International Defence Green and White Papers

[Suhiir]

I can see where the eastern Europeans would probably like to have some US units (I doubt they really care what kind, just as long as they're US) permanently stationed inside their borders.
But, of course certain western European nations (bet you can guess which ones) will be totally opposed.

The real question is - Does anyone think Russia is actually going to attempt to reoccupy it's former satellites?

[Suhiir]

As you say Russia tends to be a little on the paranoid side due to the number of times it's been invaded. Their mania for buffer states is totally justified and reasonable from their perspective. As are their recent aggressive aerobatic and naval displays, can't have the neighbors thinking you're weak! The problem is I don't think some (many?) members of their government realize that no one in the West has any particular interest in invading them anymore.

##########

As to the claim that one of the people on Suribachi has been misidentified all these years ...
The three survivors (Bradley, Hayes, and Gagnon) never commented on the matter once they themselves were correctly identified, and I tend to give someone that was actually there and knew the men involved a lot of credibility.

[DRG]

Originally Posted by Suhiir

##########

As to the claim that one of the people on Suribachi has been misidentified all these years ...
The three survivors (Bradley, Hayes, and Gagnon) never commented on the matter once they themselves were correctly identified, and I tend to give someone that was actually there and knew the men involved a lot of credibility.

Here is a very detailed account of the claim..........

http://dataomaha.com/media/news/2014/iwo-jima/

[DRG]

I'm interested in your take on this when the evidence is reviewed some of it is compelling, others not so much

There were LOTS of marines around during the second flag raising.....the "Gung Ho" shot proves that but "clue #2" that Bradley's helmet does not show a soft cap inside and there isn't one on his head during the "Gung Ho" shot proves nothing since you don't see his left hand and that could easily have the cap in it OR when he raised the helmet the cap fell out and is on the ground when the shot was taken OR if you look at the second group shot under clue #4 he is holding his helmet by the right side of the brim and his thumb could easily be holding his soft cap tight against the inside of the helmet

BUT

The cuffed / uncuffted pants is significant and "Clue No. 4: Sousley's helmet, belt and uncuffed pants " is very significant and I am inclined to think that is Sousley not Bradley.... but Bradley WAS there during the raising of that there is no doubt

[Suhiir]

Given the information in the detailed account you provided I have to agree it's probable that wasn't Bradley on the flag.
With two flags being raised and a battle raging at the time I'd say it was an honest mistake on his (and everyone's) part.

[DRG]

Every Marine on Suribachi that day " helped raise the flag " and Bradley was there for both of them. Given Hayes reluctance ( to put it mildly......) to be named initially and what seems like a general lack of interest by any Marine there to step into the spotlight it seems posssible ( this is conjecture on my part ) that Sousley and Bradley agreed it would be Bradley named since he was there for both and leave it at that as nobody I'm aware of ( I admit limited knowledge ) involved ever went on to make a big deal out of their participation in the events that day . ( The Marines......the goverment and media are another matter...)

EDIT......I have seen this " I don't want to talk about it.........the past is past" attitude personally. I had an uncle who was a DonR ( motorcycle dispatch rider ) wounded in Normandy when a truck full of infantry he was following hit a big AT mine and he just happened to move when the following troops were sorting through the resulting carnage and he spent the rest of the war in hospital...... I tried once to talk with him about it ....I was curious what bike he rode most....and he refused to talk about it so I can see how someone might tell a battle comrade " Leave me out of this please" and that's where the matter ends for them.

It's significant as well that both of the guys who initiated this have no axe to grind....they just both noticed things that didn't add up and came forward with their findings. What's far less impressive is the reaction of some of the "historians" unwilling to even look at the evidence.

Don

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Well I just found where the Iwo Jima went I was looking for when the final results of the USMC review board found Schulz was at the 2nd flag raising and not Bradley. Much like the below ended up in the Venezuela Thread just below this in Thread order. So I award myself (And the Olympics are on after all. ) another Gold Medal in the category. Michael Phelps eat your heart out, I now have more "DAaaa" "DOHhhh" combined Gold Medals then you have Olympic ones. Guess I showed him!?!

Anyway...

"Don't worry I'm not advocating for Russian armored trains to be entered in the game, but this next is after all something you don't hear about everyday. Note the look of the soldier on the right in the picture, I wonder is he thinking "I'm not feeling as protected as my comrades inside the train!?!" Probably he's just bored! Anyway...
http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html"

Regards,
Pat


P.S.
Maybe it was just this... or ? Nah,definitely the above.

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html"

404 error.

[dmnt]

I think the correct link is http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html

[Suhiir]

Originally Posted by dmnt

I think the correct link is http://www.armyrecognition.com/augus..._11508161.html

Thank you!