Free Republic

The wide tracks of Soviet T-34S and colossal KV-1S crunched through the snow. Night had fallen west of Belgorod on March 15, 1943. The Soviet tank column was headed toward a village, looking for shelter for the night. Although the village appeared deserted, the Soviet commander was wary. For days now there had been heavy fighting, with the Nazis trying to recapture Kharkov from the Soviets. The T-34s fired incendiary shells, setting ablaze a few peasant huts. When nothing moved, the tanks rumbled into the village. The commander’s tank came to halt, unaware that the muzzle of a Tiger tank...

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel was protested by a large group in the audience in an event he attended in Hamburg’s historic theater because of the German tanks used in the Afrin attacks. A large group in the audience started chanting slogans against the German made Leopard II tanks being used in the attacks and massacres against Afrin as they held up banners when Gabriel started his speech. Gabriel and the protesters had a short argument. A banner that read “Turkey bombs Germany profits” was put up on one side of the hall and another that read “Solidarity with Kurdistan”...

A FRENCH ASSESSMENT OF THE PANTHER TANK Professional historians and military history buffs alike often describe the German Panther tank as the best German tank, and perhaps the best tank overall, of the second world war.  It had a powerful and accurate high-velocity 75mm gun, its frontal armor was almost invulnerable to most allied anti-tank weapons, and it had a powerful engine, broad tracks and a suspension system that gave it high speed, excellent cross-country capability and a smooth ride.  What more could a tanker want? In truth a tanker could ask for much more.  The Panther’s story is...

The undercover British officer crept silently through the bushes, his tartan kilt a bizarre form of dress for a man who did not want to be conspicuous. Then he stopped to take in the awesome might of the enemy. Through the gloom, he could make out the 15,000 battle-scarred men and 200 machines of the cruellest and most feared of all the SS forces in war-torn France in the summer of 1944. Parked up for the night, their tanks, half-tracks and heavy guns stretched as far as his eyes could see. How could he and the tiny band of amateurish...

FLINT, Michigan -- Will Foster never has too much trouble getting a parking spot for his second vehicle. After all, who's going to argue with a guy driving a half-scale Panzer tank complete with a working air cannon? -snip Roughly the size of a small car, Foster's tank can reach speeds of around 20 mph with its three-cylinder diesel engine. Just like the real thing, the tank runs on treads and has a 360-degree cannon powered by compressed air from a scuba tank. Its camouflaged plywood exterior has become a curious fixture at Foster's Theta Xi fraternity house, where it...

Being a Freeper for 4 years...not sure I am doing this right, but hoping to get a chat going for the Wisconsin Primary results. Polls closed a few minutes ago at 8pm CST. Big race#1: Who will challenge Russ Feingold for Senate this year. There is a decent chance to unseat the guy. Strong 3-way race between two millionaires (Russ Darrow, Tim Michels) and Bob Welch (state assembly) Big race#2: A liberal Republican who was majority speaker of the State Senate is being challenged by a conservative assembly person. Glen Grothman vs. Mary Panzer. At stake is the direction of...

Madison - Republican lawmakers began planning Friday for a special session of the Legislature next week to vote on a constitutional amendment still being written that would limit spending by state and local governments. Reversing a decision made weeks ago, Senate Majority Leader Mary Panzer (R-West Bend) called for a quick vote on a possible constitutional amendment and a separate three-year plan to limit the property tax levies of local governments. The Legislature faces a deadline of next weekend to give initial approval to a constitutional amendment to meet an Aug. 3 deadline for its publication. The amendment - which...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...