Posts Tagged ‘military’

Book Review – Larry Bond’s “Red Phoenix”

Recently I finished reading Larry Bond‘s Red Phoenix, a military novel depicting the outbreak of open war on the Korean Peninsula.  The war involves North Korea crossing the demilitarized zone and attacking the South Korean and American military forces stationed throughout South Korea.

First published in 1989, the action in Red Phoenix takes place in that same time period.  Naturally, when reading the book today, you have to remember which types of weapons were available back then as a lot of technology has changed throughout the military.

Larry Bond — Red Phoenix

Red Phoenix begins with the discovery of a North Korean tunnel passing underneath the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and reaching into South Korea.  To the surprise of the Americans and South Koreans, this tunnel is one of the largest ones yet.  The tunnel itself is as wide as a road, and numerous tanks and other army vehicles are being stored there.

It’s thought that the vehicles are being positioned for an invasion of the south.  Before the soldiers can investigate too much, the forces encounter a patrol of North Koreans.  There’s a brief but bloody gun battle as the two sides engage each other.  The South Koreans scramble to wire demolitions to the tanks and vehicles just as a larger company of North Koreans attacks them again.  It’s a quick dash back to the surface before the explosives are detonated, destroying the vehicles, the tunnel, and all of the North Koreans still underground.

Although the North Korean vehicles were unable to be captured, the message of discovering them was still clear —— North Korea is planning on invading South Korea, and the invasion may happen very soon.

That’s just the action-packed introduction to Red Phoenix.

The first part of Red Phoenix is mostly politics as a U.S. Congressman schemes to gain political power by taking advantage of civil unrest and college students protesting throughout Seoul, South Korea.  The protests are being instigated by North Korean spies, and the South Koreans deal with the protesters harshly.  This only further motivates the U.S. Congressman to put political pressure on the U.S. President, and begin a withdraw of the U.S. military forces stationed in South Korea.

When it looks like the U.S. is beginning to remove its military forces from South Korean, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il launches an all-out war against South Korea.  It’s viewed as a war of “liberation” for their fellow Koreans living south of the DMZ.  North Korean terrorists strike at key targets throughout the south as the main brunt of the North Korean army rolls across the DMZ and attacks everything in sight. Read more…

Book Review – Erik Prince’s “Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror”

When the War on Terror was launched in 2001 following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, it wasn’t just the United States’ CIA and military that later invaded Afghanistan and Iraq.

Unknown to many people, there were a number of private companies that also deployed to those war zones to help support the combat troops along with the diplomats and other dignitaries.  While the military primarily carried out the attacks against the enemy, many times it was the private companies who helped transport cargo and provide security for many areas as well as people.

Perhaps the most famous (or infamous according to politicians and the media) private company involved with the War on Terror is Blackwater USA.

According to the media and many politicians, Blackwater’s workers were reckless cowboys, people who used too aggressive of tactics, rode around like maniacs, they overcharged the government for their services, and they were allowed to kill anybody they wanted.

Of course, there’s another side to the story of Blackwater USA and what *really* happened in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Erik Prince — Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror

And that story is told by Erik Prince, the founder and former CEO of Blackwater USA.  His book, Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror, tells a completely different tale of the company, a tale that most people have never heard.  Until now.

Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror begins with a brief biography about Erik Prince.  The books covers his father’s dedication to his business and how that developed into a large and successful company, and how those traits were passed down to Erik Prince.  Prince went on to join the Navy and he succeeded in becoming a Navy SEAL, an elite warrior.

After the SEAL team, Prince left the Navy and created the company Blackwater USA, a company that initially focused on training soldiers, police officers, and other warriors in various combat tactics.  Blackwater saw success after incidents like the Columbine High School massacre and the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole proved that everybody from police officers to soldiers and sailors needed specialized training for newer types of warfare.  The company also saw success by selling custom targets to help riflemen become better shooters and marksmen.

Blackwater saw slow but steady growth during those early years, but it would quickly grow exponentially and make a serious name for itself shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the resulting War on Terror. Read more…

Movie Review – Paths of Glory (1957)

One of the negative stereotypes of World War One was that of high-ranking “armchair” officers who would seek further advances by slaughtering their own soldiers in suicidal missions.

Although that has been an issue throughout the history of warfare, it was more of a factor from the stalemates on both the Eastern and Western fronts.  When no army could push forward and gain an advantage, some officers were more prone to taking daring risks and sending their soldiers on perceived suicide missions.  The theory was that the greater the risk, then the bigger the reward.

The 1957 film Paths of Glory deals with a general who orders a suicide attack, all in the name of glory for himself.  When some of the soldiers fail to carry out the attack, they’re put on trial for cowardice, an offense punishable with the death penalty.

Paths of Glory (1957) – movie poster

Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Paths of Glory stars Kirk Douglas in the role of Colonel Dax, commanding officer of the 701st Infantry Regiment.  Supporting him in the film are George Macready as Brigadier General Paul Mireau, Ralph Meeker as Corporal Philippe Paris, and Wayne Morris as Lieutenant Roget.

Paths of Glory (1957) – (c) United Artists

Set in France in 1916, Paths of Glory begins with a voiceover describing how Germany and France went to war, and the stalemate that lead to trench warfare.  In a chateau, Major General Georges Broulard (Adolphe Menjou) informs his subordinate, Brigadier General Paul Mireau (George Macready), that the French Army is poised to launch a major offensive in the near future.  To spearhead the attack, General Mireau is assigned to attack and capture a heavily defended German position nicknamed the “Anthill.”  Mireau is hesitant as his forces have already suffered heavy losses in recent fighting, and they’ll surely lose many more attacking the heavily fortified “Anthill.”

General Mireau’s attitude against the attack suddenly changes when General Broulard informs him that a successful attack against the “Anthill” would essentially mean a promotion to a desired position within the army.  Mireau rethinks the attack and now believes that his soldiers can succeed in attacking the “Anthill” and holding it. Read more…

Movie Review – Sergeant York (1941)

Today we’re taking a look at Sergeant York, a 1941 biographical film about Alvin York, a simple man from Tennessee who achieved combat glory in World War 1 and became a hero, earning himself the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Sergeant York is a patriotic film that was a smash hit with the audiences.  The film continued to receive attention after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and a fresh wave of American patriotism.

Sergeant York (1941) – movie poster

Directed by Howard Hawks, Sergeant York stars Gary Cooper in the lead role of Alvin York.  Supporting him in the movie are Walter Brennan as Pastor Rosier Pile, Joan Leslie as Gracie Williams, and George Tobias as “Pusher” Ross, a soldier from New York City.

Sergeant York (1941) – (c) Warner Bros.

Sergeant York begins in 1916 in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee at a place called the Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf.  This is a small mountain town somewhat isolated from the rest of the United States.  When news breaks in the country, it’s several days before the residents in town learn about it. Read more…

Movie Review – The Dawn Patrol (1938)

When looking back at the battles during World War 1, many people are aware of the countless slaughters as men were forced to go over the top of the trench and straight towards the enemy’s trenches.

This was a continual problem as the generals and commanders fought to find a way to break the stalemate.  The generals would form a battle plan, and those orders were passed down the chain of command to the battalion commanders, the platoon leaders, and ultimately the soldiers themselves.  No matter how pointless or suicidal the plan sounded, the men were expected to attack when ordered to.

Of course, it wasn’t only the soldiers in the trenches who had to deal with the orders from generals who were safely positioned far from the action.  This was also a problem for the bomber and combat pilots as well.

The 1938 film The Dawn Patrol addresses the problem of generals issuing orders and continually sending inexperienced pilots into dangerous situations.  The squadron commanders were forced to carry out those orders, knowing that many of the replacement pilots would be killed.  The 1938 version of the film is a remake of the original version released in 1930.  From what I understand, most of the dialogue is the same between the two versions, and most, if not all, of the flight scenes were taken straight from the original film.

The Dawn Patrol (1938) – movie poster

Directed by Edmund Goulding, The Dawn Patrol stars Errol Flynn as Captain Courtney, the leader of A Flight.  Co-starring in the film are Basil Rathbone as Major Brand, the commanding officer of the squadron, and David Niven as Lieutenant Scott, one of the pilots in A Flight.

The Dawn Patrol takes place in 1915 at a Royal Flying Corps‘ airfield in France.

The movie begins with an action scene showing British combat pilots in a dogfight against the Germans.  We later learn that two of the British pilots, new replacement pilots in the squadron, were shot down and killed.

The Dawn Patrol (1938) – (c) Warner Bros.

Back at the airfield, Major Brand (Basil Rathbone) is the commanding officer of the 59th Squadron.  He’s been under increasing pressure by headquarters to have his pilots produce better results on their missions, or he’s going to be transferred to a less important position.  Major Brand is nearing his breaking point as he has already lost 16 pilots in the last two weeks, nearly all of them replacement pilots with little to no flight or combat experience.

A Flight returns from its dawn patrol and lands at the airfield.  Flight leader Captain Courtney (Errol Flynn) and his good friend Lieutenant Scott (David Niven) have survived the mission, along with Lieutenant Hollister (Peter Willes), another experienced pilot, but they lost two of their replacement pilots.  Hollister is shaken up as one of the pilots that was shot down and killed was his best friend.  When Courtney tries to talk to Hollister and boost his spirits, it only makes him more depressed. Read more…

Movie Review – Wings (1927)

Today we’re taking a look at Wings, a 1927 silent movie that tells a story of two rivals who fight over a woman, join the Army Air Service and become pilots, and later fight in World War 1.

Wings (1927) – movie poster

Directed by William A. Wellman, Wings stars Clara Bow as Mary Preston, Charles “Buddy” Rogers as Jack Powell, Richard Arlen as David Armstrong, and Jobyna Ralston as Sylvia Lewis.  Gary Cooper has a brief role as Cadet White, and El Brendel plays the role of Dutch-American Herman Schwimpf.  Music for the film was composed by J.S. Zamecnik.

Wings begins in a small American town in 1917.

Wings (1927) – (c) Paramount Pictures

Jack Powell (Charles “Buddy” Rogers) is an average guy who knows how to work on cars and he dreams of one day flying airplanes.  His neighbor Mary Preston (Clara Bow) is in love with him, but he rejects her advances.  When he repairs his car and renames it “Shooting Star,” he drives away and asks Sylvia Lewis (Jobyna Ralston) to go with him for a ride.  This move annoys David Armstrong (Richard Arlen) as he was trying to romance Sylvia. Read more…

Movie Review – Hell’s Angels (1930)

One of the fascinating aspects of World War 1 was the rapid advancement in technology and tactics used in what would ultimately become modern, mechanized warfare.  Between 1914 and 1918, military aviation saw tremendous leaps and bounds as armies recognized the true strengths and advantages of air power.

Released in 1930, Hell’s Angels takes a look at World War 1 combat pilots, from their life outside of the combat zones to the harrowing missions themselves.  This film follows along as two brothers and their friend all join the air service, two of them for England and one for Germany.  We see them go through training, fight against a Zeppelin during a night time bombing raid, go on a dangerous bombing mission in a captured German bomber, and then become captured and face death after being branded as spies.  Before the war and between the combat missions, the two brothers fight each other for the love of a woman.

Hell’s Angels (1930) – movie poster

Directed and produced by Howard Hughes, Hell’s Angels stars Ben Lyon and James Hall as the British brothers Monte and Roy Rutledge.  Supporting them in the film is Jean Harlow as the young woman Helen.

Hell’s Angels (1930) – (c) United Artists

Hell’s Angels begins in Germany some time before the outbreak of war.  British brothers Roy (James Hall) and Monte Rutledge (Ben Lyon) are enjoying the company of their German friend, Karl (John Darrow), while they spend time in a tavern.  The guys tease Roy and try to get him hooked up with a young lady. Read more…

Movie Review – All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Today we’re kicking off a bunch of movie reviews dedicated to one of my favorite time periods — World War 1.

As you can guess by the title of this article, the first movie that we’re going to review is the 1930 classic, All Quiet on the Western Front.

Based on the classic novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front follows a group of young men as they graduate from school, enlist as soldiers in the German army, and then experience the various forms of horrors in warfare, from attacking an enemy’s position to starvation to the horrors of life in the hospital.  It’s a gripping story as the young men are faced with the challenges of staying alive and fighting “for the Fatherland.”

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) – movie poster

Directed by Lewis Milestone, All Quiet on the Western Front was produced by Hollywood legend Carl Laemmle, Jr.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) – (c) Universal Pictures

All Quiet on the Western Front begins in Germany as a group of boys finishes their final semester at secondary school.  As soldiers proudly march in formation through the town’s streets, Professor Kantorek (Arnold Lucy) gives the boys an impressive and patriotic speech about the duties of enlisting in the Army and fighting for their home, the Fatherland.  The students are impressed by the speech, and they believe in the glory and honor of serving in the German military.  The group of them promptly enlist and find themselves at a training camp. Read more…

Every Person In The Military Is Important, But Not Everybody Should Be Called A Hero

How do you define a hero?

Normally the title of a “hero” would belong to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, somebody who risks his or her own life for the lives of others.  This person is a role model, somebody who inspires others to use bravery when facing danger or certain death.

A hero could be found in many professions, from a fireman who runs into a burning building to a police officer who risks his life against a dangerous criminal to a soldier who shows bravery and valor while under fire on the battlefield.  Of course, these aren’t the only places where you could find heroes today.

• A hero could also be a rodeo clown who distracts a charging bull or bucking bronco so that a fallen cowboy can be saved.
• A hero could be a lifeguard who saves a distressed swimmer from drowning.
• A hero could be a parent who places his or her body over their child, shielding them from imminent danger and/or certain death.
• A hero can be anybody who shows determination and courage when it comes to saving another person’s life.

But why is it that in today’s society, the moment a person in the armed forces simply puts on a uniform, that people bend over backwards treating that person like a hero?  Why are virtually all service members hailed as “heroes” even though such a small percentage of them today have A) Actually been in combat on the battlefield, and B) Shown exceptional bravery while in combat (or in an emergency situation such as an aircraft crash)?

Don’t get me wrong here.  It’s honorable to serve the country in the armed forces no matter your profession.  All jobs are important in the military, from the recruiters to the office clerks to the cooks to the mechanics to the aviators and soldiers themselves.  Every job helps support the national cause of supporting and defending the United States of America.  It’s just that in today’s age, a smaller and smaller percentage of soldiers and sailors are actually out there with their life on the line with the global fight for freedom and democracy.

The title of hero should just be reserved for those people who have shown bravery and valor when placed in dangerous situations.  Just because you chose to serve in the military doesn’t automatically make you a “hero.”  You have to go above and beyond to prove that you have earned that title.

Simply calling everybody who served in the military a hero is like giving out participation trophies to each kid who plays on a sport team.  When everybody receives the same award it reduces the meaning of it for those who worked harder and gave more of an effort.

My father enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, but his job had him working on computers at the Strategic Air Command headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.  Since he served honorably in the Air Force but never saw combat or danger at his job, does that still classify him as a hero?  My father-in-law was also in the military at that time period, but he a was special forces officer in the Army.  He fought in southeast Asia (not just South Vietnam) and led his men on missions still classified to this day.  Since he fought in combat many times and served his country honorably, does that make him a hero?

Or are both of them simply honorable and righteous men who answered the call to serve their country?

Not everybody can be called a hero.  Lots of people can be brave, strong fighters, and effective leaders, but it takes more than that to be a true hero.

In the military, I would reserve the title of “hero” for those few who have earned the top award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.  Those are your true heroes, people who so much bravery that it has to be carried in a wheelbarrow.  These are the people who you would carry on your shoulders and parade them around town.  These people would inspire the masses.  Their actions would be studied for future generations as sources of inspiration, self-sacrifice and bravery.

On this Veterans Day, remember to thank all of those who honorably served their country.  Just don’t go around calling them *all* heroes.  Save that ultimate title for those few who have truly earned it.

Book Review – W.E.B. Griffin’s “Brotherhood of War: The Majors”

Today we’re taking a look at The Majors, the third book in W.E.B. Griffin‘s series, The Brotherhood of War.

W.E.B. Griffin — Brotherhood of War: The Majors

The Majors begins on March 10, 1954, about eight months after the end of fighting in the Korean War, the focal point of the previous book, The Captains.  The general storyline of this book involves the growth of the usage of helicopters in the U.S. Army and the concept and attempt at arming them to create a new kind of weapon.  Although the book begins in French Indochina, the majority of the events take place in Germany and the Continental U.S.

The story begins with some action as President Eisenhower authorizes Major Sanford “Sandy” Felter to make a parachute jump into French Indochina so he can analyze how the French forces are fighting the communists at Dien Bien Phu.  Joining him on the secret mission is Major Rudolph “Mac” MacMillan and a soldier named Staff Sergeant Edward Greer.

While flying above Indochina, the soldiers’ aircraft is hit by anti-aircraft artillery, and only Felter, MacMillan and Greer are able to make it out of the aircraft before it crashes.  The rest of the paratroopers and the flight crew are killed.  The three soldiers are harassed by communist forces, but they’re able to reach a French base and analyze the situation.  A few days later the three Americans are extracted by a transport aircraft.  The general conclusion is that without proper reinforcements, the communists will push the French forces out of Indochina. Read more…

Book Review – Jeff Shaara’s “The Last Full Measure”

Today I finished reading Jeff Shaara‘s The Last Full Measure, the final book in a trilogy of American Civil War books written by Jeff and his father, Michael Shaara.  The previous two books are Gods and Generals and The Killer Angels.

First published in 1998, The Last Full Measure is a historical novel that takes readers through the last two years of war in the eastern campaign in the War Between the States (a.k.a. American Civil War).  We experience the war through several points-of-view, but mainly General Robert E. Lee, General Ulysses S. Grant, and Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, the hero of Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Jeff Shaara — The Last Full Measure

The book begins in July of 1863 just after the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War.  General Robert E. Lee suffered a serious setback at the battle, and now the Confederate’s Army of Northern Virginia has retreated back into Virginia to reorganize themselves.  Meanwhile, President Abraham Lincoln appoints Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of Lieutenant General and the position of commander of the Army of the Potomac.

Grant knows that the key to winning the war is not in conquering Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederacy.  Capturing that city would only make the rebels change the location of their headquarters.  In order to win the war, Grant is going to have to defeat Robert E. Lee.  The problem is that although Lee’s army is smaller in size, they are more mobile, they are fighting on their home ground, and they are still very powerful.  It’s going to take a great deal of force and strategic planning in order to finally conquer Robert E. Lee.

The first major course of action in The Last Full Measure is Grant’s Overland Campaign (also known as the Wilderness Campaign), a series of maneuvers and battles between the two armies.  General Grant placed his army between General Lee and Richmond, and forced Lee into an engagement.  This was the same area that saw major combat in the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863 and the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862.

Battle of the Wilderness – May 5-7, 1864

One of the first fights in this campaign was the Battle of the Wilderness.  This battle was a victory for the Confederacy though they lost over 11,000 casualties, and General Longstreet was accidentally shot and wounded by his own men.  Thankful for the Confederacy, General Longstreet would recover from his wound and return to command troops in the war.  The temporary loss of Longstreet was a tough blow to Robert E. Lee as he was haunted by the similarities of the death (from accidental friendly fire) of Stonewall Jackson in the Battle of Chancellorsville. Read more…

Movie Review – Lone Survivor (2013)

Opening limited on December 25, 2013 and widespread on January 10, 2014 is Lone Survivor, a war film telling the story of Navy SEAL Team 10‘s failed mission Operation Red Wings.

Operation Red Wings was a special ops mission that took place in Afghanistan starting on June 27, 2005.  Once the soldiers were discovered by locals and the mission was compromised, what followed was a massive firefight with Taliban fighters.  The fighting ultimately claimed the lives of three of the four-man SEAL team along with sixteen more soldiers that were part of the quick reaction force.

This is their story.

Directed by Peter Berg, Lone Survivor stars Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell.  Supporting him in the film are Taylor Kitsch as Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, Emile Hirsch as Danny Dietz, Ben Foster as Matthew Axelson, and Eric Bana as Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen.

Lone Survivor begins by taking a brief look at soldiers training to become Navy SEALs.  It’s a brutally tough and mentally challenging program with an extremely high rate of failure for the candidates.  It’s no wonder that those soldiers who succeed and become Navy SEALs are modern day warriors capable of overcoming any challenge.

The film then transitions to Afghanistan and we see combat medics working hard to save the life of Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg).  His body is bloody and beaten, and at this point it’s uncertain if the medical team will be able to save his life.

Lone Survivor then goes back a few days and we see what looks like an ordinary morning on an army base in Afghanistan.  The soldiers wake up and start their day.  Some of them compete in a physical fitness race while others communicate with loved ones back home.  It’s just another ordinary morning for the soldiers.

Later that day, Lieutenant Commander Erik S. Kristensen (Eric Bana) leads a mission briefing for the Navy SEALs.  Operation Red Wings is designed to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shah.  The secondary target is a man named Taraq, Shah’s right hand man and accomplice.  The mission itself will be carried out with a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team.  It’s noted that because of the mountainous terrain, there may be communication problems between the SEAL team and their headquarters. Read more…

Book Review – Tom Clancy’s “Net Force”

Last night I finished reading Net Force, the first in a series of books created by military and political thriller author Tom Clancy.  Although this story concept was created by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik, the same creators of the Op-Center series of novels, the book was actually written by Steve Perry.

First published in 1999, Net Force is set ten years later in 2010 and focuses on a world dominated by supercomputers.  To help investigate international computer crimes, Congress authorized the creation of Net Force, a branch of the FBI.

Net Force begins with the assassination of Steve Day, commander of Net Force.  Day had just finished having dinner in the city when his armored limousine is attacked and gunned down by a team of gunmen.  It’s not a complete victory for the assassins though as Day is able to shoot and kill one of his attackers.  By the time that the police arrive, the gunmen are long gone, complete with their dead companion.

Because of the assassination of his boss, Deputy Commander Alexander Michaels is quickly promoted to commander of Net Force.  His first assignment is to bring Steve Day’s killers to justice.  His team members include Assistant Deputy Commander Antonella “Toni” Fiorella and computer programmer Jay Gridley. Read more…

RQ-180 – The Air Force’s Newest Stealth Drone

Earlier today it was reported by Aviation Week that the RQ-180 is allegedly flying test flights.

The classified unmanned aerial vehicle is being developed by Northrop Grumman for “. . . intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.”  Operated by the U.S. Air Force, the RQ-180 will also carry out missions for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

As one would expect with this being a classified aircraft, right now the details are few and far between.  Based on the artist’s drawings, the RQ-180 looks like a smaller version of the B-2 Spirit flying wing stealth bomber still in use by the U.S. Air Force.  Allegedly the RQ-180 has a wingspan of around 130 feet while the B-2’s wingspan reaches 172 feet.  While the B-2 Spirit carries a crew of two and a payload of up to 50,000 pounds of ordnance or other equipment, the RQ-180 is unmanned and rumored to only being developed for intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

The RQ-180 is scheduled to be in production soon and could be operational just a year from now in 2015.

Could a drone such as the RQ-180 be modified and used for stealth bombing missions?  It wouldn’t surprise me at all.  Then again, it looks like Northrop Grumman is already focusing on building a bomber version of the RQ-180 drone out of the X-47 project. Read more…

Movie Review – Pearl Harbor (2001)

Our review of Pearl Harbor-themed films concludes with the biggest (and probably most disappointing) film of them all — 2001’s blockbuster Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor is an epic war film that follows two American fighter pilots before and after the Japanese air raid on December 7, 1941.  One pilot volunteers to fight with England’s Royal Air Force while the other is sent to a squadron in Pearl Harbor.  They’re reunited just prior to the attack, and during the air raid they use their P-40 Warhawks to shoot down several enemy aircraft.  Several months later they fly with James Doolittle and his historic bombing of Japan.  There’s also a love story involving the two pilots and their affections for a nurse.

Directed by Michael Bay, Pearl Harbor was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.  The film stars Ben Affleck as Lieutenant Rafe McCawley.  Co-starring in the film are Josh Hartnett as Rafe’s best friend, Lieutenant Daniel Walker; and Kate Beckinsale as Nurse Evelyn Johnson.  Supporting them are a variety of Hollywood celebrities including Cuba Gooding, Jr., Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, and Alec Baldwin.

Pearl Harbor (2001) – (c) Buena Vista Pictures

Pearl Harbor begins at a Tennessee farm in 1923.

Rafe McCawley and Daniel “Danny” Walker are best friends.  Rafe’s father is a crop duster pilot while Danny’s father is a farmer.  One day after Rafe’s father returns, the boys climb into the aircraft and pretend to fly it.  As they flick the switches and play with the controls, the engine suddenly comes to life.  A moment later the biplane is roaring down the dirt runway and it briefly flies in the air.  The biplane lands and the boys bring it to a halt.  They’re exhilarated by the flight but Danny’s catches hell from his father who witnessed the incident.

Fast forward to January of 1941.

War is raging in Europe and it’s just a matter of time before America finally joins the fight.  In the meantime, the American military continues training its pilots and sharpening their skills.

At Mitchel Field on Long Island, New York, both Rafe McCawley (Ben Affleck) and Danny Walker (Josh Hartnett) are first lieutenants in the Army Air Corps and pilots of the P-40 Warhawk.  At the end of one of their training sessions, both of the pilots do a little showboating in front of their peers.  They aim their aircraft at each other and then suddenly break away at the last second in a game of “chicken.”  The maneuver thrills their colleagues but it lands them in hot water with their commanding officer, Major James “Jimmy” Doolittle (Alec Baldwin). Read more…

Movie Review – The Final Countdown (1980)

Imagine if one day you were suddenly transported back in time.

In addition to that, imagine that not only were you transported to a point back in time just prior to a key event in American history, but you also had the capability of changing history.

That’s the premise behind The Final Countdown, a 1980 science-fiction film that transports a modern aircraft carrier back in time to December 6, 1941.  The ship’s captain is faced with the ultimate decision:  Do you destroy the Japanese fleet and prevent the attack at Pearl Harbor?

Directed by Don Taylor, The Final Countdown stars Kirk Douglas as Captain Matthew Yelland, the skipper of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.  Co-starring in the film is Martin Sheen in the role of Warren Lasky, a civilian observer who works for the Department of Defense.  Supporting them are James Farentino as Carrier Air Wing Commander Richard T. Owens / Mr. Richard Tideman; Katharine Ross as Laurel Scott; Ron O’Neal as Commander Dan Thurman, the Nimitiz’s executive officer; and Charles Durning as Senator Samuel Chapman.

The Final Countdown (1980) – (c) United Artists

The Final Countdown begins with Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) arriving at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Before departing on his mission for the Department of Defense, he’s seen off by a mysterious man named Mr. Tideman.  Allegedly Mr. Tideman knows Lasky, but nothing more is mentioned about it at this point in the film.  Lasky boards a naval SH-3 Sea King helicopter and he’s flown out to the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier. Read more…

Movie Review – Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

On December 7, 1941, the nation of Japan launched a sneak attack at the U.S. naval base headquartered at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The attack was carried out with complete success, and the end result was a massive blow to the U.S. naval fleet.  This attack sparked massive outrage throughout the country.  The following day the U.S. declared war on Japan.  Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S., and those declarations were reciprocated by the U.S. the same day.  Because of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. was now involved with World War 2.

Tora! Tora! Tora! tells the story about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  The story is told from both the American and Japanese perspectives, and we learn more about why the attack was carried out.  The film exposes historical errors which helped Japan achieve a complete tactical success with their attack.  It was only a stroke of luck that the U.S. aircraft carriers were out at sea, and none of them were attacked or sunk on that day.

The film was directed by Richard Fleischer, and the music was composed by Jerry Goldsmith.  Tora! Tora! Tora! itself doesn’t star any well-known Hollywood stars.  This decision was made so that the viewers would pay more attention to the story rather than the actors starring in it.

Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) – (c) 20th Century Fox

Tora! Tora! Tora! begins in 1941 on a Japanese battleship as Vice-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (Sō Yamamura) arrives to take command of the Japanese combined fleet.  Admiral Yamamoto officially receives command from Admiral Zengo Yoshida (Junya Usami), and the two admirals discuss the need to have a strong navy and not get swayed by the politics that control Japan’s army. Read more…

Book Review – Harry Turtledove’s “Days of Infamy”

The other day I finished Harry Turtledove’s alternative history novel, Days of Infamy.

Ask yourself this question:  On December 7, 1941, the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by the nation of Japan in a devastating aerial raid.  What if the Japanese carrier task force was also accompanied by two divisions of soldiers?

Harry Turtledove attempts to answer that question in his book, Days of Infamy.

Set primarily on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Days of Infamy begins shorty before the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.  We’re introduced to a few of the island’s residents, including an American surfing instructor, the wife of an Army soldier, and a Japanese fisherman and his two sons.  Each has his or her own story to tell about the American style of life in Oahu in 1941.

Don’t worry about that part of the story being too long or boring.  The air attack on Pearl Harbor is already taking place about thirty pages into the 520-page book.  The main split between history and fiction also takes places around that early point in the book, guaranteeing the readers a TON of new scenarios throughout the remainder of the story.

Apart from the inbound Japanese amphibious force, the readers will quickly notice that the Japanese navy launches a third wave of attacks upon Pearl Harbor.  Around that time period in the book, the U.S. navy’s carrier, USS Enterprise, is sailing back towards the island and launching its own wave of fighters.  In no time, a squadron of F4F Wildcats is caught up in a massive dogfight with Japanese A6M Zeros in the sunny skies over Hawaii.

And virtually all of the Wildcats are shot down.  Although the Wildcats had better armor and firepower, the Zeros were faster and more maneuverable.  It wouldn’t be later in the war before Wildcat pilots developed an effective combat strategy against the Zeroes.  For the time being, the Japanese Zero pilots had no difficulty shooting down the American fighters.

After the crushing air attack in which the Japanese navy destroyed critical American forces and earned total air superiority over Oahu and the Hawaiian islands, the Japanese amphibious forces made their beach landings.  The Japanese soldiers marched right onto the beaches and jungle terrain of Oahu. Read more…

Movie Review – Starship Troopers (1997)

Every once in a while it’s satisfying to see a movie full of warfare and bloody violence.

We’re not talking about a gripping re-enactment of a past war such as the American Civil War or the Vietnam War.  This is instead a war set in the not-too-distant future where human beings are fighting for their very survival against an aggressive race of bugs.  These soldiers will travel to distant planets and use everything in their arsenal from air strikes to miniature nukes to destroy the bugs.

The movie Starship Troopers delivers this much and more!  The 1997 film is loosely based on Robert A. Heinlein’s 1959 novel of the same name.  There are so many differences between the novel and the movie that these are two completely different experiences.

Starship Troopers was released on November 7, 1997.  Directed by famed science-fiction director Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall, RoboCop, Hollow Man), Starship Troopers is a thrilling and quite violent and bloody film that follows a few high school students as they join the military and face the bug threat.  Starship Troopers has a large cast starring Casper Van Dien as Johnny Rico, Dina Meyer as Dizzy Flores, Denise Richards as Carmen Ibanez, Jake Busey as Ace Levy, Michael Ironside as Lt. Jean Rasczak, Clancy Brown as Career Sgt. Zim, and Neal Patrick Harris as Carl Jenkins.

Starship Troopers (1997) – (c) TriStar Pictures

Starship Troopers begins similar to RoboCop with a series of video clips showing everyday life in the future, complete with a recruitment advertisement for people to join the elite Mobile Infantry.  The news then jumps to the Bug War and “live” coverage of the Mobile Infantry making their assault on Klendathu, the home planet of the Bugs.  We watch as the invasion goes poorly and many soldiers are slaughtered by the Arachnid force.  One solider in particular is in significant pain as the camera shot ends. Read more…

Book Review – W.E.B. Griffin’s “Brotherhood of War: The Captains”

Today I finished reading W.E.B. Griffin‘s military novel, Brotherhood of War: The Captains.

This is the second installment in this series of books.

In Brotherhood of War: The Lieutenants, W.E.B. Griffin introduced us to four young soldiers at the end of hostilities in World War 2.  Three of the soldiers, Lowell, Felter, and MacMillan, had all been promoted to the rank of captain by the end of the book.  Parker was still a first lieutenant at the end of the first book.

Brotherhood of War: The Captains begins on June 25, 1950, when North Korea launched an all-out attack on South Korea, the opening phase of the Korean War.

Captain Rudolph “Mac” MacMillan is stationed near Seoul, Korea, when he receives an urgent order to rescue three American officers stranded on a peninsula.  They’re under attack from mortars and in danger of being captured or killed.  MacMillan makes a flight across the country and makes a hair-raising landing, picks up the officers, and quickly takes off while under fire from light machine guns.

MacMillan is then sent back to the U.S. to keep him out of harms way, much to his disgust.  MacMillan is a warrior but also a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.  The army doesn’t want one of those top award winners to get killed in combat.  It would be extremely bad for moral and the media.

Over in Paris, France, Captain Craig Lowell and his young German wife, Isle, and infant son, Peter-Paul, are spending some time getting to know Isle’s father, Peter Paul von Greiffenberg, a former high ranking German officer during the Second World War.  They’re later visited by Captain Sanford “Sandy” Felter and his wife, Sharon.  While visiting, Felter informs Lowell that there’s now a war taking place in Korea.  After already serving his country and being wounded when seeing further combat while in Greece, Lowell is not interested in fighting in another war.

Lowell would later be visiting relatives back in the U.S. when he receives his notice about being deployed to serve in Korea.  He was initially assigned to be in the infantry where his combat experience in Greece would be beneficial to the American soldiers in Korea.  Lowell protests this as he sees it as being part of a slaughter as right now the American and South Korean forces were still on the run.  A talk with Lieutenant Colonel Robert Bellman goes a long way.  Bellman is able to use his connections to get Lowell transferred to a tank company as he was recently trained (and excelled) in a tank training school at Fort Knox.

First Lieutenant Philip Sheridan Parker VI is the commander of a tank platoon stationed in Japan when the war begins in Korea.  His men are a bit rowdy, especially when they receive notice about immediate departure for Korea, but Parker has exceptional leadership skills and keeps them in line.

After arriving in Korea, Parker’s platoon is quickly sent to assist a tank company that was under attack by the North Korean army.  When he arrives at the position, he’s shocked to see the American soldiers running away from the battle line like cowards, including the unit’s lieutenant.  Parker uses his pistol to shoot and kill the coward lieutenant, an event that would later come back to haunt him.  The retreating men stop and are forced to join Parker’s men.  They form a solid defensive line and successfully hold it from further attacks.  Not long after that Parker is promoted to the rank of captain. Read more…