 Jack Saunders your host for this issue of the big picture. 1966 was a critical year for the United States Army. A year that saw a major combat force deployed to the Far East to implement our government support of a free South Vietnam. On your Army reports today we bring you some of the personalities and events of 1966 that made Army history that gave new inspiration to the American fighting man and new meaning to the high principle of justice which he defends. This is Edelbrook Luxembourg a quaint European city made famous in World War two by an American soldier. Each year a ceremony is held honoring the memory of General George S. Patton Jr. who launched an historic attack from this region in the critical Battle of the Bulge in 1944. This is Edelbrook's 21st annual remembrance day honoring General Patton's contribution to World War two victory. As part of the observance United States Army skydivers demonstrate parachuting skills which play an important part in airborne techniques. Helicopters are employed in staging a mock aerosol. In today's Army the emphasis on steadily deployed combat troops recalls General Patton's military faith in the swiftly moving armored forces of World War two. Presented is from Luxembourg and the United States around hand to pay tribute to the memory of the dynamic American general. The mayor of Edelbrook greets the assemblage of distinguished visitors. United States Ambassador to Luxembourg Mrs. Patricia Roberts Harris is among the major speakers. Highlights of Patton's career are described for the large audience attending the ceremony. General Patton was chosen to command the Army Force in Operation Torch. The landing of American troops in North Africa which marked our entry into combat against the Nazis. High ranking US Army officers praised General Patton's unique ability to organize and lead his men. American forces and troops of seven allied nations take part in a colorful parade one of the high points in the observance. Individual ways often made him a controversial figure but in the battle for a free world he knew only one direction forward. His dedicated Army career remains an inspiration to today's fighting man who also moves forward on the path to freedom. On the Pentagon Mall in Washington DC Sergeant Major William O. Woodridge is sworn into the newly created position of Sergeant Major of the Army. The appointment of a non-commissioned officer to serve as consultant to the Army Chief of Staff on matters concerning enlisted men is designed to stimulate pride and promote confidence among enlisted personnel. Army Chief of Staff General Harold K. Johnson who selected Sergeant Major Woodridge from among thousands of senior non-commissioned officers administers the oath of office to the 43 year old much-decorated veteran of World War II when Vietnam. In addition to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Army other distinguished guests participate along with ceremonial old guard troops from the Third Infantry. Woodridge assists in pinning the new insignia on her husband who after 25 years of service becomes the first NCO to hold the official position of Sergeant Major of the United States Army. Having assumed his new office, Woodridge makes a trip to Brownwood, Texas to be guest of honor of the town he left as a young man 25 years before. Family and friends are on hand to greet him. Local and state officials proclaim September 28th 1966 as William O. Woodridge Day. Congratulations are extended to the Sergeant Major as a dedicated soldier who has honored his hometown and his nation. At the Brownwood Coliseum members of the Chamber of Commerce and various civic organizations join in a warm reception for their guests. The American Legion and other military service organizations present him with honorary membership symbolizing the spirit of the American Fighting Man which Woodridge so ably represents. The luncheon is literally topped off with presentation of a typical Texas hat adding an informal note to the day's ceremony. The afternoon at the Army Brooke Medical Center, the Sergeant Major signs in for a visit with some of the men who have been wounded in Vietnam. Woodridge's understanding of the enlisted man and his sympathy for their problems makes him an ideal choice as their representative to the Chief of Staff. His busy schedule includes a parade through Brownwood Main Street led by the distinguished visitors. Elements of the Texas National Guard take part in the festivities. The local band utilizes a unique form of transport and a play as you go latest weapons are featured in an impressive display of Army firepower through Academy of Freedom, named in honor of a famous American military leader, a retreat ceremony is observed by the Sergeant Major. The United States Army, Kentucky for a visit with elements of the 101st Airborne Division. He is greeted by division commander Major General Benjamin Sternberg. Despite bad weather on his arrival, the President inspects the Honor Guard assembled to receive him. For the Chief is a firsthand explanation on the workings of one of the 101st Airborne Helicopters. The Presidential Party has two other distinguished visitors, Army Chief of Staff General Johnson and Sergeant Major of the Army, Woodridge. A tour of the camp includes a view of communist weapons captured in Vietnam, grim evidence of the jungle war. Hidden stores of yet Kong weapons and ammunition are often discovered in caves and tunnels by US troops on search and destroy missions. One of the features of the exhibit of captured enemy equipment is a dummy dressed in the uniform of a Viet Cong. In a Fort Campbell testing area, the President observes a demonstration of aerosol techniques, which are being used by our forces in Vietnam. The lack of roads and rail facilities in the dense interior of South Vietnam has emphasized heavy use of Army aircraft in moving troops and equipment. Army training programs stress deployment by air of combat groups. The impressive demonstration we assure the President that these airborne soldiers are superbly trained professionals, experts in the most modern combat techniques. Following the demonstrations, an address to the troops and their families and friends, affirmation of United States policy in Vietnam, and the President's own deep conviction that small nations must be allowed to determine their own way of life unhappened by aggression. Afterwards, the presidential party, including Mrs Johnson and daughter Lucy, greet some of the men of the 101st who have fought in Vietnam. Behind them is a tradition of courage forged in the snows of Bastogne, where the 101st Airborne Division earned its place in history in a heroic battle against the Nazis. A day of meaning for the Commander-in-Chief and for the men who carry on this tradition of our nation's great freedom fighters. But the Army year 1966 is a year not only of remembrance and dedication, but of action of men training for battle of combat in the eternal twilight of the Vietnamese jungle of that indomitable spirit in the American Fighting Man, which persists no matter what the obstacle. Not a ballet school. And these men are definitely not dancers. They are learning the grim art of hand-to-hand combat at the United States Army Jungle Training School in the Canal Zone. With the increasing commitment of American troops in Vietnam, orientation in jungle fighting has become a vital part of the Army's training program. Students are familiarized with the hazards of the jungle environment and learn what to do about animals and snakes. Here's one jungle enemy that requires very special handling. A course in weapons, mines and traps includes demonstrations of various kinds of devices employed by the enemy to impede the advance of our troops. Survival in the jungle war often depends on the ability of a soldier to recognize enemy camouflage which may conceal dangerous hazards. One of the perils of jungle fighting is walking into an enemy trap. Classes are held in ambush and countering techniques. These are followed by field tests during which the soldiers are exposed to a simulated ambush. The attic guerrilla fighter, he will conceal himself in a brush in a test of a swiftness of a student soldier's response to enemy surprise attacks. It's all part of a special course designed to sharpen the jungle soldier's reaction to the ambush situation. The training at the jungle school is a day navigation course which will help point the way through dense interior jungle. This calls for considerable skill in map and compass reading. Moving forward in the jungle may often mean moving up and a little mountain climbing training is very much in order. The jungle soldier must be expert in maneuvering on the most difficult terrain and he learns to scale the high places using whatever means are at hand. Many of the instructors at the school have had combat experience in Vietnam and pass along their firsthand knowledge to the students. Much important combat intelligence is obtained from the capture and search of prisoners. Techniques of handling captured enemy soldiers or agents are learned in realistic field problems. Combat teams learn how to make river crossings and assault boats in a problem stressing attack via waterway. There isn't always a boat available. In that case the soldier takes a ride down the rope traverse. Sometimes our combat troops in Vietnam encounter a seemingly deserted village which may conceal enemy fighters. A mock-up of a Vietnamese village provides an effective facility for training in search and destroy missions. These missions often turn up collaborators who have been giving aid to the Viet Cong. All instruction is aimed at giving the U.S. soldier as complete an experience as possible to prepare him for jungle combat. Graduation time for men who have made it. All volunteers selected for many different Army units received congratulations from Major General J. D. Alger who heads up the United States Army Forces Southern Command. Each man has earned his diploma of a hard way but because of his rigorous training at the Army Jungle School he will be a better soldier. Better able to carry out the difficult assignment of jungle warfare at the 101st Airborne Brigade Forward Base Camp in Vietnam. A guest from the entertainment world brings a touch of home to U.S. soldiers. Actor John Wayne on the U.S.O. Tour of our military camp stops off for a brief visit with the airborne men who are enjoying a well earned rest after having completed Operation Hawthorne. An important 101st combat assignment. It's a wet day for signing autographs but actor Wayne is lucky enough to have one of those pens that writes underwater. No John that cone isn't a studio prop so better watch that famous trigger finger. The actor serves as a reminder of stateside to our fighting men in far off Vietnam. During weather later in the day a victory festival is held to celebrate the success of Operation Hawthorne. Local entertainment is provided by girls from the village who perform a native dance for the soldiers of the brigade. The name of the free people of South Vietnam. Supported by the Vietnamese welcoming committee is warm but the drinks are cool. A combination that hits the spot with these weary combat troops. While one American force celebrates victory another is deeply engaged in combat in Vietnam's central highland. Elements of the 25th Infantry Division launch Operation Hawthorne Revere. A strategic move aimed at preventing the Viet Cong from infiltrating into South Vietnam. Artillery is moved by air to position from which a fire mission will be carried out to clear an area where troops and supply-carrying helicopters may land. Because the terrain here is impassable for ground vehicles everything has to be brought in by air including ammunition and support equipment. A battery of 105 millimeter howitzers prepares to go into action against the Viet Cong ridden jungle ahead. Expert artillery men make sure the shells will land on target. The fire mission is launched. Supplies and equipment for the jungle task force are loaded aboard helicopters of an army aviation battalion for deliveries in the landing area. Bring their men in and they move swiftly into action. Proof effective and attaining specific jungle objectives which would be impossible to accomplish by conventional military means. Is not all guns and shells. As in all US Army operations. Military civic action teams assist the people of the surrounding villages in every way possible. The battle for a free South Vietnam is fought with many types of ammunition. Clothing is ammunition too in the fight against poverty and economic hardship which characterizes so much of Southeast Asia for occupants of this village in central Vietnam. Army civic action teams move into 1,000 villages along with our combat troops ready to provide aid wherever they can. Sinphal Revere and awards ceremony is held at Second Corps headquarters Participants are colorful Montagnard tribesmen who form part of the South Vietnamese Irregular Defense Group. Montagnard women too are enlisted in the fight against the Viet Cong. Combined American and Vietnamese forces are addressed by now Lieutenant General Stanley Larson, commander of the United States First Field Forces. Officers observe the proceedings as soldiers of both countries await their awards. The Vietnamese medal for gallantry in battle and who have won honor in combat goes to respect and admiration of freedom loving people everywhere. These were some of the people and events that contributed toward achievement of this goal. The Sergeant Major Jack Saunders bringing to a close this issue of your army report.