May
4

Throwback Thursday 04 MAY 2023 – Guns Platoon in ANC

By John  //  Events, Historical, military  //  No Comments

 

Presidential Salute Battery

Presidential Salute Battery – The BIG GUNS of “The Old Guard

In the distance, the sound of cannon fire precisely timed echoes through the hallowed grounds of the Cemetery. Those attending the final honors of a loved one, friend, compatriot, or leader hear, but don’t see the action that is executed by this elite unit in such an exacting and precise manner.

The guns are brought into Arlington National Cemetery to fire the “FINAL SALUTES” for many final honors of Flag Officers – Generals of the US Army, Marines & Admirals of the US Navy & Coastguard. The guns are placed out of sight from the mourners, but close enough to hear the loud cannon fire bursts honoring the one who has served the U. S. The guns are also fired when a visiting foreign dignitary places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns within the Cemetery.

Most people never see them —

they are the

“Ones that are always heard and rarely seen.”

THE PLATOON —

This select group of soldiers is chosen for the unit from advanced training schools where they have been trained as “indirect-fire infantrymen”. The staff of the battery consists of five soldiers and a two-man team for each gun. Standing behind the guns, there is an Officer In Charge (OIC) who initiates the firing commands, and a Non-commissioned officer who marches the battery into position and controls the firing of the backup gun.

THE GUNS —

In use since the early 1950s, they are M5s – 3″ anti-tank guns from WW II that are mounted on a Howitzer chassis. Weighing in at nearly three tons, the guns are seen and heard on the Washington DC Mall during the 4th of July festivities and the annual The US Army Band‘s (TUSAB) Summer Concert when Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture is played.

FROM – The John Michael Collection:

Presidential Salute Battery “Final Salute”

US Army 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, VA near Washington, DC

T16071-Y Copyright 2007

Cards and Prints Division

Photography by John Michael www.John-Michael.net

Proudly Designed and Printed in the USA

“Preserving the memories so others will remember…

Jun
9

THROWBACK THURSDAY 09 JUN 2022 – 1st FORT MYER BOOK

By John  //  Book Sales, Historical, military  //  No Comments

ELEVEN YEARS AGO THIS MONTH

On 13 JUN 2011, history was made with the release of the FIRST book about Fort Myer, Virginia.  No longer was this key jewel in the United States Army crown hidden away … the post’s story had to be told … after nearly two and one-half years of intensive research, complemented by writing and organizing, and proofreading the contents,  “Images of America  – Fort Myer” became a reality and was published!

 

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a viewimages of america fort myer of what was over time.

An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

Apr
28

THROWBACK THURSDAY 28 APR 2022 – FORT MYER TOUR

By John  //  Historical, military  //  No Comments

OPEN POST? FORT MYER TOUR?

Once upon a time when the world was a kinder place and respect and peace were more prevalent,  it was possible to get access to military installations quite easily.  And say for instance do a Fort Myer Tour.  But alas because of the crazies and not-so-nice people who think that the world is full of infidels,  access to military installations has become more difficult, and rightly so.  The United States military deserves to live in a secure facility and not worry about attacks from the outside.

Where Valor Rests:

Arlington National Cemetery

Hardcover – Illustrated, April 7, 2015

by Rick Atkinson (Author), Afterword by TBD (Afterword)

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, this updated edition includes new images, an afterword by Brigadier General Creighton Abrams, Jr., and a revised map of the cemetery including newly acquired additional land. Bittersweet and breathtaking, this gorgeously illustrated edition guides readers gently through the stories of Arlington National Cemetery’s surprising origins, the people who tend the graves and mourn the fallen heroes, the tomb guards, the services, and more. With nearly 200 exceptional photographs, poignant essays, and a detailed map of the historic points of interest and memorials, this commemorative book of Arlington National Cemetery is a treasure. Touching new photographs of the 150th-anniversary commemorations mark this historic milestone for the world-famous cemetery both a fitting tribute and a stirring reminder of the values Americans hold dear.

 

CONCENTRATION OF MILITARY HISTORY

A United States military installation is typically approaching a century milestone in age and many developments have occurred throughout the years – The first military flight, horse-pulled caissons, regimental museums, and more.  One of the most interesting places to visit on Fort Myer was The Old Guard Museum which provided the insightful history of the United State Army’s oldest infantry regiment that was organized in 1784.  Another place is the stables of the Caisson platoon that carry on the traditions of when the Army moved by horse and also provides a respectful final departure to veterans when they are laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.

One of the first works that Mr. Kim Bernard Holien produced when he was the Command historian of Fort Myer and Fort Lesley J. McNair were tour guides of each post.  What follows below is the Fort Myer version.

 

A WALKING TOUR OF FORT MYER

Fort Myer Tour

 

 

Fort Myer Tour

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time.  An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

images of america fort myer

Apr
14

THROWBACK THURSDAY 14 APR 2022 – 2ND CAVALRY TO THE PHILIPPINES

By John  //  Events, Historical, military  //  No Comments

Showcase for the Cavalry

One of the early distinctions that Fort Myer was awarded is when General Philip Henry Sheridan issued a general order naming the post as the “SHOWCASE FOR THE CAVALRY”  Over time, the many different cavalry units were garrisoned on the post to provide a number of factors from a rest and relaxation assignment to an award for outstanding service.  squadrons of troopers included both buffalo soldiers regiments, the 9th and 10th cavalry (the 10th cavalry was designated by General George Catlett Marshal as  the official escort unit during World War II)

 

A Springboard for Deployments

Fort Myer also provided the springboard for deployments as shown below in the New York Times article from 1903 of the 2nd cavalry deployment without their horses to the Philippines.  The 11th Cavalry (The Black Horse Troop) was also organized and deployed to the Philippines in 1901 on the post.

On 11 March 1901, the first recruits of the new Regiment reported for training at Fort Myer, Virginia. A combat-tested veteran of the Civil War, who also gave distinguished service in the Spanish-American War, was tasked with raising the Regiment and serving as its first commanding officer. The 11th Cavalry was exceptionally fortunate in having the standard set by such an experienced and resourceful officer as Colonel Francis Moore; FIRST COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT.

“I have 400 men who have never seen a horse, I have 400 horses who have never seen a man, and I have 15 Officers who have never seen a man or a horse.”

On to the Philippines

 

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time.  An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

images of america fort myer

Apr
7

THROWBACK THURSDAY 07 APR 2022 – OLD GUARD MUSEUM

THE OLD GUARD MUSEUM?   NO SUCH PLACE/THING!

THE OLD GUARD MUSEUM – TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO WEAR THE BUFF STRAP

ONE OF THE SADDEST SET OF WORDS FOR ME TO PUBLISH: The Old Guard Museum closed to the public on September 30, 2008. The museum collection was consolidated with the overall Army Museum Enterprise historical collection.

Unfortunately, the Soldiers of the 3d Infantry deserve better than this. The regiment has been the backbone of the United States Army since its organization as “America’s First Regiment” in 1784.  With over fifty battle streamers adorning their regimental colors,  there have been considerable contributions made… the regiment saved the Union Army from the Confederates after the Battle of Manassas!

INTRODUCTION AND EXPLORING

It was September of 2000  when I made my initial visit to Fort Myer when I photographed the final honors of  General Bruce Palmer Jr.  I was using film back then and went through about thirty rolls of film.   A final honors ceremony for someone who was Chief of Staff of the Army is very respectful but most of all impressive.   With four marching units of the Old Guard Soldiers following the full array of the funeral band from “Pershing’s Own”,  the caisson bearing the US colors draped casket surrounded by the casket team of Old Guard Soldiers,  the color guard, the Chief of Staff’s colors carried by another Old Guard Soldier,  the caparisoned horse – “riderless horse”  led by another Old Guard Soldier and little did I know at that time but already there in position within Arlington National Cemetery was the Presidental Salute Battery ready to fire final salutes.

That mission was the first of many to follow and complete immersion into learning about the  United States military and trips to Fort Myer.   It was upon one of these trips that I discovered the Old Guard Museum which became a frequently visited location on the post.  Despite the fact it was only one floor of showcases of artifacts,  the richness and antiquity were presented in outstanding fashion.

Where Valor Rests:

Arlington National Cemetery

Hardcover – Illustrated, April 7, 2015

by Rick Atkinson (Author), Afterword by TBD (Afterword)

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Arlington National Cemetery, this updated edition includes new images, an afterword by Brigadier General Creighton Abrams, Jr., and a revised map of the cemetery including newly acquired additional land. Bittersweet and breathtaking, this gorgeously illustrated edition guides readers gently through the stories of Arlington National Cemetery’s surprising origins, the people who tend the graves and mourn the fallen heroes, the tomb guards, the services, and more. With nearly 200 exceptional photographs, poignant essays, and a detailed map of the historic points of interest and memorials, this commemorative book of Arlington National Cemetery is a treasure. Touching new photographs of the 150th-anniversary commemorations mark this historic milestone for the world-famous cemetery both a fitting tribute and a stirring reminder of the values Americans hold dear.

 

INVITING ATTRACTIONS

The brochure announcing the museum was an inviting document that highlighted some of the artifacts and history of the United State Army’s oldest infantry regiment with origins dating back to 1784 – “America’s First Regiment”

 

 

 

US ARMY MUSEUM  – PERMANENT 3D INFANTRY EXHIBIT

This may be a controversial issue, but with all due respect to those who have served to wear the cockade and/or buff strap of the 3d infantry regiment,  the US Army Museum, located on the grounds of Fort Belvoir, should  SHOULD! have a permanent exhibit that focuses on the Old Guard and bring those artifacts out of storage!

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time.  An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

images of america fort myer

Jan
13

Throwback Thursday 13 JAN 2022 – Caisson Platoon 1967

Caisson Platoon 1967?

Old Guard Caisson Service Began in 1948

It was Ceremonial Company that merged into the newly reactivated 3d Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard which carried on the tradition of using a caisson to take the fallen to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery…. just like those military units which were garrisoned at Fort Myer had done years before. Until this day, each Monday through Friday (except for national holidays) the Caisson Platoon is on its mission to transport fallen veterans to their final resting place within Arlington National Cemetery.

So what’s this about Caisson Platoon 1967?

The endless goldmine of history once again offers up another piece of the never-ending jigsaw puzzle.  One never knows what will turn up as the excavation continues.  In a magazine entitled “The Maryland Horse”  there’s the latest.

 

Caisson Platoon 1967

 

and nestled inside is an article about the “28 Horses Are Still in the U.S. Army”

I will just leave it here for you to read.  There’s a PDF version of the four pages down near the last page

AND

what I am calling an “EASTER EGG” of a non-caisson Caisson photo…  ENJOY!

Caisson Platoon 1967

 

Caisson Platoon 1967

 

 

Caisson Platoon 1967

 

Caisson Platoon 1967

 

 

PDF Version of these four pages

 Maryland Horse OCT 1967

Click on the link above and a new window will open to allow you to download a copy of the four-page article

 

Horse Artillery!:

Tales from a lifetime

among the horse-drawn guns

Paperback

by John Ruf (Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The term “military horse” usually conjures up images of the cavalry, but this is only part of the story; artillery was the jewel of the mounted services, which also included dragoons and mounted rifles during the horse-drawn era. This military equestrian era was long-lived; the last U.S. artillery to give up their mounts only did so in 1943. My interest in preserving the skills of the mounted services led me to postillion driving of horse teams. Over three decades, I rode for two mounted artillery units, approximately twelve times a year, primarily in demonstrations for the National Park Service, but also in military caisson funerals and tacticals. Artillery horses are technically not ridden, but driven postillion, with three drivers controlling six horses. A driver rides on one horse while driving another horse alongside. The three teams are called lead, swing, and wheel. The wheelers are the only brakes for the team; they take the strain of the halt through the leather brake strap upon their haunches. The wheel driver rides with the limber pole between the horses of their team. The pole will snap if the wheeler does not handle the team properly in the turns. Furthermore, the limber pole jars up and down across rough terrain, crashing against the driver’s leg. A steel-reinforced leather leg guard protects the wheel driver from the violent effects of the limber pole. All the drivers must work the horses as a unit; if the wheel driver stops too suddenly the lead driver may be snapped out of his saddle. Conversely, if intervals are not properly maintained, the teams will cross traces and panic or trip, causing a wreck. Starts must be correctly timed so all the horses draw together at the same moment. Otherwise, the start will be jerky, and the horses will balk at taking the excessive strain. In short, driving a six-up artillery team at high speed requires much more equestrian ability than riding. While driving is a very demanding art, it is thankfully not an entirely lost art, even now in the twenty-first century.

 

MILITARY WEDDING

Caisson Platoon 1967

Wedding Coach – with Caisson Platoon Drivers

 

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time.  An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

images of america fort myer

Dec
30

Throwback Thursday 30 DEC 2021 – COS on Fort Myer

By John  //  Historical, military  //  No Comments

COS on Fort Myer?   How did that happen?

QUARTERS ONE Kindle Edition

by William G. Bell (Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Quarters One is a fascinating look at a unique residence with historic connections, built over two hundred years ago in historic surroundings at Fort Myer, Virginia. Some of the U.S. Army’s leading families have lived in this house, which by 1908 became the permanent home of the Army chiefs of staff and their families. Through interesting illustrations and vignettes, the booklet captures the rich sense of history and tradition that pervades this fine National Historic Landmark and serves to honor Army families everywhere.

QUARTERS ONE

It all begins with Quarters One.  Originally built in 1899 as the quarters for the commander of Fort Myer, its location is Grant Ave.  It was first occupied by Major General J. Franklin Bell and every Chief of Staff of the Army except for General John J. “Blackjack” Pershing who decided to continue to live in Washington, DC.

Until the Last Trumpet Sounds:

The Life of General of the Armies

John J. Pershing

Paperback

by Gene Smith (Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Critical Praise for Gene Smith On Until the Last Trumpet Sounds

“The best recent compact study of the commander of the American Expeditionary Force of World War I.” Booklist

“A six-star effort . . . captures Pershing better than anyone has before.” The Grand Rapids Press

On The Shattered Dream

“A storyteller of history, Gene Smith is one of the very best in his field.” The Washington Post

On When the Cheering Stopped

“A brilliantly written and dramatically effective work of history . . . Smith is a prodigious researcher, an artful writer.” The New York Times

On American Gothic

“A ripping good tale . . . the story rivets you. You can t put the book down.” The New York Times Book Review

 

Chiefs of Staff COS on Fort Myer

So we know how The US Army’s Chief of Staff COS on Fort Myer.  But how did the US Air Force Chief of Staff also end up on Grant Avenue in a House facing Whipple Field?  It was Marshall,  General George Catlett Marshall who put things in place to keep key officers close by during World War II.  The details are all displayed in a memo to Major General William L. Bryden dated 30 JAN 1942. It’s shown below:

So in addition to  COS on Fort Myer, the memo also gave a prominent and prestigious role to a squadron of the 10th Cavalry – “Buffalo Soldiers“.  Since the 3rd Cavalry was relocated to Georgia with their band, the US Army Band, initially constituted at Fort Hunt and later relocated to what would become Fort Lesley J. McNair was also relocated to Fort Myer along with several other high ranking officers as mentioned in the memo.

COS on FORT MYER

Black Officer in a

Buffalo Soldier Regiment:

The Military Career of

Charles Young

Paperback

by Brian G. Shellum (Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

An unheralded military hero, Charles Young (1864–1922) was the third black graduate of West Point, the first African American national park superintendent, the first black U.S. military attaché, the first African American officer to command a Regular Army regiment, and the highest-ranking black officer in the Regular Army until his death. Black Officer in a Buffalo Soldier Regiment tells the story of the man who—willingly or not—served as a standard-bearer for his race in the officer corps for nearly thirty years, and who, if not for racial prejudice, would have become the first African American general.
Brian G. Shellum describes how, during his remarkable army career, Young was shuffled among the few assignments deemed suitable for a black officer in a white man’s army—the Buffalo Soldier regiments, an African American college, and diplomatic posts in black republics such as Liberia. Nonetheless, he used his experience to establish himself as an exceptional cavalry officer. He was a colonel on the eve of the United States’ entry into World War I, when serious medical problems and racial intolerance denied him command and ended his career. Shellum’s book seeks to restore a hero to the ranks of military history; at the same time, it informs our understanding of the role of race in the history of the American military.

COS on Fort MyerG4 – General Staff Level office for Logistics.

WPD, War Plans Department (US WWII).

COS on Fort Myer

Grant Avenue Becomes “Generals Row”

Over the years as initiated by General Marshall’s memo, Grant Avenue has become “General’s Row”.  For over fifty years, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs has lived in Quarters Six

 

COS on FORT MYER

Quarters Six Paperback – April 3, 2013

by Joint Chiefs of Staff (Author)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The term “quarters” is described in old military regulations as buildings assigned to house military personnel. Our family has been fortunate to enjoy some of the oldest and finest quarters on military posts across the United States. With each move, we have found neighbors, surroundings, and history to amplify the experience and help transform our assigned quarters from a building to a family home. This is certainly true here at Quarters Six on Grant Avenue at Fort Myer. Quarters Six at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, the official residence of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, sits atop Arlington Heights overlooking Washington, DC. When completed in December 1908, the original structure was designed as a duplex housing the families of two lieutenants. As time passed, particularly during the expansion of the Army in World War II, the quarters and other homes along Grant Avenue were occupied by increasingly senior officers and eventually became known as “Generals’ Row.” Regretfully, many of the early administrative records for Fort Myer were consumed in celebratory bonfires following the Allied victories over Germany and Japan in 1945. Although this destroyed much of our knowledge of those who lived in Quarters Six prior to that date, evidence suggests that Major George S. Patton, Jr., lived there from 1921 to 1923, while commanding a squadron of the famous 3rd Cavalry Regiment. Other notable residents following World War II include Major General Ira C. Eaker, who lived there from 1945 to 1947, while serving as deputy commander of the Army Air Forces and chief of the Air Staff, and Lieutenant General George H. Decker, who lived there from 1950 to 1955 while serving as Comptroller of the Army. Five years later, Decker became the Army Chief of Staff and occupied Quarters One, situated at the head of Grant Avenue. When established as the home of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1962, Quarters Six was reconfigured as a one-family residence consisting of 34 rooms. General and Mrs. Lyman Lemnitzer were the first to occupy the remodeled quarters, and since then all but one of the Chairmen have lived there. For over one hundred years—in times of peace and war—the residents of Quarters Six have played a leading role not only in the military but also in national life. To recognize their significance, Quarters Six and the other dwellings along Grant Avenue were designated a National Historic District in 1972. Throughout this stately home, occupants and visitors are reminded of the unique heritage and tradition of this special place. Upon entering the foyer, the visitor sees a residency plaque accompanied by a companion image of each former Chairman. We feel a special affinity for General Lyman Lemnitzer, the 4th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first to occupy these quarters. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of 110 Grant Avenue as the home of the Chairman. Shaded by handsome trees, the grounds and unmatched vistas of Washington from these hills above the Potomac are a beautiful setting year-round. A newspaper account from July 12, 1888, describes a residence that once stood here. “It would be impossible to imagine a more delightful home than on this high plateau commanding on every side views that are magnificent in their scope.” We have been assisted by many knowledgeable people as we have made Quarters Six the Dempsey home. I want to especially recognize and thank Debbie Biscone, who was a huge help in decorating the quarters. We also appreciate the dedication of the Joint Staff historians and are especially grateful to former occupants for taking the time to share their memories. With this edition, we acknowledge this home’s unique status as a national and institutional landmark, and more significantly, we remember the families who have lived here over the past half-century — it is their legacy we celebrate.

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time.  An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

images of america fort myer

 

OmahaSteaks.com, Inc.

OMAHA STEAKS

YUMMY …  STEAKS!!!

Nov
18

Throwback Thursday 18 NOV 2021 – Wright Brothers Revisited

By John  //  Historical, military  //  No Comments

A Nugget of Military Aviation History

Fort Myer, unknown to most, is the cradle of military aviation.  As the United States assumed its place as a global superpower during and after World War II, so too did the role of the Air Corps transform, first into the Army Air Forces in 1941 and finally as a separate branch known as the U.S. Air Force in 1947. The United States Air Force is a separate branch of military service. The 74th Air Force Day was celebrated on Friday, September 18, 2021.  The US Army hardly gets credit for its visionary leadership in 1908 that saw the value of a heavier than air flying machine.

US Army Issues Specification No. 486

One of the major things that Fort Myer is known for is the birth of military aviation.  The Wright Brothers responded to the US Army’s Signal Corps requisition for a heavier than air flying machine (SIGNAL CORPS SPECIFICATION NO. 486).

James Allen

Brigadier General James Allen, who issued Signal Corps Specification No. 486, is remembered for being exceptionally progressive during the years he headed the Signal Corps.

 

George Own Squier

Major George Squier, who actually wrote the specification, became the first military officer to fly. On 12 September 1908, he was Orville Wright’s passenger. Later, he became head of the Aviation Section, US Signal Corps – the forerunner of the US Air Force.

Wright Brothers Revisited

Orville Wright showed up in September 1908 with the Wright Flyer.  Prior to his arrival, the US Army sent the map below with the following on the reverse:

“Drill grounds at Fort Myer, Virginia, where government tests of airship and aeroplanes are to take place. All space outside of ropes is for spectators, and no tickets are required.”

 

FORT MYER DRILL FIELD

The area was used to test the machines of flight – Aeroplanes and gas balloons

 

The Signal Corps built a hangar on post to house the Wright Flyer and protect the aeroplane from the elements and weather.

Wright Brothers Revisited

 

The Wright Flyer had to be “wheeled” to the catapult that was used to launch it

 

Wright Brothers Revisited


Lieutenant Benjamin Foulois, an unidentified soldier, and two unidentified civilians gather in front of the launching derrick for the catapult

 

 

Sitting in the Wright Model A Flyer are Lieutenant  Thomas E. Selfridge and Orville Wright (Wilbur Wright was in France) just prior to take-off.  “Waiting for C. H. Claudry to step back. The last picture of Selfridge, taken just as he was about to pull the trip lever to start the flight.

 


Return of the Wright Brothers July 1909

Wright Brothers Revisited – Orville and Wilbur Wright stand within the landing skid of the Wright 1909 Signal Corps Flyer.

 

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a viewimages of america fort myer of what was over time.

An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

 

Sep
17

USNS Albert J. Myer – Ship Ahoy

By John  //  Historical, military  //  No Comments

A US Navy Ship for A US Army Soldier?

USNS Albert J. Myer?  Ever hear of it?

USNS Albert J. Myer

Launching USNS Albert J. Myer 1945 November

Albert J. Myer was laid down on 14 April 1945 at Wilmington, Del., by Pusey & Jones Corp. under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2558); launched on 7 November 1945; sponsored by Mrs. Grace Salisbury Ingles, the wife of Major General Harry C. Ingles, commanding officer of the Army Signal Corps; and delivered to the Maritime Commission on 17 May 1946.

Displacement 7815 tons
Length 334 ft (101.8 m)
Beam 47.1 ft (14.4 m)
Draft 25.75 ft (7.8 m)
Propulsion 2 Skinner Uniflow Reciprocating Steam Engines; changed to diesel-electric in 1980; twin shafts
Speed 14 knots
Complement 71 civilians, 6 Navy, 25 cable/survey party
Armament none

Few people realize that the US Army once had more watercraft than the US Navy — That was World War II when millions of soldiers were heading somewhere to fight or support winning the war along with the seemingly endless supplies, vehicles, and more were sent with or followed them to win the war.  The number of Army watercraft was over 100,000.

That all changed after World War II. Yet the Army still has a fleet. More recently, the US Army only has 118 boats to the Navy’s overall fleet of 456 boats. (Note this does not include those boats in mothball status.)

 

USNS Albert J Myer

USNS Albert J. Myer (T-ARC-6)

Yet a nice tribute to a US Army soldier in the US Navy has watercraft named after them.  An example of this is the USNS Albert J. Myer (T-ARC-6).   Originally built for the United States Army after World War II, it was purposed to support the needs of the Army’s Signal Corps.  There were only two ships that were built to lay cable The other ship was the William H. G. Bullard, later renamed the USS Neptune, which the Myer later joined in naval service.

 

U.S. Navy Auxiliary Vessels:

A History and Directory

from World War I to Today 

Kindle Edition

(also available in paperback)

The USNS Albert J. Myer (T-ARC-6) in Action

AT&T Archives Link To the North highlights the USNS Albert J. Myer (T-ARC-6) in action as it lays cable from Port Angeles, Washington to Ketchikan, Alaska, and returns… a dual cable laying mission of 1,500 nautical miles. Completed in the 1950s.

 

BUY THE BOOK

Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a viewimages of america fort myer of what was over time.

An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

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OMAHA STEAKS

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Jun
18

America’s Post – 160 Years Defending the Capital

By John  //  Events, Historical, military  //  No Comments

“America’s Post” – What began as Fort Cass and Fort Whipple that evolved into Fort Myer were two of the Civil War-era forts that were built to defend the Capital City – Washington DC.  Since the first commander of an Artillery unit,  LTC Levi Parker Wright, to the present day, Fort Myer has had over one hundred post commanders. The post continues its mission of defense of Washington, DC while garrisoning the 3d Infantry – “America’s Regiment”  – “the Old Guard”  and “Pershing’s Own” – The US Army Band.

QUARTERS ONE Kindle Edition

by William G. Bell (Author)

About the Book:

Quarters One is a fascinating look at a unique residence with historic connections, built over two hundred years ago in historic surroundings at Fort Myer, Virginia. Some of the U.S. Army’s leading families have lived in this house, which by 1908 became the permanent home of the Army chiefs of staff and their families. Through interesting illustrations and vignettes, the booklet captures the rich sense of history and tradition that pervades this fine National Historic Landmark and serves to honor Army families everywhere.

 

America’s Post Continues Its Mission

It has been the site of the Signal Corps school organized by General Albert J. Myer.  As the showcase of the Army’s Cavalry, it remained so until February 1942 when the 3d Cavalry, the “Brave Rifles” headed to Fort Oglethorpe to get mechanized.  The 20th century saw General George S. Patton, Jr. spend four tours of duty at this historic post.  Each time he would leave a lasting impression within the US Army or on Fort Myer.

 

America's Post

 

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Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images.  Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a viewimages of america fort myer of what was over time.

An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.

MAJOR GARRETT BOOK

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About This Site

Fort Myer began as Fort Whipple during the Civil War.

This site showcases the book Images of America – Fort Myer which is available for purchase from the author.

Additional research results are presented with timely blog postings that augment the book