Ghosts of the Battlefield Articles

MACV-SOG's Covert Operations in Laos: The Beginning of Cross-Border Reconnaissance (1965)

On October 18, 1965, MACV-SOG executed its first cross-border mission against Target D-1, a suspected truck terminus on Laotian Route 165, approximately 15 miles (24 km) inside Laos.

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Operation Starlite: The first purely US military offensive action in the Vietnam War

Also known as The Battle of Van Tuong, this operation marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, demonstrating American military strategy, firepower, and the challenges faced in fighting the Viet Cong.

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The Viet Cong Hotel Bombing: A Night of Tragedy in Qui Nhon

At approximately 8:05 PM February 10, 1965, a coordinated assault by Viet Cong operatives turned a routine night into a catastrophic event.

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Douglas AC-47 Spooky: The Birth of the Modern Gunship

The AC-47 was developed from the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, a military transport aircraft derived from the DC-3 commercial airliner.

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The Norden Bombsight: Was It One of World War II's Greatest Propaganda Tools?

The Norden bombsight, though not the technological marvel it was portrayed to be, played a significant role in World War II by boosting American morale and symbolizing innovation.

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Why is this spoon unique?

I've always been intrigued by a simple brass spoon displayed at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico. My research only uncovered one Marine's story about his "Idi Wah" spoon, highlighting how seemingly trivial items can hold deep significance.

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Medal of Honor: Gary G. Wetzel – Vietnam War, January 8, 1968

As the chopper neared its drop point, two rockets tore through the sky, exploding nearby and blasting the aircraft out of control. The wreck slammed into the ground. Wetzel was hurled from the wreckage, gravely wounded.