4 NOV--This Day in US Military History, year 2

2015-11-04T08:28:07-05:00

1846 – Benjamin F. Palmer of Meredith N.H. received a patent on an artificial human leg.

James Potts of London had designed a prosthesis in 1800 that consisted of a wooden shank and socket, a steel knee joint and an articulated foot that was controlled by catgut tendons from the knee to the ankle. It was used by the Marquis of Anglesey after he lost his leg in the Battle of Waterloo and become known as the “Angelesey Leg”. Flexion of the knee caused dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the knee caused plantar flexion of the foot. It has also been referred to as the “Clapper Leg” because of the noise it made with wooden foot stops or the “Cork Leg” since it was widely used in County Cork, Ireland.
William Selpho then brought the Anglesey Leg to the U.S. in 1839. In 1846, Dr. Benjamin F. Palmer, a patient of Selpho, obtained a patent for his leg which improved on the Selpho leg by adding an anterior spring, smooth appearance, and concealed tendons. It was honored in 1851 at the London World’s Fair.

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/november-4/

November 4

4 November 644 - Umar of Arabia, the 2nd Caliph of Islam, was assassinated at Medina and was succeeded as caliph by Uthman. On his deathbed Umar named a council to choose the next caliph. The counc...

Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 4 at 2015 8:35 AM

2015-11-04T08:35:54-05:00

Desert One. We (USA) lost a C-130 and an CH-53. A good attempt at a rescue, but sadly a failure. Unfortunately, it is the best thing to happen to the military, as SOCOM and most of the tactics and gear was the eventual outcome. Let's remember the lives lost preparing for a rescue that never happened.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 4 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-11-04T09:00:07-05:00

Thanks for the post. History is always a great reminder!