Bullets And Missiles

USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413)   The USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), a humble destroyer escort of the United States Navy, etched its name into history during one of World War II’s most dramatic naval engagements. Commissioned in 1944, this John C. Butler-class ship exemplified courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Its story is not just one of wartime heroism but also a testament to the critical role destroyer escorts played in securing Allied victory.   Background and Design   The Samuel B. Roberts was part of a class of destroyer escorts designed for anti-submarine warfare and convoy protection. Named after Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts, Jr., a Navy Cross recipient killed at Guadalcanal in 1942, the ship measured 306 feet in length and displaced 1,400 tons. Though modest in size and armament compared to battleships or carriers, it carried three 5-inch guns, torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-aircraft weapons—tools sufficient for its role as a guardian...

  Gen. Douglas MacArthur wades ashore during initial landings at Leyte, Philippine Islands.   World War II witnessed the rise of military leaders whose strategies and resilience shaped the course of history. Among them, General Douglas MacArthur emerged as a central figure in the Pacific Theater, orchestrating pivotal campaigns that turned the tide against Imperial Japan. His leadership, marked by bold strategic decisions and an unwavering commitment to liberating occupied territories, cemented his legacy as one of America’s most iconic wartime commanders. This essay examines MacArthur’s campaigns during the war, focusing on his defense of the Philippines, innovative island-hopping strategy, triumphant return to the Philippines, and post-war contributions to Japan’s reconstruction.   The Fall and Retreat from the Philippines (1941–1942)   When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, General MacArthur was stationed in the Philippines as commander of U.S. Army...

  Saab Jas 39 Gripen  The Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a multirole fighter aircraft hailing from Sweden, embodies a unique approach to aerospace engineering—one that prioritizes agility, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Emerging from a nation with a history of neutrality and a need for self-reliance, the Gripen represents a strategic blend of advanced technology and pragmatic design. Its development reflects Sweden's commitment to maintaining a credible defense force without incurring exorbitant costs, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries in the global fighter market.   At its core, the Gripen is a lightweight, single-engine aircraft designed for a wide spectrum of missions, ranging from air-to-air combat to reconnaissance and ground attack. Saab's design philosophy emphasizes versatility, enabling the Gripen to operate from short runways, highways, and even austere bases—a critical capability for dispersed operations in varied environments. This operational flexi...

  Mikhail Kalashnikov   The AK-47, an abbreviation for Avtomat Kalashnikova and its year of adoption, 1947, is more than just a firearm; it is a cultural and historical icon that has shaped the landscape of modern warfare and global politics. Designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, this Soviet assault rifle has become the most ubiquitous firearm in the world, renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. Its enduring legacy is one of revolution, conflict, and widespread proliferation, influencing military strategies, geopolitical dynamics, and even popular culture.   The AK-47's development was rooted in the experiences of World War II, where the need for a compact, reliable, and automatic weapon became evident. Kalashnikov's design ingeniously combined elements from existing firearms, such as the American M1 Garand and the German StG 44, to create a robust and easily mass-produced weapon. Officially adopted by the Soviet armed forces in 1949, the AK-47 quickly be...

Delta Force bodyguards in civilian clothing providing close protection to General Norman Schwarzkopf during the Gulf War     The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), commonly known as Delta Force, stands as one of the U.S. Army's premier special operations units. Tasked with complex, covert, and high-risk missions, Delta Force operates under the direct operational control of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Often called by names such as Combat Applications Group (CAG), Army Compartmented Elements (ACE), "The Unit," and Task Force Green, this elite group is renowned for its expertise in counter-terrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance. Delta Force's missions are frequently directed by the highest levels of government, including the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense, highlighting its strategic importance in national security.   Historical Origins and Mission Evolution   The establishment of Delt...

General George S. Patton, commander of Third Army (left), meets Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, temporary commander of the 101st Airborne Division   The Battle of the Bulge, a desperate German offensive launched in December 1944, stands as a critical juncture in World War II. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the German breakthrough, General George S. Patton emerged as a pivotal figure, orchestrating a daring maneuver that not only relieved besieged American forces but also significantly contributed to the ultimate Allied victory. Patton's audacious strategy, coupled with his unwavering determination and the rapid execution of his orders, transformed a potential disaster into a decisive turning point in the war.   As the German offensive surged through the Ardennes Forest, creating a significant bulge in the Allied lines, American units found themselves encircled and isolated. The 101st Airborne Division, holding the vital crossroads town of Bastogne, became...

  China's 9 dash line map   The South China Sea, a critical waterway for global trade and resource exploitation, has long been a focal point of territorial disputes. At the heart of these tensions lies China’s nine-dash line, a demarcation used to assert sovereignty over vast maritime zones and island chains. This controversial claim, rooted in historical narratives and geopolitical ambitions, has drawn sharp criticism from neighboring states and international bodies, raising questions about maritime law, regional stability, and China’s role in the Indo-Pacific.   Historical Origins and Evolution   The concept of the nine-dash line emerged in the early 20th century. In 1947, the Republic of China (ROC) government published a map with an 11-dash line encircling most of the South China Sea, including the Paracel and Spratly Islands. After the Communist Party established the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949, two dashes in the Gulf of Tonkin were removed, leaving...

    Sukhoi Su-57 The Sukhoi Su-57 represents a significant leap forward in Russian military aviation, embodying the nation's ambition to field a cutting-edge, multirole fighter aircraft capable of competing with the world's most advanced aerial platforms. Born from the PAK FA (Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation) program, the Su-57 is more than just a single aircraft; it is intended as the cornerstone of a new generation of stealth combat aircraft, designed to address the evolving challenges of modern aerial warfare.   One of the Su-57's defining features is its incorporation of stealth technology, a first for Russian military aircraft. This capability, combined with its multirole design, allows the Su-57 to perform a wide array of missions, from achieving air superiority to conducting precision strikes against ground and maritime targets. The aircraft's advanced design includes features such as supermaneuverability and supercruise, enabling it to operate...