strategic Japanese hill position, Lester unhesitatingly crawled toward the casualty under a concentrated barrage from hostile machineguns, rifles, and grenades. Torn by enemy rifle bullets as he inched forward, he stoically disregarded the mounting fury of Japanese fire and his own pain to pull the wounded man toward a covered position. Struck by enemy fire a second time before he reached cover, he exerted tremendous effort and succeeded in pulling his comrade to safety where, too seriously wounded himself to administer aid, he instructed 2 of his squad in proper medical treatment of the rescued marine. Realizing that his own wounds were fatal, he staunchly refused medical attention for himself and, gathering his fast-waning strength with calm determination, coolly and expertly directed his men in the treatment of 2 other wounded marines, succumbing shortly thereafter. Completely selfless in his concern for the welfare of his fighting comrades, Lester, by his indomitable spirit, outstanding valor, and competent direction of others, had saved the life of 1 who otherwise must have perished and had contributed to the safety of countless others. Lester's fortitude in the face of certain death sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Frank D. Peregory: World War Two. Posthumous award. Technical Sergeant. U.S. Army, Company K 116th Infantry, 29th Infantry Division. Citation: On 8 June 1944, the 3d Battalion of the 116th Infantry was advancing on the strongly held German defenses at Grandcamp-Maisy, France, when the leading elements were suddenly halted by decimating machine gun fire from a firmly entrenched enemy force on the high ground overlooking the town. After numerous attempts to neutralize the enemy position by supporting artillery and tank fire had proved ineffective, T/Sgt. Peregory, on his own initiative, advanced up the hill under withering fire, and worked his way to the crest where he discovered an entrenchment leading to the main enemy fortifications 200 yards away. Without hesitating, he leaped into the trench and moved toward the emplacement. Encountering a squad of enemy riflemen, he fearlessly attacked them with hand grenades and bayonet, killed 8 and forced 3 to surrender. Continuing along the trench, he single-handedly forced the surrender of 32 more riflemen, captured the machine gunners, and opened the way for the leading elements of the battalion to advance and secure its objective. The extraordinary gallantry and aggressiveness displayed by T/Sgt. Peregory are exemplary of the highest tradition of the armed forces.


Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

COUGHLAN Cornelius. Color Sergeant. 7th Regiment of Foot. 8 June 1857. For gallantly venturing, under a heavy fire, with three others, into a Serai occupied by the Enemy in great numbers, and removing Private Corbett, 75th Regiment, who lay severely wounded. Also for cheering and encouraging a party which hesitated to charge down a lane in Subzee Mundee, at Delhi, lined on each side with huts, and raked by a cross fire; then entering with the said party into an enclosure filled with the Enemy, and destroying every man. For having also, on the same occasion, returned under a cross fire to collect dhoolies, and carry off the wounded ; a service which was successfully performed, and for which this man obtained great praise from the Officers of his Regiment.

Color Sergeant Coughlan was an Irish recipient of the VC and received a letter of congratulations from Queen Victoria.
His photograph:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... _80493.jpg

HARTIGAN Henry. Pensioned sergeant. The 9th Lancers, British Army. Date of Acts of Bravery, 8th June and 10th October, 1857.

For daring and distinguished gallantry in the following instances:— At the battle of Budle-ke Serai, near Delhi, on the 8th June, 1857, in going to the assistance of Serjeant H. Helstone, who was wounded, dismounted, and surrounded by the enemy, and at the risk of his own life, carrying him to the rear.

On the 10th October, 1857, at Agra, in having run unarmed to the assistance of Serjeant Crews, who was attacked by four rebels. Hartigan caught a tulwar, from one of them with his right hand, and with the other hit him on the mouth, disarmed him, and then defended himself against the other three, killing one and wounding two, when he was himself disabled from further service by severe and dangerous wounds.

Sgt. Hartigan was an Irish recipient of the VC.

JONES Alfred Stowell. Lieutenant. 9th Lancers, British Army. 8 June 1857. The Cavalry charged the rebels and rode through them. Lieutenant Jones, of the 9th Lancers, with his squadron, captured one of their guns, killing the drivers, and, with Lieutenant-Colonel Yule's assistance, turned it upon a village, occupied by the rebels, who were quickly dislodged. This was a well-conceived act, gallantly executed." Despatch from Major-General James Hope Grant, K.C.B., dated 10th January, 1858.

NASMITH Martin Eric. Lieutenant Commander. Royal Navy. During the period 20 May–8 June 1915 in the Sea of Marmara, Dardanelles, Turkey, Lieutenant-Commander Nasmith, in command of H.M. Submarine E.11, destroyed one large Turkish gunboat, two transports, one ammunition ship, three store ships and four other vessels including civilian transports and torpedo boats which trying to save drowning men and women of E11's targets. Nasmith and HMS E11 also tried to destroy a Kızılay (Red Cross of Ottoman Empire) Hospital Ship which carrying 700 wounded soldiers from battlefields, but failed.

When he had safely passed the most difficult part of his homeward journey he received information that a cargo of coal was heading towards Istanbul from the Black Sea. Realising that coal was essential for the morale of the besieged city, Nasmith turned back.

When the coal-carrying ship came into sight of the docks, a welcoming committee of municipal grandees soon formed, along with a happy crowd - water, electricity and rail transport had all suffered due to a lack of coal. Hardly had the ship berthed than it mysteriously blew up before the eyes of the astounded crowd. Nasmith successfully slipped out again.

Last supplemented on June 8, 2012.

[Pat Holscher]

A few thoughts on today (June 8th) in history.

1. Geez, what a horrible day for Allied shipping in WWII.

2. We never really think as Vichy as a full blown combatant, but a day like today sort of makes you questions that a bit.

3. How many people here knew somebody who fought in Normandy? One of my uncles did, and I can recall a friend of my father's who operated a landing craft in Overload (he was in the Coast Guard, which he'd specifically joined figuring it was the safest service to be in).

4. I wonder if Dusan and Sandy have a permit to wear those outfits at the clubhouse?

[Trooper]

Those were the days - eh Sandy?
Last time I saw one of those was in a Tom & Jerry show.
Speaking of the clubhouse, has the Dress Committee come to a decision on amendment concerning the compulsory cummerbunds?
I know standards must be maintained but they do look odd with tee shirts....

[Calendar]

June 9

411 BC Coup in Athens succeeds resulting in a short-lived oligarchy.

53 Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia.

62 Claudia Octavia is executed.

68 Emperor Nero commits suicide starting the year known as the Year of the Four Emperors.

1534 Jacques Cartier is the first European to discover the Saint Lawrence River.

1732 Royal charter for Georgia was granted to James Oglethorpe.

1762 British begin the Siege of Havana.

1772 American Colonists board the Gaspee, a British vessel that ran aground off the coast of Rhode Island, and set it aflame.

1862 President Lincoln took a surprising direct role in choosing a landing point for troops who would land at Sewell's Point, lateri ordering Maj. Gen. Wool to march on Norfolk which he took.

1864 - Battle of Kenesaw Mountain, GA.

1870 President Grant met with Sioux chief Red Cloud. Red Cloud is often noted as to be the only Plains Indian leader who won a war against the United States. Following his trip East Red Cloud realized that the population of the United States made any war against it futile, and worked for peaceful positions for his tribe.

1870 Author Charles Dickens died at age 58.

1940 Norway surrendered to Germany.

1954 Sen Joseph McCarthy's era of influence came to an end in a confrontation with Army counsel Joseph N. Welch.

1969 The Senate confirmed Warren Burger to be chief justice of the United States.

1972 ARVN 21st Division troops arrives in the outskirts of An Loc in a relief expedition.

1973 Secretariat won horse racing's Triple Crown with a victory at the Belmont Stakes.

1993 Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito married commoner Masako Owada.

2008 Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds became the sixth player in baseball history to hit 600 home runs.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

GRAY, JOHN: Civil War. Private, Company B, 5th Ohio Infantry. Place and date: At Port Republic, Va., 9 June 1862. Citation: Mounted an artillery horse of the enemy and captured a brass 6-pound piece in the face of the enemy's fire and brought it to the rear.

HARDING, THOMAS: Civil War. Captain of the Forecastle, U.S. Navy. Citation: Served as captain of the forecastle on board the U.S.S. Dacotah on the occasion of the destruction of the blockade runner Pevensey, near Beauford, N.C., 9 June 1864. "Learning that one of the officers in the boat, which was in danger of being, and subsequently was, swamped, could not swim, Harding remarked to him: 'If we are swamped, sir, I shall carry you to the beach or I will never go there myself.' He did not succeed in carrying out his promise, but made desperate efforts to do so, while others thought only of themselves. Such conduct is worthy of appreciation and admiration--a sailor risking his own life to save that of an officer."

DEGLOPPER, CHARLES N.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Private First Class, U.S. Army, Co. C, 325th Glider Infantry, 82d Airborne Division. Place and date: Merderet River at la Fiere, France, 9 June 1944. Citation: He was a member of Company C, 325th Glider Infantry, on 9 June 1944 advancing with the forward platoon to secure a bridgehead across the Merderet River at La Fiere, France. At dawn the platoon had penetrated an outer line of machineguns and riflemen, but in so doing had become cut off from the rest of the company. Vastly superior forces began a decimation of the stricken unit and put in motion a flanking maneuver which would have completely exposed the American platoon in a shallow roadside ditch where it had taken cover. Detecting this danger, Pfc. DeGlopper volunteered to support his comrades by fire from his automatic rifle while they attempted a withdrawal through a break in a hedgerow 40 yards to the rear. Scorning a concentration of enemy automatic weapons and rifle fire, he walked from the ditch onto the road in full view of the Germans, and sprayed the hostile positions with assault fire. He was wounded, but he continued firing. Struck again, he started to fall; and yet his grim determination and valiant fighting spirit could not be broken. Kneeling in the roadway, weakened by his grievous wounds, he leveled his heavy weapon against the enemy and fired burst after burst until killed outright. He was successful in drawing the enemy action away from his fellow soldiers, who continued the fight from a more advantageous position and established the first bridgehead over the Merderet. In the area where he made his intrepid stand his comrades later found the ground strewn with dead Germans and many machineguns and automatic weapons which he had knocked out of action. Pfc. DeGlopper's gallant sacrifice and unflinching heroism while facing unsurmountable odds were in great measure responsible for a highly important tactical victory in the Normandy Campaign.

McGONAGLE, WILLIAM L.: Peacetime award. Captain. U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Liberty (AGTR-5). place and date: International waters, Eastern Mediterranean, 8-9 June 1967. Entered service at: Thermal, Calif. Born: 19 November 1925, Wichita, Kans. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sailing in international waters, the Liberty was attacked without warning by jet fighter aircraft and motor torpedo boats which inflicted many casualties among the crew and caused extreme damage to the ship. Although severely wounded during the first air attack, Capt. McGonagle remained at his battle station on the badly damaged bridge and, with full knowledge of the seriousness of his wounds, subordinated his own welfare to the safety and survival of his command. Steadfastly refusing any treatment which would take him away from his post, he calmly continued to exercise firm command of his ship. Despite continuous exposure to fire, he maneuvered his ship, directed its defense, supervised the control of flooding and fire, and saw to the care of the casualties. Capt. McGonagle's extraordinary valor under these conditions inspired the surviving members of the Liberty's crew, many of them seriously wounded, to heroic efforts to overcome the battle damage and keep the ship afloat. Subsequent to the attack, although in great pain and weak from the loss of blood, Captain McGonagle remained at his battle station and continued to command his ship for more than 17 hours. It was only after rendezvous with a U.S. destroyer that he relinquished personal control of the Liberty and permitted himself to be removed from the bridge. Even then, he refused much needed medical attention until convinced that the seriously wounded among his crew had been treated. Capt. McGonagle's superb professionalism, courageous fighting spirit, and valiant leadership saved his ship and many lives. His actions sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

O'HEA Timothy: Peacetime award. Private. 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, British Army Citation: On 9 June 1866 at Danville, Quebec, Canada, a fire broke out in a railway car containing 2000 lb of ammunition, between Quebec and Montreal. The alarm was given and the car was disconnected at Danville Railway Station. While the sergeant in charge was considering what should be done, Private O'Hea took the keys from his hand, rushed to the car, opened it and called for water and a ladder. It was due to this man's example that the fire was suppressed

KAEBLE Joseph: World War One. Posthumous award. Corporal. 22e Battalion (Canadien Francais) Canadian Expeditionary Forc. Citation: For most conspicuous bravery and extraordinary devotion to duty when in charge of a Lewis gun section in the front line trenches, in which a strong enemy raid was attempted. During an intense bombardment Corporal Kaeble remained at the parapet with his Lewis gun shouldered ready for action, the field of fire being very short. As soon as the barrage lifted from the front line, about fifty of the enemy advanced towards his post. By this time the whole of his section except one had become casualties. Corporal Kaeble jumped over the parapet, and holding his Lewis gun at the hip, emptied one magazine after another into the advancing enemy, and although wounded several times by fragments of shells and bombs, he continued to fire and entirely blocked the enemy by his determined stand. Finally, firing all the time, he fell backwards into the trench mortally wounded. While lying on his back in the trench he fired his last cartridges over the parapet at the retreating Germans, and before losing consciousness shouted to the wounded about him: "Keep it up, boys; do not let them get through! We must stop them !" The complete repulse of the enemy attack at this point was due to the remarkable personal bravery and self-sacrifice of this gallant non-commissioned officer, who died of his wounds shortly afterwards.

[Calendar]

June 10

1179 Battle of Marj Ayun sees Saladin defeats King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem.

1190 Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the river Saleph while leading an army to Jerusalem.

1610 The first Dutch settlers arrived from New Jersey to colonize Manhattan Island.

1639 - The 1st American log cabin at Fort Christina (Wilmington, Delaware).

June 10, 1688: Anti Popery sentiments are brought to a head with the birth of a son to James II. Within the year the royal family flees to France. William and Mary are offered the English throne. James, the Old Pretender, lives to be 77 a guest of the French court.

1735 John Morgan, physician-in-chief of Continental Army, co-founder of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, born.

1776 The Continental Congress appointed a committee to write a Declaration of Independence.

1801 - The North African state of Tripoli declared war on the United States in a dispute over safe passage of merchant vessels through the Mediterranean. Tripoli declared war on the U.S. for refusing to pay tribute.

1838 James Morreau leads a rebel raiding party across the Niagara River to attack St. Johns, in Pelham Township, Ontario the following day.

1840 Thomas Fentress Toon, Brig Gen, C.S.A., born.

1848 - The 1st telegraph link between NYC & Chicago was established.

1862 Pensacola reoccupied by Union Army and Navy forces.

1864 Nathan Bedford Forrest's mixed cavalry and infantry force routed a much larger Union force at Brice's Crossroads. Forest's pursuit continued into the next day. Union general Sturgis's command suffered over 600 killed and wounded and over 1,600 captured—more than a quarter of the entire force. Forrest's force suffered less than 600 killed and wounded, and captured 16 cannons and 176 supply wagons. In spite of his success, Forrest was never able to disrupt Sherman's supply lines which was the object of the exercise.
From: http://tdiumh.blogspot.com/2005/06/june-10.html

1871 - A landing force of 110 U.S. Marines came ashore on Korea's Kangwha Island, a fortress island guarding the approaches to Seoul. The Korean Punitive Expedition was launched from an American fleet, which anchored in the Han River after the isolationist Korean government rejected U.S. diplomatic demands for an explanation of the fate of an American ship and her crew believed killed by the Koreans. In two days of fighting, the Marines and sailors captured the defensive forts on the Island, leaving 243 Koreans dead. Nevertheless, the expedition failed to open Korea to foreign trade.

From: http://tdiumh.blogspot.com/2005/06/june-10.html

1878 Fort Rod Hill built in British Columbia to protect Esquimalt in the event of a war with Russia.

1884 Louis Riel leaves his teaching post in Montana to return to Canada to lead what would become the Northwest Rebellion.

1890 Ft. Laramie's grounds and associated timber reserves transferred to the Department of the Interior.

1898 The First Marine Battalion landed on the eastern side of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

1905 Japan and Russia agreed to peace talks brokered by President Theodore Roosevelt.

1915 Girl Scouts founded.

1935 Gran Chaco War ends with Bolivia defeated, and suffering a loss of territory.

1940 Italy declared war on France and Britain. Canada declared war on Italy. Canadian Defense Minister Norman Rogers killed in a plane crash.

In Operation Cycle, 3321 British troops embark at St-Valery-en-Caux and 11,059 troops evacuated from Le Havre, 9000 troops taken from Le Havre to Cherbourg to continue fighting.
http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1940.html

1941 In Operation Chronometer the Indian 3rd Battalion 15th Punjab Regiment lands at Assab, Eritrea, the last Italian Red Sea port.
http://worldwar2daybyday.blogspot.com/2 ... -1941.html

1942 The Gestapo massacred 173 male residents of Lidice, Czechoslovakia, in retaliation for the killing of a Nazi official.

1943 Operation Husky, the Allied landing on Sicily, took place.

1945 Marshal Zhukov confers the Soviet Order of Victory on Field Marshal Montgomery and General Eisenhower.

1946 Italy replaced its abolished monarchy with a republic.

1948 - The news that the sound barrier has been broken is finally released to the public by the U.S. Air Force. Chuck Yeager, piloting the rocket airplane X-1, exceeded the speed of sound on October 14, 1947.

[/quote]

1953 U.S. Air Force Captain James Jabara, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing bagged his third double MiG kill and qualified as the seventh "double ace" of the war, with a total of 10 kills.

1967 The Six-Day War ended as Israel and Syria agreed to observe a United Nations-mediated cease-fire.

1978 Affirmed won horse racing's Triple Crown by taking the Belmont Stakes.

1999 Yugoslavian troops departed Kosovo. NATO to suspend its punishing 78-day air war.

2000 Syrian President Hafez Assad died at age 69.

Congressional Medals of Honor awarded for action on this day:

ANDREWS, JOHN: Korean Punitive Expedition: Ordinary Seaman, U.S. Navy. Citation: On board the U.S.S. Benicia in action against Korean forts on 9 and 10 June 1871. Stationed at the lead in passing the forts, Andrews stood on the gunwale on the Benicia's launch, lashed to the ridgerope. He remained unflinchingly in this dangerous position and gave his soundings with coolness and accuracy under a heavy fire.

LUKES, WILLIAM F.: Korean Punitive Expedition. Landsman, U.S. Navy. Citation: Served with Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871. Fighting the enemy inside the fort, Lukes received a severe cut over the head.

MERTON, JAMES F.: Korean Punitive Expedition. Landsman, U.S. Navy. Citation: Landsman and member of Company D during the capture of the Korean forts, 9 and 10 June 1871, Merton was severely wounded in the arm while trying to force his way into the fort.

ROSE, GEORGE: Boxer Rebellion Seaman, U.S. Navy. Citation: In the presence of the enemy during the battles at Peking, China, 13, 20, 21 and 22 June 1900. Throughout this period, Rose distinguished himself by meritorious conduct. While stationed as a crewmember of the U.S.S. Newark, he was part of its landing force that went ashore off Taku, China. on 31 May 1900, he was in a party of 6 under John McCloy (MH) which took ammunition from the Newark to Tientsin. On 10 June 1900, he was one of a party that carried dispatches from LaFa to Yongstsum at night. On the 13th he was one of a few who fought off a large force of the enemy saving the Main baggage train from destruction. On the 20th and 21st he was engaged in heavy fighting against the Imperial Army being always in the first rank. On the 22d he showed gallantry in the capture of the Siku Arsenal. He volunteered to go to the nearby village which was occupied by the enemy to secure medical supplies urgently required. The party brought back the supplies carried by newly taken prisoners.

DEFRANZO, ARTHUR F.: World War Two. Posthumous award. Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Vaubadon, France, 10 June 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company's advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

EHLERS, WALTER D.: World War Two. Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Place and dare: Near Goville, France, 9-10 June 1944. Entered service at: Manhattan, Kans. Birth: Junction City, Kans. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.

McCOOL, RICHARD MILES: World War Two. Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. LSC(L)(3) 122. Place and date: Off Okinawa, 10 and 11 June 1945. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. LSC(L)(3) 122 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Ryukyu chain, 10 and 11 June 1945. Sharply vigilant during hostile air raids against Allied ships on radar picket duty off Okinawa on 10 June, Lt. McCool aided materially in evacuating all survivors from a sinking destroyer which had sustained mortal damage under the devastating attacks. When his own craft was attacked simultaneously by 2 of the enemy's suicide squadron early in the evening of 11 June, he instantly hurled the full power of his gun batteries against the plunging aircraft, shooting down the first and damaging the second before it crashed his station in the conning tower and engulfed the immediate area in a mass of flames. Although suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he rallied his concussion-shocked crew and initiated vigorous firefighting measures and then proceeded to the rescue of several trapped in a blazing compartment, subsequently carrying 1 man to safety despite the excruciating pain of additional severe burns. Unmindful of all personal danger, he continued his efforts without respite until aid arrived from other ships and he was evacuated. By his staunch leadership, capable direction, and indomitable determination throughout the crisis, Lt. McCool saved the lives of many who otherwise might have perished and contributed materially to the saving of his ship for further combat service. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

ABRELL, CHARLES G.: Korean War. Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Hangnyong, Korea, 10 June 1951. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While advancing with his platoon in an attack against well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Cpl. Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by a hail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although previously wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, he proceeded to carry out a bold, single-handed attack against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow him. Sustaining 2 additional wounds as he stormed toward the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily into the bunker with the live missile still in his grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which killed the entire enemy guncrew within the stronghold, Cpl. Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death, served to inspire all his comrades and contributed directly to the success of his platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

SHIELDS, MARVIN G.: Vietnam War. Posthumous award. Construction Mechanic Third Class, U.S. Navy, Seabee Team 1104. Place and date: Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam, 10 June 1965. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Although wounded when the compound of Detachment A342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, came under intense fire from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong regiment employing machineguns, heavy weapons and small arms, Shields continued to resupply his fellow Americans who needed ammunition and to return the enemy fire for a period of approximately 3 hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at close range with flame-throwers, hand grenades and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time during this attack, Shields nevertheless assisted in carrying a more critically wounded man to safety, and then resumed firing at the enemy for 4 more hours. When the commander asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machinegun emplacement which was endangering the lives of all personnel in the compound because of the accuracy of its fire, Shields unhesitatingly volunteered for this extremely hazardous mission. Proceeding toward their objective with a 3.5-inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machinegun emplacement, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of their fellow servicemen in the compound. Shields was mortally wounded by hostile fire while returning to his defensive position. His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

WILLIAMS, CHARLES Q.: Vietnam War. First Lieutenant (then 2d Lt.), U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group. Place and date: Dong Xoai, Republic of Vietnam, 9 to 10 June 1965. Citation: 1st Lt. Williams distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending the Special Forces Camp against a violent attack by hostile forces that lasted for 14 hours. 1st Lt. Williams was serving as executive officer of a Special Forces Detachment when an estimated Vietcong reinforced regiment struck the camp and threatened to overrun it and the adjacent district headquarters. He awoke personnel, organized them, determined the source of the insurgents' main effort and led the troops to their defensive positions on the south and west walls. Then, after running to the District Headquarters to establish communications, he found that there was no radio operational with which to communicate with his commanding officer in another compound. To reach the other compound, he traveled through darkness but was halted in this effort by a combination of shrapnel in his right leg and the increase of the Vietcong gunfire. Ignoring his wound, he returned to the district headquarters and directed the defense against the first assault. As the insurgents attempted to scale the walls and as some of the Vietnamese defenders began to retreat, he dashed through a barrage of gunfire, succeeded in rallying these defenders, and led them back to their positions. Although wounded in the thigh and left leg during this gallant action, he returned to his position and, upon being told that communications were reestablished and that his commanding officer was seriously wounded, 1st Lt. Williams took charge of actions in both compounds. Then, in an attempt to reach the communications bunker, he sustained wounds in the stomach and right arm from grenade fragments. As the defensive positions on the walls had been held for hours and casualties were mounting, he ordered the consolidation of the American personnel from both compounds to establish a defense in the district building. After radio contact was made with a friendly air controller, he disregarded his wounds and directed the defense from the District building, using descending flares as reference points to adjust air strikes. By his courage, he inspired his team to hold out against the insurgent force that was closing in on them and throwing grenades into the windows of the building. As daylight arrived and the Vietcong continued to besiege the stronghold, firing a machinegun directly south of the district building, he was determined to eliminate this menace that threatened the lives of his men. Taking a 3.5 rocket launcher and a volunteer to load it, he worked his way across open terrain, reached the berm south of the district headquarters, and took aim at the Vietcong machinegun 150 meters away. Although the sight was faulty, he succeeded in hitting the machinegun. While he and the loader were trying to return to the district headquarters, they were both wounded. With a fourth wound, this time in the right arm and leg, and realizing he was unable to carry his wounded comrade back to the district building, 1st Lt. Williams pulled him to a covered position and then made his way back to the district building where he sought the help of others who went out and evacuated the injured soldier. Although seriously wounded and tired, he continued to direct the air strikes closer to the defensive position. As morning turned to afternoon and the Vietcong pressed their effort with direct recoilless rifle fire into the building, he ordered the evacuation of the seriously wounded to the safety of the communications bunker. When informed that helicopters would attempt to land as the hostile gunfire had abated, he led his team from the building to the artillery position, making certain of the timely evacuation of the wounded from the communications area, and then on to the pickup point. Despite resurgent Vietcong gunfire, he directed the rapid evacuation of all personnel. Throughout the long battle, he was undaunted by the vicious Vietcong assault and inspired the defenders in decimating the determined insurgents. 1st Lt. Williams' extraordinary heroism, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Victoria Crosses awarded for action on this day:

None.

Last supplemented on June 10, 2012.

[selewis]

Those were the days - eh Sandy?
Last time I saw one of those was in a Tom & Jerry show.

Yes, and despite the years gone by I can still fit into my old suit.

Tom and Jerry. In the states they are a cat and a mouse, Warner Brothers cartoon characters. Is that what you meant, or is there another connotation?

[Trooper]

Tom and Jerry. In the states they are a cat and a mouse, Warner Brothers cartoon characters. Is that what you meant...

That's the one. I distinctly remember seeing one or the other of those splendid fellows wearing a zoot suit.
I only wear mine for very special occasions nowadays
Ahh nostalgia .... it ain't what it used to be.