Memorial Day - Lance Corporal Kurt Dechen, USMC

Kurt Dechen
1982 - 2006

Rank - Lance Corporal

MOS - 0311-Rifleman

Unit - 25th Marine Regiment/1st Bn, 25th Marine Regiment (1/25)

Service Years - 2003 - 2006

Some time ago, I resolved to remember the names of at least three men who had given their lives for freedom. Every year in church, on the Sunday before Memorial Day, I stand up and say their names. As I did again today.

If we don't forget them, they will live in our hearts forever.

Those who loved them, cannot forget. Theirs is a constant aching pain which reminds them of what is lost and which will not be seen again in this life.

Lance Corporal Kurt Dechen, United States Marine Corps, is one of those names.

LCpl Dechen graduated from the same high school as I did, though thirty years later. He attended the same church as I did while growing up.

His Mom and my Mom sang together in the church choir.

Together.

While I did not know Kurt personally, I did know him. He represented the very finest this nation can offer. He stepped up and served his country like so many before him.

He made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Memorial Day weekend I tip my glass to men like Kurt. I thank him, and others like him, for my freedom.

I thank my God that such men still exist.*

One of Erick's closest friends, squad member and bunkmate, LCpl Kurt Drechen was killed on Thursday when their squad came under attack while on Patrol. (Kurt is the one with the huge smile who Erick is using as a pillow.) Erick told mom that the fighting in Fallujah has been picking up because refugees are fleeing Baghdad and coming into Fallujah. With this influx of people there has been an increase in violence. Please add Kurt and his family to your thoughts and prayers and say a few extra prayers for Erick**. (Source)

Kurt's Funeral
In the church where he grew up.

Kurt is laid to rest

From the Brattleboro (Vermont) Reformer

LCpl Kurt Dechen was killed by small arms fire on August 3 - his 24th birthday - while on foot patrol in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. 

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Thank you Kurt.

*Yes, women too.
** Erick returned home safely to his family. The blog at the link is very good. I believe his sister wrote it while he was deployed.

Memorial Day Weekend

The older I get, the more I look behind me and the less I look to the future.

I suppose that's natural, the road behind me is a lot longer than the road ahead. But that's alright. I have very few regrets.

Memorial Day weekend. Three days away from work. It's nice. A whole lot of really good folks paid for this weekend. For me. For you.

Some of them I knew. Most of them I did not. But I served with men and women just like them.

I believe they would want us to go out and enjoy ourselves. Have a cookout, have a beer (or two) and generally savor life. If they could, they would be right there beside us. Watching the ball game, flipping that steak on the grill, opening another beer, perhaps sharing a secret smile with someone special.

But they can't.

All we can do is remember them, perhaps pause, tip your drink to the sky and just say "Thanks." They would do the same for us.

So enjoy yourselves this weekend. Have a great time. Live your life to the fullest.

They would.

If they could...

Sea and Sky, The Open Road Awaits

Take my love, take my land

Take me where I cannot stand

I don't care, I'm still free

You can't take the sky from me.

Ballad of Serenity

Good stuff over at c w's. As always.

The Friday Flyby - 23 May

The Ringmaster
(Stan Stokes)

The 1st Fighter Wing of the First World War Imperial German Air Force also known as Richthofen's Flying Circus, is the topic of this week's Famous Aviation Units Flyby.

Jagdgeschwader 1 (JG 1) of World War I, was a fighter unit of the German Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Army Air Service), comprising four Jagdstaffeln (Jastas or fighter squadrons). It was formed on 24 June 1917, with Manfred von Richthofen as commanding officer, by combining Jastas 4, 6, 10 and 11. JG 1 became known as "The Flying Circus"because of the bright colors of its aircraft, and also because of the way the unit was transferred from one area of allied air activity to another - moving like a travelling circus in trains, and frequently setting up in tents on improvised airfields. - Wikipedia

During the unit's lifetime (June 1917 to November 1918), JG 1 claimed 644 Allied aircraft destroyed, while losing 52 pilots killed in action and 67 wounded.

The most well known pilot (and it's commander) was Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (2 May 1892 – 21 April 1918), also widely known as the Red Baron, was a German fighter pilot with the Luftstreitkräfte during World War I. He is considered the top ace of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories.

Originally a cavalryman, Richthofen transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of Jasta 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917 became leader of Jasta 11 and then the larger unit Jagdgeschwader 1 (better known as the "Flying Circus"). By 1918, he was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and well-known amongst opposing forces.

Richthofen was shot down and killed near Amiens on 21 April 1918. There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career, especially the circumstances of his death. He remains perhaps the most widely known fighter pilot of all time, and has been the subject of many books, films and other media. - Wikipedia

Pilots of Jasta 11

In the photo above are (left to right): Karl Allmenröder, Kurt Wülshoff, Sebastian Festner, Karl-Emil Schäfer (slightly behind Festner), Manfred von Richthofen (in the cockpit of his Albatross D,III), Kurt Wolff (sitting at left), Wilhelm Reinhardt (2nd from right standing), Erich Löwenhardt (far right standing) and Lothar von Richthofen (sitting on the ground). The man immediately in front of the Red Baron is unidentified as is the man sitting to the right (behind Lothar von Richthofen).

Richthofen the Younger
(Russell Smith)

The painting above, Richthofen the Younger, features the Fokker Dr.1 of Lothar von Richthofen. The tail and upper wing of this machine were thinly over-painted in yellow, while the struts, cowling and wheel covers carried the signature red of Jasta 11.

Lothar was flying this machine on March 13, 1918 when Jasta 11 ran into a flight of Bristol F2b's from 62 Sq. Lothar's machine was hit, and at the same time suffered a leading edge failure of the top wing. Lothar later stated that "My triplane suddenly became a biplane...". Despite the damage, Lothar managed to glide the triplane down, but he suffered severe facial injuries upon his crash landing.

The Bristol F2b
(Octopus Colour Encyclopaedia of Aircraft)

Richthofen (in flight gear) describes a combat beside the Albatros D.V Scout in which he was nearly killed on July 6, 1917.

In the following painting Jasta 11 is seen in action over the western front in early April 1917. Rittmeister Freiherr von Richthofen, flying in the red Albatros D.III scout, Lt. Kurt Wolff in the purple machine and Lt. Edy Lübbert in the yellow and blue aircraft prepare to engage Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutters as they emerge from behind a cloud. 

Ride of the Valkyries(Troy White)

The aircraft flown by the various squadrons of the Flying Circus over their times in service are shown below. (Not all were flown by JG 1 during von Richthofen's time, but this is a representative sample of German fighter aircraft used in World War I.)

Fokker E.III Eindecker

Halberstadt D.II

Albatros D.II

Albatros D.III

Albatros D.V- Flown by Vizefeldwebel (Staff Sergeant) Adam Barth of Jasta 10, late autumn of 1917.

Pfalz D.III

Halberstadt D.V - Flown by Oberleutnant Joachim Buddecke, commander of Jasta 4 at Vaux.

Fokker Dr.I

Fokker D.VII
Rated by many as the best fighter aircraft of World War I.

The Red Baron and his pilots

World War I German pilots with 26 or more aerial victories:

• Name Victories
• Manfred von Richthofen† 80
• Ernst Udet 62
• Erich Löwenhardt† 54
• Josef Jacobs 48
• Werner Voss† 48
• Fritz Rumey† 45
• Rudolf Berthold 44
• Bruno Loerzer 44
• Paul Bäumer 43
• Oswald Boelcke† 40
• Franz Büchner 40
• Lothar von Richthofen 40
• Heinrich Gontermann† 39
• Carl Menckhoff 39
• Karl Bolle 36
• Julius Buckler 36
• Max Ritter von Müller† 36
• Gustav Dörr 35
• Otto Könnecke 35
• Eduard Ritter von Schleich 35
• Emil Thuy 35
• Josef Veltjens 35
• Heinrich Bongartz 33
• Heinrich Kroll 33
• Kurt Wolff† 33
• Hermann Frommherz 32
• Theodor Osterkamp 32
• Paul Billik 31
• Gotthard Sachsenberg 31
• Karl Allmenröder† 30
• Harald Auffarth 30
• Carl Degelow 30
• Josef Mai 30
• Ulrich Neckel 30
• Karl Emil Schäfer† 30
• Walter Blume 28
• Walter von Bülow-Bothkamp† 28
• Robert Ritter von Greim 28
• Arthur Laumann 28
• Friedrich Ritter von Röth 28
• Fritz Otto Bernert 27
• Otto Fruhner 27
• Hans Kirschstein† 27
• Karl Thom 27
• Adolf Ritter von Tutschek† 27
• Kurt Wüsthoff 27
• Oskar Freiherr von Boenigk 26
• Eduard Ritter von Dostler† 26
• Max Näther† 26

The pilots with a "†" next to their names are known to have been either killed in action, went missing in action (presumed dead, body not recovered), died of their wounds, or were killed in a flying accident during World War I.

Last Flight of Baron von Richthofen
(John Young)

The remains of Richthofen's triplane under the guard of Australian Flying Corps (AFC) No. 3 Squadron on April 22nd, 1918.
(Photo Source - Australian War Memorial)

The funeral of Rittmeister Freiherr Manfred von Richthofen.
22 April 1918
The pallbearers and color guard are from AFC No. 3 Squadron.

Sic transit gloria mundi...

For My Buddy Russ

RIP Blackjack
Faithful Companion

My good buddy Russ, (I will always think of him as as SSgt Kinion from my days at Kadena AB, Okinawa) lost his buddy Blackjack the other day. Fourteen years old, Blackjack went like many hope to, in his sleep, knowing that he was loved.

Hope you don't mind Russ, but I "borrowed" the following from your Facebook post. I thought it was beautiful, too beautiful not to share...

On these premises are buried the remains of one who

possessed Beauty without Vanity,

Strength without Insolence,

Courage without Ferocity,

and all the Virtues of Man,

without his Vices.

This Praise, which would be unmeaning

Flattery if stated over human remains 

is but a just tribute to the Memory

of Blackjack, our Dog.

Condolences to Russ and his family.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

I've Had Enough, How About You?

Stand Your Ground
Don Troiani*

I do believe the system is broken. I'm pretty sure I know who broke it, but they didn't do it all by themselves. They had help.

There is enough blame to go around across the entire political spectrum, no need to focus on just one party. Many of them may have started with good intentions, but the system got to them. They drank the Kool-Aid (as we're fond of saying at work) and they now believe that they know what's best for the rest of us. In reality they're just expanding the bureaucracy and lining their own pockets and the pockets of their friends.

They are most certainly not looking out for Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer. No sir, no ma'am.

Personally I think we need to remind the folks in DC and in all the state capitols of this great land who they work for. They work for us!

Come November I think we should turn a lot of them loose to seek other employment. After all, they don't seem to be any good at governing, that's for sure!

I suppose reading the following poem is what got me all riled up. It happens. Usually I leave the political stuff to my wingman and Замполит, Tuna. But it's time to make a stand, time to defend our rights. Wake up folks, before it's too late.

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on that sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

- Dylan Thomas

Poetry late in the day is perhaps a bad idea. This semi-rant post and weird dreams last night as well!

But it is an excellent poem...

*This guy is one of the finest military artists of this generation. Go check out his website, buy his paintings if you can!

Worth Reading!

I have a "new" favorite blog, I don't know; ask the skipper.

I have "new" in quotes because the blog has been around since Lincoln's birthday this year. I stumbled across it in March, read all the previous posts and have been following it ever since. 

For those so inclined, he has recently established a "presence" on the ever popular Facebook. ICSFTH

While it is a Navy-centric blog (for that is what he knows best) he does dabble in politics, current events and other topics sure to spark a discussion. And let me tell ya, the man can write. Good sense of humor and he's well-informed.

He reminds of someone I once knew.

Check it out, I think you will be pleased.