Tidbits
June 6, 1918 – The Battle of Belleau Wood
The first large-scale involvement of American troops in World War I began at Belleau Wood in France. U.S. forces under command of General John J. Pershing, help stop the German advance on June 6. The withdrawal of Russia from World War I, allowed the Germans to transfer fifty divisions to the Western front. The
Germans were bound to deny any American advances. This battle lasted until June 26.
In 1918, American forces were made up of both United States Army and Marine groups. The Marines, backed by U.S. Army units were the tip of the spear. They had always emphasized marksmanship and concentrated rifle fire. The Germans attacked with four divisions on June 6, 1918. The Marines held their fire
until the Germans were within 100 yards. They then opened fire and literally mowed down the advancing German troops, forcing them to retreat. By the end of June, the American troops and Allies had forced the Germans out of Belleau Wood. Retreating French soldiers had warned the Americans that the Germans were coming, and that they should withdraw. Marine Captain Lloyd Williams told the French, “Retreat hell! We just got here.”
General John J. Pershing said after the battle “The deadliest weapon in the world is a Marine and his rifle.” It is also after the battle that the Marines earned the nickname Teufelshunde or “Devil Dogs”, by the German commanders – the dogs who guard the gates of Hell. Marksmanship counts!
June 6,
1944 – Today is the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Eighty years ago today, about 160,000 Allied troops invaded the beaches of Normandy, code-named “Operation Neptune”. There were five beaches code-named “Gold, Juno, Sword, Omaha and Utah”. American troops landed on the Omaha and Utah beaches.
On this 80th anniversary, we must remember several things. We must remember the bravery of these men who took part in the largest invasion in history. Their courage must be recognized for all time. 4,114 Allied troops died that day and many more were to die before World War II ended. We should all remember the 16.4 million Americans who fought in the war. Estimates by the end of this year are that there will be less than 100,000 American veterans who served in World War
II, still alive.
At a recent parachute jump commemorating D-Day, several American veterans jumped out of three historic C-47s. The youngest of these was 96 and the oldest was 107. This gives you an idea of how old these great World War II veterans are.
Please take time to
thank any veteran for the sacrifices they made to keep the world free. Teach these lessons to your children, grandchildren, and probably great grandchildren. It is absolutely paramount that the younger generation understands what the United States of America is and stands for.
June 7, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee of Virginia Presents the Lee Resolution to the Continental
Congress.
The resolution declared that the United Colonies are and should be free and independent states. On July 2, 1776, the resolution was passed. On July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
June 8, 1998 – Charlton Heston Becomes President of the National Rifle
Association.
June 11, 1979 – John Wayne Dies of Cancer. John Wayne began his film career in the 1920s. He often had lunch with Wyatt Earp who served as an advisor on western films in Hollywood. He died at age 72, after battling cancer for more than a decade.
