If you grew up in the 1970s, you probably know Colonel Steve Austin. He was an astronaut and test pilot who became the world's first bionic man after a horrific plane crash. Steve Austin was fictional, but that plane crash was real...and so was the pilot; his name was Bruce Peterson.

Bruce Peterson was a renowned test pilot who made significant contributions to the aviation and aerospace industry. One of his notable achievements was his involvement in developing and testing the M2-F2 lifting body aircraft.

The M2-F2 aircraft was a prototype design for a space shuttle developed in the 1960s. It was a hybrid aircraft that combined features of both airplanes and rockets. The M2-F2 aircraft was designed to fly back to Earth after a space mission, re-enter the atmosphere, and land like a conventional airplane.

Peterson was one of the test pilots who flew the M2-F2 aircraft during its development and testing phase. In May 1967, Peterson experienced a serious crash in the M2-F2 aircraft that nearly cost him his life. During a test flight, the aircraft encountered turbulence, which caused it to roll over and dive into the ground. 

Peterson's crash inspired author Martin Caiden to write the book, "Cyborg," about a test pilot, Colonel Steve Austin, who lost both his legs, an arm, and an eye in a plane crash. The book was made into a TV movie and subsequent series, "The Six Million Dollar Man."  

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/100

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NOTES:

The Beginning of The Real “Six Million Dollar Man”: The M2-F2 Crash.

Cyborg by Martin Caiden

The Six Million Dollar Man on IMDB 

Hannibal Barca (247-183/182 BC) was a Carthaginian general and statesman who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military strategists and tacticians in history. He is most famous for leading an army across the Alps into Italy during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), where he won a series of spectacular victories against the Roman Republic.

Hannibal was born in Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia) to a prominent Barcid family, and was trained in military strategy and tactics by his father, Hamilcar Barca. He fought in several battles alongside his father in the First Punic War (264-241 BC) against Rome.

After the First Punic War, Hannibal became the commander of the Carthaginian forces in Spain. In 218 BC, he famously led his army, including elephants, across the Alps to invade Italy. He won several major victories against the Romans, including the Battles of Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae. However, he was unable to take Rome itself and eventually had to return to Africa to defend Carthage against a Roman invasion.

Hannibal continued to lead Carthaginian forces against Rome for several years, but he was eventually defeated by the Roman general Scipio Africanus at the Battle of Zama in 202 BC. After the war, he went into exile and lived in various places around the Mediterranean, including the court of the Seleucid king Antiochus III in Syria. He eventually took his own life in 183/182 BC to avoid being captured by the Romans who were seeking his extradition.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/99

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As a young boy, Alexander was tutored by the famous philosopher Aristotle, who taught him a range of subjects, including philosophy, politics, and science. Alexander showed great intelligence and a thirst for knowledge, which would serve him well in his later conquests.

When his father was assassinated in 336 BC, Alexander became king at the age of just 20. He immediately set about consolidating his power and expanding his kingdom. He defeated several rebellious city-states, and then turned his attention to the Persian Empire.

In 334 BC, Alexander crossed the Hellespont (a narrow strait separating Europe and Asia Minor) with an army of around 35,000 soldiers, beginning his conquest of Persia. He won a number of battles against the Persian forces, including the famous Battle of Issus in 333 BC, where he defeated the Persian king Darius III.

Alexander continued his conquest of Persia, taking cities and provinces one by one. He famously marched his army through the desert of modern-day Iran to reach the wealthy city of Persepolis, which he captured and looted in 330 BC.

Alexander's empire continued to grow, and he conquered Egypt, Syria, and parts of India. However, his campaign was not without setbacks. His army faced a difficult battle against the Indian king Porus in 326 BC, and after years of non-stop campaigning, Alexander's soldiers began to tire.

In 323 BC, Alexander fell ill in Babylon and died at 32. His death is thought to have been caused by a fever or poison, although the exact cause remains a mystery.

Alexander's legacy was significant. He is remembered as one of the greatest military commanders in history, and his conquests helped to spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the world. Despite his relatively short life, his achievements had a profound impact on the course of history, and he is still widely studied and admired today.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/98

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The Belknap and Kennedy collision was a tragic incident that occurred on December 22, 1975, during a training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The USS John F. Kennedy, an aircraft carrier, collided with the USS Belknap, a guided missile cruiser, causing significant damage to both ships and resulting in the deaths of seven sailors and injuries to dozens more.

The incident began when the Kennedy, which was operating as the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, was conducting a night-time refueling operation with the Belknap. As the Belknap was preparing to take on fuel, it made an abrupt turn to avoid another ship in the formation, and in the process, collided with the Kennedy. The collision caused severe damage to the Belknap's bow, and a large fire broke out on the ship's flight deck.

Despite the efforts of the crew and the other ships and aircraft involved in the rescue response, seven sailors were killed in the incident. The Belknap suffered extensive damage and had to be towed back to port for repairs. The Kennedy also sustained damage but was able to continue its operations.

The Naval Safety Center conducted a thorough investigation of the incident, and it was determined that a series of errors and miscommunications on the part of the crew of the Belknap led to the collision. The crew had failed to properly communicate their intentions to the Kennedy and had not properly set the ship's radar, which led to confusion about the ship's position.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Navy implemented a number of changes in procedures and training to prevent similar incidents in the future. These changes included revisions to the rules of the road for ships at sea, increased emphasis on communication and teamwork during training, and improvements in the design of ships to make them safer and more survivable in the event of a collision.

The Belknap and Kennedy collision was a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of life and significant damage to two ships. However, it also served as a reminder of the importance of proper communication and teamwork in preventing accidents at sea. The lessons learned from the incident have been used to improve safety and training in the US Navy and other navies around the world.

We'd like to give a special thanks to Jody's dad, retired SCPO Roy Hanks, who provided a first-hand account of the events that occurred on that December night. 

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/97

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Sun Tzu of Wu was a great military strategist who lived in ancient China more than 2,500 years ago. His name has become synonymous with military strategy and tactics, and his ideas are still studied and applied today by military leaders and business executives.

Sun Tzu was born into a noble family in the state of Chi somewhere around 544 BC. His grandfather was a provincial governor and his father was an accomplished military general. As a young man, he developed a reputation for his strategic thinking and tactical skill, and he was eventually appointed as a general in the army of Wu.

Sun Tzu's greatest contribution to military strategy came in the form of a book that he wrote, simply called "The Art of War." This book is still considered one of the greatest works of military strategy ever written, and it has been translated into many languages and studied by people worldwide. Considering the countless texts lost or destroyed throughout Chinese history, the remarkable survival and relevance of Sun Tzu's Art of War to this day attest to its immeasurable value.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/96

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NOTES:

The Art of War by Sun Tzu and Thomas Cleary

The Art of War Spirituality for Conflict by Sun Tzu and Thomas Huynh

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Leonidas of Sparta was a legendary figure in ancient Greek history, known for his bravery and leadership during one of the most famous battles in history, the Battle of Thermopylae. He was born into the Agiad dynasty, one of the two ruling dynasties of the Spartan city-state. He was the son of Anaxandridas II and the brother of Cleomenes.

Sparta was known for its strict military training and discipline, and Lionidas' upbringing would have been no exception. From a young age, he would have been trained in the art of war, and would have been expected to adhere to the strict code of conduct that was expected of all Spartan soldiers. This included being physically fit and strong, as well as being mentally disciplined and able to endure great hardship.

Leonidas was chosen as one of the leaders of the Spartan force that fought against the Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. This battle was fought on a narrow pass, where the Greeks could hold off a much larger Persian force for several days. This battle is famous for the bravery and determination of the Greek soldiers, who were vastly outnumbered by the Persians. Lionidas' leadership skills were a major factor in the Greek's ability to hold off the Persians for so long. He personally led the Spartan soldiers into battle, and his courage and determination inspired the other Greeks to fight even when the odds were against them.

Even though the battle was a defeat for the Greeks, Leonidas and his 300 Spartan soldiers fought bravely, and they were able to delay the Persian army, which bought time for the Greek city-states to prepare their defenses. This battle is still remembered as one of the greatest military engagements in history, and Leonidas is remembered as one of the greatest military leaders of all time.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/95

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NOTES:

300 (2006) Staring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, and Rodrigo Santoro at IMDB

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

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We're back! Since this is our first episode of 2023, we pause for a moment to reflect on the last year and give a shout-out to all the folks who make this podcast what it is! Thanks, everyone!

We're also excited to have friend-of-the-show, Michael Shanks, co-host this episode! Michael holds the distinction of being The Digression Podcast's very first listener! He's also the Director of Business Development for Genasys Long Range Acoustic Device (a.k.a. Giant Voice...see episode 12 to learn more!) 

Lt Michael J. Blassie was a United States Air Force pilot who was shot down and killed during the Vietnam War. His remains were initially listed as "unidentified." They were interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery by President Ronald Regan in 1984 as part of a group of remains representing unidentified servicemen killed in the Vietnam War.

The controversy surrounding Michael J. Blassie centers on the identification of his remains. The remains were exhumed in 1998 and identified through DNA testing, revealing that they belonged to Blassie. This caused some controversy because some people believed that the Tomb of the Unknowns should remain just that, unknown and that the remains should not have been identified and removed. Additionally, some concerns identifying Blassie's remains would diminish the sacrifices of other unknown soldiers interred at the tomb.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, United States. The tomb was first established in 1921 to honor unknown soldiers from World War I. Unknown soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were later added, and a separate crypt was established in 1984 to honor unknowns from the Vietnam War.

The Tomb is guarded by members of the United States Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). The guards are responsible for maintaining a 24-hour vigil at the tomb and performing a formal changing of the guard ceremony every hour on the hour, year-round. The ceremony is open to the public and is a popular attraction at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is considered a symbol of sacrifice and honor for all of the United States service members who have died in service to their country. It serves as a reminder of the cost of war and the sacrifices made by those who have served in America's armed forces.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/94

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Notes:

World War II vet Cpl Jack Eaton, a former Sentinel, who, at age 100, returned to Arlington to visit the Tomb he guarded from 1938-1940

Christmas has always been an important holiday in the U.S., but it took on a special meaning during World War II (1941-45) because so many families had loved ones serving in the armed forces that they were not able to return home for Christmas. Although the Second World War did not have holidays, Americans both at home and overseas did everything they could to celebrate Christmas. Christmas 1941 was not much different for most Americans than the year before, even though the disaster of Pearl Harbor had occurred just weeks earlierIt is sad to remember when looking back on Christmas 1940, that the holiday was not a joyous one for all Americans. The Christmas season offered the hope that although so many were absent this year, the war might end the following year, and missing family members could come home. The G.I.s, not yet at home at Christmastime in 1940, celebrated anyway, happy to be back on American soil.

Ironically, although GIs abroad could not be with their families at that time, their fighting the war ensured they would be free to spend future Christmas holidays with their families. Citizens even volunteered to sacrifice a Christmas spent with family back home in America to bring veterans home for New Year's Eve.

So masses of American servicemen--some 250,000 of them, some carrying brand-new discharge papers, others only days or two from separation--found themselves on American soil again on Christmas Day, 1945, but still not entirely at home. The war's end barely meant the 2,000,000 men and women eligible for separation--those who might have been done on active duty--were back at home on the two civilians when America's Christmas came.

In the Pacific, the Americans involved in a costly island-hopping tour to the Philippines and Japan were unaware of Christmas. Being separated from family and friends over the holidays made the wars all the more difficult for those serving, but creativity and generosity made Christmas meaningful and memorable. Any widespread Christmas Day truce for 1944 was not possible, because only nine days before Christmas, the Germans launched the largest counteroffensive of the war in the West, which led to the Battle of the Bulge and a ferocious battle for the entire holiday.

The first German Christmas of World War II was celebrated in December 1939, when the front was mostly quiet; the western allies and region were at the height of what was called a phony war, in between the time following the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the invasion of Norway in April 1940. There were few opportunities for similar events during the Second World War since American troops were only in relatively close contact with German forces in North Africa and Italy before the D-Day landings in 1944. While the 1914 Christmas Truce has achieved legendary status in the history of World War I, little has been written about comparable events involving American troops.

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/93

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The spy satellite photos created real panic in the Pentagon! An enormous Soviet airplane–probably an interceptor–with engine intakes the size of small cars. The wings were huge, which suggested it had maneuverability far beyond anything America’s McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II could achieve. The Pentagon was looking at the prototypes of what would become the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat. After the airplane appeared in public for the first time in July 1967 and went on a record-setting spree, it appeared the Soviets had a wonder weapon that could match the best in the West–the Mach 3.2 Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird spyplane. This was a terrifying development. That is, if it were true…

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/92

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NOTES:

The MiG 25 terrified the West until a defector exposed its true nature

Mikoyan MiG-25

This legendary Soviet aircraft’s engines were basically two missiles jammed into a fuselage

Impressive photos show Viktor Belenko’s defecting MiG-25 Foxbat buzzing Hakodate rooftops before landing at the city’s international airport

Viktor Belenko

IN THE NEWS: YouTube censors TDP; Family sues Army over Fort Hood daughter's death; Bonnie Dick sailor acquitted; Maveric's Dark Star steals the show at Edwards; Ukraine meme war; Elon Musk wants DoD to pay for Starlink in Ukraine; Mad cow military can give blood; Selective service says biological men are men; Space Force has a Hanna-Barbera song; Space Force Metalhead Guardians; USAF Academy applications drop and leader's it's not due to woke policies; Still, there's lotsa woke in the USAF; Delayed promotions for the E4 mafia; Army's Pre-boot camp boot camp; Navy wants YOU, Gen Z; Titty vision; Vets get a pay raise! And more!

Show notes at https://thedigressionpodcast.com/91

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NOTES:

FOLLOW-UP:

Family of murdered Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen files $35M lawsuit against U.S. Army

TDP: ep 32: Fort Hoodlum w/ SFC Ron Barteau

Sailor Found Not Guilty of Setting Fire on USS Bonhomme Richard

Here Are The First Images Of Lockheed Darkstar On Display At Edwards AFB

UKRAINE UPDATE:

Meme war: You can pay to get memes painted on Ukrainian artillery, bombs, and rockets

The Subsidy King Is Back: Elon Musk Asks Pentagon to Pay for Starlink Internet in Ukraine

PENTAGON:

US military personnel barred from blood donation by ‘mad cow disease’ fears receive eligibility

Biden admin: Trans women must register for draft; trans men don’t have to

SPACE FORCE:

Space Force debuts its official service song ‘Semper Supra’

US Space Force tests robot dogs to patrol Cape Canaveralhttps://www.space.com/space-force-robot-dogs-cape-canaveral

Netflix: Broken Mirror, S4E5, Metalhead

AIR FORCE:

Exclusive–Qualified Air Force Academy Applicants Drop 46% amid Recruiting Crisis

Air Force leaders set new goals to diversify officer corps

Air Force Academy promotes fellowship that bans ‘cisgender' men: ‘This program isn’t for you’

U.S. Forces Ordered to Stop Using Gender Pronouns to Improve ‘Lethality’

Senator Hawley speaks out about military recruitment

Aim high: Air Force green-lights waivers for THC-positive applicants

More senior airmen, fewer overall enlisted expected in next few years

ARMY:

The Army’s pre-boot camp boot camp is likely to expand

NAVY:

New Navy Ad Campaign Kicks Off Targeting Gen Zs on Social Media

MARINES:

Marine drill instructors’ crude sexual remarks prompt boot camp visits

VETERANS:

Veterans, retirees get 8.7% Social Security cost-of-living boost