Streamed live on December 16, 2024
We regret the need to reschedule John Yuill, a B-52 pilot shot down during the Christmas Bombings in December 1972.
Instead of listening to John Yuill’s story, we enjoy veterans open conversation! We start with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the U.S. Army during WWII.
We discuss the surprise nature of the German offensive and the critical intelligence failures on the Allied side.
Glenn Flickinger and Greg Yost dove deep into the dynamics of the battle: Greg outlined how U.S. intelligence, blinded by overconfidence, failed to interpret German movements correctly.
He compared this lapse to other notable intelligence failures, such as Pearl Harbor and 9/11, noting a persistent underestimation of enemy capabilities. Glenn provided additional context, discussing the logistical challenges faced by stretched Allied forces. He noted that divisions were spread thin across the Ardennes region, and newly arrived or battered units were placed in critical positions. The role of cinematic depictions, such as Henry Fonda’s portrayal of an intelligence officer in Battle of the Bulge, was also mentioned. While valuable for popularizing the story, these films often oversimplify complex situations.
The group also touched on the geography of the Ardennes, emphasizing its challenging terrain and how its perceived impenetrability lulled the Allies into a false sense of security. Greg shared a historical parallel, noting that the Germans had successfully used the same region to surprise the French in 1940.
The conversation transitioned to Vietnam, with particular attention to how the war is remembered in both Vietnam and the U.S. Rob Carscaddan, based in Hanoi, reflected on the relative absence of animosity toward Americans among Vietnamese people.
He explained that the Vietnamese tend to see the “American War” as one small chapter in a long history of resistance against foreign powers, including Chinese, French, and Japanese occupations. He observed that Vietnamese culture places significant value on long-term historical narratives, often downplaying more recent conflicts. Rob noted that modern Vietnam focuses on reconciliation and diplomatic relations, especially with the U.S., which explains why the Christmas Bombings and other wartime events are not widely commemorated.
In a fascinating diversion, Trey, a high school student and volunteer on the Liberty Ship SS John W. Brown, shared insights into the vital role these ships played during WWII. He emphasized the extraordinary production efforts, noting that over 2,700 Liberty Ships were built in just a few years, with some completed in as little as four days. Trey acknowledged the Liberty Ships’ many flaws.
Built hastily by inexperienced workers, the ships were prone to cracking and other structural issues.
Clem Blazewick, a Vietnam veteran, shared a gripping and often humorous account of his deployment and return home. Leaving for Vietnam on Christmas Day 1965, Clem recounted an emergency landing on Wake Island en route. His anecdote about a $6.75-per-minute payphone on the island drew laughs, especially when he described the absurdity of needing a large pile of coins to make a call.
Clem’s return home was equally eventful. After being delayed due to paperwork issues, he managed to bribe a clerk with a carton of cigarettes to expedite his departure. His journey home involved hitchhiking on Highway 1 in Vietnam, a strip search at Camp Alpha, and an arduous multi-leg journey across the U.S., culminating in his arrival just in time for Christmas.
Corky Romeo, a B-52 pilot, shared his experiences flying during the Vietnam War. Corky described the logistics of long flights from Guam and Thailand to targets in Vietnam, often requiring multiple in-air refuelings. He recounted harrowing moments, including the challenges of air refueling, and reflected on the emotional complexities of returning to a nation divided over the war.
The session concluded with a tribute to Glenn Miller, the famous bandleader who disappeared on December 15, 1944, while flying to France to entertain troops. His plane’s disappearance remains one of WWII’s enduring mysteries.
A lighter moment arose when Brad Washabaugh raised concerns about the placement of the U.S. flag on Army football uniforms during the recent Army-Navy game. Brad, a Marine, argued that the flag’s orientation was incorrect, with the field of blue facing the rear, symbolizing retreat. This sparked a spirited discussion, with participants delving into the history of flag placement on military uniforms. Further research revealed that the Army uniforms accurately mirrored how flags were worn by paratroopers in WWII, particularly the 101st Airborne Division. This discovery led to good-natured ribbing about inter-service rivalries and the meticulous attention to detail among veterans.
#vietnam #usmilitary #veterans #history #trivia #ww2 #usarmy #uscoastguard #veteranshistory #usveterans #marines #usairforce #militaryhistory #usnavy
Subscribe to Veterans Breakfast Club on YouTube: / @veteransbreakfastclub Donate to support the Veterans Breakfast Club: https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/donate Follow Veterans Breakfast Club on social media:
►Facebook: / veteransbreakfastclub
►Twitter: / vetbreakfast
►Instagram: / veteransbreakfastclub
►LinkedIn: / 37215058 Join us in-person: https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/eve…
Join us virtually: https://veteransbreakfastclub.org/eve…
We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!
