Recent content by Hansie Bloeckmann

All salient points of a history now long ago, oh Grey Ghosted leader of the storm battalion herein. But the "benefactors" clause, I am not 100% convinced of that scenario vis a vis the Japanese in China. "When the fox hears the rabbit scream, he comes a runnin', but not in the role of a...

Of interest to me, as an amateur student of World History- is that Woodrow Wilson was the President of Princeton before he became President-- and had zero military background. FDR was a Harvard graduate, and served as Ass't Secretary of the Navy in WW1`-- Wilson had the sinking of the Lusitania...

Without getting into the political morass of today, did anyone notice on the TV coverage of the passing of our 41st. Commander-In-Chief-- how the mood of the Bush family in attendance in the National Cathedral seemed to change as POTUS Trump and his FOTUS entered the seating area in the nave...

And Unlimited Ceilings"--

Today, 7 Dec. 2018 marks the 77th. Anniv. of the "Day of Infamy"- the surprise attack on the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. Let us never forget the brave men who perished as a result of the treachery of Imperial Japan in their rabid quest to dominate the entire Pacific rim. The only saving grace...

Thanks for the confirmation AF

Well, Rudel had a great "role model" to copy with "Fettig Bubi" Herman Goering-- Who often shot off his mouth without thinking of the consequences to follow- In "Fat Boy's" case, it might have been all the drugs he was hooked on by WW2--similar in scope to those other Nazis who were drug...

I liked the theme music for the 'Nam are movie: "Platoon"-- That might be the air you mentioned by Bach-- as I don't know what key or string Johan used as the basis for that haunting piece of music. I also like Pink Floyd and "Comfortably Numb" is my favorite- and anything composed by the late...

I tend to agree--except for the pilot-less V series rockets used by Germany as the Allies were fast closing in-- we should remember that all the aircraft flown by the Axis and the Allies in the ETO were flown by humans, with all their flaws and strong suits thrown into the mix.. Germany lost a...

The "Hitler's Buzzsaw MG-42?? Later morphed into the US issue M-60. adopted by the Army in 1959- saw usage in 'Nam-- it was in 7.62x51 mm cal. NATO-- Not sure about the length in mm of the German WW2 7.62 round- can the Grey Ghost perhaps shed some light on this? Danke..

Always felt that Bill was prompt with his informative replies to all the many questions posted here- mine included. What a gentleman, a Veteran and willing to share with all of us of his vast areas of aircraft knowledge. Hansie

Apparently- if you were a Sergeant ( 3 rocker stripes) and above in the NCO ranks- you could also carry a sidearm, besides the Springfield Rifle. Possibly explains why the Sgt. has a different style ammo bandolier than the Pvts. with the wide web belt- this must have been before WW1-could it...

Thanks, Bill- no big deal, just paying attention to detail--Glad you found sports to your liking, teamwork wins, whether in HS or in the Military. Hansie

Looks like all the lads are wearing white gym shorts, except the one lad, back row far left-- he's wearing black shorts--just wondering is all!! Hansie