Today in US Military History: F-14 rides off into the sunset, and "The Fighting Marine"

Unto the Breach ^ | Sept. 22, 2017 | Chris Carter

[fugazi]

1776: When Gen. George Washington asks for volunteers to go behind enemy lines and report on British troop movements in New York City. Capt. Nathan Hale is the only man to step forward. A fire devastates the city shortly after falling into British hands, and Hale is one of some 200 Americans swept up in the aftermath. Legend states that before Hale is hung, he tells his audience that "My only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country."

1927: One year after Gene "The Fighting Marine" Tunney defeats Jack Dempsey and becomes heavyweight champion, the two square off again in one of boxing's most famous matches. In what will be Dempsey's last fight, the former champ manages to knocks down Tunney - a veteran of World War I - for the first time in Tunney's career, but loses the rematch in a unanimous decision. The Fighting Marine, victorious in all but one of his professional matches, will retire after successfully defending his title following his second fight with Dempsey.

1950: Gen. Omar Bradley is promoted to General of the Army. Bradley is the ninth - and last - American officer to wear five stars. While serving as the first Chairman of the newly formed Joint Chiefs of Staff, Bradley will be instrumental in removing fellow five-star general Douglas MacArthur following his public clashes with the Truman Administration.

That same day in Korea, the Communists are in full-scale retreat after being outflanked by the landing at Inchon and the breakout of the Pusan Perimeter.

1975: President - and former Lt. Cmdr. in the Naval Reserve - Gerald Ford survives his second assassination attempt in 17 days when former Marine Oliver Sipple disrupts the attack by hitting the would-be assassin's gun arm before she can kill

[fugazi]

If you are in your early 40s or late 30s and didn't want to become an F-14 pilot at some point during your childhood (after watching TOP GUN), you aren't wired right.

[C19fan]

I went to the air show at the Oceana NAS in Virginia Beach last weekend. The show is great but must have been awesome during the 80s when the Navy was flying all sorts of planes including the Tomcat.

[fugazi]

Interesting side note: after the passing of “Jiggs,” the Marine Corps’ first mascot in 1927, Tunney donates his hard-charging English Bulldog to the Corps, which is renamed “Jiggs II.”

[Mr.Unique]

If you are in your early 40s or late 30s and didn't want to become an F-14 pilot at some point during your childhood (after watching TOP GUN), you aren't wired right.

But not if it was the "Playin with the Boys" scene.  

[Neidermeyer]

TOP GUN was a chick flick ,, Tom Cruise was equally billed with Debra Winger .. and cruise is fruity,, always has been despite his beards.

[fugazi]

But not if it was the "Playin with the Boys" scene. Lol. But if you can't show off for the ladies, what is the point of being a fighter jock in the first place?

[SJSAMPLE]

I think you’re mixing your chick flicks.
Debra Winger = An Officer and a Gentleman.
Kelly McGillis = Top Gun.

Winger has aged much better.

[OregonRancher]

Amen to that!!

[Tucker39]

Get it right! Not, “....one life to lose for my country.” It’s “....one life to GIVE for my Country.”

[doorgunner69]

Was working at Pt Mugu about the time the F-14 was being phased out. The VX squadron there still flew them.

If they came into the field from "alpha lagoon" and did a carrier break right over out building, it was ear shattering.

Cool as hell to look up and see the shock diamonds in the exhaust. I swear they tried to make as much noise as possible.

[T-Bone Texan]

Tom Cruise must’ve been wearing stilts for that scene.

He’s a little guy.