70th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

U.S. Marines during the assault of Iwo Jima, 1945

If it hasn't been mentioned, today is the 70th anniversary of the amphibious assault by the United States Marines on Japanese-held Iwo Jima on 19 February 1945. 

U.S. losses amounted to 6800, with 17,000 wounded. 

The Japanese lost almost 22,000 men. Only 216 prisoners were taken. 

Many today question why Truman used The Bomb. They are idiots.

Veterans Day: 2014

Parris Island Marine Corps Recruits, WWI

Today, we remember all our veterans, but to me, this day seems mostly about remembering the veterans of The Great War.

“The muffled tongue of Big Ben tolled nine by the clock as the cortege left the palace, but on history's clock it was sunset, and the sun of the old world was setting in a dying blaze of splendor never to be seen again.”

― Barbara W. Tuchman, The Guns of August

Friday Morning Good News Only Headlines

Happy Friday.

Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal Kyle Carpenter

Since it's Friday, here are some of the positive and uplifting headlines I'm seeing this morning. (I'm not going into all the negative stuff.)

1. Lexington, South Carolina's own Kyle Carpenter received the Medal of Honor yesterday. He intentionally threw himself on a grenade to save his buddies. You can see the official citation here.

2. Gun manufacturer thriving since moving to SC from CT, and will be issuing a commemorative SC rifle to say "thank you" to South Carolina.

3. 1964 Jaguar E-Type found in pristine condition in "nearly pristine condition" in a barn.

4. Oh, and Kate Upton has apparently made a cameo in a country music video. In case you're into country music...or whatever.

Marines Don't Leave Anyone Behind

Even on 5K races.

A marine who gallantly dropped back in a race to help a nine-year-old boy finish has become an internet sensation. Lance Corporal Myles Kerr was competing in the annual run while home on leave in Charlevoix, Michigan when he spotted Boden Fuchs struggling to keep up.  The boy reportedly asked 19-year-old Kerr: 'Sir, will you please run with me?', after losing the group he was running with.

Lance Corporal Myles Kerr doesn't leave a 9 year old behind.

It's nice that the boy would have the courage (risking rejection) to ask for someone to run with him, and even better that the Marine would do so. I bet it made that little boy feel great that he got to run with a Marine, and actually crossed the finish line ahead of him.

I'm pretty sure that Lance Corporal Kerr is going to be an awesome dad.

P.S. Someone needs to tell the British journalists that the Marines and the Army aren't the same thing.

h/t Ace

Marine Corps Basic Training Graduation [PHOTOS]

Some good photos from Parris Island graduating some Marines. Good way to start the week.

USMC Goes From 9mm Back To .45

So the Columbia City Police recently switched to 9mm. But now, the United States Marine Corps is going to .45, back to the future.

The Colt .45 M1911 is making a big comeback, now that the U.S. Marines have placed a $22.5 million order for the Connecticut-made pistols

The 1911 is making a comeback? In the words of LL Cool J: "Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years".

I don't believe the 1911 has ever been actually taken out of service. I think the M-9 was a "supplement" to the 1911, but I could be wrong.

The argument about going into combat zone with 18-19 rounds of 9mm ammo vs. going in with 8-9 rounds of .45 ammo seems a little silly to me. The military's primary weapons are long guns. The main purpose of a sidearm (for the military) is to give them enough time to bring the long guns (carbines, rifles, etc.) to bear, but I digress.

Friday Firepower

Mornin' all.

Via The Brigade