US Military History Throughout The Years
- Ace of Aces: 4/28/1918 – Air Service pilot Eddie Rickenbacker scores his first aerial victory in WW1. It was only two weeks prior to his first victory that he had even flown his first combat mission, which ended in a forced landing due to fog and getting lost. His first victory would be in the skies over Baussant against a German Pfalz D.III plane. Within another months time he would become a flying ace, scoring his fifth victory on 28 May. After becoming an ace he would be awarded the French Croix de Guerre, a first of many awards for his accomplishments. By the end of the war he would have 26 confirmed victories, a record unbroken till WW2 with Richard Bongs record of 40 victories over Japanese aircraft. In total CPT. Rickenbacker would be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross eight times for his actions, with one of those being upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
- Geronimo Geronimo Geronimo: 5/2/2011 – In a CIA led mission with components of top US Special Operation Forces members the leader and founder of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, is killed. The mission was a culmination of a near 10 year search following the attacks of 9/11 and bin Laden continued evasion of US and allied intelligence and military forces. After locating bin Laden in Pakistan, in a compound near the Pakistan Military Academy. Months of surveillance would follow to ensure that bin Laden occupied the compound in question. After detailed planning and rehearsing members of Red Squadron from US Navy SEAL DEVGRU would fly to Afghanistan and conduct the operation out of Jalalabad Air Field. Pilots of the US Army 160th SOAR unit would fly the operators in sheath helicopters across the Pakistani border to the target compound. Due to the nature of the operation and the US not at war with Pakistan, all military members were temporarily transferred under the control of the CIA. Upon reaching the compound one helicopters crashed due to hazardous airflow while hovering, but the assault continued without interruption. The SEALS would clear the building and find bin Laden on the third floor of the building, where he was shot and killed. After searching the compound for any possible intelligence and destroying the crashed helicopter, they would depart on the remaining helicopter and a backup CH-47 that was held in reserve. Bin Ladens body would be taken to the USS Carl Vinson where his identity was confirmed and then his body was dropped into the sea following Islamic burial rituals. His death marked a massive achievement of US and allied intelligence and the end of a decade long manhunt to hold the person most accountable for the death of thousands of Americans.
- Escalation: 5/3/1965 – Lead elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade depart for Vietnam. They would be the largest to date deployment of combat troops to the conflict, preceded by smaller forces of Marines and US Special Forces members. The Sky Soldiers would finally be withdrawn from combat in August 1971 after 1,606 were killed and 8,435 were wounded. 12 paratroopers would earn the Medal of Honor for actions during the war.
This week’s featured products.
USGI 100oz Hydration Carriers
These simple and rugged hydration bladder carriers are a great way to carry your water source around. The carriers are lightly insulated to help keep your water cool or from freezing and have simple adjustable shoulder straps. They can easily be attached to backpacks or your kit with the included D rings. Bladders are not included!
USGI 2 Quarts Canteen
These 2 quart canteens with pouch are a go to water source for camping or hiking. The carrying pouch includes an adjustable sling for easy carry and they can also be attached to any ALICE compatible surface. The pouch is also insulated with faux fur. Soaking the pouch is hot weather helps keep your water cool in the heat and when dry helps keep it from freezing in the cold.
Collapsible 1 Quart Canteens
Check out these collapsible canteens! With the same footprint as standard USGI canteens these will still fit in your favorite pouches. When empty they compress down to a size that is easier to pack so they are a great lightweight way to carry an extra water source when camping or hiking.
USMC Hydration Pouches
If you are looking for an alternative carry method for your bladder, make sure to check these pouches out! This lightweight MOLLE pouch is similar to a sustainment pouch, so throwing it on a backpack is easy. It also fits on the back of your kit, so carrying a hydration bladder is easy or it can be used like a small backpack when worn that way. The buckled flap is simple and keeps whatever you throw in it secure and easy to access.
USIG Case A & B MREs
With camping season starting and the summer just around the corner MREs are an easy way to stay fed. Each case includes 12 different meals that run around 1,200 calories. With both case A & B, you are covered for days of eating. If not using them for camping they are also shelf stable for years, our current stock is good till 2029! So they are an effective way to prep for storms or other worst case scenarios.