Happy Monday! On Saturday, the United States Navy celebrated its 243rd Birthday. With such a long and rich heritage, and with so many notable figures and accomplishments, no blog or even a series of blogs could capture that much history, with so many stories of service and sacrifice. But Happy Birthday just doesn't seem adequate, either. If you're a regular follower of Mistletoe Enterprises and this Victory & Valor Blog, you might remember that I retired from the Air Force after a twenty-five year career. I've also written about the fact that my Dad and several uncles served in the military during World War Two. But I don't recall mentioning that I have several cousins and other relatives who served with the Marine Corps and Navy during the Vietnam War era. I was just a youngster when the Vietnam War was escalating in the mid-sixties. But I was aware enough to know that the reports from the war were broadcast every night on the news, matter of factly, by the likes of Chet Huntley and David Brinkley. Some stories were well known. Some were not. I was reminded recently by a friend of the stories of one of the military's units that was not as well known, but whose service, sacrifices and accomplishments during the Vietnam War were extraordinary: the United States Navy Seawolves of HA(L)-3 Squadron. The HA(L)-3 Seawolves began in 1966, with an all volunteer force of aviators. Eighty aviators were selected. On 1 April 1967, HA(L)-3 was officially established in South Vietnam. Their first of many big battles actually began on October 31, 1966. Using Army equipment, the Seawolves sank 15 boats and the Viet Cong suffered heavy losses. As they developed experience, their primary mission was in support of the SEALORDS strategy. (South East Asia Lakes Ocean Rivers and Delta Strategy) The campaign disrupted enemy operations in the Delta area; cut supply-lines; patrolled interior and coastal waterways; and worked in close support of Navy SEALs. HA(L)-3 was decommissioned in March 1972. Their squadron had flown more than 120,000 combat missions. Between 1966 and 1972, the Seawolves lost 44 pilots and gunners; more than 200 were wounded. The HA(L)-3 Seawolves were highly decorated. They earned 5 NAVY Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 156 Purple Hearts, 101 Bronze Stars, 15,964 Air Medals, and multiple Presidential Unit Citations. Mistletoe Enterprises and Victory & Valor are proud to salute the Navy on the occasion of its 243rd Birthday! And we're equally proud to recognize the service and sacrifice of all who have honorably served, including the HA(L)-3 Seawolves Squadron. The following sources were used: The following references were used to compile information for this blog:
https://youtu.be/W4f_hQP1sdk http://www.seawolf.org/aircraft/dongtam.asp http://www.sealtwo.org/usnseawolves.htm https://www.pnj.com/story/news/military/2015/05/07/hal-seawolves-speak-naval-aviation-symposium/70985244/ https://blog.usni.org/posts/2009/05/15/flightdeck-friday-seawolves
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On October 9, 2017, Mistletoe Enterprises LLC was formed by Tom Davis in the State of Michigan. Yes, Mistletoe Enterprises is one year old! And we're looking forward to many more anniversaries ahead. Our Victory & Valor publications have a little longer history: the first issue debuted in February 2007. Revitalized, Mistletoe Enterprises LLC and Victory & Valor have been reaching and teaching thousands of readers with stories about history and heroes. As the owner, I'm pleased with the accomplishments in our first year. We've reached nearly 10,000 readers and visitors to our website and Facebook page; we've established a loyal following; and we've reached most of our first-year goals for content. As we embark on our second year, we look to improve and grow. Topping our list is to convert the Victory & Valor educational publications into a non-profit charitable entity. Admittedly, this was one goal of our first year that we didn't achieve. This compels us to try harder. We're incredibly grateful for our friends and followers! Thank You for your support! You can always visit mistletoetom.com for stories about history and heroes. For more about Mistletoe Tom, Victory & Valor, and Mistletoe Enterprises visit: http://www.mistletoetom.com/about.html |
AuthorTom Davis is the owner of Mistletoe Enterprises LLC. He also publishes and distributes the Victory & Valor Flyer, it tells the stories of heroes from all walks of life. Archives
December 2018
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