Commemorating 80 years in the Pacific
On May 14, 1945, Stars and Stripes published its first newspaper in the Pacific. To commemorate 80 years serving the military community in the theater, we're taking a look back at Stripes history through the writing and photography of a dedicated staff spanning generations. Stars and Stripes has proudly supported the Pacific military community since the beginning and will continue to serve the troops and families at the heart of our work.
Photo of the day
![SP/4 Steve Johnson (Newark, NJ) adjusts his helmet as his assistant gunner SP/4 Ramon Aragon (Albuquerque, NM) watches radioman Duane Middleton (Tuckasegge, AL[NC?]) fire back at NVA fighters.](/sites/default/files/styles/photo_of_the_day/public/photo/Jan.-14.jpg?h=9e499333&itok=2fIieYoy)
Que Sanh Valley, 1968
SP/4 Steve Johnson (Newark, NJ) adjusts his helmet as his assistant gunner SP/4 Ramon Aragon (Albuquerque, NM) watches radioman Duane Middleton (Tuckasegge, AL[NC?]) fire back at NVA fighters. The three found cover in a crater after an NVA attack halted a combined Infantry and Cavalry mission. The North Vietnamese opened up with 75mm recoilless, 50 cal. and AK-47 rifles, hitting one Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) twice, blowing off its tracks, and disabling a tank. The action took place about 2000 meters from Landing Zone Ross, north of Chu Lai. Included were soldiers from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment; C Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment; and A and D Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. The units had been moving 1000 meters West along a road leading through the Que Sanh valley with the objective to take a hill some 500 meters away when a tank hit a 500 pound mine, causing two injured, one seriously. In a subsequent firefight, the NVA managed to disable a second tank as well as an Armored Personnel Carrier, pinning the units down in the cross fire. After three hours of air strikes – some hitting as close as 50 meter from the men – the order to withdraw was given. A total of 22 NVA were killed. Three tanks and one APC were destroyed and the Americans suffered 5 wounded during the action.
 adjusts his helmet as his assistant gunner SP/4 Ramon Aragon (Albuquerque, NM) watches radioman Duane Middleton (Tuckasegge, AL[NC?]) fire back at NVA fighters. The three found cover in a crater after an NVA attack halted a combined Infantry and Cavalry mission. The North Vietnamese opened up with 75mm recoilless, 50 cal. and AK-47 rifles, hitting one Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) twice, blowing off its tracks, and disabling a tank. The action took place about 2000 meters from Landing Zone Ross, north of Chu Lai. Included were soldiers from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment; C Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment; and A and D Squad, 1st Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. The units had been moving 1000 meters West along a road leading through the Que Sanh valley with the objective to take a hill some 500 meters away when a tank hit a 500 pound mine, causing two injured, one seriously. In a subsequent firefight, the NVA managed to disable a second tank as well as an Armored Personnel Carrier, pinning the units down in the cross fire. After three hours of air strikes – some hitting as close as 50 meter from the men – the order to withdraw was given. A total of 22 NVA were killed. Three tanks and one APC were destroyed and the Americans suffered 5 wounded during the action.
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This week in Pacific history
July 26th - August 1st
July 27th, 1953 – Korean War: Cessation of hostilities is achieved when the U.S., China, and North Korea sign an armistice agreement. South Korea does not sign.
July 28th, 1965 – Vietnam War: Lyndon Johnson announces an increase in the number of United States troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.
July 29th, 1967 – Vietnam War: The USS Forrestal catches on fire of the coast of North Vietnam, killing 134.
July 30th, 1945 – World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks the USS Indianapolis with most of the 883 deaths occuring in the four days after as survivors waited for rescue.
August 1, 1950 – Harry S. Truman signs the Guam Organic Act and Guam is organized into unincorporated territory of the United States which established a non-military, civil government.
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This week in Pacific history
July 26th - August 1st
July 27th, 1953 – Korean War: Cessation of hostilities is achieved when the U.S., China, and North Korea sign an armistice agreement. South Korea does not sign.
July 28th, 1965 – Vietnam War: Lyndon Johnson announces an increase in the number of United States troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.
July 29th, 1967 – Vietnam War: The USS Forrestal catches on fire of the coast of North Vietnam, killing 134.
July 30th, 1945 – World War II: A Japanese submarine sinks the USS Indianapolis with most of the 883 deaths occuring in the four days after as survivors waited for rescue.
August 1, 1950 – Harry S. Truman signs the Guam Organic Act and Guam is organized into unincorporated territory of the United States which established a non-military, civil government.