Celebrating 75 years in the Pacific
On May 14, 1945, Stars and Stripes published its first newspaper in the Pacific. To commemorate 75 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

Honest John Rocket, 1959
Honest John Rocket is prepared for firing by men of D Battery, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Artillery Regiment of the 7th U.S. Infantry Division, at Camp St. Barbara, Korea. The battery recently conducted its first air-burst firings under the direction of Capt. Richard Trefry, commanding officer. Before a rocket is launched three separate safety devices must be removed from missile. During the recent firing, Pvt. Jerry White, one of the newest members of the battery, pushed the button that sent the first rocket skyward. Men from D Battery, 1st Field Artillery Battalion, 31st Artillery Regiment of the 7th U.S. Infantry Division, at Camp St. Barbara, Korea. The battalion is the only 7th Infantry Division unit employing the surface-to-surface weapon. "We practice every day," Capt. Richard Trefry, the battery commander, said, "but fire only 12 times a year." "In training there is always the anti-climax when they push the plunger and nothing happens." Pvt. Jerry White, one of the newest members of the battery, pushed the button that launched "Old Diablo" on its way. He described it as a "good feeling." "You almost feel like the missile was your own," he said.
This week in Pacific history

February 28th - March 6th
February 28th, 1947 – The February 28 incident, a violent suppression of an anti-government uprising by the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government, occurs in Taiwan.
February 28th, 1972 – The Shanghai Communiqué is signed by China and the United States.
March 2nd, 1965 – Vietnam War: Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, begins.
March 3rd, 1945 – World War II: Manilla is recaptured by American and Filipino troops.
March 5th, 1966 – A Boeing 707 aircraft headed to Hong Kong from Haneda Airport, breaks apart above Mount Fuji killing all aboard.
This week in Pacific history

February 28th - March 6th
February 28th, 1947 – The February 28 incident, a violent suppression of an anti-government uprising by the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government, occurs in Taiwan.
February 28th, 1972 – The Shanghai Communiqué is signed by China and the United States.
March 2nd, 1965 – Vietnam War: Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, begins.
March 3rd, 1945 – World War II: Manilla is recaptured by American and Filipino troops.
March 5th, 1966 – A Boeing 707 aircraft headed to Hong Kong from Haneda Airport, breaks apart above Mount Fuji killing all aboard.

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