What is your favorite historical military photo?

2013-11-27T08:22:36-05:00

Please post your favorite (historical) military photo in this thread and vote for your favorite. I'll start off with what is one of the greatest moments captured on film, the flag raising on Iwo Jima, plus a few more angles that are rarely seen.<div><br></div><div>Please add your favorite historical photos... they can be as old as the Civil War or as recent as Afghanistan (they don't need to be black and white!).</div>

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Nov 27 at 2013 8:39 AM

2013-11-27T08:39:35-05:00

D-Day photos...

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Nov 27 at 2013 9:05 AM

2013-11-27T09:05:13-05:00

Vietnam. I believe the battle of Khe Sanh in 1968.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 27 at 2013 9:15 AM

2013-11-27T09:15:50-05:00

SPC Dwyer saving an Iraqi child during the initial phase of the Iaqi War...later dying from those mental wounds from war.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 27 at 2013 9:48 AM

2013-11-27T09:48:53-05:00

Two of the greats: General Norman Schwarzkopf talks with General Colin Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a press conference regarding the Gulf War.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Nov 27 at 2013 12:01 PM

2013-11-27T12:01:48-05:00

<div>I really like this shot of the senior US commanders of World War II.  The gravity of what these guys experienced....</div><div><br></div><div>Seated from left to right: Generals William H. Simpson, George S. Patton, Carl A. Spaatz, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Courtney H. Hodges, and Leonard T. Gerow;</div><div><br></div><div>Standing from left to right: Generals Ralph F. Stearley, Hoyt Vandenberg, Walter Bedell Smith, Otto P. Weyland, and Richard E. Nugent.</div>

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 12:50 PM

2013-11-27T12:50:37-05:00

I always loved this photo of General Maxwell Taylor, who commanded the 101st Abn during much of WWII and was the first general officer to land in France after jumping with his troops on D-Day.<div><br></div><div>Other than the pure awesomeness of a general leading his troops in the assault on Fortress Europe, I think it's absolutely phenomenal that he's doing so while wearing a neck tie. As a fellow paratrooper, I think it's entirely impractical; however, I love the principle of it. Professional.</div>

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 2:08 PM

2013-11-27T14:08:38-05:00

OSS

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 2:17 PM

2013-11-27T14:17:18-05:00

Retired MAJ (then CPT) Richard Meadows, assault force commander with BLUEBOY element during TF IVORY COAST rehearsals at Eglin AFB.<br>

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 27 at 2013 3:11 PM

2013-11-27T15:11:06-05:00

Paul E. Ison crossing "Death Valley" in Okinawa May 10, 1945.<br>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 3:38 PM

2013-11-27T15:38:51-05:00

<p>Jack McNiece and the other filthy thirteen from the 101st Airborne Division prior to D-Day.  There is no more zen feeling in the world than getting ready for a big mission. </p><p>And the face paint is classic.</p>

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Nov 27 at 2013 3:43 PM

2013-11-27T15:43:27-05:00

This photo of Gen Eisenhower always strikes a cord with me.  I look at the faces of the paratroopers from the 101st and they remind me of the faces we had in March 2003 when OPORD Desert Eagle went into motion.  

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 27 at 2013 4:00 PM

2013-11-27T16:00:29-05:00

I think I have this right.... it was said of this photograph that it would ensure the existence of the US Marine Corps for the next 500 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2013 4:22 PM

2013-11-27T16:22:59-05:00

The first pic is of my plt on afghan-Pakistan boarder and the second one is CTNG pilot recovering wounded after a fire fight also in Afghanistan.

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made Nov 28 at 2013 9:22 PM

2013-11-28T21:22:33-05:00

<span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 10px; background-color: rgb(240, 240, 240);">A Tribute video for the six flag raisers who raised the second flag on Iwo Jima in 1945. I didn't make this but felt that it was worth sharing. </span><div><span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 10px; background-color: rgb(240, 240, 240);"><br></span></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/xYu2eKQ8_Wk/hqdefault.jpg"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYu2eKQ8_Wk">Iwo Jima Flag Raisers Tribute</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">This is a Tribute video I made for the six flag raisers who raised the second flag on Iwo Jima in 1945</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Dec 14 at 2013 10:42 AM

2013-12-14T10:42:18-05:00

A picture of a WWII Marine in Saipan by Eugene Smith. One of the greatest mid-century photographers.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 18 at 2013 11:55 PM

2013-12-18T23:55:28-05:00

<span style="color: rgb(78, 86, 101); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 251); ">Graphic but an amazing depiction of the dedication to his brother in arms. </span>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 12:32 AM

2013-12-21T00:32:39-05:00

I like photos like this that people took the black and white ones and colorized/restored them

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 1:38 AM

2013-12-21T01:38:40-05:00

I really like this photo as well, so I just restored it myself

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Dec 21 at 2013 12:21 PM

2013-12-21T12:21:11-05:00

This photo of a dead Confederate sniper in the Devil's Den at the Battle of Gettysburg always haunted me as a young man before joining the military. It looks like he died all alone. No one came back for him. Was his death fast, or did he lay down and just pass away? Did his family ever find out what happened to him? The loneliness and ugliness of war for the ground soldier really comes out in this photo. It also evokes what may be the soldier's deepest, darkest, secret fear: if I die alone, will anybody remember me? Will anybody come back for me? Those of us in the 11B arena know why our bond is so strong.

Response by SSG Tom Kamrowski made Dec 29 at 2013 5:25 PM

2013-12-29T17:25:51-05:00

Well, to this former Jarhead it will always be the Joe Rosenthal's photo of the flag being raised on Mt Suribachi!

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Mar 15 at 2014 12:57 PM

2014-03-15T12:57:34-04:00

<p>A more recent pic that helps me forget about my whiny piddly everyday stuff is this one.</p><p>I have read the story a couple times and maybe some one actually knows him. He was blown up by a remote triggered IED. Knowing the insurgent was close enough to see, he refused to be carried to the medevac...instead he stood up and walked. Making sure that the insurgent knew he failed.</p><p>My apologies if this violates TOS.<br><br><br></p>

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 1:05 PM

2014-03-15T13:05:20-04:00

Chesty Puller conducting counter-insurgency ops in Nicaragua.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 15 at 2014 1:40 PM

2014-03-15T13:40:46-04:00

Although this is not a "famous" picture, It depicts the crew of the USS Liddle from the battle in the gulf of Leyte.  My grandfather is in this picture, unfortunatly I dont know which one, and he has since passed.  I am proud of my family heritage in the Military, My Granfather was a PO3 in WWII,  Other grandfather was a CPL in the Army WWII,  I have an uncle who was a Marine CPT in Vietnam, my father a SSGT in the Air Force in Vietnam,  myself and my son who was a SGT combat medic in Iraq.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 1:51 PM

2014-03-15T13:51:19-04:00

The compassionate side of Soldiers. MAJ Bieger in Mosul 2005 comforting a little girl wounded by a car bomb. Photo by Michael Yon.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 6:08 PM

2014-03-15T18:08:36-04:00

Here's a couple of more great ones. The Rhodesian SAS on patrol and MACV-SOG. I think that these serve as a reminder that mission accomplishment can and should take priority over personal appearance.

Response by SGT(P) Landon Mintz made Mar 20 at 2014 10:47 PM

2014-03-20T22:47:27-04:00

I don't have the photo but it is one I remember as if I just saw it.  An airborne soldier walking a snowy trail in WWII with his M1 and what looks to be the thinnest of ponchos.  Every single time I see it I keep my mouth shut about any amount of equipment I might be asked to have on me!  If anyone knows the picture please post!

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 21 at 2014 12:18 AM

2014-03-21T00:18:38-04:00

Her name was 'Nadezhda Popova'. She was a Russian pilot during WWII who was in a group called the "Night Witches" because their 'one-time crop dustin' planes sounded like a witches' broom during the night. Helped fight off the attack of the Nazis who ENJOYED gunning down fleeing women and children. She rose to become deputy commander of what was formally known as 588th Night Bomber Regiment. They flew at night (as previously stated), didn't have any parachutes, guns, radio or radar and dropped bombs on Nazi camps. She flew 852 missions herself. Sadly, she passed away in 2012. <div><br></div><div>She was awarded the Gold star, the Order of Lenin, the Order of the Red Star, and named Hero of Soviet Union, the nation's highest honor. </div><div><br></div><div>The First picture, Nadia is the one standing up; the second picture is when she gave her interview right before she passed away... Look at all those ribbons and medals! WOW.</div>

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 3:48 AM

2014-03-21T03:48:00-04:00

48 Star Flag, I have a authentic one at my home. Not a really common item to possess, I must say.  

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-03-21T15:32:43-04:00

<div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Burst of Joy: A U.S. POW's return from captivity in Vietnam in 1973 </div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">From left to right, Lt. Col. Robert L. Stirm, Lorrie Stirm, Bo Stirm, Cindy Stirm, Loretta Stirm, and Roger Stirm.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><br></div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Photo: Slava Veder, AP, Travis AFB, March 17, 1973,  (Pullitzer Prize, 1974)</div></div>

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Mar 21 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-03-21T17:39:46-04:00

Life Magazine cover photo at the end of war in the European Theater of WWII

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Mar 22 at 2014 3:50 PM

2014-03-22T15:50:05-04:00

I have to Post a couple of pictures of my first ship USS Cambria (APA-36) during WWII.  This was long before my time, but she is in WWII Camouflage in the first Picture.  <div><br></div><div>In the second Picture if you look at the Mike (Machinery) boats on Deck, you can see the designation CA.  When Cambria had her first landing in Italy and the first two Mike landed side by side,  the Italians were laughing out loud to see the CACA boats hit the beach.  Soon after the all of the boat ramps were repainted CM instead of CA.</div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 4:46 AM

2014-03-23T04:46:33-04:00

I am surprised no one mentioned the photographs of General Douglas MacArthur landing at Palo Beach, Leyte, Philippines, October 20, 1944.

MacArthur's Radio Message from the Leyte Beachhead

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES:

I have returned. By the grace of Almighty God our forces stand again on Philippine soil -- soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples. We have come, dedicated and committed, to the task of destroying every vestige of enemy control over your daily lives, and of restoring, upon a foundation of indestructible, strength, the liberties of your people.

At my side is your President, Sergio Osmena, worthy successor of that great patriot, Manuel Quezon, with members of his cabinet. The seat of your government is now therefore firmly re- established on Philippine soil.

The hour of your redemption is here. Your patriots have demonstrated an unswerving and resolute devotion to the principles of freedom that challenges the best that is written on the pages of human history. I now call upon your supreme effort that the enemy may know from the temper of an aroused and outraged people within that he has a force there to contend with no less violent than is the force committed from without.

Rally to me. Let the indomitable spirit of Bataan and Corregidor lead on. As the lines of battle roll forward to bring you within the zone of operations, rise and strike. Strike at every favorable opportunity. For your homes and hearths, strike! For future generations of your sons and daughters, strike! In the name of your sacred dead, strike! Let no heart be faint. Let every arm be steeled. The guidance of divine God points the way. Follow in His Name to the Holy Grail of righteous victory!

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 20 at 2014 2:04 AM

2014-05-20T02:04:21-04:00

This is a picture I found of the airborne insertions involved in the Operation Overlord invasion of France to free them from Nazi oppression during WWII.

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made May 20 at 2014 2:53 AM

2014-05-20T02:53:42-04:00

USCG Hall PH2 flying over Liberty Island in NY Harbor circa WWII.

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 17 at 2014 3:45 AM

2014-10-17T03:45:31-04:00

That's one of my favorites also.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 17 at 2014 6:19 PM

2014-10-17T18:19:20-04:00

While it might not be iconic it is historical. This is a photo of my good childhood friend SFC Chris Robinson coming home. He was the first soldier from the Mississippi National Guard to be killed in action in Afghanistan. With the contrast of the colors flanked by the subdued colors of the surrounding soldiers to me so profoundly represents sacrifice and honor. I have this on my desk at work.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2014 10:11 PM

2014-10-17T22:11:40-04:00

USS Iowa BB61, sorry but who can dispute Naval Gunfire Support.

USS Missouri BB63 standing watch over the USS Arizona BB39

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-10-18T18:49:36-04:00

One of my favorites, mainly because I walked past it every day for about five years in the Pentagon, is the WWII surrender of the Japanese on the USS Missouri. The picture, which is very close to the one I'm posting, is hanging in the seventh corridor, second floor, of the Pentagon.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/events/wwii-pac/japansur/js-8.htm

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-10-18T22:03:55-04:00

This photo captured by TSgt Brian Christiansen.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Oct 19 at 2014 3:13 AM

2014-10-19T03:13:54-04:00

This is certainly not a famous picture to the general population, but it sure is to me. This is a picture of my Grandfather holding a picture of him when he was in the service. He is an original member of the Merrill's Marauders. I am sure those of you that are into military history, you will know that the Merrill's Marauders (5307th Composite Unit (Provisional)), eventually became the 75th Ranger Regiment. It holds the distinction of the only unit where all the members were awarded the Bronze Star.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 1 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-01-01T21:42:09-05:00

28th Infantry Division marches through Paris, 29 Aug 1944

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 1 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-01-01T22:49:02-05:00

The first picture is my grandfather, Lelton H. Pittman, after his basic training at the ant-aircraft gunner's school. The second is during his time on the Philippines after being assigned to the 6th Infantry Division in New Guniea and promoted to SSgt from PFC. The third is him on the left with a buddy on the Philippines, I assume on libo, and the fourth is him on the bottom and his friend on his shoulders in camp in the Philippines. The man is my hero and always will be. CIB, 2 bronze stars, and a battle field promotion to SSgt from PFC, I couldn't imagine what he went through with a division that recorded the most days in combat in the Pacific.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 1 at 2015 10:49 PM

2015-01-01T22:49:08-05:00

And I just realized you meant historical as in famous, whoops. Let's try again. Two of my favorites here. Two moments in time that helped to cement the Marine Corps in our military heritage. The Iwo Jima flag raising and Belleau Wood.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 2 at 2015 10:38 AM

2015-01-02T10:38:16-05:00

Point Du Hoc in Normandy, France. Showing the shelling that the site received before/during the Ranger assault on D-Day.

Response by FN Mike McCormack made Jan 2 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-01-02T16:10:54-05:00

Glenn McDuffie and Edith Shain...because the end of war is always sweeter than the start of one!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-01-02T19:06:37-05:00

Camp Blessing 2010 ... TIC ... 12 rds HE/WP.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Jan 5 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-01-05T12:17:35-05:00

Kind of current, but when my brigade (34th ID, 1 ABCT) was activated for OIF back in 2005. This was taken (I am in the photo) at Camp Shelby, MS prior to our departure to Kuwait and then finally into Iraq.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 12 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-01-12T11:01:05-05:00

The difference between good guys and bad guys? Do they get in front of or behind the innocents?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 6:55 AM

2015-02-23T06:55:54-05:00

Here's mine. I served here for a short time (two weeks at the Tomb) and a little over a year in the Old Guard. The Tomb is a very special place ... I guess you could say it's iconic.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 7:48 AM

2015-02-23T07:48:54-05:00

Every time I am sucking and it's cold, shitty and I just want to quit I think about how bad these guys were sucking. It makes me realize that I haven't even reached the level of suck that these guys not only endured but prevailed.

I tell myself to get up and keep going. I live in a great country because of hard men who believed in freedom!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-02-23T09:32:59-05:00

The badassery of this is off the charts. You will have to read the caption on the photo. This is what being infantry is all about.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Feb 24 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-02-24T15:26:15-05:00

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Feb 24 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-02-24T15:28:04-05:00

Don't know if this counts, but I always liked this Rough Rider action shot.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-02-24T15:47:23-05:00

Marine Legation Guards pose for a relaxed picture at a bar in Peking, c. 1905-06. These men were the initial cadre that assumed guard duty after the Marines replaced the 9th US Infantry (Photo courtesy of the Powell A. Smith Family Collection)
"Stand by to stand by..."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-02-24T16:44:58-05:00

I always was a fan of this poster. Made in 1917 therefore I hope it can be considered vintage.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Feb 24 at 2015 6:03 PM

2015-02-24T18:03:30-05:00

Not a "happy" photo, but this one hit me in the gut when I first saw it in '91. Perfectly portrays to me the love brothers-in-arms have for each other and the sadness we experience when we lose one.

Response by PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher made Feb 25 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-02-25T15:04:36-05:00

In 1996, I actually had the privilege of meeting a Navaho code talker who served with SGT Michael Strank; A Marines who helped raise the flag on Mount Suribachi . That picture still gives me goose bumps and i swell with Corpsman Pride When I see it. A Picture well chosen Major.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-02-25T15:16:19-05:00

1st Americans blamed for bombing kids. Their own Air Force dropped napalm by mistake
2nd Monk sets self on fire protesting Vietnam war
3rd Napalm strike in Ahn Loa Valley

Response by LtCol G Mandis made Feb 25 at 2015 5:55 PM

2015-02-25T17:55:22-05:00

IWO, hands down.

Response by PO2 Dan Coddington made Feb 25 at 2015 9:45 PM

2015-02-25T21:45:47-05:00

That flag the marines are raising is from a Coast Guard vessel that landed them. All the landing vessels were manned by Coastys.

Response by Sgt David Urick made Feb 26 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-02-26T16:00:24-05:00

The Marine smoking a Marlboro in Falluja

Response by MAJ Terry LaFrance made Feb 26 at 2015 10:52 PM

2015-02-26T22:52:39-05:00

There's a series of photos from Iraq that I've seen but I don't know the story. It shows a soldier dragging what looks like a medic and someone else comes to help but is shot, the first guy moving to help him and it appears he is then shot. You can tell that it's been raining. Those photos have gripped me for years.
Also, this series by the Rocky Mountain News won a Pulitzer and has stuck with me as well:

http://www.poyi.org/63/11/01.php

First Place | General Reporting

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 28 at 2015 12:20 AM

2015-02-28T00:20:02-05:00

LTC Yinon Weiss, this photo is neither dramatic nor famous as are the other photos. However, I like it because it's of my father, then Ensign Jack Curlee, taken at the Ernie Pyle Memorial on the island of Ie Shima (Iejima) northwest of Okinawa Island. The inscription on the memorial reads simply: "AT THIS SPOT THE 77th INFANTRY DIVISION LOST A BUDDY ERNIE PYLE 18 APRIL 1945." Photo was taken between 7AUG45 and 16AUG45 and my father is pictured on the right.
For those that don't know, Ernie Pyle was a Pulitzer Prize–winning American journalist, known for his newspaper columns written as a roving correspondent from 1935 through most of World War II. Pyle was killed by Japanese machine gun fire while imbedded with the 77th ID on 18APR45, and his death was keenly felt by all the U.S. military.

CPL Doug Hill, here's a piece I did on my father.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-02-28T01:02:39-05:00

http://www.friendsofanton.org/prints/robert-capa-american-soldiers-landing-on-omaha-beach-d-day-normandy-france-june-6-1944/

Robert Capa's blurred photos from Omaha Beach still captures my fascination. I think the beauty of it is that it isn't perfect. It's rushed, chaotic, and in my opinion illustrates everything that we think about war. You see the Soldier staying low, the craziness going on around and it isn't hard to imagine how the adrenaline is flowing.

v/r,
CPT Butler

www.friendsofanton.org

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 28 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-02-28T15:46:27-05:00

A more contemporary photo, LTC Yinon Weiss, but historically significant to me since I know the officer involved. In the words of my good friend, MG(ret) Lee S. Price, "This was in West Chester, PA and was a long, sad day. It was when we had a heat wave and it was a long service, but I had the Old Guard providing the honors. Each service is different. We rode for three miles from the church to the cemetery and every piece of the way the road was completely lined should-to-shoulder with people. This was the deceased soldier's 15 month old and when he rolled his head across this flag, I was consumed by the grief of the moment. The Honor Guard soldier standing behind me was gasping to keep his composure. Tough day. Such an honor but it will be a great day when we don't have any more to do."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 11 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-03-11T20:35:29-04:00

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Mar 30 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-03-30T12:25:57-04:00

In October 1983, I was driving a truck at Cherry Point, Marine Corps Air Station. I lived in a tiny little community of military couples, in a little trailer park, half way between Lejeune and 'the Point.'

A few months before that, I had plans for a 72, heading out to do some fishing and sunbathing with the husband and a few friends, so I was waiting, car packed, at the hanger, while the husband finished up a C130. Then, half the drivers at Motor T pulled in with buses and cattle cars, loaded down with troops heading to Beiruit. Just another 6 month pump they said.... their passengers all climbed down, settled down to wait, with their backs against their sea-bags, shooting the breeze. Several of the Marines were ones who lived in our neighborhood, and I made mental notes as to whose wives and girlfriends to call and offer help where I could while they were gone. It was just an hour or two before the aircraft arrived, and they were gone. Besides extra babysitting for a few of the women, our lives were normal.... until that October day. Somehow, nearly everyone in the area ended up in our living room, crying kids, stunned adults, with dazed faces and rising fear in our hearts.

A week... then two... and then a month. The bodies returned, without being identified, because their medical records were put into the same building as they were, so nothing was left. It was going to be one of the first cases of DNA when all else failed... and that took time. For a month, families kept getting letters from their Marines, and then, one day, I'd arrive in their doorway, with the Chaplin and another officer, and they knew their Marine wasn't coming home.

Knowing this, you might understand why the Beiruit Memorial means so much to me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 2:21 PM

2015-03-30T14:21:09-04:00

These are just a few of my favorites

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Mar 30 at 2015 7:05 PM

2015-03-30T19:05:19-04:00

I have two and it's hard to pick. Both are special to us Sailors. Both speak for themselves and after looking thru all the pictures posted I didn't see any that changed the world as much as these two. Side note. The Manning the Rail was taken onboard the USS Enterprise.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 8 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-04-08T12:50:17-04:00

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 8 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-04-08T12:52:19-04:00

Response by GySgt Lloyd LaGrange made Apr 12 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-04-12T15:42:26-04:00

Major, THIS photo BY FAR one of THE Greatest moment's EVER captured on Film !! A great BIG ....BRAVO ZULU for posting this Photo SIR !!!

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 12 at 2015 9:22 PM

2015-04-12T21:22:04-04:00

Still vivid to me.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-04-26T15:27:38-04:00

My Dad's B-24 Bomber - Le Petit Fleur - Found in Adriatic Sea

The Consolidated B-24 Bomber, Le Petit Fleur, serial number 42-51874, took off from the 15th Air Force, 451 Bomb Group, 727th Bombardment Squadron base at Amendola / Castellucio, Italy, and attacked an oil refinery at Blechhammer, Germany on November 20, 1944.

The aircraft was severely damaged and ditched in the Adriatic Sea, at 14:50 hours, in the waters off Hvar Island, Yugoslavia. All crew members bailed out, except the Pilot (Eddie Doherty) and one Waist Gunner (Name Not Known) who spilled his parachute inside the aircraft.

The Le Petit Fleur was the first B-24 to land successfully on water. All crew members returned to allied lines. The Le Petit Fleur is located in 135 feet of water.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 4:52 AM

2015-04-29T04:52:53-04:00

The Marine Corps War Memorial at Washington D.C and of course the Chosin Few at Korea.

James

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 25 at 2015 3:41 AM

2015-05-25T03:41:36-04:00

A neighbor and schoolmate, James Farley, flying out of Da Nang.

Life Magazine April 16, 1965 - “One Ride With Yankee Papa 13″

http://time.com/3879815/vietnam-photo-essay-larry-burrows-one-ride-with-yankee-papa-13/

Sudden Death in Vietnam: 'One Ride With Yankee Papa 13'

A searing portrait of young men fighting for their lives in Vietnam -- photographed in 1965, at the very moment that America was ramping up its involvement in Southeast Asia.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 24 at 2016 5:31 AM

2016-01-24T05:31:50-05:00

Late 1943 on the Eastern Front. Russian 1st Lt S M Smirnov stands beside his tank from which the bodies of 2 of his crew were removed. Smirnovs Tank ran over 4 anti tank guns and killed 30 Nazis as part of a Successful attack. He was 28 years old when he was KIA June 1944

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 2:38 AM

2016-01-25T02:38:13-05:00

Two pictures that always remind me why we, as submariners, train and fight the way we do. First picture is the USS Thresher, lost, along with all hands on board, due to what is thought to be a flooding casualty. The second is the Uss San Francisco, struck a sea mount near the Caroline islands, losing one hand, MM2/ss Ashley. While there are numerous more; Uss Scorpion, as well as the 52 boats we lsot during WWII, these two represent the dangers the modern submariner faces sill to this day.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2016 10:34 AM

2016-01-25T10:34:01-05:00

This Scots piper mounting the trenches during a charge in WWI...