Comments for Today in Naval History

Comment on Rescue at Sea by David M Lichtman MD, Rear Admiral US Navy (Retired)

David M Lichtman MD, Rear Admiral US Navy (Retired) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 18:39:58 +0000

As a retired Navy orthopedic hand surgeon, I want to thank you for publishing this remarkable story. At the time of this incident, I was the commander of the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda (now Walter Reed Military Medical Center). However, in the early 1980’s, as chief of orthopedics at NH Oakland, I established a tri-service training center for microsurgery. I don’t know for sure, but I hope this training directly or indirectly contributed to the skills of the San Diego surgical team. At Oakland, we were fortunate enough to return four active duty servicemen (including an F-14 pilot!) back to full duty after performing big toe-to-thumb transfers on them after sustaining previous thumb amputations.

David M Lichtman MD
Rear Admiral US Navy (Retired)
usno8@icloud.com

Comment on Operation “Mincemeat” by navalist

navalist — Wed, 17 May 2023 10:00:42 +0000

In reply to Richard A Nelson. As you know, I enjoyed Sicily for two years at Sigonella. Fortunately the Sicilians had the good sense to preserve many of the bunkers built by the Germans, as well as their airfield at Gerbini, which can still be seen today. Thanks again for the kind words!

Comment on Operation “Mincemeat” by Richard A Nelson

Richard A Nelson — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:21:14 +0000

Jim,
As I read about Operation “Mincemeat ” today, we are in Messina, Sicily. Thanks for the reminder. Alice’s Uncle came through here with Patton but was killed further up the boot.
We still enjoy reading your history pieces.

Dick Nelson

Comment on The Fighting Field Musician by Eileen Oberg

Eileen Oberg — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:42:50 +0000

Really enjoy reading your pieces on our great Naval history. Thanks for all your work !

Comment on Makassar Strait Action by navalist

navalist — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 13:12:20 +0000

In reply to Lucian Laurie Jr. You are not alone in your assertion that destroyer sailors and their heroism go under-credited. When I have come across such incidents I usually try to write them up. You might be interested in the book by Theodore Roscoe, "Destroyer Operations in World War II" or something close to that title. Published several decades ago and containing some errors, it is nevertheless a good source. Probably available on e-bay for cheap

Comment on Makassar Strait Action by Lucian Laurie Jr

Lucian Laurie Jr — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 17:00:03 +0000

I don’t think anywhere near enough attention has been paid to the “Tincan Sailors” on the destroyers in the Pacific Fleet. Everybody is in love with the carriers, and they did undoubtedly win that theater of the war. The destroyers, however, were several times left to pick up the pieces after the carrier groups had been lured off the real site of the action. Samar is, of course the most famous, and best example. Were there other instances like that? I’m tempted to research that question.

Comment on The “United States Fleet” by Steve Scott

Steve Scott — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 11:25:22 +0000

Dear Capt. Bloom,
My long time friend Capt. Allan Hubbard suggested your blog and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Thank you for your time and effort.

Steve Scott, Capt. USN (ret)