Dedication
This book is dedicated to freedom everywhere and especially to the men of Pershing, without whom many forms of freedom we enjoy today could be in great jeopardy. But more importantly, many people and countries of Eastern Europe are free from the chains of communism. Last but not least, the Iron Curtain fell, and the hard fist of Russia crumbled, leaving behind hope and democracy in its wake.
Perhaps it was said best by Sir Winston Churchill, and I quote the words of that great man: Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.
If it were not for the diligent dedication of the few men who worked unrelentlessly to operate the missile system, many Communist Bloc countries would still exist under communist rule and not be free today. The Pershing Missile System played a very important role in not only United States history but one of Western Europes history and the worlds as well.
At this point, it is necessary to say that the Pershing Missile System was not NATOs, Europes, or the United States only tactical land-launched nuclear weapon system.
The US controlled several such weapon systems launched in the three major categories of sea, air, or land. And neither was the US Armys mighty Pershing Missiles of the US or Europes only intermediate nuclear land-launched missile. The US Air Force had GLCM cruise missiles. But by and large, the Pershings were the most respected and feared by the communists. At the time of the missile systems use by the American security forces of USAREUR (United States Army Europe) or NATO of Europe as they are known, it must be noted that during this turbulent time, the West German Air Force maintained and operated several Wings or missile batteries of Pershing Missiles.
The Pershing Missile Systems vital role of bringing about freedom to the Soviet Bloc countries, along with keeping the peace throughout Europe and bringing Mother Russia to the bargaining table cannot be disputed. Pressure from several other areas was quite evident, including human rights issues, the pope, and other military actions. All of which lead to the diplomatic resolutions and economic collapse that brought down the Wall and led to the eventual downfall of the communist USSR.
Again, history will show us that if all else is considered, the leading role in bringing about those changes belongs to the Pershing Missiles and the men who operated them. Along with the political and economic pressures applied to the communist by these missiles over their three decades of distinguished service became unendurable to the communist effort.
Neither I nor anyone else can express the great amount of hard work and selfless acts of dedication of the men who crewed the Pershing Missiles. These men drew strength and courage from deep within themselves to achieve this mission. Strength and courage that came not only from their physical and mental abilities but their faith in right and wrong and God himself. These men gave 200 percent of themselves, which could only come from deep within themselves, from their hearts! Oftentimes this inner strength came at times when their bodies were pressed beyond the physical norms and when their minds told them to stop.
They performed their very necessary duty knowing that if and when a nuclear exchange did take place, (1) they are one of the first targets hit by the communist, and Europe would be overrun while the door to the West opened, and (2) if they performed their jobs right, a nuclear exchange would be avoided!
Also, this book is dedicated to the twelve valiant men of Charlie Battery, the Third Battalion of the Eighty-Fourth Field Artillery, who, on January 11, 1985, were severely wounded. It is also during this incident where three of those gallant American GIs died. Although this incident is still classified, it is apparent to me that this deadly accident happened during one of the many dangerous times working with the missiles, a static electrical spark during missile stage maintenance in its storage can or during missile stage mating caused this catastrophic accident.
As you read this book, there is a very important statement I wish for you to ponder: A mans true worth is measured by what they have contributed to society. Everything else is just simply smoke and mirrors (anonymous).
This books purpose is not to diminish the accomplishments or personal lifelong endeavors of any individuals life accomplishments. But the purpose of this book is to acknowledge the contributions to the world about the great efforts and sacrifices of all who crewed the Pershing Missile Systems.
But most importantly, the contributions of the US veterans to the world and the freedom of this country. They are immeasurable. As a matter of fact, the things we enjoy today would not exist in my country of the United States if it were not for the immense contributions of the US vets.
Also, it must be pointed out that this books purpose is not to contribute to my personal accomplishments in these matters but mainly to record and relay historical events. As I or any other veteran is no more important than any other veteran, we all served for the same common goal. Though they may have been in different eras. However, I was fortunate to be part of and able to document some of these important events of history.
Last but not least, I wish to dedicate this book to my caring and devoted cousin, Dianna P. She is a very strong person who helped me considerably, and despite the many obstacles, I came across or unknowingly place in the way. She was always there.
Introduction
There comes a time in everyones life when one grows up and begins to see the world or society for its greater multiple needs, only when that person stops seeing only their individual needs, and finally, that person sees through their eyes, as well as past their own heart and soul to see the needs of their neighbor and others around themselves: near and far.
Along with my coming of age, I have developed a true sense of empathy for all or everything I see throughout the world.
The true life decisions and actions that follow show a rare blend of compassion, honor, patriotism, and respect for other people, found in only a few people.
The worlds current events that had challenged and shaped the political arena of the then-known world has become the catalyst that molded my world that I grew amid; these challenging times and thoughts strongly developed my beliefs.
It is during these perilous times of turmoil and the great changes in the world where I learned to question the worlds evils. Only then can you offer alternate possible solutions to try to solve the worlds growing pains. And I, at the time, felt that the problems facing the world around me should and could be resolved by peaceful means. At least I hoped in a time when the leading issues of the 1960s and 70s where human rights, nuclear power, and communism. Besides the internal social conflicts within each country, the biggest threat came from the alienation and disagreements between the Far Eastern and Western countries, mainly arising from their different cultural ideologies and politics.
The largest of the social conflicts was not only one so much of ideology but one of great political differences. So much, in fact, it became a great threat that drove a wedge between the world. So much for the core of nearly one-fourth of all humans that inhabited the world, their basic rights were threatened.
