Archive by Author

Tribute: John Basilone, Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), U.S. Marine Corps

[custom_frame_left]JohnBasilone[/custom_frame_left][custom_frame_right]JohnBasiloneRibbons[/custom_frame_right]John Basilone was born on November 4, 1916, in Buffalo, New York, and was raised in Raritan, New Jersey. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1934, and served in the Philippines until being released from active duty in 1937. Basilone worked as a truck driver for several years and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1940. Sgt Basilone served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, MCB Quantico, Virginia, on Parris Island, and at New River, North Carolina, before deploying to the Solomon Islands with the 1st Marine Division in August 1942. He participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal from August 1942 to February 1943, and then returned to the U.S. for War Bond Tours in July 1943. Sgt Basilone requested to return to combat and reported to Camp Pendleton, California, in December 1943, deploying to the Pacific in August 1944. He went ashore and was killed in action on the first day of the Battle of Iwo Jima, February 19, 1945. Sgt Basilone was originally interred on Iwo Jima, but was moved to Arlington National Cemetery in 1948.

[custom_frame_left]john-basilone-gravesite-photo[/custom_frame_left] His Medal of Honor Citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Lunga Area, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 24 and 25 October 1942. While the enemy was hammering at the Marines’ defensive positions, Sgt.  Basilone, in charge of 2 sections of heavy machineguns, fought valiantly to check the savage and determined assault. In a fierce frontal attack with the Japanese blasting his guns with grenades and mortar fire, one of Sgt. Basilone’s sections, with its guncrews, was put out of action, leaving only 2 men able to carry on. Moving an extra gun into position, he placed it in action, then, under continual fire, repaired another and personally manned it, gallantly holding his line until replacements arrived. A little later, with ammunition critically low and the supply lines cut off, Sgt. Basilone, at great risk of his life and in the face of continued enemy attack, battled his way through hostile lines with urgently needed shells for his gunners, thereby contributing in large measure to the virtual annihilation of a Japanese regiment. His great personal valor and courageous initiative were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Special thank to www.veterantributes.org.

 

Tribute: William B. Baugh, Private First Class (E-2), U.S. Marine Corps

[custom_frame_left]WilliamBBaugh[/custom_frame_left] William Baugh was born on July 7, 1930, in McKinney, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 23, 1948, and after completing basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he served with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, until September 1950. PFC Baugh then deployed with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment to Korea in September 1950, where he participated in the campaigns at Inchon, Seoul, Wonsan, Hungnam, Northern Korea, and Chosin Reservoir, before being killed in action on November 29, 1950. He was originally buried at the United Nations Cemetery in Hungnam, North Korea, but his remains were later moved and reburied at the Glen Haven Cemetery in Harrison, Ohio.[custom_frame_right]WilliamBBaughRibbons[/custom_frame_right]

His Medal of Honor Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a member of an antitank assault squad attached to Company G, during a nighttime enemy attack against a motorized column. Acting instantly when a hostile hand grenade landed in his truck as he and his squad prepared to alight and assist in the repulse of an enemy force delivering intense automatic-weapons and grenade fire from deeply entrenched and well-concealed roadside positions, Pfc. Baugh quickly shouted a warning to the other men in the vehicle and, unmindful of his personal safety, hurled himself upon the deadly missile, thereby saving his comrades from serious injury or possible death. Sustaining severe wounds from which he died a short time afterward, Pfc. Baugh, by his superb courage and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice, upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

 

Special thanks to www.veterantributes.org.

Tribute: John Abbott, Captain (O-6), U.S. Navy

[custom_frame_left]JohnAbbott[/custom_frame_left] John Abbott was born on August 20, 1927, in Burlington, Vermont. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 8, 1945, and entered the Navy V-5 flight training program in October 1945. Abbott was released from active duty in September 1946, and then returned to flight training with the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in July 1947, being designated a Naval Aviator in September 1948, and receiving his commission as an Ensign on July 22, 1949. He served with VF-53 from July 1949 to May 1952, and during this time flew combat missions during the Korean War from the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) from August 1951 to March 1952. His next assignment was with VX-3 from May 1952 to June 1954, and then as an instructor pilot at NAAS Kingsville, Texas, from June 1954 to January 1955. LT Abbott served at NAS Olathe, Kansas, from January to December 1955, and then served with the Navy ROTC detachment at Yale University from December 1955 to September 1956. He served with the Service School Command at NS Great Lakes, Illinois, from September 1956 to June 1957, and then served as air operations officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge (CVS-45) from June 1957 to August 1959. LCDR Abbott then attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, from September 1959 to June 1960, followed by service with the Commander of Operational Test and Evaluation Force at Norfolk, Virginia, from June 1960 to May 1962. CDR Abbott served with Headquarters U.S. Navy in the Pentagon from May 1962 to June 1963, and then with Air Development Squadron FIVE (VX-5) at NAF China Lake, California, from June 1963 to 1965. He then served as an A-4 Skyhawk pilot with VA-113, flying combat missions from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from November 1965 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on April 20, 1966, having just taken command of VF-113 nine days before. CDR Abbott was reported to have died in captivity 7 days later, on April 27, 1966. He was posthumously promoted to Captain, and his remains were returned to the United States on March 13, 1974. Capt Abbott is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

[custom_frame_right]JohnAbbottRibbons[/custom_frame_right] His 4th Distinguished Flying Cross Citation reads:

For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as strike leader and pilot in Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN, based aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 22 December 1965. Participating as strike leader of a flak suppression element on the extremely vital and heavily defended Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant northeast of Haiphong, Captain (then Commander) Abbott preceded the fighter-bombers into the target area and, in the face of intense and accurate heavy antiaircraft fire, led his division in direct and devastating counterfire with the most active antiaircraft emplacements defending the power plant, personally damaging at least one 8-gun emplacement and silencing several others. By his courageous leadership and determination that the fighter-bombers were able to execute a devastating and highly successful attack on the target and retire without sustaining damage from the enemy. His exceptional performance and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Special thank to www.veterantributes.org.

Tribute: John R. Alison, Major General (O-8), U.S. Army Air Force/U.S. Air Force

[custom_frame_left]JohnRAlison[/custom_frame_left]John Alison was born on November 21, 1912, in Micanopy, Florida. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Army Reserve through the Army ROTC program at the University of Florida on June 10, 1935, and he entered the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Corps on June 30, 1936. Lt Alison was awarded his pilot wings at Randolph Field, Texas, on June 9, 1937, and then served with the 33rd Pursuit Squadron of the 8th Pursuit Group at Langley Field, Virginia, from July 1937 to May 1941. He next served with the 57th Pursuit Group at various bases in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, from May to October 1941, followed by service as a Military Attache and observer in England and Russia. He served with the 16th Fighter Squadron of the 51st Fighter Group in India, and then with the 75th Fighter Squadron of the 23rd Fighter Group in China, from July 1942 to May 1943. During this time, Col Alison served as the commander of the 75th Fighter Squadron from December 1942 to May 1943, and was credited with the destruction of 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 probable and 1 damaged. He returned to the U.S. and was assigned as commander of the 1st Air Commando Group at Seymour Johnson Field, North Carolina, in October 1943, and then deployed to the China-Burma-India Theater in January 1944. Col Alison commanded the group until the end of the war, and then resigned his commission on August 11, 1946. He joined the Air Force Reserve on June 5, 1947, and retired as a Major General in the reserves on November 20, 1972. After World War II, Alison served as an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, President of the Air Force Association, and as Vice President of the Northrop Corporation, retiring in 1984. He was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2005. John Alison died on June 6, 2011, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

[custom_frame_left]JohnRAlisonRibbons[/custom_frame_left]His Distinguished Service Cross Citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, TENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 30 July 1942, over Hengyang, China. On that date, Major Alison took off in a P-40 fighting plane at 1:00 a.m. to intercept an enemy formation of three heavy bombers flying at 15,000 feet over Hengyang. Without hesitation, he closed for attack upon this superior force, and although receiving fire from the hostile wing ships in engine and cockpit, he delivered fire in succession to each of the three bombers, two of which burst into flames and crashed. The other turned from the attack with smoke pouring from both engines and probably did not reach its home base. With his damaged plane failing and pursuit impossible, Major Alison would have been justified under the circumstances, in leaving his ship by parachute, but he chose to attempt a night crash landing in order to save his vitally needed equipment. Being unable to reach the field, he landed in a nearby river, from which his plane was salvaged. In attacking this superior force at night, destroying two bombers and possibly the entire hostile formation after his ship had been damaged by enemy cross fire, and then attempting to save his stricken plane, Major Alison displayed extraordinary heroism and outstanding skill. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 10th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Special thank to www.veterantributes.org.

Store is Open

The store is open!

We are still working on providing more payment and shipping options for your convenience; however, we are open for business.

Welcome to FTE Brand

I want to thank everyone for your inquiries into our brand.  I am excited for the launch of the site and looking forward to starting a true community, not just sell a few shirts.

I am working with my IT guy, photographers, etc. to get the finished web site online as soon as possible.  The web site will not yet allow you to purchase gear unfortunately.  I expect that portion of the site to be up and running in the very near future. Please keep checking in and I will keep you informed of the status.

Thank you all!!

Tribute: James F. Adamouski, Captain (O-3), U.S. Army

[custom_frame_left]JamesFAdamouski[/custom_frame_left]James Adamouski was born on June 22, 1973, in Tampa, Florida. He entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on July 1, 1991, and was commissioned a 2d Lt in the Aviation Branch on June 3, 1995. After completing Rotary Wing Aviator Training and UH-60 Blackhawk training, Lt Adamouski served in the U.S., Germany, Hungary, Bosnia, and Albania, spending most of the time between December 1996 and December 1999 with the 158th Aviation Regiment in support of operations in Kosovo and the former Republic of Yugoslavia. Capt Adamouski served at Fort Rucker, Alabama, from December 1999 to November 2000, and then with the 3rd Aviation Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, from November 2000 to March 2003. He then deployed with the 3rd Aviation Regiment to Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was killed in action on April 2, 2003. His body was flown back to the U.S. and he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on April 24, 2003.

[custom_frame_right]JamesFAdamouskiRibbons[/custom_frame_right]

His Bronze Star Medal Citation reads:

For meritorious service during the period of 19 March 2003 to 2 April 2003, while assigned to Company B, 2d Battalion, 3d Aviation, 3d Infantry Division in Kuwait, Captain Adamouski gave the ultimate sacrifice. His duty, performance and commitment while participating in combat operations to liberate Iraq are in keeping with the highest traditions of selfless service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division, Victory Corps, and the United States Army.

Special thanks to www.veterantributes.org.

Shirts in Production

We have shirts in production and preparing to launch FTE Brand to the public. The designs are coming out awesome. Here are some pictures of the proofs we have at the printer:

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Today’s Badass: Charles G. Abrell, Corporal (E-4), U.S. Marine Corps

[custom_frame_left]CharlesGAbrell[/custom_frame_left]FTE Brand salutes Charles Abrell. Charles was born on August 12, 1931, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 18, 1948, and after completing basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned as a rifleman to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Cpl Abrell deployed to Japan at the beginning of the Korean War aboard the attack transport USS Noble (APA-218), and then participated in the Inchon Landing in September 1950. He participated in combat at Inchon, Seoul, Wonsan, Chosin Reservoir, and Hanghum before he was killed in action at Hwachon on June 10, 1951. Cpl Abrell was buried at the United Nations Military Cemetery in Tanggok, South Korea, and was later posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

[custom_frame_right]CharlesGAbrellRibbons[/custom_frame_right] His Medal of Honor Citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Fire Team Leader in Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 10 June 1951. While advancing with his platoon in an attack against well-concealed and heavily-fortified enemy hill positions, Corporal Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by ah ail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although previously wounded by enemy hand-grenade fragments, he proceeded to carry out a bold, singlehanded attack against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow him. Sustaining two additional wounds as he stormed toward the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily into the bunker with the live missile still in his grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which killed the entire enemy gun crew within the stronghold, Corporal Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrfice in the face of certain death, served to inspire all his comrades and contributed directly to the success of his platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

-Front Toward Enemy Brand