Boots on the ground.

JERUSALEM - A large fight between Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas broke out Thursday evening on the Lebanese side of the border, the Israeli army said. It said its troops suffered several casualties.

The forces crossed the border as part of ongoing operations to push back Hezbollah guerrillas who have continued firing rockets into northern
Israel despite more than a week of massive bombardment.

While it's not a full-scale invasion, Israel could be probing the defenses in preparation for one.

In any event, I have the big foam finger with "Israel #1" printed on it out and I'm waving it around.

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Funny thing is there are no valuable military targets there. Two Israeli Arab children were murdered in this terrorist attack. There were three deaths overall and many injuries.

Haaretz: A Hezbollah rocket attack on the northern town of Nazareth killed two Israeli Arab children on Wednesday afternoon, bringing to 16 the death toll from rocket strikes since the crisis in Lebanon began a week ago.

Another 12 people sustained light wounds in the attack, and were evacuated to the Italian Hospital in the town.

The two siblings were killed by a direct hit from a rocket, the Israel Defense Forces said. It was the first attack on the town.

Mohammed Assawi, who saw the attack, told Channel 10 television that the rocket that killed the two children struck in the middle of a downtown street.

"It's a vacation and it's afternoon so where will they go if not to play in the streets?" he said. "It is unpleasant to say what we saw."

Biblegateway.org: But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me.

More on modern Nazareth here.

Nazareth has a population of 60,000. The majority of Nazarenes are Israeli Arabs, about 35-40% of which are Christians and the rest are Muslims.

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The Iraqis got him, it seems:

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A Jordanian who killed two U.S. soldiers last month was fatally wounded in a clash with security forces, a senior Iraqi official said Tuesday. Diyar Ismail Mahmoud, known as Abu al-Afghani, was identified as the killer of the two soldiers, National Security Adviser Mouwafak al-Rubaie told reporters.

The two soldiers' mutilated bodies were found after they were captured in a firefight near Youssifiyah, southwest of Baghdad.

Hope he suffered.

stein hoist: George Ramos.

Update: From the same article, even more good news.

During the news conference, al-Rubaie also said security forces detained the leaders of the Omar Brigade group, a wing of al-Qaida in Iraq that had claimed to have carried many deadly attacks throughout the country.

He identified the group's leader as Jassim Mohammed, known as Abu Othman, his deputy Abu Aisha, who was in charge of financing the group, and Abu Ihab, who was in charge of recruitment. The fourth was Abu Islam, who was in charge of religious affairs, al-Rubaie said.

"The Omar Brigade is one of the death squads," al-Rubaie said, adding that the group was responsible for the deadly bombing in Baghdad's eastern neighborhood of Sadr City on July 1 that killed 66 people.

Al-Qaida in Iraq announced last year that it had formed the Omar Brigade to fight the Shiite militias. The group claimed to have killed many Shiite militia leaders since then.

Update too, by Vinnie: I don't mind at all having my posts updated, but please put your name on it. That way, if you f*ck it up, I won't be blamed, and I'll know who to bitch-slap via email.

Heh heh heh.

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The Japanese leave Iraq:

TOKYO - The last batch of Japanese troops touched down in Kuwait from southern
Iraq on Monday, ending the country's largest and most dangerous overseas mission since World War II.

About 220 troops arrived at Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base from Samawah, the provincial capital of Muthanna, on C-130 transport air planes, the Defense Agency said in a statement. The contingent was the last of about 600 non-combat soldiers previously stationed in Samawah to distribute water and assist in other humanitarian tasks.

Hey, it wasn't much, but it was a hell of a lot more than some of our other supposed allies did.

So thanks, guys, and if you're ever in the 'hood, the sake's on me.

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... about the Patriot 3 missile defense system, but were afraid to ask:

The PAC-3 interceptor itself, 17.1 feet long and 10 inches in diameter, is an upgraded version of the Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2). The main difference lies in the kill mechanism: while the PAC-2 uses an exploding warhead to eliminate its targets, the PAC-3 is a hit-to-kill system and destroys its targets by the kinetic energy released in a head-on collision. Another difference is that the PAC-3 interceptors, enhanced by the advanced radar and command center, are capable of protecting an area approximately seven times greater than the original Patriot system.

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They worship Hitler, so you would think that the idiots like Khamenei, Ahmagonnameetallah, and the Chinless Wonder Assad would learn from the guy's mistakes.

Like, trying to fight a two-front war.

Sure, Israel is fighting a two-front war, but not against the allies, they're fighting against a bunch of Islamotards with the military acumen just one step up from your basic Mafia caporegime. Hell, I don't even know if that's accurate, it may be just one step up from a random street gang.

Syria and Iran, however, are trying to fight a two-front war against a Westernized state that is beginning to reach the level of ferocity previously shown in places like Midway, Rourke's Drift, Lepanto, and Salamis.

Everyone agrees that Hitler miscalculated by invading the Soviet Union, opening up a second front that drained men and material from the rest of the war machine.

So too it is with this war. Iran and Syria have made a grave blunder by opening up a second front in their war with Israel. Hizbutthole'a, by far stronger than Hamass, is going to be pummelled into pulp. When that's done, Hamass will be chewed up at leisure. Iran and Syria will then have to decide whether or not to blatantly involve themselves by committing their own forces.

Of course, this is a war, and the events are fluid. Making this post a pile of steaming bat guano.

But there's one thing I know for sure. Hizbutthole'a is firing Iranian and Syrian weapons.

We are reaping untold bonanzas of intelligence on Iranian and Syrian weapons systems. I'd bet my last beer we have satellites tasked, and subs deployed, and possibly even Special Forces recording every single Hezbollah volley.

Proving that fanaticism is not a good war strategy.

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Bill Kristol:

What's happening in the Middle East, then, isn't just another chapter in the Arab-Israeli conflict. What's happening is an Islamist-Israeli war. You might even say this is part of the Islamist war on the West--but is India part of the West? Better to say that what's under attack is liberal democratic civilization, whose leading representative right now happens to be the United States.

Rick Moran:

Indeed, Kristol has it pegged exactly. Israel is fighting for its existence not against pan-Arabism but rather against an extremist ideology that feels emboldened not out any strategic or political calculations but out of a divine sense of mission. I leave it to the reader to decide which is more dangerous....

This is Israel’s war. Great powers do not allow small powers to dictate when and where they expend their military might and the lives of their young men. If we must confront the Iranians, it will be at a time of our own choosing and for reasons having to do with our own national interest, not the interest of a small ally.

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If Hizbutthole'a attacks an Egyptian civilian ship, does the Arab street make a sound?

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1 vinne u r only talker u will not burn al Quran u r coward for u know Allah is true. u have chickpeas not balls

Posted by: Walid at July 15, 2006 12:31 AM (0xJPe)

2 Tell us, O brave Walid. Why are you commenting on a blog and not fighting the filthy Joooooozzz in Lebanon or the dirty kuffar in Iraq and Afghanistan?

My chickpeas beat your vagina anytime, my little moon god worshipping man-pooter he-bitch.

The only thing stopping me from burning your Chronicles of a Mass Murdering Pedophile, i.e. the Koran, is the fact that it costs more to buy than the pig you fucked before showing up here.

But, I just got a raise, so it's off to the bookstore.

Posted by: Vinnie Editor In Chief Pro Tempore at July 15, 2006 12:47 AM (/qy9A)

3 Walid. Didn't I see you in Baghdad back in 2003? You were on a moped holding a white t-shirt crying and saying "Meester, Meester!!! Please no kill." I could swear it was you.

Posted by: REMF at July 15, 2006 02:43 AM (7RMSi)

4 If Hizbutthole'a attacks an Egyptian civilian ship, does the Arab street make a sound?

Answer: Who gives a shit?

Posted by: Beth at July 15, 2006 04:21 AM (LKJAR)

5 Way to go Walid. You really told him.

Todays kill report from New Orleans.
One teenage black was so productive he killed five all by himself. He will no doubt be greeted as a hero in Angola. A true record setter. The his mama will go on national TV and say the only reason her son is in prison is because they are poor and black. If they were rich like O.J. Simpson and all those white devils her son could have hired a good white lawyer and been freed. Instead he got a black public defender who was incompetent. In front of a crooked black Judge and a crooked black District Attorney he boy was a victim of RACISM.
Anyway todays count.
Number killed by misunderstood blacks 9
Number killed by terrorist group KKK 0

Posted by: greyrooster at July 15, 2006 06:37 AM (WL0s4)

6 Sudden change in stats. Man found killed with bullet to head at 3:00 AM. Killer under arrest. Witnesses on site.
new numbers
Killed by
Blacks 10
Police 1
KKK 0

Posted by: greyrooster at July 15, 2006 06:40 AM (WL0s4)

7 Your crusaders who were beheaded were given fair justice under the noble laws of Islam. If you choose to fight in the land of Islam, be prepared to face justice under the noble laws of Islam. Your crusaders days are numbered. $%33:22:#

Posted by: Rise at July 15, 2006 06:59 AM (JIkFz)

8 Noble my fat white Christian ass! You're nothing but dirty cowards hiding behind innocent civilians!

Your kind are the scum between the toes of humanity.

Posted by: Falcon at July 15, 2006 07:17 AM (y0GfP)

9 Muslims are brave warriors - when their enemies are women and children, but now, the Israelis are stomping their cowardly butts. GO ISRAEL!!!

Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at July 15, 2006 07:32 AM (v3I+x)

10 I am fohk yor best goat hahaha.

Posted by: abu at July 15, 2006 07:37 AM (Tcfhr)

11 Wouldn't the Arab street assume that this was "collateral damage"? It's like asking--do Israelis care that they are killing Maronite Christians in bombing Beirut? Yeah, they regret it. But they aren't going to stop because of it. Obviously, Hizbollah didn't intend to kill Egyptians, they were aiming at Israelis and Egypt got hit by accident.

Besides, the Egyptian military is not that popular with anyone who has a bit of sympathy for Hizbollah to start with (I'm not one of those people, I'm just trying to answer your question.)

Posted by: jd at July 15, 2006 08:49 AM (DQYHA)

12 Are garbanzos called chick peas in Arub nations too? Chick peas is a Soutern US term. Somehow I think Walid is not who he says he is. Also he has no return e-mail. But judging on his ability to spell I would say he was edumacated in the Atlanta public school system. Mmmmkay?

Posted by: Cmunk at July 15, 2006 11:00 AM (n4VvM)

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CNN:

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israeli warplanes early Friday bombed southern Beirut, home to the offices of Hezbollah and the group's leader, as the Israeli-Lebanese violence that has killed dozens of Lebanese civilians and 10 Israelis entered its third day.

And to new commenter Some Guy, please see the doctor over your extreme case of cranial rectalitis.

And why should Frank J. have all the fun? We have all sorts of derogatory names for our enemies, yet we all still refer to Hezbollah as Hezbollah. Or Hizbullah. Or Hizb' Allah.

How about...Hizbutthole'a?

Update: The Counterterrorism Blog, via (who else?) Allah, reports this:

1- According to Israeli Channel 10, Hezbollah was able to hack into the Israeli Army's computer systems prior to the attack.

2- For the first time, Israel mentioned the possible intervention of Iranian Revolutionary Guards based in Lebanon in the war. The danger is that they have long range rockets capable of travelling more than 200 kms and reach Tel Aviv.

Read the rest.

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The latest word from Stratfor:

Most important, Israel is calling up its reserves. This is never a symbolic gesture in Israel. All Israelis below middle age are in the reserves and mobilization is costly in every sense of the word. If the Israelis were planning a routine reprisal, they would not be mobilizing. But they are, which means they are planning to do substantially more than retributive airstrikes. The question is what their plan is.

Given the blockade and what appears to be the shape of the airstrikes, it seems to us at the moment the Israelis are planning to go fairly deep into Lebanon. The logical first step is a move to the Litani River in southern Lebanon. But given the missile attacks on Haifa, they will go farther, not only to attack launcher sites, but to get rid of weapons caches. This means a move deep into the Bekaa Valley, the seat of Hezbollah power and the location of plants and facilities. Such a penetration would leave Israeli forces' left flank open, so a move into Bekaa would likely be accompanied by attacks to the west. It would bring the Israelis close to Beirut again.

UPDATE: LGF quotes JPost:

Defense Minister Amir Peretz said Thursday night that, “We expected Hizbullah to break the rules, and now we intend to break them.

“We do not mean for this event to end when the situation returns to how things were a few days ago,” he said.

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Ace, Allah, and LGF have info regarding the possible involvement of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the war.

I'll update if it's confirmed.

OTOH, this site says that Hezbollah has an Iranian version of the Katyusha, called the Fahr-3, with a range of 45 kilometers, however the hell far that is. I don't *do* the metric system.

Okay, it's about 29 miles.

Update, Fox has a Breaking banner "Israel blasts main route between Beirut and Damascus."

Update, too: In The Bullpen shows us what we're missing.

UPDATE by Rusty: Hizbullah broadcast on one of their television stations today that they fired a "Raad 1" missile at Israel. The image below was captured from Hizbullah TV, as rebroadcast by YNET. (Hat tip: Drudge)

This, on the other hand, is a Katysha rocket. It can either be mounted on the back of a truck, or fired singly.

Rocket Jones adds this about the Katyusha:

It's not insignificant, but as weapons go it's not very large either. They are unguided, medium-range weapons (~12 miles), perfect for harrassment and interdiction fire (the Russians load them onto truck-mounted launchers and fire them in salvos of five to twenty or more.

They can be purchased on the black market for about a thousand dollars each.

They can carry chemical weapons.

Cheap and simple weapons can be incredibly cost effective when their proper use is understood.

"That's the missile used by Hizbullah to respond to Israeli attack and to hit military strongholds of the Zionist enemy. The rocket is of 333 mm in diameter and has a warhead of 100 kilograms. Our fighters used it today when they attacked the military base in Har Meron which was severely damaged and set on fire."

In any event, Hizbullah is claiming sole responsibility.

Updated by Vinnie: Hell if I know, according to my searches, the Iranian RAAD missile is a modified Silkworm cruise missile, with an 1100 lb warhead, far larger than the 100 kg warhead claimed by Hezbollah. Of course, Iran also has the RAAD anti-tank rocket, sort of like an RPG a TOW missile, and the RAAD self propelled artillery vehicle. Apparently, the Iranian military likes the name "raad," which means "thunder" and we're all a'scared of thunder.

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We've been hearing about missiles falling on Israeli soil for some time now. Today we're hearing about enemy missiles hitting a place called "Haifa." Is this any different than the countless rockets that have hit Israel before, courtesy of Hamas and Hezbollah? Apparently, it is very different. The following map is courtesy of the Jerusalem Post:

Imagine for a minute that there were terrorist groups sitting in Mexico. Every once in a while, they acted up, and there were incursions into small towns in southern Texas -- a missile was lobbed, the citizens had to go into bomb shelters. It would be horrible, everyone would wring their hands, every attempt possible would be done to stop it. That would be one thing.

Now compare that to a situation in which those terrorists got hold of longer-range missiles. They started firing into downtown Houston and downtown Dallas. And no one can tell if they might just start aiming for San Diego or Los Angeles.

A completely different story, no? A different world.

At this point, there will be no such thing as "overreaction" when it comes to the average Israeli. The rubicon has been crossed.

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Hizbullah: don't hurt us or we will kill your civilians.

Hizbullah warned Israel Thursday afternoon that if the IDF attacked southern Beirut, where the organization's leadership is based, they would target Haifa.

"The Islamic resistance warns against targeting civilians and the infrastructure," a statement read on Hezbollah TV said. "It (resistance) specifically announces that it will quickly shell the city of Haifa and nearby areas if the southern suburbs and the city of Beirut are subjected to any direct Israeli aggression," the statement said.

They don't care about Lebanon, they care about their own murderous hides. Israel's reply?

A high-ranking IDF source said that the current operation, dubbed Operation Just Reward, would be "long" and could last up to several months, or "as long as it takes to destroy the Hizbullah's ability to launch attacks against Israel."

The IDF source said the Dahiya neighborhood of Beirut, a Hizbullah stronghold, would be targeted if rocket attacks continued to hit Israeli cities.

That is a limp response. If you stop rocketing our cities, we won't attack your base of operations. Israel is allowing a terrorist group to hold its citizens hostage, instead of attacking with real force and destroying Hizbullah.

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Via Slashdot, Northrop is developing a laser shield "bubble" to protect airports from attack.

Northrop described Skyguard as capable of destroying rockets, mortars, artillery shells, unmanned aerial vehicles, short-range ballistic missiles, as well as cruise missiles. Against shoulder-fired missiles, which are relatively easy to heat with a laser and destroy, the protective shield would extend to a 20-kilometer radius, Wildt said...

Skyguard grew out of the Tactical High Energy Laser, or THEL, designed to shield Israel's northern communities from Katyusha rockets and artillery shells.

Initial versions will be ready in 18 months. Northrop sees a big market in the US, Israel, Taiwan and other countries.

This would have sounded like science fiction 10 years ago. Other systems are also in development.

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Hezbollah conducts cross-border raid, kidnaps two Israeli soldiers.

Israel is responding as only Israel can.

Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz warned the Lebanese government that the Israeli military will target infrastructure and "turn back the clock in Lebanon by 20 years," if the soldiers were not returned, Israeli TV reported.

stein hoist: LGF, who has more.

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From Agence Cheeseeatingsurrendermonkey Presse:

MOGADISHU (AFP) - Islamists now in full control of the Somali capital vowed to "destroy" all resistance to their religious rule as the city's last secular warlord fled after surrendering in fierce battles.

Islamic militia scoured southern Mogadishu for weapons still outside their hands following the defeat late Monday of warlord Abdi Hassan Awale Qeydiid in bloody clashes that left at least 100 dead since the weekend.

Yanno, back in, '96 was it? When the Afghan-American Afghanistan Taliban took control, I believe my reaction was on the lines of, "so, who cares?"

I'm a little more worldly now.

This isn't good news.

I can't help but wonder...what, exactly, is standing in the way of Islam conquering the whole of Africa?

stein hoist: Jihad Watch

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An Agence-France Presse take on Israeli operations to get Gilad Shilat back.

The headline, "41 Dead As Israel Presses On With Gaza Assault"

Forty-one Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed since Israel launched its operation last Wednesday,

Um...I, like Barbie, hate math. Math is hard. But I count 42 dead. I guess the jooooooooooozzzzzz don't count.

Of course, the jooooooozzzz are bloodthirsty warmongers (hey, just like us!):

Despite the mounting death toll, Israel has rejected a call by Hamas premier Ismail Haniya for a mutual ceasefire, vowing no let-up until Palestinian rocket attacks cease and the teenage soldier is returned safe and sound.

Finally, can I get an amenhallelujah for Olmert? Just one, pretty please?

"This is a war which can not be given a timetable," Olmert told ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting. "We will continue managing this crisis with cool and patience... We can not sit and not react to the Qassam rocket fire."

Can't wait for the left to refer to him as Chimpy McOlhitlermert.

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Wretchard posts a link to this, an article at DefenseLink. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is beginning a research study of blogs in hope of developing actionable intelligence.

I'd like to provide some fine blog wisdom:
- kill the terrorists
- get the Jihadi websites offline
- stop allowing citizens of terror-sponsoring countries into the West without background checks
- get tough with those terror-sponsoring countries, make them more afraid of us than of the terrorists in their midst
- don't let terrorist states develop nuclear weapons

I'm sure our readers can provide more suggestions. more...

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Tomorrow is the deadline for Israeli soldier Gilad Shilat, currently being held by the Hamaswinians.

"Woe betide them if they dare harm Gilad Shalit," Justice Minister Haim Ramon told Israeli television on Monday.

"The sky will fall upon them," he said.

If I were a member of Hamas, I'd be stocking up on Depends right about now.

Stein hoist to Jawa regular George Ramos, who sends:

I fear Hamas will kill Gilad Shalit tomorrow and when they do, Israel is going to be extremely pissed. War is coming and it is obviously not good.

Related.

Update: The deadline has passed.

Amidst the patriotism of our holiday, I'll be praying for Gilad Shilat and Israel.

I'll be praying that Gilad Shilat will be returned alive, and that Israel kicks some serious ass.

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First this: Israel warns Palestinians: free Shalit or Prime Minister Haniyeh dies: . . . more...

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Or is it raisins? I prefer to think they get 72 toothless French whores, myself.

Whatever, they're getting the job done in Afghanistan:

MUSA QALA, Afghanistan - Coalition forces killed 40 militants during combat operations linked to a large-scale anti-Taliban blitz launched across southern
Afghanistan, the military said Friday.

Note the inaccurate use of the word "blitz." But no, they're not biased.

And lest we get accused of just reporting on good news, a mosque is attacked in Iraq.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A shoe bomber blew himself up inside an important Shiite mosque during Friday prayers, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20, as violence persisted in the capital despite a massive security operation aimed at restoring order.

There is a nugget of good news in this piece, though. The fact that the bomber had to resort to a shoe bomb is evidence that the clampdown is having an effect.

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June 7th, 1944:

Allied forces reach Bayeux and make contact with 6th Airborne Div. First Allied airstrip laid out at Asnelles, N.E. of Bayeux.

German light naval forces and U-boats commence frequent sorties (mainly by night) against Allied invasion fleet, but suffer heavy losses - including 2 destroyers - and sink only small number of transports and LC (landing craft) and 1 destroyer (RNN Svenner).

Italian front: 5th Army takes Civitavecchia, 56 km N. of Rome

[Reference: Chronology of World War II, the Day by Day Illustrated Record, compiled by Christopher Argyle p.158]

I'm going to do another 5 post D-Day, well, posts, from the same book.

If you thirst for more, then maybe I'll start from the beginning and do a post each day starting on September 1st of this year, the day Hitler invaded Poland in 1939.

Or, you can buy the book.

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Forget the "Omen" crap. June 6th, no matter what year, will always be a special day.

Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you." - Gen. Eisenhower's Order of the Day

D-Day Casualties:

British: 3000

Canadian: 946

U.S.: 6,603

114 Allied planes

German: c.6,500

(figures above taken from Chronology of WWII: The Day By Day Record 1939-1945)

"Casualties" meaning a total of dead, wounded, and/or missing/captured. A good breakdown is here.

June 6th, 1944, has so many lessons to be taught. So many perspectives which are at odds with the perspectives about the war we're fighting now.

Rusty update: Blackfive has an excellent roundup on D-Day remembered.

Fellow MU.NUer Confederate Yankee has reprinted Patton's Normandy Invasion speach.

(via Blogfather)

Ronald Reagan's tribute to D-Day (video)

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I just received an e-mail from my mother inviting our family to take a moment of time to reflect on her father who was a Marine killed in the Pacific during WWII. My mother never knew her biological father because she was so young when he went off to war.

I never knew my maternal grandfather, but I am proud of his voluntary service and of his supreme sacrifice to our country. RIP.

To my paternal grandfather, who was a pilot in WWII, and a career Air Force officer, thank you for your service. RIP.

To my father who was a Marine--once a Marine, always a Marine--thank you for your service. To my niece, currently a Marine, may God's protection and blessings be upon you in the service of your country.

The image above is from the Punchbowl National Cemetery, where my maternal grandfather is buried. The image below is from the National Archives of my grandfather's service record. If one of your relatives was KIA during WWII, you can visit the National WWII Memorial website and look up their information. Their, you can also find where your loved one is buried. Perhaps, like me, you will be able to visit their grave someday.

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Usually I find the AP's daily death tally creepy, but, this weekend it does have some relevance. It's the only source with information on the sacrifices made by our unilateral coalition allies.

The British military has reported 111 deaths; Italy, 31; Ukraine, 18; Poland, 17; Bulgaria, 13; Spain, 11; Slovakia, Denmark three; El Salvador, Estonia, Netherlands, Thailand, two each; and Australia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Romania, one death each.

Who knew Latvia sacrificed a native son in the name of Iraqi freedom?

I don't think the fact that the U.S. shoulders most of the load in Iraq matters much to the family in Kazakhstan that lost a son in defense of liberty.

It doesn't matter to me. God bless them all, and thank you.

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