I remember the small commissary. U.S. Thank you for the pictures! I saw the aerial shot of the facility and recognized the buildings I lived in so that was what, over 50 years ago now .. wow. Hope all are doing well. Itschner Award 1979 - A Company, 12th Engineer Battalion - For the most outstanding engineer company in the USArmy. E-72 was my MAB. Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969) Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969). I believe I may have served with you. Thinking of my friends there: Todd and Iris Usnik, Mike Garland, Randy and Denise Russo, Ellen Reeves, Mark and Jennifer Saelens, Kevin Booher, Mike Beaugrand, RJ Grimes, Steve, Jeff Cross, Clint Keller, and anyone else I may have missed. Alicia McCullough (now different name). This is SP4 Brockwell "Brock" I was at the Heim from 76-79. Great memories!! Alexandria, Viriqinia (1977-81); and battal ion commander, 12th Engineer Battalion, Dexheim, Germany (1981-83). Unfortunately, I've lost track of the guys I served with. The previous information was provided to me during orientation upon arrival at Anderson Barracks 12th Engineer Battalion (Combat) around September 1977. Thank you so much again for helping me February 1952 followed by West Germany on 9 May 1955. It remained at home station as the rear detachment. My father was also there during the sametime he was specialist 5 Peter Weeks if you knew him please contact me he recently passed and would like to know details my email is realweeks1981@yahoo.com my name is Peter Weeks Jr thank you. Dexheim - Mannheim, Germany - 12th Engineer Battalion - US Army. I was there when the Germans floated the "Shark" down the Rhine to haul out the MABs. Ref:https://www.same.org/Be-Involved/Itschner-Plaque [3], Full history of unit[[CITE|1|https://openlibrary.org/search?q=The%20previous%20information%20was%20provided%20to%20me%20during]], Decorations and timeline[[CITE|2|https://openlibrary.org/search?q=These%20Awards%20and%20Decorations%20were%20obtained%20by%20gett]], Training for deployment Sept 1942 to November 1943, 4 July 4, 1944 landed at Normandy across Utah Beach and/or Omaha Beach (have found differing references)( 8th Infantry Division Wikipedia page has the Division landing at Utah Beach, citing U.S. When I got there it was sitting in the corner of the motor pool neglected. I was an Army wife at Dexheim from October 1980 through May 1983. Met a lot of good guys there, some I've ran into all these years later. Miller company clown.Conan t. clayton, some great times on weekend passes to Amsterdam, Mainz. Was stationed in Dexhiem from 1978 to 1981 with 12th Eng Bn. Lived on the second floor until my wife moved down and we got a 3rd flr apartment down in Nierstein. We lived in the row of buildings that were (I was told) WW2 German Officer quarters. I was in 2nd Platoon SFC Hammond was my Platoon Sergeant.SGT M. Bloom, I was an Army wife in Dexheim 1985 to 1987. Their was a radar station and missile storage area. The police said they belonged to the 12th Engineering Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, and B Battery, Second Battalion, First Air Defense Artillery. If you didn't have a car it was wait for the evening pass van or hitch hike to town 3 miles away. I married a local girl from Oppenheim. Jumped all over Germany and even down at Pau, France. I remember the whole base bldg and all ..I honor all my 12th eng friends miss you guys . Was one of the best duty station I served at. Was a military wife in Dexheim from 1974-1978. That job and some of the other prepared me later when i became first the Director of the Water Purification School and then later First Sergent of the 54th Quartermaster Company. 12th engineer battalion dexheim w germany The 12th Engineers are constantly training in their Engineer Support Role, conducting bridge operations on the Rhein, performing earth-moving tasks in community assistance projects, and constantly demonstrating readiness to live up to their motto. Thanks VetFriends, It was a wonderful moment that we will both remember for the rest of our lives, and we owe it to VetFriends. What an experience, but would not change a thing. Lived in Dexheim. I was at the "heim" from 79-82 in HHC 1st plot BMO left army in May of 82 returned to Germany that June married the love of my life.We lived in Guntersblum and I worked at Kummerling in Bodennheim till I returned to the states in 86 miss it A LOT Dan Wilt. Worked in Tech Supply. Thank you for signing up for the VetFriends Newsletter! 12th Engineer Battalion (United States) - Wikipedia The battalion is heavily equipped with a vast array of construction machinery capable of supporting any engineer task required to support the 8th Infantry Division. He has been deceased for 18 years now. Altwiki At that time billets consisted of huts in the National Guard area of Fort Jackson. PDF www.poa.usace.army.mil Lots of bittersweet memories at this base, and of course changes. IF anyone from those years, would be great to hear from you guy's. Today the 12th engineer Battalion with its headquarters in Dexheim, undertakes Engineer construction throughout the 8th Infantry Division. Add to cart. Thanks for the memories! Project Managment & Engineering Branch Head - LinkedIn To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. In addition, an atomic demolition munitions platoon gives the division an added defense capability. The cadre was picked from the 1st Engineers at Fort DuPont, Del., and from the 7th Engineers at Ft. Custer, MI. I've been trying to reconnect with a few of my old buddy's including Moe, Jeff Little, Finny, Dexter etc. My nick name to get into a room was RUGG. Parked on the road out front could only see the Company buildings and the old front entrance guard hut. Dual Primed The front gate is different and a lot nicer than it was.I was in A Co 2nd PLT 5 Ton driver from 1974-1976. Any old buddies feel free to contact me at duanebradshaw@gmx.comGreg Bradshaw, I was in Bmo @that same time. 2023 Copyright VetFriends.com. I am almost 60, but for a moment there I was 18 again. Spent some very interesting time on the border when we thought we were about to go to war! The Bonn Government said last week that 328 people have died so far this year as a result of heroin addiction. Who can forget A co for a**ho*le not airborne, ECHO River Rats and Alzey, RASTAPUS Drinking boutshard hitting slug fests that followedgrinning like morons standing before Company CO for an article 15and the ADM weinies who hid in the back of the motorpoolYUP , those are the memories. And the guy I really didn't like much SSG. son born there at BK. It started on May 10, with about ten thousand men and three thousand vehicles from the 8th Division, as well as hundreds of Germans, Scottish, and Belgian troopers. The next move was a distinct change. It was a wonderful moment that we will both remember for the rest of our lives, and we owe it to VetFriends. It is really nice to see this. It was not clear what charges would be brought against the Americans. The Battalion was lodged at Camp Forest, Tennessee in a tent city, While its strength was brought almost up to normal. Such fond memories of wine fests, the autobahn, trips to East Germany when the wall was up, Wednesday night schnitzel, bicycle tours, "dinner parties" in our rinky dink apartment with the best patio garden, chariot races, and the gracious German people. But you could take a worker train to bigger towns fairly easily. Hopefully they will clean up the place and use it for future use. Was there 1970 to 1973. Whoever can help with history of Camp Eschborn, please add your memories of the place as it used to be in the 70's through 90's. They had just built a new barracks for us. Did you proudly serve in 12TH ENGINEER BATTALION, DEXHEIM, GERMANY? Bn. I remember the Chapel well, I got to do special duty as the Chaplins assistant for a time. Headquarters and Service Company awarded Meritorious Unit Streamer embroidered European Theatre. 12TH ENGINEER BATTALIONU.S. 1SG Climente always made the company spell his name during formations. operations officer, 5th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (1075-77); professional development officer and branch chief, Engineer Branch, . CENTAG wartime structure in 1989 - WikiMili.com ARMYDEXHEIM, GERMANYSet of 5 Coasters_____This listing is for a set of 5 coasters made from metal which looks like heavy aluminum (like trench art)..from . It was a HQ company. Great brothers in arms and a great country to be in. My last name is Ruggiero.. Stationed there there in 84-85. Do you have 12TH ENGINEER BATTALION, DEXHEIM, GERMANY Reunion information you'd like to share, "When I Joined VetFriends, I read about the email locator service, and sent an email to my old friend. SP4 Tom Morrison Served with B-5-1, the Nike battery from 1968-1970. This change took place on August 22, 1942, and from December 1942 until February 1943, when Major Fry was sent to Engineer School, the command of the Battalion was administered by Major James C. Taylor. Got lifted into engineer boat about a mile down from crossing sight. Would love to reconnect with Diana Finney, Director of the college, or anyone else that remembers me. 2,951,373, MILITARY UNITS - 12th Engineer Battalion, Dexheim Germany. 12TH ENGINEER BATTALION, DEXHEIM, GERMANY Air Force Units Army Units Coast Guard Units Marine Corps Units Navy Units Become a VetFriends Member Site Map Search Veterans & Personnel Photos, Humor, Stories & More Military Records & Resources Reunions, Parades, & Events Online Catalog About VetFriends My Profile MetLife Veteran Insurance Discounts I had hoped to go back someday but I'm not so sure I want to see it in its current condition. Honor, Duty, Country.Wheelsof Steel. The battalion took to the road again and ended up in the lively and bustling Laguna Desert Camp in Arizona. The battalion is heavily equipped with a vast array of construction machinery capable of supporting any engineer task required to support the 8th Infantry Division. Great memories was a little sad to see a place that had so much life and energy closed up.SP/5 Newlin. You had the Motor pool the theatre/ bank/snack bar/enlisted club/barbershop, then across from that was HQ offices and the parade field and dependent quarters and officers club, then from the front you had HQ company followed by A-E Company Barracks, then the Recreation Center and Gym. .. papamike69 I was on the mabs when they sank in the rhine Jan 25, 1977.Hit my head on deck railing when I went into freezing cold river. CLAIRE L. GAMBACCINI TO WED IN NOVEMBER - The New York Times 12, Headquarters, Fourth Corps Area. 12th Engineer Battalion - extreme-honor Stationed at Anderson in Charly Company 70 till 73. 12th Engineer Battalion Change of Command 1979 - YouTube Echo-34 was mine. Equipped with Mobile Assault Bridge (MAB) units which can be driven on land, and then launched into water to link up with one another (to form a complete bridge, or a series of ferries) the MAB's enable the entire division to cross the Rhein River. I have not seen Anderson Barricks for long time, until recently. Loved my time in Germany and all the traveling with Charles Hodges; miss you Hodges: My best friend and room mate Sgt Hodges; we were young but he, as I see it now at 63, was a man's man even then, a solid upstanding soldier and friend. Romero J Aco. Mike Fleming, I was stationed in Dexheim from June 1984 to December 1985 in Bravo Company. Ranger, Airborne and Engineer Basic provided a little better perspective but not much and so after completing Engineer Officer Basic Course, I was turned loose on U.S. Army Europe's (USAEUR) 12th Engineer Battalion located in the tiny hamlet of Dexheim, West Germany. Thanks for the pictures. so cold I couldn't even move my arms or legs. Major Charles H.Mason took over the command in August 1941 and was subsequently followed by Major Edmund M. Fry. Phillip A. Connally Award 1979 for the best field mess in USAREUR and Runner-up in the RA. Today,. Had the duty a couple times working the courtesy patrol going around to all the haunts picking up all the drunks in the 3/4 ton and taking them back to the 12th. Float Bridge Company This company did not deploy to Southwest Asia. The Battalion moved with the 8th Infantry Division to Nuremberg, Germany in October 1956. 12th Engineer Battalion "Dual Primed" "Dual Prime - Never Fails!" (Anderson Barracks, Dexheim, Germany) Also includes roster for TF 33d Engineers (Provisional) "Task Force Thunder Echo" "Semper Gumby" The 12th Engineer Battalion deployed to Southwest Asia from Dexheim, Germany. Only 3 tires, hydraulics inop, as well as other problems. Welcome to the Draft Army - 1970 - The Days Forward 12th Engineer Battalion (Estados Unidos) - 12th Engineer Battalion Thanks for the pics! 12th Engineer Battalion - Dexheim, Germany - Facebook 54th engineer battalion wildflecken germany - roci.biz My barracks looked more like a college co-ed dorm than it looked ion 1955, in the "old army.". Sp4 Sam Whitlow August 9th 2017. There was a movie theater and the post chapel where I went to Sunday school but not much else. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Anderson Barracks, Dexheim Germany - GlobalSecurity.org The Battalion was lodged at Camp Forest, Tennessee in a tent city, While its strength was brought almost up to normal. The weather at this time was bitterly cold, And right in the middle of one of the worst cold spells, the Battalion moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969) Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969). Miss my friends: RJ Grimes, Todd & Iris Usnik, Randy & Denise Russo, Jennifer and Mark Saelens, Ellen Reeves, Kevin Booher, Steve, Mike Beaugrand, Jeff Cross, Mike Garland, Clint Keller, and any one else I missed. The occupation of Germany - 17th Armored Engineer Battalion in World War 2 In its role as the division Engineer Battalion the 12th has the mission of providing general engineer support to the various elements of the division. Wow the memories. Thanks God Bless here is my cell 806 200 0516, I worked at the Community Bank from 1986 until 2000-Army wife- my husband was stationed at Finthen Army Airfielld. I was special weapons, ADM weinie 1961-1965. World War II distinguished Unit Streamer embroidered Hurtgen Forest. He is an alumnus of the United. 23d Engineer Battalion - 3rd Armored Division Thanks for making it possible, Thanks so much VetFriends.com for your help and genuine concern for locating this long lost buddy of mine, Please Enter a Valid email address with no spaces, VetFriends Members: This is a brief History of the 12th Engineer Combat Battalion, an integral part of the 8th Infantry Division: This is the story of the men who cleared the way. This is the episode of the GI Combat Engineers; of the man who, when asked Can you place a cable across the Rohr River? answered, Sir, it is impossible to get a cable across the Rohr and keep it there, but we will do it somehow! They did. Looking for anyone that was in the military who knew Kenneth Stanton and Michelle Stanton we wrre there around yr 82-86 Stanton was in the 12th eng battalion I worked at the mess hall also as a laborer I'm aso looking for sum of the friends I worked with American wives Pauline, Sharon, I remember sharon was frn south corolina any info would be appreciated finding old friends. Great times at the heim including pass van to Nerstein for yager schnitzel, PT in the wine fields, ski trip to Garmish, Costa Brava Spain trip, tent city, those long convoys to the field. Within I believe was 2-3 weeks of being getting there the Co. went on a trip to lake Kimsee and one of our men dround. Every time I hear Freeboard now it takes me back to that round table in the Dexheim mess hall with Jack Bishop, Smitty Babcock, Leonard White, Carl Cannon, Jess Nack, Jack Vaughn all E Co. SGTs.CPT. Hope some day you read this and forgive me! i was their from 1193 to 1996 on hill 501st mi went their right out of high school and is where i got a dose of growing up and wish their was more picts of dexheim for memories. Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969) Luxembourg Croix de Guerre, Streamer embroidered LUXEMBOURG (8th Inf Div cited; DAGO 59, 1969). To see her before it's gone. I remember very cold winters. Sign up to receive our newsletter regarding Veterans, Reunions, Military, Veteran Benefits, Military Pictures, Jokes, Military History, Personal Information. Major Charles H.Mason took over the command in August 1941 and was subsequently followed by Major Edmund M. Fry. We wonder about the rest that served with us in the artillery unit we served in. 12th Engineer Battalion, Dexheim, Germany? - VetFriends Anderson Barracks - Army Barracks Three U.S. Charlie Company (TF 33 Engineers) 12th ENGINEER BATTALION, US Army, DEXHEIM GERMANY - Vintage 5 Coasters This move was accomplished by truck, And by the time the organization reached their destination, it seemed problematical in the minds of many of the men whether they would ever again resume a semblance of straight posture. 12th Engineer Battalion The 12th Engineer Battalion was activated 1 July 1940, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina as an organic element of the 8th Infantry Division In July 1944 the battalion deployed to the European Theatre, landing at Omaha Beach in support of the greatest landing operation in history 24 U.S. This battalion was originally organic to the 8th Infantry Division as the division engineer battalion but deployed in Support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm as part of the 3d Armored Division. The weather at this time was bitterly cold, And right in the middle of one of the worst cold spells, the Battalion moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. In order to preserve its historical information and accuracy I have transcribed it here. A blog about the time that passed and the traces it left behind. The next move was a distinct change. The 12th Engineers are constantly training in their Engineer Support Role, conducting bridge operations on the Rhein, performing earth-moving tasks in community assistance projects, and constantly demonstrating readiness to live up to their motto. Great memories of the movie theatre and the bowling alley and of course, the PX. The Battalion was lodged at Camp Forest, Tennessee in a tent city, While its strength was brought almost up to normal. Fortunately he had also become a member and responded to my email. A Co, 12th Engineer Battalion, 8th ID USAREUR Deployments (3 years) 1985 - 1988. How cool is that. I am glad I came upon this site. Do you have 12TH ENGINEER BATTALION, DEXHEIM GERMANY Reunion information you'd like to share, "When I Joined VetFriends, I read about the email locator service, and sent an email to my old friend. Army Pfc. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Behind the Barracks they had storage buildings and the NCO/club, everything was compacted together. Subsequently, the Battalion participated in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and Luxembourg. Redesignated as the 12th Combat Engineer Battalion 15 June 1954. The usual basic training was given the Battalion while at Ft. Jackson, and it was here that they also received their foretaste of what real combat would be like while they were on Carolina maneuvers in the fall of 1941. Forgotten memories: Dexheim - Anderson Barracks - Blogger medical exam room sink requirements; green lake funeral home It is believed to be the only full division-sized crossing of the Rhein ever attempted during maneuvers. The next move was a distinct change. I remember my kids waking up and looking out the windows and saying ooh and ahh about seeing "Christmas Trees" behind housing. Its really hard to look at these photos and not get emotional I had so many really great memories there. The suspected ringleader was a 25yearold West German woman, the police said. Dexheim is a small village situated near the Rhein River in the heart of. 12th engineer battalion dexheim w germany. However, Major Fry returned to the outfit to remain the guiding hand through all the Battalion's campaigns. German and Americans alike - My heart is pounding as I think of all the memories I made there with the 12th Engr Bn. My name is Monika and I'm looking for my father , he was stationed until 1983 in Dexheim . I have always appreciated the advice and comradeship that we had in the 12th and consider the people that I came into contact with in Dexhiem (all companys), part of my family and one of the reasons that i was able to move up in ranks later on. Gibbens. I was there under the leadership of 1st Sergeant Mohs, I remember his brand of PT and his infamous morning runs through the local countryside. Veteran L. Prickett, "Dear VetFriends, Thanks so much for your help! In Delta Company for some time then got transfered to HHC. Looking for William Hodge III. 553 members Join group About Discussion More About Discussion About this group Place to catch up with folks that served in the 12th at Dexheim. It was reactivated on 17 August 1950 at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina again as an organic element of the 8th Infantry Division. Campaign Streamers for: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and Luxembourg. View Our Upcoming Events Here Or reach out for more info View All Speakers Major General Kevin O'Connell Commander Army Sustainment Command 12th Engineer Battalion (United States) - Wikiwand The weather remained icy during the whole of their stay at Fort Leonard Wood, and those who returned from the European war claim that even after the fighting on the other side they were last being thawed out from the Paul Bunyan cold. Departed Jun 30, 1968. I was the manager of the snack bar from 1973 - 1974 during the renovation. Nakamura was part of an ambulance crew transporting an injured soldier when the vehicle was hit by an RPG in Al Iskandariyah, Iraq. I was in E Co. 12th. Find 12th Engineer Battalion unit information, patches, operation history, veteran photos and more on TogetherWeServed.com. My name is Tom Jones and I was stationed in Dexheim from 76 to 81. We were stationed in Germany in 1975 through 1978. We were stationed in Germany in 1975 through 1978. I was greatful no one was hurt. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. i was stationed dexheim 67-68with Delta Co. Did you serve in 12th Engineer Battalion, Dexheim Germany? - VetFriends Contact Us: 1.888.482.6012 This event has already passed, but we have lots of exciting live and virtual events coming up soon with industry leading speakers. Veteran L. Prickett, "Dear VetFriends, Thanks so much for your help! Simultaneously with the relocation of the 8th Infantry Division Headquarters to Bad Kreuznach, Germany. To all the other Soldiers of Alpha Company, miss you all and thanks for the memories we made in Germany and for being spit shine and polish; Airborne all the way and then some Drill Sargent!!!! It's been nearly 40 years since we parted. Sign up to receive our newsletter regarding Veterans, Reunions, Military, Veteran Benefits, Military Pictures, Jokes, Military History, The battalion took to the road again and ended up in the lively and bustling Laguna Desert Camp in Arizona. Of course the front gate was a lot different in 68 than it is today. We wonder about the rest that served with us in the artillery unit we served in. Pfc wilt was a 52d generator mech. Henry. there Nov 1975 - Jul 1978HHC Commo..I was 36K20I still keep in touch with Terry Washington who was a rattrig operator with HHC alsolooking for Charles MunsellJeff Van OrderChris StarnesCarringtonBarnesJohnson in S-1Honed my foosball skills right there in HHC rec roomSaw the best concerts in GermanyELO in MannheimForeigner in ManheimdoobiesAero smithLorilei CanyonMunich Oktoberfest 1977anyone else there in 1975-1978 in HHC and hung out with usget back with megglariada. For the past two decades, the 12th Engineers have proven time and time again that it is capable of performing any task, in war or peace. 12, Headquarters, Fourth Corps Area. After transitioning to active duty, he was assigned to A Company, 12th Engineer Battalion, in the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. Do Co.M88 crew member. 12th Engineer Battalion (United States) - Alchetron, the free social Yeah I remember the "Engineer Mile", the Beet Fields, Honey Wagons, Winefests, and friends. Fantastic sight seeing. Was an army wife at Dexheim 85-87. 19771980), These Awards and Decorations were obtained by getting a copy of a document posted on a bulletin board at D.Co.,12th Engineer Battalion during my assignment there. I remember they were building a second ADA barracks. 12th Engineer Battalion - Flag $31.99. All the wine fields , history, I wish, I would have understand the history of the area at the time. Mrs. Rasnin was my 3rd grade teacher, best teacher I ever had. Would love to hear from any classmates from back in the day. As the war in Vietnam expanded, he volunteered for service there in March 1965. The 12th Engineer Battalion was activated 1 July 1940, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina as an organic element of the 8th Infantry Division In July 1944 the battalion deployed to the European Theatre, landing at Omaha Beach in support of the greatest landing operation in history. Military Catalog, Sales, Discounts & more. 12 Engineer Battalion farewell ceremony prior to deploying to the Gulf with MG Otjen (8th ID Commander) and BG Dickie (Assistant Division Commander 8th ID), Soldiers of 2d Platoon, Bravo Company, 12th Engineer Battalion with Iraqi prisoners-of-war during ground offensive operations. I worked in the PX on post. Thank you for signing up for the VetFriends Newsletter! WAS BARKERBravo 2121st ADA platoon replacementsEcho 0516 Charlie missile launcherMy father (William fletcher)also a radio operator I was told the main office was in mainz germanyMy father served from 1976 to at least 1985ishI'm looking for old pictures or something with him and his platoon together. Neirstein and Oppenheim were local hangouts. Join RallyPoint for a complete view of SPC Kayle Benedix Scroll The first Commanding Officer was Major Patrick H. Tansey. I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. The battalion is heavily equipped with a vast array of construction machinery capable of supporting any engineer task required to support the 8th Infantry Division. Kasabay ng paglipat ng mga 8th Infantry Division Punong himpilan upang Bad Kreuznach, Alemanya. The MABS sinking in the Rhine. The 12th Engineer Battalion was activated 1 July 1940, at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina as an organic element of the 8th Infantry Division In July 1944 the battalion deployed to the European Theatre, landing at Omaha Beach in support of the greatest landing operation in history.