Welcome to The Warchronicle Newsletter!

This week we have:

• From Battlefield to Boardroom: The Two Marines Moving Story (link)

• On this day a hero gave his life (link)

• The missing Soldier found alive 44 years later (link) 

🎖️On this day in 1943

Rodger Wilton Young, a true American hero, was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery and selflessness during World War II. Born in Tiffin, Ohio on April 28, 1918, Young enlisted in the United States Army in 1940, displaying a strong commitment to serve his country during a tumultuous time in history (link). 

Young's military service was marked by dedication and resilience. He was assigned to Company B, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division and found himself on the Pacific island of New Georgia. On July 31, 1943, during the Battle of Munda in the Solomon Islands, his unit faced heavy enemy fire and was pinned down on a narrow ridge.

Despite the perilous situation, Young remained calm and collected, providing crucial leadership to his comrades. During an intense assault, he single-handedly silenced two enemy machine gun nests, allowing his fellow soldiers to advance. However, his heroic actions didn't stop there. When an enemy grenade landed amidst his unit, without a moment's hesitation, Young threw himself on the grenade, absorbing the deadly blast to protect his fellow soldiers from harm.

Tragically, Young succumbed to his injuries that day, but his self-sacrifice and valor saved countless lives and served as a shining example of true heroism. His bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers were recognized posthumously, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States, for his extraordinary actions.

Rodger Wilton Young's legacy lives on as a symbol of the unwavering bravery and sacrifice displayed by those who served in the armed forces. His name is forever etched in the annals of history, a testament to the courage and valor that define the true essence of an American hero. Young's sacrifice continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have in the face of adversity.

💰 Iraq War Vet's Million-Dollar Moving Empire

Each week we will give you a positive and inspirational story about a veteran who came out and became successful. This week is no exception.

In 2008, Nick Baucom returned from active duty as an infantryman in Iraq, only to face the harsh reality that his post-military career prospects were limited. Struggling to find employment and provide for his family, Baucom was determined to overcome these challenges.

Amidst the uncertainty, his neighbors in Alexandria, VA, sought his help during moves, sparking a brilliant idea. Recognizing an opportunity to build a business, Baucom founded Two Marines Moving on November 10th, 2008, a symbolic date commemorating the founding of the Marine Corps in 1775. This moving company would be unique - it exclusively employed U.S. veterans.

With an unwavering commitment to supporting fellow veterans, Baucom's venture began to thrive. Today, he proudly co-owns the company with his ex-wife, Christy Gutmann, and they employ over 100 veterans. What sets Two Marines Moving apart from its competitors is the caliber of its workforce. They proudly hire Marines, Army personnel, Navy sailors, and Air Force veterans, valuing their hard work and dedication.

Baucom's dedication to supporting veterans proved instrumental in the company's success. In its inaugural year, the company generated $600,000 in revenue, and in 2017, Two Marines Moving aimed to reach $6 million in revenue, a testament to their rapid growth.

For Baucom, this company is more than just a means of income. It has become a vehicle for him to continue serving his country and community. Even though he could have retired years ago, his sense of purpose and duty drives him to keep making a difference through his business.

Beyond his company's success, Baucom extends his support to the wider veteran community. Two Marines Moving sponsors Luke's Wings, a charity that covers airfare costs for families visiting injured veterans in hospitals. By giving back to those who sacrificed for their country, Baucom is living out his commitment to supporting his fellow servicemen and women.

Currently operating in Virginia, Washington DC, and Miami, Florida, the company has plans to expand its operations to other regions. Through Two Marines Moving, Nick Baucom has proven that resilience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others can lead to extraordinary success and impact the lives of countless veterans and their families.

Army infantry to Millionaire. How did Nick do it? Read more here (link)

🎖️ Military Technology

New Sniper Camouflage is Crazy!

See our YouTube short that shows the advances in this area. You could literally walk 2 foot away from snipers these days with out knowing. (link)

Israel Quietly Embeds AI Systems in Deadly Military Operations

The Israel Defense Forces have started using artificial intelligence to select targets for air strikes and organize wartime logistics as tensions escalate in the occupied territories and with arch-rival Iran (link) 

📰 In the news this week

News stories I’ve found interesting this week.

• China Says US Military Aid to Taiwan Will Not Deter its Will to Unify the Island: China accused the United States of turning Taiwan into an “ammunition depot” after the White House announced a $345 million military aid package for Taipei, and the self-ruled island said Sunday it tracked six Chinese navy ships in waters off its shores. (link)

• Bowe Bergdahl's Sentence Is Thrown Out by Judge as Case Takes New Turn: A federal judge has voided former Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's court-martial sentence and subsequent rulings on the case by military judges, setting up the possibility that he could request a reinstatement of rank or change of status for his dishonorable discharge. (link)

• US Army general dies in plane crash near Aberdeen Proving Ground: Maj. Gen. Anthony Potts, who until weeks ago led the service’s Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical, or PEO C3T, died at the scene near 3600 Old Level Road in Havre de Grace, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and media reports. (Link)

📷 Readers Stories

Humor me, brothers. In church earlier, and the priest mentioned how we all have some little thing that that is a treasure to us.

My mind went straight to this shirt. He went on with his sermon, but I drifted. This shirt certainly isn't the most valuable thing I own, so why did it pop into my head, and I pondered it for a while instead of listening to the sermon like I should have been doing. What I came up with was that Nam was the biggest thing that ever happened to me before marriage and children and real life.

It's a major part of my history. This shirt on my shoulders could possibly be the same shirt on my shoulders in the second picture. It's not worth much, ha, but it's a treasure of mine. I might not wear it once in 5 or10 years, but it's a treasure to me. I'm just saying.

Thanks Greg.

If you have a picture or a story you’d like featured please send them into [email protected]

😮 Did you know? An American Soldier was presumed dead only to be found 44 years later

In the annals of history, there are stories that defy belief and challenge our perceptions of reality. One such tale is that of Master Sergeant John Hartley Robertson, a former Special Forces Green Beret, whose incredible journey from being presumed dead for 44 years to a newfound life in a remote Vietnamese village is nothing short of astonishing.

During a top-secret operation over Laos in 1968, Sgt Robertson's helicopter was shot down, and he was captured and subjected to unimaginable torture by North Vietnamese forces. Despite the odds stacked against him, Sgt Robertson managed to survive, and over the years, he pieced together a new life in a South-Central Vietnamese village.

The revelation of Sgt Robertson's existence came to light in 2008 when a fellow veteran, Tom Faunce, learned about him. Guided by his unyielding army oath to never abandon a comrade in need, Faunce was determined to bring the long-lost soldier back to his family in the United States. What followed was a journey that would forever alter the course of Sgt Robertson's life.

Throughout the years, Sgt Robertson had forgotten his children's names, his birthday, and even how to speak English. His memory loss was a result of the extensive torture he endured during his captivity. Yet, despite his struggles, Sgt Robertson's sister, Jean Robertson Holly, was convinced beyond doubt that she had found her long-lost brother, "Johnny," during an emotional reunion.

Despite the opportunity for DNA testing to confirm Sgt Robertson's true identity, his family decided against pursuing it. Their reasons remain unconfirmed, but some speculate it may stem from the painful memories of the Vietnam War and a desire to let the past rest.

The story of Master Sergeant John Hartley Robertson raises significant questions about the possibility of other American prisoners of war still being held in captivity in Southeast Asia. Sgt Robertson's tale challenges us to seek the truth, honor the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, and ensure that no soldier's fate remains forgotten or unclaimed. His extraordinary journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the enduring mysteries of history. (Link)

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👉 Email at [email protected] if you have a story

See you next week.

Rob