Good morning,

If you’re new to the War Chronicle newsletter, welcome! And, I’d personally like to thank you for being a part of this community.

This week’s newsletter is packed full of interesting stories so let’s dive straight in…

On this day in 1960:

This turned in to the main article of this newsletter because I found the story so interesting. On May 1, 1960, a U-2 spy plane operated by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was shot down by the Soviet Union over Soviet territory. This event was a significant turning point in the Cold War and had far-reaching consequences for international relations and espionage activities.

The U-2 spy plane was a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather intelligence on Soviet military installations and activities. The plane was piloted by Francis Gary Powers, an experienced American pilot who had flown numerous spy missions for the CIA.

On the morning of May 1, 1960, Powers took off from a secret airbase in Pakistan on a mission to fly over Soviet territory and photograph military installations. As he flew over the Soviet Union, he was tracked by Soviet radar and then shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Powers was able to eject from the plane and survived the crash, but he was immediately captured by the Soviet authorities.

The Soviet Union used the incident to denounce the United States and accused them of spying on their country. This event led to a deterioration in relations between the two superpowers and caused a major international incident.

Powers was put on trial by the Soviet Union and was found guilty of espionage. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but was released two years later in a prisoner exchange between the Soviet Union and the United States.

The incident had a lasting impact on international relations and the use of espionage. It highlighted the risks and consequences of using spy planes to gather intelligence and demonstrated the need for more sophisticated and covert methods of espionage.

Francis Gary Powers, who passed away in 1977, is remembered as a courageous and dedicated pilot who was willing to risk his life in service of his country.

His story has been immortalized in books, movies, and documentaries and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those involved in espionage and international relations.

World War II Legend Passes Away

There are very few words that can describe our sorrow over the loss of Ken Potts, who just turned 102 a few weeks ago. Ken was one of the last two survivors of the USS Arizona and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Ken was an incredible man, loving husband to Doris, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He was quick with a joke and witty comeback, never failing to make those around him smile and laugh. Our hearts are broken, but we know Ken is at peace and was welcomed by over 1500 of his fellow shipmates including Donald Stratton.

Take a moment to say a prayer for the Potts family.

Readers Photos

My Grandfather, PVT Herman Brettin of the 1st Engineers, 1st Infantry Division Chao Mung “Iron Triangle”, Vietnam 1968. Sadly Herman passed away on Dec 27,2021.

Please keep them coming and send to [email protected]

Gift ideas from Amazon.

A chef's space is an overcrowded one, to say the least, but every tool is essential to the mission. Thankfully with the Tactical Molle Apron you can stow all of the BBQ tools you’ll need to complete the mission!

From our YouTube Channel

This week we feature the legendary General Norman Schwarzkopf, after a popular short video we decided to do a deep dive into his life and career.

Watch the video by clicking here.

In the news this week

So each week I share news stories that I found interesting.

• Army Identifies 3 Soldiers Killed in Alaska Helicopter Crash Whether in combat or on exercise, the deep sadness felt is always the same. RIP

• Iran capture of US-bound oil tanker may have been retaliation, official says. Iran’s navy seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday heading to the U.S. amid wider tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, the latest-such capture in a waterway crucial for global energy supplies.

Who wouldn’t want this on their side?

This is the THeMIS UGV 👇. 

I’m sure you’ll agree that the technology our armed forces have supporting them on the battle field, compared to what they had 60 years ago is mind blowing. Check it out here

DroneGun Tactical

Check out this 40 second video of the DroneGun! My immediate thought was “good luck to the soldier carrying that one on the ground!” It almost looks comical how big it is…Check it out by clicking here

Did you know?

Did you know that the United States Air Force has its own elite team of meteorologists? Meet the Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA), a specialized unit that provides critical weather forecasting and analysis for military operations worldwide.

AFWA's team of highly trained meteorologists use advanced tools and techniques to gather and analyze weather data, and provide real-time weather updates and forecasts to military commanders and decision-makers.

From predicting the path of a hurricane to assessing the impact of extreme weather on a mission, AFWA's weather experts play a vital role in ensuring the success and safety of military operations.

Meme of the Week

Sponsor this newsletter

If your business or company is interested in reaching an audience of veterans, serving military personnel, or supporters of our brave men and women who keep us safe, you may want to advertise with us.

Thanks for reading and if you see anything interesting please fire through to me at [email protected].

As ever, have a great week.

Rob 🫡