1 God Bless the magnificent men and women of the United States Armed Forces past, present & future!

2 God bless them all.

3 Wonder what it was like to have been a part of something like that. Watch something like BoB--or read it--and you realize what a better country this was back then.

4 Gotta admit I wish we had a General like Georgie Patton to lead today's troops...If we did, they wouldn't have to be in the ME.

But wherever they are, Happy New Year to our magnificent military!

5 Very well said Mr. DiT. Thank you US Armed Forces.

6 god bless


and yeah, booze is awesome

7

God bless our troops.

8

First to Fight!

A tribute to the Men and Women who supply the troops at the sharp end of the stick. This must be the greatest distance ever to deliver the needs of warfighters. Not to make light of any of the Greatest Generation's accomplishments, with their relatively primitive weapons, equipment and tactics, but this Afghan war has delivered to us another Great Generation. I lift my cup to them and wish them the best of this New Year.

9 Gotta admit I wish we had a General like Georgie Patton to lead today's troops...If we did, they wouldn't have to be in the ME.

But wherever they are, Happy New Year to our magnificent military!

Posted by: MrScribbler© at December 31, 2010 08:22 PM (Ulu3i)

One of my favorite photos is Patton whipping it out and pissing in the Rhine as they advanced.

10 Thank you Dave...Happy New Year to all of you, especially to those currently serving and to those who have served our country..Let us never forget...

11 Nuts.

12 What else can be said?

13 Lemon Kitten. Is it chilly in your part of the state?

14 Amen.  May God watch over our troops, wherever they may be.

15 Wir müssen gespeichert werden, mein Fuhrer.

16 God keep them and watch over them. They are indeed the best of us, may He bless them all.

17 This New Year's Eve, 66 years later, over 120,000 Americans are deployed in the Middle East. They aren't starved for supplies. They have ammunition, food, and vital equipment. But they ARE starved for an American Commander-in-Chief worthy of the name. God Bless Them, and I hope that America doesn't let them down in 2011 or - especially - 2012.

18

Happy New Year you morons. God keep you all. And here's to 2011.

Dave

Happy New Year, Dave!  Thanks for all your work keeping us entertained and informed.  And the cheerleaders. Oh god, thank you for cheerleaders.

19 I never know what to say to these men & woman because is always in adequate. 

20 And with cheerleaders in mind, I think I'll start drinking again.

21 21 And with cheerleaders in mind, I think I'll start drinking again. Posted by: NC Ref at December 31, 2010 08:34 PM (YYVL1) I'll drink to that!

22 I can't even imagine the hell those troops went through. They were better than I could ever hope to be.

23 Let's cruise on up north and help out the screaming somethin or other.

24 20 I never know what to say to these men & woman because is always in adequate. 

Posted by: Editor at December 31, 2010 08:34 PM (YX6i/)

Walk up to them with a smile, and your hand out, and shake theirs thanking them for their service.

25

God bless the United States Marine Corps, and all of our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen.

Happy New Year, Morons.

26

And with cheerleaders in mind, I think I'll start drinking again.

Speaking of which.....??

27 Couldn't have said it better. Thank you to our troops past, present and future.  Piss on the treasonous left that undermines our country.  Yes, I believe the left are traitors by choice or thru ignorance.

28 @25

Exactly what Unclefact said.  Just be polite and gracious and you don't have to overdo it, but its important that THEY know that you're one of the folks that doesn't still think they're a bunch of racist baby-killers.

"Thank you for your service."

29 Exactly what Unclefact said.  Just be polite and gracious and you don't have to overdo it, but its important that THEY know that you're one of the folks that doesn't still think they're a bunch of racist baby-killers.

FIFM. 

30 I had an uncle who served in the 1st MarDiv in the Pacific from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima.  He never talked about it until I had earned the right to wear the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.  Made my combat experience in desert storm pale by comparison.  He was one of many recipients of the Navy Cross on Iwo.  God bless you Mel, wherever you are.

31 It just occurred to me that we Americans can thank our servicemen and women for keeping America and the Free World safe. What can the Ruskies thank the goons they call a military for? "Thank you, for invading Czechoslovakia!" "Thank you, for raping Hungary!" "Thank you, for the slaughter in Chechneya!" "Thank you, for dismembering Georgia!" "Thank you, for the butchery in Afghanistan!" Truly pathetic, that.

32 this feels good when I push it like.. unghhhh!!!! *I'll post your IP if you comment here again, asshole. DiT

33 @31 - My grandfather stormed Iwo and was in the group preparing to invade the Japanese mainland.  God bless all those men and their families.  Also, visit the Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, VA.  Very moving experience.

34 Fuck yourself 33.

35

Simple lives for simple minds.

Posted by: TruAmurcun at December 31, 2010 08:42 PM (n9G1U)

You've obviously stumbled into the wrong blog.  You might want to get out before we hurt your sorry ass.  Because we can, and we will.  Right, 'roons?

36 Re: 33 Can it be? A New Year's Eve Troll? When all else fails, troll conservative sites, insult someone, and tell yourself your life has purpose. Simple fun for the simpleminded.

37 Posted by: TruAmurcun at December 31, 2010 08:42 PM (n9G1U)

You aren't fit to wipe the ground they tread upon. Go. Fuck. Yourself.

38

Posted by: TruAmurcun at December 31, 2010 08:42 PM (n9G1U)

Majoring in Transgender Studies.  Aspires to be a Community Organizer.

39

Wooo! More highschool-dropout hero worship.

When all else fails, join the military, kill something, and tell your self your life has purpose.

Simple lives for simple minds.

Can we kill him, please, please, can we kill the troll, with sparkles and rainbows on top?

40 I thought it was somebody being sarcastic...nobody is that fucking infantile, are they?

41 This piece of garbage neatly puts the lie to their claims of "we support the troops too!".

Probably some NYC, Village living, latte swilling, 100 pound, slightly crosseyed bitch.

42 God bless all those who protect America- on the land, on and under the sea, in the air, and in secret. Happy New Year to them all! And you lot too...

43 Peaches is right, noob.  Head on out now before she whips your ass with one arm tied behind her back..

44 heavenly, i'lll let you use my basement workshop. It has a drain and is soundproof.

45 #33 is Amanda Marcotte isn't it?

46 We suck

47

Every time BoB comes on I tell my Dad how lucky he was to serve in the Pacific where the skies were always blue, the weather always balmy, the native girls were bare chested and the white sand beaches were the most beautiful in the world.

He fell for it the first two times or so. He doesn't even call me a wise ass anymore.

48 Just to clarify the history, the 101st were not on the front lines for seven months following D-Day. They went into reserve on the 27th of June and did not go into combat again until Operation Market-Garden in late September of '44. Following Market-Garden they were on the defensive front lines until they were withdrawn into reserve again shortly before the Bulge began.

They were no doubt great troops but there were other American divisions that spent far longer time in combat than they did.

49 Posted by: TruAmurcun at December 31, 2010 08:42 PM (n9G1U) The troll sure knows how to pack Left-wing cliches into a few remarks. Perhaps someday he will be ashamed of what he said tonight.

50 20 I never know what to say to these men & woman because is always in adequate. 

Posted by: Editor at December 31, 2010 08:34 PM (YX6i/)

See, just walking up and saying "Thank you for your service" is SO much appreciated by our troops, when they generally get the condescending garbage spewn by that TruAmurcunt troll.

51 Posted by: Ed Anger at December 31, 2010 08:50 PM (7+pP9)

Heh.  My dad served in the Pacific, too.  Hospitalized in SF with sunburn.  What can I say -- we're extremely white.

52 Peaches is right, noob. Not a noob. This little shit-weasel was here just after the election, speculating about whether or not Congress would make cuts in the budget.

53 I thought it was somebody being sarcastic...nobody is that fucking infantile, are they?

I don't think anyone would do that on a thread like this.

54 According to my bing fu "TruAmurcun" has previously commented under the name of "ether". Doesn't ring a bell for me.

55 Why don't don't pussies like #33 ever say that to my face?  I'm just wondering. 

56 33

^{Wooo! More highschool-dropout hero worship.}

Wow. All along I thought the Democrat party was the party that celebrates the high school dropout baby mamas.

^{When all else fails, join the military, kill something, and tell your self your life has purpose.}

Considering that the vast majority of service members will never see combat, they don't even get the opportunity to kill something. I guess you must hold doctors that perform abortions in the same esteem as you hold the military. BTW, those brave abortionists kill a lot more children in a year than our military has killed people in the last 60 years.

^{Simple lives for simple minds.}

You must live in a mud hut and consist on a diet of rice if that saying is true.

^{Posted by: TruAmurcun}

Ahhh, "Jackass" is thy name.

To all of our servicemen and servicewomen, active and retired, I thank you for your service to our nation.

57 No eman, he won't. Typical lefty. Say something and run. Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 08:52 PM (5I8G0) You never know. (I'm feeling mega-optimistic and naive tonight.)

58 Typical Stuk in Irak bullshit. Hippie trolls stink up the planet big time.

59 There are trolls out there that wait for threads like this to say exactly that.  Fuck 'em.  His data is somewhat dated as well.  Our military today is far more educated than previous decades.  And far more capable.

Yeah that's what I meant. Nobody who isn't a douche troll would post something like that on a thread like this, even as a joke.

60 Hey!!!  Turns out that cheap, screw-top pink champagne doesn't go bad after all!!!  Five years unopened in the fridge and it still tastes like cheap, screw-top pink champagne!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

61 Hey 33, I have a J.D. What what do you have?

62

I don't think anyone would do that on a thread like this.

I guess what I meant was---no scumbag really believes that shit, do they? But I guess there are such vermin out there, and that slightly irritates me.

63 And by the way, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS. I'm drinking to you. /chug

64 Hey!!! Turns out that cheap, screw-top pink champagne doesn't go bad after all!!! Five years unopened in the fridge and it still tastes like cheap, screw-top pink champagne!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2010 08:58 PM (Rwudm) Another NASA spin-off.

65 WWII?

That was like a hundred years ago.

66 Hey 33, I have a J.D. What what do you have?

A pathetically small, dysfunctional penis.  Why do you ask?

67 If the 101st had a B-52...

68 Lifting a can of cheap swill to our troops, God bless you every one!!! 

69

I guess what I meant was---no scumbag really believes that shit, do they? But I guess there are such vermin out there, and that slightly irritates me.

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 08:59 PM (DLxD/)

Unfortunately, there is a substantial number of America hating liberal shitsticks out there that think exactly that. Remember the ones that infested airports and spit on the troops as they came home from Viet Nam, calling them babykillers and worse? They're still out there, poisoning their kids minds, perpetuating exactly the kind of shit this asshole posted.

70 33 is a 19 YO poli sci major spewing crap he heard around campus.  He's pissed tonight because his normal D&D buddies all have "dates."  So he figures he'll come on here and repeat something one of his professors said and that would make him sound smart.  The truly sad part is that doing so is the only thing that gives his life meaning.

71

Our military today is far more educated than previous decades.  And far more capable.

This.  Actually I just saw a study that showed the majority of 18 year olds are unqualified to serve. Be it lack of brain power, criminal record, or out of shape, video game playing weaklings unable to meet the physical requirements.  The military really is, and in more ways than one, our best, brightest, and of course, bravest.

Fuck the left.

Oh and Happy New Years Mow Rons!

72 I guess what I meant was---no scumbag really believes that shit, do they? But I guess there are such vermin out there, and that slightly irritates me. Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 08:59 PM (DLxD/) There are, unfortunately, people in the world who go through life trying to get the attention that they believe they were denied as children. Some of them try to get that attention by trolling blogs. Others, like Little Julie Assange, try to get it by leaking secrets and getting people who are much braver than they ever thought of being killed. At least the trolls are harmless.

73

Happy New Year angels.

And God Bless our troops.

74 But I guess there are such vermin out there

Better known as "Obama voters."

75 Happy New Year to all. Even to the progs who hate their lives, hate America, hate anything that does not fit the utopia they were promised by their professors, who led the anti American movement in the 60s.

76

My guess is mr. douchebag @ 33 would never have the guts to say what he/she/it said face to face to anyone in the military, while I wouldn't have a problem telling him/her/it that he/she/it is a pile of worthless shit face to face.

What a damn loser.

77 This.  Actually I just saw a study that showed the majority of 18 year olds are unqualified to serve. Be it lack of brain power, criminal record, or out of shape, video game playing weaklings unable to meet the physical requirements.  The military really is, and in more ways than one, our best, brightest, and of course, bravest.

... I'm sure I couldn't do it. I can't run or do a push-up to save my life. And I went to public school.

78

Hey 33, I have a J.D. What what do you have?

I'd say he's standing by a freeway offramp holding a cardbhoard sign by the sound of things.  Here's a comment with his ip hash posted under the nic "ether":

I don't see more education, or higher teacher's salaries as a bad thing, and that's coming from someone who has gone from having a stable trade to now looking to further my education at considerable expense.

Clink.

http://tinyurl.com/3xspb93

79

Posted by: Ronster at December 31, 2010 09:06 PM (Ikn3z)

Did you get snow in your part of CO?  People told me it's around 0 in Denver tonight.

80 At least the trolls are harmless. Posted by: Nighthawk at December 31, 2010 09:04 PM (TgVqr) Except that their diseased thinking spreads like an infection.

81

This.  Actually I just saw a study that showed the majority of 18 year olds are unqualified to serve. Be it lack of brain power, criminal record, or out of shape, video game playing weaklings unable to meet the physical requirements.  The military really is, and in more ways than one, our best, brightest, and of course, bravest.

Fuck the left.

Oh and Happy New Years Mow Rons!

Posted by: Delta Smelt at December 31, 2010 09:03 PM (dWPyO)

I live within a 40 mile radius of three Marine Corps installations - this is a very military-oriented part of the country.  The local news pointed out that high school juniors are having trouble with the ASVAB - it's not as easy as it was when I took it, and that was 35 years ago.  They don't just take anybody anymore - you HAVE to have a high school diploma, the Marine Corps won't even talk to you if you have a GED.  And they still don't have any trouble filling their billets.

82 Thank you to all who serve, have served, and to their families who sacrifice so much.   I am humbled by your spirit, bravery, and love of country.   You are the best of us.

83

 I'm sure I couldn't do it. I can't run or do a push-up to save my life. And I went to public school.

Part of the problem is the total lack of physical activity many kids have these days.  Even a nerdy non sport playing kid 60 years ago got outside and did some exercise, by accident or not.  Now, plenty of kids, even ones who look relatively healthy are in very poor physical condition.

84 that's coming from someone who has gone from having a stable trade to now looking to further my education at considerable expense.

See there? He said "stable trade".  That means shit-shoveler at the local racetrack. 

85 I've talked to recruiters who tell me they have specific goals--such as X number of hispanic girls from Y high school. Nice.

86 they won the last major battle in Europe

....ummmmm, Battle of Berlin?  Come on guys, no slight to you, but fair's fair.

87 Better known as "Obama voters." Posted by: Peaches at December 31, 2010 09:06 PM (zxpIo) Remember the old Bill Engvall song "Here's Your Sign"? It used to be a joke, but now I'm finding that Obama bumper stickers on cars are doing a very good job of warning me who the idiots are out there. Except that their diseased thinking spreads like an infection. Posted by: eman at December 31, 2010 09:08 PM (+iY8m) What they do can only be called "thought" in the most abstract sense of the word. It's more like "emote". In any event natural selection will win out in the end.

88

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2010 09:10 PM (Rwudm)

No doubt.  I've heard the same kinds of things. 

89

Posted by: Delta Smelt at December 31, 2010 09:08 PM (dWPyO)

About 2" here Delta. I was hoping for much more. It is cold. Minus 3 when I rolled out of bed this morning, zero now.

90 Thanks for the clean-up in aisle 33, DiT.

91 God bless our troops - everyone from the Revolution through Afghanistan.  Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.

92 CDR M, Back at ya with glass of Aquavit!

93 Part of the problem is the total lack of physical activity many kids have these days.  Even a nerdy non sport playing kid 60 years ago got outside and did some exercise, by accident or not.  Now, plenty of kids, even ones who look relatively healthy are in very poor physical condition.

I walk like a fiend and I lift weights. But I can't even jog around the block. I tried working up to it. It just wasn't happening. Not sure what my problem is.

94

Posted by: Ronster at December 31, 2010 09:14 PM (Ikn3z)

Right on.  I finally got to brag to family back home about the weather.  Seems like Denver has been pretty warm for much of December.  It was 67 down here in SC today.

95 Well, my first toast of the night is the traditional Naval toast for a Friday:
"For a Willing Foe and Sea Room."

Thanks to an interesting book called Naval Miscellany by Angus Konstam I know what you're talking about. One of the most interesting Christmas presents this year.

96

God bless our troops - everyone from the Revolution through Afghanistan.  Thank you all for your service and sacrifice.

Sexual Revolution?

97 I've talked to recruiters who tell me they have specific goals--such as X number of hispanic girls from Y high school. Nice.

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 09:13 PM (DLxD/)

Probably just a nice way of saying "we're sorry" after Congress's tragic failure to pass the Dream Act and send 'em all to college on the taxpayer's dime.

98 Check the Cleveland Browns story at the top of the sidebar.

99 We've got 1776 on the DVD. Talk about a courageous Congress: voting for Independence when the mightiest military in the world - the British - were a three day's march away! And we can't get one today brave enough to cut entitlements!

100 There's a reason they were called the Greatest Generation.

101

I walk like a fiend and I lift weights. But I can't even jog around the block. I tried working up to it. It just wasn't happening. Not sure what my problem is.

 

No problem, necessarily.  I ran cross-country in high school and played lacrosse in college.  I could never do more than ten sit-ups.  I was in great shape, but I couldn't do those at all.

102

God bless our armed forces.  I never cease to stand in awe of them and their accomplishments.  Happy New Year all and thanks to Ace and his cob-loggers who keep us informed and entertained throughout the year.

Cheers!

103 One of my uncle's was an 18 year old in Northern Italy driving an ambulance on New Year's Eve 1944. He had just received a "Dear John" letter from his girl back home. He joked later in life he was the only guy to enjoy WWII because in the fall of 1945 he got over his girl and claimed in American Army uniform was the best pick up line of his life. He was diagnosed with cancer on Memorial Day 2004 and died eight days later, so here's to Uncle Frank - we miss you Old Sport. One of my other uncles, Uncle Joey, fought in The Battle of Bulge and was a wonderful man who we all miss. RIP sweet soul and here's a glass to you tonight! Thanks for letting me share with you, ya morons. Wishing you all a prosperous and joy filled 2011!

104

*slugs another shot

Shot of?

Making me wish I went with the whiskey tonight.

(oh, and I'll drink to that)

105 Oh, off sock!

106 I love the fact that the founding partner in the firm was named Cletus.

107 108 We've got 1776 on the DVD. Talk about a courageous Congress: voting for Independence when the mightiest military in the world - the British - were a three day's march away! And we can't get one today brave enough to cut entitlements!   I'm reading "His Excellency" (about Washington).  To think that he lost more wars than he won, fought a very unpopular war, and had trouble keeping soldiers in the ranks and still won is simply an Act of God - or George.

108 dan o cox ain't bad ether...

109

We've got 1776 on the DVD.

The musical? Someone oughta ooopen up a window!

110 I've talked to recruiters who tell me they have specific goals--such as X number of hispanic girls from Y high school. Nice. Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 09:13 PM

Dude, that was MY goal for a number of years....

_{But I wasn't planning to put 'em in uniform}

111 *Hoists  his glass in honor of Nora's uncles.*

112

Posted by: Nora at December 31, 2010

 

Thanks for your sacrifices of your relatives, Nora.

113 No problem, necessarily. I ran cross-country in high school and played lacrosse in college. I could never do more than ten sit-ups. I was in great shape, but I couldn't do those at all. Towards the end of my basic training, I was bored one night and ripped off 300 sit-ups. These days it would take me a week.

114 Ditto what all y'all said.  God Bless Our Troops!

115

 It was 67 down here in SC today.

Darn it all. Don't rub it in. We have had abnormally warm winters for quite a few years. I like the snow. Gives me an excuse to stay inside and do nothing.

116 To Nora's uncles!  _{snaps a salute}

117 We've got 1776 on the DVD. The musical? Someone oughta ooopen up a window! Posted by: William Daniels at December 31, 2010 09:23 PM (DLxD/) That's got one of my favorite John Adams quotes: "One worthless man is a disgrace, two are a law firm, and three or more are a Congress!"

118

I think that calls for another swig!

To all the veterans.

*slugs another shot

*recharges glass

This oughta be good by about 11.

119 Yeah, so it's only 9:30 and I'm already feeling kinda wooozily. Possibly should lay off for awhile.

120

Towards the end of my basic training, I was bored one night and ripped off 300 sit-ups. These days it would take me a week.

 

Holy crap!  I don't think I did 300 in my life!  Once ran 20 miles during cross-country practice, though.  I ran the wrong course, got lost, and worked my way back to school.  Ran the whole way, but practically collapsed when I got back.

121

Not bad CDR M, not bad at all.

So who is going to let Megyn Kelly and that empty suit Hemmer ring in their new year?

122 ripped off 300 sit-ups. These days it would take me a week.

You can do 300 sit-ups in a week?  How you doin'?  _{bats eyelashes, floofs up the hair}

123 Five years unopened in the fridge and it still tastes like cheap, screw-top pink champagne!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Posted by: antisocialist at December 31, 2010 08:58 PM (Rwudm)

I wonder how it does if it hasn't been in the fridge...

"For a Willing Foe and Sea Room."
*slugs down a shot

*recharging the glass

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:10 PM (5I8G0)

*slugs down a shot as well

124 I like the snow. Gives me an excuse to stay inside and do nothing.

Posted by: Ronster at December 31, 2010 09:25 PM (Ikn3z

I like it about 3 times a year.  Then I get sick of it.  Actually SC has been pretty cold this month.  CO was just as warm I would say. By next year I'll probably miss snow a little.

125 Back at ya Duke Lowell - God bless him

126 I predict much decadence in tonight's ONT. Block your senses, Kratos.

127

Heh.  Not for a sailor!

You're right.  This oughta be good by about 2300.

128

I think that calls for another swig!

To all the veterans.

*slugs another shot

*recharges glass

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:19 PM (5I8G0)

Back atcha.

129 Once ran 20 miles during cross-country practice, though. I ran the wrong course, got lost, and worked my way back to school. Ran the whole way, but practically collapsed when I got back. Holy crap!

130

You're right.  This oughta be good by about 2300.

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 09:30 PM (DLxD/)

heh

131

*slugs another shot

*recharges glass

 

Can I swig iced tea?  I'm still at work.

132 CDR M, do you have ONT duty tonight or is one of those Ace-fellating attention whores gonna do it?

133 You can do 300 sit-ups in a week? How you doin'? bats eyelashes, floofs up the hair Aw, shit. That's what I get for boasting. Oh well, it's New Year's, I'll give it a shot.

134 hot air sucks

135

Can I swig iced tea?  I'm still at work.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 09:31 PM (zgZzy)

Gettin off before midnight?  Cheers to a fellow Bronco fan btw!

136

So who is going to let Megyn Kelly and that empty suit Hemmer ring in their new year?

I'd let Megyn Kelly ring in MY new year!

137 I was promised drunken ONTing. I hope someone puts it up soon.

138 I'm already half lit.

139

Gettin off before midnight?  Cheers to a fellow Bronco fan btw!

 

Back atcha, sir!  I'm done at 11pm, so I should be home before the bullets start flying.

140 Yes, yes - I understand the whole shaking of hands and thanking them.  Do that all the time.  If I'm at lunch and see any troops in uniform I always pick-up their tab anonymously. 

It's putting that appreciation into words adequately enough to get it across on the web.  Just can't do it.

141 hot air sucks

Posted by: rik at December 31, 2010 09:34 PM (aLbiN)

Haven't been on there in months, but there are a few people I miss.  Does Hawkdriver still pop in?  I'll lift one for him and say a little prayer that he and his crew are doing well.

142 Happy New Year to all the morons.  Let's hope 2011 brings us more hope.

143

 OK, not THIS sailor then!  Maybe 1100 tomorrow.

Damn right! *swig* slam! Again!

144 Life isn't fair. I will have to drink 2 hours longer than the morons on the East Coast before I can celebrate the new year.. what did I just type? That may not be a bug.

145 How yu doin?

DDDDDDDDD

^ That's how.

146

so I should be home before the bullets start flying

heh

It sounds like a war zone here.  Fireworks have been going for 2 hours.  Guess I should be thankful I know it's not gunplay.

Back in Denver certain communities liked shooting their guns off at midnight.

147 CDR M, If you want to see how a real sailor does it, go over to the yahoo site under Toys and search for Banderas Bay Regatta. I'm fixing to execute the one handed jibe and the chick in the pink bikini is picking up the drinks and running for cover!

148
Probably one of the best books on the Battle Of The Bulge is "A Time For Trumpets" by Charles Brown MacDonald.

149

Back in Denver certain communities liked shooting their guns off at midnight.

 

That's here, too, unfortunately.  We'll get our first homicide of 2011 before dawn.

150 It's putting that appreciation into words adequately enough to get it across on the web.  Just can't do it.


Ah.  Didn't understand before.  I do now, and agree.

151 Duke Lowell - the "him" of my last comment was for ur uncle (smartphone aint so smart) Wyatt & Peaches - Thanks! I'm really proud of my uncles and my grandparents. My grandfather was first generation German American and yanked my older uncle out of college in the winter of 1942 to send him to fight the Nazis because he was horrified at what happened in his parents home country and was so thankful to be an American. My grandpa would say a poor person in America was richer than the Kaiser because an American had God given rights. He was really cool.

152 Hi, Morons.  Just got here and haven't read any posts.  In case you haven't voted for (Politico's) Obysmal's performance for 2010, here's the linky.  The "F"s are winning.  (Scroll down -- it's on the right side.)

153 Fair winds and following seas!

154 I have a friend who was at the battle, he was 101st.  He's in his 80's smokes a pack or two of cigarettes a day.  Told me he had to use a hand garnade to "make a foxhole".  It was cold as shit.  Great gin player!

155 To all Sailors, active and retired!
*swig

*recharges glass

Your turn USS Diversity!

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:38 PM (5I8G0)

Done with bourbon, starting on the beer.  I'm not much of a whiskey drinker anyway.  Anyway, here's to you salty dogs, past present and future!

156 Thanks, RushBabe, I just F'd him.

157

Can any of you squids comment on my favorite Navy movie, Cinderella Liberty?

I mean, it's realistic, right?

158

176 Thanks, RushBabe, I just F'd him.

 

You mean gave him an F, right?  Not f**ked him 

159

With all the bourbon flowing in here, I'll refrain from admiting I'm drinking Pinot Noir. 

Don't ask, don't tell.

160

Nice post.  My son is in the 101st and is in Afghanistan right now.  His Christmas consisted of pop tarts for breakfast, flying for 7 hours in freezing weather, cold soup for lunch and cold sandwiches for dinner.  He called me anyway to say Merry Christmas.  He sounded so very tired.  He also called his new wife who is waiting patiently for him to come home safely.  I love my hero.  I haven't heard from him for New Years yet.  I hope I do.  I hope he can get a hot meal and some rest.  Please God, keep my son and all the soldiers safe!!

161 Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.

Snaps to attention!  Hoists one for SS (thought it was gunny) Ermey.  Good man!!

162

Please God, keep my son and all the soldiers safe!!

 

Amen Army Mom!

163 Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (5I8G0)

Oooh-rah!!!

164

Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.

I'll drink to that. Gulp. Done.

165

Posted by: Army Mom at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (Rw3G9)

Thanks to you and your son, Army mom.

166 hot air has become a boring platform for a man who needs to climb on his own couch.

167 150 hot air sucks

Posted by: rik at December 31, 2010 09:34 PM (aLbiN)

there's water at the bottom of the ocean.

168 Snaps to attention!  Hoists one for SS (thought it was gunny) Ermey.  Good man!!

Posted by: Peaches at December 31, 2010 09:46 PM (zxpIo)

Medically retired as a Staff Sargent, honorarily promoted to Gunny.

169 NC Ref - God bless ur grandad! With an example like him, and if I exclude you & if you don't mind me saying so - what the hell happened to ur family?!? God bless for dealing with ur family

170 183 Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.


*Drinks twice for good measure.

171 Haha, the Ermey commercial just came on my tv.  Watching Rocky Balboa.

172 Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.
Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (5I8G0)

SEMPER FI!

173

Posted by: Army Mom at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (Rw3G9

I got pepper or something in my eyes. Bless your son. And his family.

174 and the Coasties too.

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:47 PM (5I8G0)

Hurts my Sailor pride to say so, but they are actually the oldest continually active American sea service.

175 My Dad served in the Pacific during WW II. 
His favorite toast (a little dated but still one I think appropriate) was
"Here's to the Russian Navy--Bottoms up!"

God bless all our service men and women and keep them safe from our enemies, foreign and domestic!

176 Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.

Glug glug glug.

177 Posted by: Army Mom at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (Rw3G9)

Prayers going out for your son and all our soldiers and sailors and flyboys and jarheads.  Big hug to you, Army Mom.  May your boy be safe and well and may you hear from him soon.

178

His favorite toast (a little dated but still one I think appropriate) was
"Here's to the Russian Navy--Bottoms up!"

That's awesome!  God bless him!

179

to the Coasties!

*sip of a short water*

180 Tito's Handmade vodka and Mtn Dew.  I raise my glass in salute to all those serving in harm's way.

181 Please God, keep my son and all the soldiers safe!! Posted by: Army Mom at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (Rw3G9) May God bless and protect them all for what they fight is nothing less than Evil itself. Amen.

182

Correct.  So do we do the honorary or the actual?  I went with the actual.

Posted by: CDR M at December 31, 2010 09:50 PM (5I8G0)

History Channel calls him a Gunny, so what the hell.  I haven't heard any Marines complain about it.  I guess you'd have to ask a Marine, or maybe a Chief (where's ncj when you need him, typical, can't ever find a cop when you want one) since the Navy honorarily appoints CPO's.

183 Snaps to attention! Hoists one for SS (thought it was gunny) Ermey. Good man!! He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant. The Corps (may I refer to it that way?) has since made him a Gunnery Sergeant.

184

can't ever find a cop when you want one

 

My ears are burning.  Oh, never mind.  I lit a Q-tip.

185

to the Coasties!

*sip of a short water*

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 09:51 PM (DLxD/)

ROFL!

186 God bless you, Army Mom.  He'll come back safe.

187 193 NC Ref - God bless ur grandad! With an example like him, and if I exclude you & if you don't mind me saying so - what the hell happened to ur family?!?


I think it was their over-indulgence in higher education that turned them all into socialist bleeding heart drones.  The most telling experience was when an ex-gf and I played trivial pursuit with 3 other family couples.  The two of us had, combined, a HS diploma and a GED.  The other six have about 6 or 8 bachelor's degrees, a few masters and a couple PhDs.  With no college degrees, we beat the crap out of everyone else.  I was stunned at the history and geography questions they couldn't answer. 

188

My ears are burning.  Oh, never mind.  I lit a Q-tip.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 09:53 PM (zgZzy)

oops...sorry Wyatt, didn't see you over there...

189 God bless our servicemen and women wherever they may serve.

 _{Oh, and God bless Samuel Adams Boston Lager.}

190

Ladies and Gentlemen of the AoS HQ drinking mess, I propose a toast to Staff Sergeant R. Lee Ermey.

*slugs back a shot*

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood
with me shall be my brother.

*another shot*

Here's to a better year than last.

 

*burp*

191

My ears are burning.  Oh, never mind.  I lit a Q-tip.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 09:53 PM (zgZzy)

LOL!  Can I just take a moment to say how much I like your very excellent blog?  You are the coolest, and I'm quite sure you also deserve a tipple of gratitude on this night, sir.

192

oops...sorry Wyatt, didn't see you over there...

No worries!

193 God bless you, Army Mom, and prayers go out for your son & all who serve.  Here's hoping your boy is out of harm's way tonight, safe, dry & warm.

194

You swallowed an ice cube didn't you?

hurts

195

You mean gave him an F, right?  Not f**ked him 

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 09:45 PM (zgZzy)

I'm glad you didn't fornicate him, literally, just cyberly.  Even the First Klingon won't go there.  Wonder what the lefties at Politico think when they see their Boy Wonder circling the bowl?  I guess if they don't want to see the results, they shouldn't ask the question.

196 And thank you Nora.

197 to the Coasties! *sip of a short water* My F-I-L is a retired CG officer. I'm sure he'll return the favor ;--)

198

LOL!  Can I just take a moment to say how much I like your very excellent blog?  You are the coolest, and I'm quite sure you also deserve a tipple of gratitude on this night, sir.

Peaches, I'm blushing.  Thank you.  And I just know my partner is going to see and call me a pussy. 

199 Army Mom -
We are eternally grateful for the sacrifices that your family makes so that your son can work to keep us safe.  I hope he gets a hot meal, too.  God bless you.

200 Speaking of is it realistic or not.  Wyatt Earp, have you read the Badge of Honor series written by W.E.B Griffin?  It's set in the Philadelphia PD.  Just wondered.

201

Norm Peterson (to Captain Howe, Rebecca's father): I was in the Coast Guard.

Capt. Howe: You must be very proud, miss.

Norm: Buy a girl a drink?

202  I was stunned at the history and geography questions they couldn't answer. 

Posted by: NC Ref at December 31, 2010 09:54 PM (YYVL1

Doesn't surprise me in the least.  College is one of the biggest boondoggles goin.  Not to go all Good Will Hunting, but one can learn alot more at the library for peanuts than spending a hundred thousand on a four year worthless degree.

203 ((hugs)) to Army Mom and ur new daughter in law Godspeed to ur son and his buddies!

204 227 Speaking of is it realistic or not.  Wyatt Earp, have you read the Badge of Honor series written by W.E.B Griffin?  It's set in the Philadelphia PD.  Just wondered.
  I have.  Good series, and fairly realistic.  I tell everyone I know that the most realistic show ever made - about detectives, at least - is Barney Miller.  We deal with funny, sometimes dumb cops, our buildings are disgusting and we spend most of our tours laughing.

205 Happy New Year, you magnificent morons/ettes!

I've become such a boring old fart, I left our neighbor's oyster roast early 'cause it was cold (50 or something....heh).

Here's the recipe I promised earlier on the last thread.  And you're welcome:

BACON TEMPURA  (serves 6)

12 strips thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon
Canola Oil
2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups club soda
Salt

Separate strips of bacon, they lay half the slices in a large skillet in a single layer.  Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned but still pliable, about 10 minutes.  Drain on paper towels.  Repeat with remaining bacon.

Pour oil into a heavy medium pot of a wok to a depth of 2" and heat over medium heat until temp. registers 375 on a candy thermometer.

Meanwhile, whisk egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form.  Using a rubber spatula, fold one-quarter of the flour, then one-quarter of the club soda, at a time, into whites, folding thoroughly after each addition until batter is smooth.

Working in batches, dip bacon into batter, then deep-fry, turning once, until bacon is golden brown and crisp, about 6 minutes per batch.  Drain on a wire rack.  Season to taste with salt and serve immediately.

(From Red Cat in New York City.  Usually served with a chipotle-lime aioli.)

206 Easy CDR M. You're going to get alcohol poisoning at this rate.

207 Hurts my Sailor pride to say so, but they are actually the oldest continually active American sea service. Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at December 31, 2010 09:50 PM (7Y12r) Whenever you want to get an Air Force man's goat just remind him that America's oldest continually active air service is the Civil Air Patrol

208

And I just know my partner is going to see and call me a pussy

Pardon me? 

Oh, wait....you mean another type of partner....I hope.

209

Oh, wait....you mean another type of partner....I hope.

 

Work partner.  Fellow detective.  A grade A expert at busting balls.

210 Doesn't surprise me in the least.  College is one of the biggest boondoggles goin.  Not to go all Good Will Hunting, but one can learn alot more at the library for peanuts than spending a hundred thousand on a four year worthless degree.

Just a few people who either dropped out or did not go to college at all:

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison (Oracle), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook)

211 "We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;"

Salute!

212 191 150 hot air sucks

Posted by: rik at December 31, 2010 09:34 PM (aLbiN)



there's water at the bottom of the ocean.

Posted by: Unclefacts, Confuse A Cat, Ltd. at December 31, 2010 09:48 PM (eCAn3)

Bacon is good for me.

Posted by: The Dread 80286 opcode LMSW at December 31, 2010 09:58 PM (Sl8d5)

Water is wet.

213 expert at busting balls.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 10:01 PM (zgZzy)

Ha. I know.  I was bustin yours!

214 Speaking of is it realistic or not.  Wyatt Earp, have you read the Badge of Honor series written by W.E.B Griffin?  It's set in the Philadelphia PD.  Just wondered.


I haven't read this series, but I really liked his Brotherhood of War books.  And I've wondered if AoS commenter Duke Lowell pulled his handle from this series, or if his name is really that.

215

Ha. I know.  I was bustin yours!

 

Not that there's anything wrong with that.  We're still waiting on the PPD's decision on DADT. 

216 there's water at the bottom of the ocean.

...and it's 4 degrees centigrade.

217

Posted by: Peaches at December 31, 2010 10:01 PM (zxpIo)

Good point. Harry Truman didn't either.

218 NC Ref - bet they were good at the wealth redistribution questions though, huh? LOL

219 My uncle was there, God bless him.  He said that one night they stumbled into a burned out house and just fell down asleep.  When they woke up in the morning, they found they were sleeping on frozen bodies.  They got up and went out and fought some more.

220 BACON TEMPURA  (serves 6)


THANK YOU JANE D'OH!!!  My night is now complete...as are tomorrow's plans!

Hoists a drink to Jane.....

221 We deal with funny, sometimes dumb cops, our buildings are disgusting and we spend most of our tours laughing.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at December 31, 2010 09:59 PM (zgZzy)

I'm glad you guys are out there, even when you are writing me speeding tickets ya bastards.  I don't have the patience or the temperament to deal with people like you do, and you don't always get to see us (the general public, I mean) at our best.

God Bless the boys in blue!

222

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison (Oracle), Mark Zuckerberg

You missed the Rush man.

223 I never understood why "pussy" is an insult, really. It's not like we morons ever get enough of them...

224

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at December 31, 2010 10:01 PM (7Y12r)

Kipling?  You're a better man than I, GGE-Din.

225 Jane, sounds good but here's the part I don't understand -- you cook (a measly) 12 strips of bacon.  They're cooked, they're ready to stuff into the face.  But instead of eating them, you continue to do culinary things with them?  I would have to start with at least 48 strips of bacon in order to tempura 12.  And, srsly, 12 strips of bacon "serves 6?"  bwahahahahahahahaha!

226

Good point. Harry Truman didn't either.

Posted by: Delta Smelt at December 31, 2010 10:03 PM (dWPyO)

If I'm not mistaken, he's the last American president to not have a degree.

227 Attn: Ohio Moron Horde.  Y'all prob'ly know this, but you got a late Christmas present.  John Kasich isn't looking like a RINO so far.

228

I'm glad you guys are out there, even when you are writing me speeding tickets ya bastards.  I don't have the patience or the temperament to deal with people like you do, and you don't always get to see us (the general public, I mean) at our best.

 

Thanks.  When I was in patrol, two groups of people never ever received a ticket from me: soldiers and medical personnel.

229 Good point. Harry Truman didn't either. Posted by: Delta Smelt at December 31, 2010 10:03 PM (dWPyO) Neither did Abraham Lincoln.

230 I never understood why "pussy" is an insult, really.

HELLO!

_{Those nasty things are ugly.}

231 Army Mom, I'm late here, and just read your post.

God bless your precious son, and all who are serving in harm's way.  My boy is a Marine, but is thankfully not deployed yet.

The first thing I pray every morning and every night, is for the safety of our troops and the demise of our enemies.

God bless all our troops and their families.  Now I'm getting choked up.

232

_{Those nasty things are ugly.}

 

Tell me about it.  They look like the Predator.

233 One of my sons-in-law is a Marine, the other is a police officer.
My girls may not be the brightest bulbs in the series about some things, but at least they married well.

234

Neither did Abraham Lincoln.

College? Hell, Lincoln never got through grade school. All that brilliance, written by someone who was self-taught in everything.

235 Thank God for the Parents that have raised such fine young men and women. Little more than kids volunteer, train and go into the biggest shitholes on the planet. They do so with the belief that we are behind them and will never let them down. I will blog here now, the people here would never let them down. God Bless and Happy new year.

236 ONT!!!

237 and you don't always get to see us (the general public, I mean) at our best. God Bless the boys in blue! Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde at December 31, 2010 10:04 PM (7Y12r) What's the old saying- "Every day in a cop's life is the worst 20 minutes of somebody else's life" Yeah, here's to the cops- from an old fireman. DRINK!

238 For Army Mom and all the other families of troops, God bless and thank you...and especially thank them.  Happy New Year all.

239

all that stuff could be true but hot air does suck.

 

240

College? Hell, Lincoln never got through grade school. All that brilliance, written by someone who was self-taught in everything.

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 10:09 PM (DLxD/)

Never knew until Beck mentioned that Honest Abe was homeschooled.  His mom taught him to read (on the sly?) 'cause his dad was a bastard.

Beck used Lincoln's accomplishments to bolster parental doubts and get more folks into home school.  Lincoln was prob'ly the best example anyone could give.

241 I think it was Lincoln's step-mom, but I'm a little rusty. I do know his real mom was killed by vampires.

242 Yes, NCRef.  That is where the nic comes from, sort of.  My nick name has been Duke since about '76 owing to my love of all things John Wayne.  Duke Lowell seemed appropriate as we share a lot of qualities, except the rich part.  He is a grade A smart ass just like me.

243 I will blog here now, the people here would never let them down. God Bless and Happy new year.

Posted by: Oldsailor at December 31, 2010 10:09 PM (AovJ3)

Welcome aboard, Oldsailor!  We may be morons, but we get sacrifice.  You'll never see an untoward comment about the military at the HQ unless it's been made by a troll.

244 4 times as many German died in the Battle for Berlin. And 4 times as many allied soldiers died in the Battle of Berlin. Germany had all of its main forces fighting the Russians/

245 Neither did Abraham Lincoln.

And look what that idiot did to the country.

246

I think it was Lincoln's step-mom, but I'm a little rusty. I do know his real mom was killed by vampires.

Gah!

247 Very good archie.  Here's a cookie.

248 He is a grade A smart ass just like me.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at December 31, 2010 10:15 PM (EUlUw)

It seems that there's a lot of that going on here....not that there's anything wrong with that!

249 Speaking of tools who don't get the sacrifice made by the military, check out these losers.  Hint:  One of them is the pezzydint.

250 I think it was Lincoln's step-mom, but I'm a little rusty. I do know his real mom was killed by vampires.

Posted by: USS Diversity at December 31, 2010 10:14 PM (DLxD/)

Yes, it was a step mother - Abe called her his angel mother. His mother died when he was very small of what they called the milk sickness - bacteria in raw milk. No germ theory back then and no fever reducers - any fever could well be fatal.

251 278 Speaking of tools who don't get the sacrifice made by the military, check out these losers.  Hint:  One of them is the pezzydint.   That makes me sick to my stomach.  B+ can call the owner of the Eagles to congratulate him on giving Vick a 2nd chance, but can't be bothered with calling the family of a man killed while serving our Nation.  Unfortunately, I am not surprised.   Piss on him.

252

I toast my son Brian, USN Hospital Corpsman. I haven't seen him in over two years. He'll be home for a week or so in January, then it's off to Camp Pendleton for some more training before heading off to Afghanistan with the Marines.

Save lives and take lives, just remember which to do and when to do it.

253

heya DBS, long time no.

 

Looking forward to your son coming back home.  God bless him.

254

I'm here almost daily, I just don't have much to say lately.

 

255

DBS - God bless your son for his ability to take care of others.  I hope you have a very joyous reunion with him.  My Dad served on the USS Randolph.  Our family has served in all aspects of the military and are proud to have done so.  I know you are so proud of your son.

 huerfano - Dear Lord what a story!!!  God Bless your Uncle!! 

To all of the well wishers for my son....Thank you.  My son always says he is not a hero and I tell him that is the true mark of one. 

Thank you for bearing with my sentimentality on NYE after reading this post.  I normally just lurk because I simply cannot match wits with most of the posters here but this one made me say something.

Happy New Years everyone!

256

"The Screaming Eagles never laid down, and never said "we needed 'rescuing'". They were airborne, they were used to being surrounded."

The 101st guys are quite effusive in their praise for CCB of the 10th Armored,  the 705th TD battalion, and the assorted artillery units that were encircled with them.  Every account I've ever seen from 101st vets (and every time my great uncle talked about it) credits CCB with saving the day initially by buying time in Noville.  Popular history largely ignored the armored troops, but the paratroops sure as Hell remember them.

257 Hoist a glass for all the jumpers of the 82nd
Airborne All The Way!!!

258

My dad was in the Battle of The Bulge.  He never talked about it much until the end of of his life before he passed away in 2008.  Him and those in his generation would have been embarrassed to be called heroes.  But they were.

My Dad was in the 423rd regiment of the Golden Lions, the 106th American Army.  They were green troops.  They had just relieved the American 1st army, they had been on the European continent for less than 10 days.  And they were  not equipped with heavy winter gear.   The Battle of the Bulge began on Dec. 16, 1944 just as one of the coldest winter storms recorded in European history set in 

The Battle of the Bulge was and is the largest land battle ever fought.  Ultimately 180,000 Ally and Axis  troops were engaged in combat.  It was Hitler's desperate last attempt to break through allied lines, capture the port city of Antwerp, re-supply his Armies, and continue the war or negotiate a peace favorable to Germany.   Hitler concentrated His Panzer tank divisions, hardened SS  and German regular troops to spearhead into Allied territory right where the 422nd and 423rd regiments of the American 106th army were stationed in the Ardennes forest.  This was along the border where Belgium, Luxemburg, and Germany meet. 

 For three days, the men of the 422nd and 423 days, they held off the Tiger Tanks and SS troops with rifles and light machine guns.  The pincer action of the German army cut the Americans off from re-supply of food and ammunition.  Eventually, the 422nd, and the 423rd were over whelmed and forced to surrender.  Though they surrendered, their fight delayed the timing of Hitler's counter-offensive.  And with the American troops that held Bastogne, they doomed the German plan to failure.  

Out of 900 American troops in the area,  about 300 lived and were taken prisoner.   They were lucky.  A few miles away, in Malmedy, the SS  executed unarmed American solders that had surrendered.  During the Battle of the Bulge,  my dad was hit by shrapnel.  He was a light machine gunner, and the solder that was feeding him ammunition was shot through the head and killed. Twenty years old at the time, my dad told me before he pass away that believed that he lived his remaining 64 years on borrowed time.

After surrender, the survivors were forced marched 80-100 miles into Germany.  My Dad's  feet and legs below the knees severely frost bitten.  He suffered the consequences of this for the remainder of his life.   Once the Americans were well  into Germany the troops were crowded into boxcars so tightly that they only had room to stand.  They were fed their first meal in days, German Black bread cut with sawdust.  That was Christmas eve, 1944.  That night, the American's sang Christmas carols, and were joined by their German guards.  

On the rail portion of the journey to their prison camp,   The RAF strafed the trains believing they contained munitions. Again My dad took shrapnel.  A few solders were able to break out.  They laid down in the snow spelling out POW.  And the RAF quit attacking the trains.

They arrived at Stalag 4b near Mualburg.  They served out the rest of the six months of the war  in lice infested squalor nearly starving.  My Dad went from 180lbs to 115lbs in the months that he was held captive. The POWS subsisted on thin potato soup, German Black bread cut with sawdust, and whatever vermin they could catch for meat.  Others became ill with severe dysentery and taken to what the Americans believed was the infirmary. 

One day in the spring of 1945, the German commandant had the Americans march out to the parade ground.  He announced that FDR had died.  Also, tarps were removed from a 35 foot by 20 foot stack of bodies.  These were the American solders that others thought had gone to the infirmary.  Those solders died in camp.  An American flag was lowered to half mast and taps were played by a British bugler in honor of FDR and the fallen Americans

A few weeks later, Russian troops (a few of them on horseback no less) liberated Stalag 4b.  However, none of the POWs were allowed to leave.  The Russians held them hoping to have the Americans pay "repatriation fees" for their release.  My Dad, a British officer, and two other American troops escaped under the fence and made their way across the Elba River and back to American lines.  He told me that he stayed alive because he had faith in God.  And he knew the Americans would win the war.

My Dad was awarded the Solder's medal, a Bronze Star, and the purple heart with two oak leaf clusters for his service.

You and I think of them as full grown men in the prime of their lives, but your Grandfather and my father were teenagers when these events occurred.

Because of our greatest generation's American soldiers, those that served before them, and all that have served after,  we enjoy the blessings of freedom.   God Bless them.

259 "...my dad told me before he pass away that believed that he lived his remaining 64 years on borrowed time."

My dad has said much the same to me about his time in Vietnam.

Driving home earlier today,we passed an elderly man shoveling some snow that remained in front of his driveway from the storm that passed last week.   He was using a spade, instead of a snow shovel.  I commented to my wife that after I dropped her and the kids off, I would walk down with our shovel and help him.  My four year old daughter insisted on coming with me,  grabbed her little yellow kid sized snow shovel, and said "follow me, Daddy".

We walked down to his house, which was one street away from ours, and offered our assistance.  After finishing the job, we spent about twenty minutes talking to him.  He was a survivor of the Divine Wind off Okinawa, the only member of his gun crew to live after a Japanese dive bomber carrying a 500 lb bomb struck his destroyer, the USS Bowers.  He told me that he was happy to have lived long enough to meet his 6 great grand children. 

It was a great New Years Eve.  I got to meet one of my heroes, and was so proud of my little girl. 

Happy New Year to all of you.

260 During the battle of the bulge Hitler took troops from fighting the Russians and switched to this dumb attack. I think this was another of his dumb ideas.  The US troops did great.  We can not forget them.

261 elliot-  nice of you two to do that.  ;-}

262 Most of the 101st had been on the line since D-Day, seven months of hard fighting. Not to quibble too much, but the 101 was relieved after the D-Day ops to rest, refit and retrain in England until the Arnhem (Market Garden) Operation. At the conclusion of Market Garden, they went to France to rest, refit and retrain until trucked up to Bastonge. That being said, the defense of Bastonge is one greatest feats of arms, ever.

263 In ten years or so there won't be any vets to thank.  I'm trying to figure out a trip to DC and check out the WW2 memorial.  I'm a youngster, and would like to have the opportunity to talk to some of these vets but I feel too sheepish to just walk up to them and say "hey thanks for your service."  I would feel like I was intruding.  Eh.

264

Because of our greatest generation's American soldiers, those that served before them, and all that have served after,  we enjoy the blessings of freedom.   God Bless them.

Posted by: jrg at January 01, 2011 12:33 AM (pELFl)

Thank you for posting this!  Happy New Year and thanks to you and your family!!!

265 292 In ten years or so there won't be any vets to thank.  I'm trying to figure out a trip to DC and check out the WW2 memorial.  I'm a youngster, and would like to have the opportunity to talk to some of these vets but I feel too sheepish to just walk up to them and say "hey thanks for your service."  I would feel like I was intruding.  Eh.

Posted by: Alyosha at January 01, 2011 03:37 AM (blcI9)

Don't.  This was discussed a little earlier.  Speak your mind, share you gratitude!!!  Our guys and gals need the support from the homefront!

266 Europe 1944 - 45 is why I won't buy a German car.  I just couldn't bring myself to drive into my Dad's driveway.  12th Armored.   

267 Of course the "Battle of the Bulge" - Unternehmen: Wacht am Rhein or 'Watch on the Rhine' to fool the Allies into believing (logically) that it was a defensive endeavor - was a monumentally stupid venture. Which is why nearly all of Hitler's general staff opposed it. And why, logically, Hitler decided it was a kickass idea.

268 Germany had all of its main forces fighting the Russians/

Posted by: archie bunker at December 31, 2010 10:16 PM (0YS61)

Yeah, Archie, that's why the Germans had all of their best upper echelon staff officers assigned to their campaigns in north Africa and on their western front.

BTW, Although there were a few German units on their eastern front, the bulk of Axis troops on their eastern front were a motley units comprised of Italians, Hungarians, Romanians, Bulgarians, Slovakians, Serbians, Albanians, Macedonians, Croatians and a sprinkling of conscripted French and disaffected Russians, too, all of whom had an ax to grind with the Soviet Union. 

What was your point? Seriously. Care to elaborate, or do you just hit and run?

269

Aw gee, Dave, why did you erase post #33? I wanted so much to address it today.

What was the point? Like shutting the stable door after the horses already got out.

270

BTW, Archie, if you're taking the typical lefty position that the Soviet Union took the brunt of the fighting in World War II, and that the Allies couldn't have won without the help of the Soviets, you are full of shit.

The Soviets had the shit kicked out of them by the Germans in Operation Barbarosa, the invasian of Russia, and they continued to have the shit kicked out of them until the USA sent them military equipment and other aid, and for the remainder of the war, they fought a holding action until the Allies landed on Normandy, taking more pressure off of the Soviets.

 In fact, the Allies fought in Europe, North Africa and in the Pacific. The chickenshit Soviets only defended their own turf, and poorly at that. Those assholes didn't even declare war on Japan, until the Allies had already all but defeated the Japanese, presumably because, in the past, many years earlier, the Japanese had kicked the shit out of Russia, too, sinking their naval fleet in the Pacific, and making chickenshit Russians gun shy about tangling with the Japanese..

271 Germany had all of its main forces fighting the Russians/

Posted by: archie bunker at December 31, 2010 10:16 PM (0YS61)

 

Wrong, Archie. The chickenshit Soviets fought a holding action and they didn't even go on the offensive against Germany untiil the Americans and Brits had already crossed the Rhine and until the Allies were already practically at the gates of Berlin. Even then, the Soviets didn't fight Germans in Berlin. They murdered, er, slaughtered defenseless remnants of German units, many of which were little boys and old men. The Allies could have won the war without the Soviets, who were, in fact, more of a hinderance than a help all throughout that war. Contrary to what some people believe, Russian soldiers aren't worth a shit. Case in point, they had their asses kicked around the black in Afganistan, too. They're a dumb mob led by dumb officers and by sullen, surly, dumb, temperamental political hacks.

272 They're a dumb, undisciplined mob led by dumb, ruthless officers and by sullen, surly, dumb, temperamental, unscrupulous and immoral political hacks, which is why, of course, Democrats have always empathized with them.

Posted by: Brian at January 01, 2011 10:48 AM (sYrWB)

Game, set, match.

273 Late from Night-shift in E R, In 2011, a resolution, to wit, "All Troll posts will have their IP instantly and glaringly broadcast in BOLD ITALICS!" Come-on ACE, these POS's need to be taken to the Val-U-Rite woodshed with the new and improved 'LAZ-O-ADDRESS sporting the NEW FOR 2011! Goggle-Map AIM POINT and TARGET ALLOCATION DAMAGE GRID! Just so we don't take out any M&M's who might be living on the same block..out of respect jus sayin HAP YEAR NU

274 That's chickenshit, Richard @ #304. Pettiness taken to the extreme.

275 During Desert Storm, my platoon was cross-attached to D Co, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor. It was an outstanding unit. They were well aware of their heritage, and strove mightily to add to its honors. It isn't often that I say anything nice about tankers, but I'll always have a warm place in my heart for them.

276 elliot-  nice of you two to do that.  ;-}

When I saw him out there, it reminded me of my grandfather, alsoa WWII vet, who passed away a few years ago at 85.  Well into his 80's, he would be out shoveling half of his neighborhood, while many of his much younger neighbors sat in their windows watching.  It used to burn me up. 

He taught me everything about being a good neighbor.

277 Actually, Operation Frühlingserwachen in Hungary was the last great German offensive of the war, launched in March of 1945, in which four armies (German 6th, 2nd Panzer and 6th SS Panzer, and Hungarian Third) tried to recapture Budapest from the Soviets. It did not go well for the Germans. The 6th SS Panzer Army had been the main spearhead in the Battle of the Bulge.

278 20,000 Americans lost their lives consumer electronics in this fight, the most costly battle for American forces in the war. But on this day, 66 years ago, the tide had turned their way, and they won the wholesale dress last major battle in Europe

279 273 archie bunker: Germany had all of its main forces fighting the Russians... Not exactly. In 1942-43 there were 2 Axis Armies in Africa,4 occupying the Balkans and western Europe, and 13 on the Eastern Front. By D-Day in 1944, there were 5 in the west, 2 in Italy, 2 in the Balkans, and 12 in the east. By December 1944, there were 11 in the west and Italy, and 12 in the east - about an even split, which held for the rest of the war. In addition, it was Britain and the U.S. which carried the air war against Germany (500,000 German troops manning AA batteries; 1/3 of all German ammo production fired up). 298 Bruce: Although there were a few German units on their eastern front, the bulk of Axis troops on their eastern front were a motley units comprised of [other nationalities]... This is flaming nonsense. The Axis invaded the USSR with 16 Armies, of which 12 were German. The "satellite" armies never exceeded a third of the Axis eastern front, and they nearly all surrendered in mid-1944. 300, 302 Brian: The chickenshit Soviets fought a holding action and they didn't even go on the offensive against Germany untiil the Americans and Brits had already crossed the Rhine and until the Allies were already practically at the gates of Berlin... The Communists and some of their sympathizers like to exaggerate the Soviet contribution in WW II. But what you've written here is at least as absurd as anything in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia. The first Soviet counteroffensive was in December 1941, around Moscow. US and British forces crossed the Rhine in March 1945. Soviet forces reached the Oder River 50 miles from Berlin in February, having driven the Germans back over 1,000 miles and killed or captured well over two million German troops. There's plenty of glory for everyone in this story, and I don't grudge the Russians their share. God knows they paid for it. I'll leave the last word with David Niven. He left Hollywood to serve in the British Army during the war. He was in the Commandos, but he never talked about it. "I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."

280

273 archie bunker: Germany had all of its main forces fighting the Russians...

Not exactly. In 1942-43 there were 2 Axis Armies in Africa, 4 occupying the Balkans and western Europe, and 13 on the Eastern Front. By D-Day in 1944, there were 5 in the west, 2 in Italy, 2 in the Balkans, and 12 in the east. By December 1944, there were 11 in the west and Italy, and 12 in the east - about an even split, which held for the rest of the war. In addition, it was Britain and the U.S. which carried the air war against Germany (500,000 German troops manning AA batteries; 1/3 of all German ammo production fired up).

298 Bruce: Although there were a few German units on their eastern front, the bulk of Axis troops on their eastern front were a motley units comprised of [other nationalities]...

This is flaming nonsense. The Axis invaded the USSR with 16 Armies, of which 12 were German. The "satellite" armies never exceeded a third of the Axis eastern front, and they nearly all surrendered in mid-1944.

300, 302 Brian: The chickenshit Soviets fought a holding action and they didn't even go on the offensive against Germany untiil the Americans and Brits had already crossed the Rhine and until the Allies were already practically at the gates of Berlin...

The Communists and some of their sympathizers like to exaggerate the Soviet contribution in WW II. But what you've written here is at least as absurd as anything in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia.

The first Soviet counteroffensive was in December 1941, around Moscow. US and British forces crossed the Rhine in March 1945. Soviet forces had reached the Oder River 50 miles from Berlin in February, having driven the Germans back over 1,000 miles and killed or captured well over two million German troops.

There's plenty of glory for everyone in this story, and I don't grudge the Russians their share. God knows they paid for it.

I'll leave the last word with David Niven. He left Hollywood to serve in the British Army during the war. He was in the Commandos, but he never talked about it. "I was asked by some American friends to search out the grave of their son near Bastogne. I found it where they told me I would, but it was among 27,000 others, and I told myself that here, Niven, were 27,000 reasons why you should keep your mouth shut after the war."

281

#310/#311

I stand by what I said. I was speaking in generalities for the sake of brevity. You raised silly minutia and bullshit just to be argumentative ..., and a jerk.

282

BTW, jackass, anyone who is reasonably astute will recognize that, if you were trying to make a point, you failed dismally.

All that you accomplished with your snotty and nonsensical comments was that, in your own clumsy, inept, verbose and bumbling way, you inadvertently affirmed the validity of points which I had already made.

 Read what you say and think about what you said before you post, jackass.