Always a Commando: The Life of Singapore Army Pioneer Clarence Tan
Always a Commando: The Life of Singapore Army Pioneer Clarence Tan

Author: Thomas A. Squire

Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International Asia Pte Ltd

Published: 2018-10-15

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 9814794228

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Best known for his role in helping to establish the Singapore Armed Forces Commando Formation and as the unit’s first commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Clarence Tan was born on his family’s rubber plantation, just ten months before the Japanese invasion of British Malaya in 1941. As with those of his generation, his life spans the dramatic, often tumultuous years of Singapore’s evolution from a primarily rural British colony to the world class cosmopolis it is today. From leading a platoon during racial riots in Singapore to searching for communist insurgents and Indonesian infiltrators in the jungles of Malaysia during the Emergency and the Confrontation, LTC (Rtd) Tan was part of both the British and Malaysian armies before becoming a pioneer officer in Singapore’s defence force. For as surely as there are makers of history, there are those too who are made by history. Always A Commando is at once a compelling chronicle of one man’s life from kampong kid to red beret and a rich evocation of the country he served through turbulent and uncertain times.

The Praetorian STARShip : the untold story of the Combat Talon
The Praetorian STARShip : the untold story of the Combat Talon

Author:

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 507

ISBN-13: 1428990437

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Jerry Thigpen's study on the history of the Combat Talon is the first effort to tell the story of this wonderfully capable machine. This weapons system has performed virtually every imaginable tactical event in the spectrum of conflict and by any measure is the most versatile C-130 derivative ever produced. First modified and sent to Southeast Asia (SEA) in 1966 to replace theater unconventional warfare (UW) assets that were limited in both lift capability and speed the Talon I quickly adapted to theater UW tasking including infiltration and resupply and psychological warfare operations into North Vietnam. After spending four years in SEA and maturing into a highly respected UW weapons system the Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) chose the Combat Talon to lead the night low-level raid on the North Vietnamese prison camp at Son Tay. Despite the outcome of the operation the Talon I cemented its reputation as the weapons system of choice for long-range clandestine operations. In the period following the Vietnam War United States Air Force (USAF) special operations gradually lost its political and financial support which was graphically demonstrated in the failed Desert One mission into Iran. Thanks to congressional supporters like Earl Hutto of Florida and Dan Daniel of Virginia funds for aircraft upgrades and military construction projects materialized to meet the ever-increasing threat to our nation. Under the leadership of such committed hard-driven officers as Brenci Uttaro Ferkes Meller and Thigpen the crew force became the most disciplined in our Air Force. It was capable of penetrating hostile airspace at night in a low-level mountainous environment covertly to execute any number of unconventional warfare missions.

Why Viet Nam?
Why Viet Nam?

Author: Archimedes L. A. Patti

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 1980-01-01

Total Pages: 648

ISBN-13: 9780520041561

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Soldier Extraordinaire
Soldier Extraordinaire

Author: Alfred E. Cornebise

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781940804538

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"Soldier Extraordinaire explores the colorful life and varied accomplishments of Brig. Gen. Frank "Pinkie" Dorn, an unusual player on the world stage during the 1920s and beyond World War II. Over the course of his 30-year Army career, Dorn manifested probing observations and analyses especially of Asia. He produced writings on subjects ranging from Philippine native tribes to Peking's Forbidden City and the origins of the Sino-Japanese War that began in 1937. Following the end of World War II, he was closely involved in Gen. Douglas MacArthur's brilliant occupation and pacification of Japan. Beyond his military successes, Dorn created world-class art, enjoyed cooking and writing cookbooks, was renowned for his cartography skills, and relished opportunities to comment on the frequent maelstroms and interplay of relevant personalities on social and military scenes."--Provided by publisher.

European Decolonization 1918–1981: An Introductory Survey
European Decolonization 1918–1981: An Introductory Survey

Author: Robert F. Holland

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 1985-03-04

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 1349177733

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One of the most dramatically significant themes of the twentieth century has been the decline and final dismemberment of the European colonial empires. This book outlines the general features which influence this decline and, by concentrating on a series of case studies, emphasises the varieties of experience within this broad historical process. While primarily concerned with events in the British Empire, the largest of the imperial systems, Dr Holland also considers developments in the French, Belgian, Dutch and Portuguese dependencies. The chronologically arranged sections focus on the sources of weakness in the European empires between 1918 and 1939; the impact of the Second World War; the upheavals of the post-war crisis; the move to decolonization in the later 1950's and early 1960's; and the subsequent realignment of relations between advanced and non-advanced nations. The aim of this study is to provide an introductory text for sixth form and university students on a vital dimension of change within international relationships in twentieth century.

Defending the Lion City
Defending the Lion City

Author: Tim Huxley

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Published: 2000-12

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 1741150094

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Surrounded by larger and more populous nations in the heart of the Muslim Malay world, Singapore has been acutely aware of its vulnerability since separating from the Malaysian federation in 1965. Singapore's government has met its defense needs with characteristic determination, building powerful, well-equipped and highly-trained armed forces based on a relatively small professional core and much larger numbers of conscript and reservist citizen soldiers.

Columbia Pictures
Columbia Pictures

Author: Bernard F. Dick

Publisher: University Press of Kentucky

Published: 2021-10-19

Total Pages: 315

ISBN-13: 0813196132

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Drawing on previously untapped archival materials including letters, interviews, and more, Bernard F. Dick traces the history of Columbia Pictures, from its beginnings as the CBC Film Sales Company, through the regimes of Harry Cohn and his successors, and ending with a vivid portrait of today's corporate Hollywood. The book offers unique perspectives on the careers of Rita Hayworth and Judy Holliday, a discussion of Columbia's unique brands of screwball comedy and film noir, and analyses of such classics as The Awful Truth, Born Yesterday, and From Here to Eternity. Following the author's highly readable studio chronicle are fourteen original essays by leading film scholars that follow Columbia's emergence from Poverty Row status to world class, and the stars, films, genres, writers, producers, and directors responsible for its transformation. A new essay on Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood rounds out the collection and brings this seminal studio history into the 21st century. Amply illustrated with film stills and photos of stars and studio heads, Columbia Pictures is the first book to integrate history with criticism of a single studio, and is ideal for film lovers and scholars alike.

A Soldier at Heart
A Soldier at Heart

Author: Winston Choo

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789811811715

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""Don't be a coward. What are you afraid of? Never mind if people do not take favourably to what you have to share. Just be honest and truthful, don't embellish but humbly present your story." This was how Winston Choo convinced himself to write this memoir. As a boy, all he wanted was to be a soldier. Never in his wildest dream did he imagine that he would, one day, have three stars on his shoulders. He tells how he was groomed by Dr Goh Keng Swee to lead the Singapore Armed Forces - and yet had to surmount hurdles within both the military and civilian administration. He relates how he shaped the structure, values and culture of the SAF by focusing on people and esprit de corps, and taking a strategic yet pragmatic approach. After 33 years being a man of war, he found himself once again handpicked, this time to be a man of peace - first in the diplomatic service, then as Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross. His novel experience of being ADC to President Yusof Ishak and his astute dealings with the military around the world for the SAF ensured his success in making friends for his homeland. Stricken with cancer, but ever disciplined and never ready to surrender, Winston Choo shares what keeps him soldiering on"--Publisher's description.

Under the Southern Cross
Under the Southern Cross

Author: Cpt. Francis D. Cronin

Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing

Published: 2018-04-03

Total Pages: 813

ISBN-13: 178912185X

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“THIS IS THE WORLD WAR II HISTORY OF AN ORGANIZATION CONSIDERED BY many as one of the unique and most colorful combat units ever to serve in the United States Army in time of war—the Americal Division. “Despite its early entry into combat on Guadalcanal in 1942, and its subsequent long period of service in the Pacific, the Americal, as a unit, cannot lay claim to having beaten the Japanese alone. Japan was beaten to her knees by the collective power of the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, The Air Forces, and our allies. The Americal Division was a significant member of this powerful team of armed might which successfully overcame aggression in the Pacific. “The story of the Americal is primarily that of the humble riflemen of the infantry regiments, without whom the Division’s combat record would not be what it is today. No mere words of praise or of appreciation for their daily sacrifices are sufficient to express the gratitude in the hearts of those who have seen them in action. “The story of the Americal is also that of the many men who worked with the riflemen or for them, directly or indirectly. Theirs were thankless tasks, performed under hardships of all kinds, but without these valuable men the regiments could not have operated efficiently for long. “This history of the Americal Division represents the fruits of more than two years of work among records of the Division. As a whole, covering the entire life of the Division, it is as complete as time and space will allow. As such, it should stand primarily as a record, and a symbol, of the sincere courage and devotion to duty of all who served in the Americal.”