MAY 2020. NO 5 (24).

NEWS

MANIPULATIONS MOVE FROM SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO PHYSICAL SPACE

SPAIN, UK AND TO PATROL AIRSPACE

NATO'S PRESENCE THE BELGIAN TIGERS: SECURING THE BALTIC SKIES Quarantine to be partly lifted he lead- scripts and their families from a rapid spread ership decided to start loosening of the virus. up the virus spread risk prevention Part of the risk mitigation measures will measuresT at the Lithuanian Armed Forces remain in place: movement of personnel units following the resolutions of the Go- and vehicles between units will remain mini- vernment of on easing the qua- mized to essential communication, access to SPECIAL rantine throughout the country. Planning is units will be still restricted, control underway for a range of activities, from mili- of persons admitted to military territories will FOOTPRINTS OF tary training to grating leaves for Continuous still be carried out. All Lithuanian and NATO Mandatory Initial conscripts. military personnel returning or arriving in LITHUANIAN AMERICANS To begin with, military training of units Lithuania will still undergo testing and qua- IN THE STRUGGLE FOR up to the size of a platoon is resumed to rantine to prevent the coronavirus spread as INDEPENDENCE maintain readiness to complete designated necessary. tasks. Exercises will still be conducted solely The Lithuanian Armed Forces will contin- in military territories with personal protec- ue rendering assistance to civilian institutions tive equipment and maintaining social dis- managing the COVID-19 pandemic. The task tancing. If that does not result in a significant is currently carried out by nearly 200 sol- outbreak of COVID-19 cases, Continuous diers activated on the basis of the Lithuanian Mandatory Initial Military Service con- Armed Forces Domestic Support Plan from scripts will be granted weekend leaves home across the Lithuanian Armed Forces. again. In the estimation of the Lithuanian Photo credits: Sgt Spc 1st Class Armed Forces leadership, the measure was Ieva Budzeikaitė one of the main factors that protected con- Lithuanian Armed Forces information News

Content NEWS

QUARANTINE TO BE PARTLY LIFTED...... 1

SPAIN, UK AND FRANCE TO PATROL AIRSPACE...... 2

MANIPULATIONS MOVE FROM SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO PHYSICAL SPACE...... 3

LITHUANIAN TROOPS RETURNED FROM Spain, UK and France THE INTERNATIONAL OPERATION IN , NEW ROTATION CAME IN...... 4 to patrol airspace LITHUANIAN AND U.S. WARSHIPS RENDERED Spanish Detachment will lead the 53rd NATO Air PASSING HONOURS...... 5 Policing Mission in the augmented by the British and the French Air Force for the next four months, May through August. NATO MILITARY On April 30 the Belgian Royal Air Component Detachment handed TRAINING EVENT...... 5 over the NATO Air Policing Mission to the incoming Detachment with six F-18 Hornet the British Royal Air IN SHORT Force Detachment enhancing the mission with three Eurofighter Ty- phoons after safeguarding the Baltic airspace for 8 months, i.e., two con- HONOURING, MILITARY secutive rotations. The mission will be enhanced by the French Air Force AND PUBLIC UNITY DAY...... 6 with four Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft from , making it the total of 13 NATO fighter jets guarding the Baltic airspace through the summer. NATO'S PRESENCE "I pay respect on behalf of Lithuania to the Air Component of the Bel- gian Royal for the efforts to keep the Baltic airspace safe THE BELGIAN TIGERS: at this time that is so tense to al of us," of the Lithuanian Air SECURING THE BALTIC SKIES...... 8 Force Dainius Guzas said at the formal hand over — take over ceremony. The Detachment conducted two ro- tations of the NATO Air Policing Mission from Šiauliai in a row, four SPECIAL month, in total, with four F-16 fighter jets. FOOTPRINTS OF LITHUANIAN Commander of the Belgian detachment handed over the symbolic key to the Baltic airspace to the of the incoming Spanish AMERICANS IN THE STRUGGLE FOR and British rotations and wished them strength and good health in their INDEPENDENCE...... 16 mission in the Baltics. Spain deployed its seventh rotation of the mission and the will guard the Baltic airspace for the sixth time. Detachments of NATO allies are kept on high alert throughout the NATO Air Policing Mission rotations to be ready to respond to any sus- picious activity near the Alliance’s borders. The NATO Baltic Air Policing Mission was introduced in Lithuania, Military Press Office of Lithuanian Armed Forces Totorių str. 25, LT-01121, ; and Estonia when the three countries became members of the Phone (370 5) 210 3897, GSM (370 6) 86 94458; fax (370 5) 273 5550; Alliance in 2004. The mission was enhanced as a result of the Russian Email [email protected] aggression in in 2014. NATO fighter aircraft safeguarding the Publisher — Lithuanian Armed Forces. The opinion of editorial office does not necessarily coin- Baltic airspace carry out numerous alert scrambles to intercept Russian cide with the opinion of the authors. Pictures, manuscripts are not returned and reviewed. Cir- culation is 300 copies. Printed by the Cartography Center of Lithuanian Military, Muitinės str.4, fighter jets approaching the Baltic airspace, frequently without obser- Domeikava, LT-54359 dist. Order GL-217. ving the international rules of safe aviation. Last year approx. 200 alert scrambles were carried out while completing mission tasks. Photo credits: Antanas Gedrimas, Base

2 Lithuanian Military Digest News Manipulations move from social media platforms to physical space ccording to analysts of the Strategic information narratives, the most pervasive of instance, they say that the Union loses its pur- Communication Department of the which probably is conspiracy theories that are pose and is unable to respond to the coronavi- Lithuanian Armed Forces, the main not based on any real facts, for instance, asser- rus-caused challenges properly because there Atargets of disinformation and information tions that COVID-19 is a man-made biological is not consensus among its members, and the attacks remain the same: , weapon developed in secret laboratories, pur- alleged lack of European support to is pre- NATO, and efforts of Lithuanian state institu- portedly paid for by pharmaceutical companies, sented as a EU betrayal. Another theme tions to manage COVID-19 consequences. and former Microsoft head Bill Gates seeking to is the pointlessness of NATO existence that Lithuanian Armed Forces experts tasked with profit from mass vaccination is behind it. Other endangers NATO allies themselves. Residents standing monitoring of information space note examples are the conspiracy theories saying of the Baltic States are purportedly dissatisfied that for the second week in a row the deliberate that COVID-19 is only an excuse for state in- with NATO military presence in their countries opinion shaping through the spread of mislead- stitutions to introduce 5G networks infrastruc- which serves the only purpose of provoking ing information is moving from digital space ture without any obstacles, or that the novel and possibly spreads the coronavirus. and social media to physical space. Examples coronavirus does not exist at all and it was only U.S. interests are falsely claimed to harm EU of such activities are fomentation of protest made up by Government institutions to intimi- and NATO allies’ citizens and pressure to be against the quarantine requirements, encou- date people for their own purposes. put on some of the European and NATO mem- ragement not to wear masks, not to observe Disinformation is also spread that Lithua- bers to reject humanitarian aid from Russia. health protection requirements, and not to nian doctors are forced to counterfeit the coro- Lithuanian Armed Forces analysts point out practise social distancing. navirus death toll, families of the deceased are that disinformation is used to mislead the pub- From April 24 through 30 88 information purportedly made to sign a document stating lic, manipulate public sentiment and undercut incidents were identified, over 50% of them the death had been caused by COVID-19. critical thinking, increase the divide between were carried out in the . Over Also, that the quarantine introduced in the the state and the society, decrease confidence the period from February 1 to April 30 the country by the Government is simply an ex- in the EU and NATO and fellow members of total of nearly 1.000 information incidents of ercise carried out on the basis of the influenza the said international organizations, and ob- different types on the topic of COVID-19 were pandemic preparedness programme for 2019- struct the development of communications identified in digital space in Lithuanian, Rus- 2023 approved by the of the Republic infrastructure. sian, and English. of Lithuania in July 2019. Information by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Strategic Communication Department ex- Disinformation promulgators also target Strategic Communication Department perts distinguish several main groups of dis- unity of the European Union and NATO. For Photo credit: Lithuanian Armed Forces

May 2020. No 5. 3 News

Lithuanian troops returned from the international operation in Mali, new rotation came in

of the NDVF 8th Territorial Unit, Great Battle Military District, Lt Col Denisas Starikovičius said welcoming the troops home. "All the soldiers are well, the trip went flu- ently, everyone is in high spirits, however, the current situation in Lithuania requires for the soldiers to carry out a 14-day quarantine pe- riod under supervision of the Lithuanian Mili- tary Medical Service in designated quarters," Commander of the Force Protection Unit 1st Lt Martynas Jonavičius said. Soldiers will receive good catering, rest conditions, and availability of telephone or Internet communication with their families throughout the mandatory isolation. Lithuanian military personnel is currently deployed to 8 more NATO, EU, and UN-led n April 24 Lithuanian soldiers de- Cologne Bonn Airport and from there flown international operations. ployed home from the United Na- to Šiauliai by the Lithuanian Air Force Spartan The launched the Mul- tions Operation in Mali MINUSMA aircraft, and then were taken to isolation loca- tinational Integrated Stabilization Mission, afterO completing a six-month rotation contrib- tion by designated transport. All the military MINUSMA, in Mali in 2013. MINUSMA is uting to the efforts of the international commu- personnel returning from areas of internatio- aimed at stabilising the country, supporting nity to stabilise situation in the country. nal operations are tested and undergo 14-day the implementation of the transitional action 32 troops of the 8th Territorial Unit of the isolation period in one of Lithuanian Armed plan, protecting civilian population, promoting Great Battle Military District of the National Forces units according to the preventive order and protecting human rights, arranging huma- Defence Volunteer Force formed the 6th rota- issued by the Chief of Defence to contain the nitarian aid, preserving cultural heritage, and tion of the Force Protection Unit in Operation coronavirus spread in the Lithuanian Armed ensuring justice at national and international MINUSMA and 2 soldiers of the Lithuanian Forces. levels. MINUSMA is currently conducted by Armed Forces logistical units served as the Na- The troops were welcomed home by Com- roughly 13 thousand military personnel. The tional Support Element. mander of the NDVF 8th Territorial Unit, first Force Protection Unit formed by the Na- They were replaced by a new over 30-strong Great Battle Military District, Lt Col Denisas tional Defence Volunteer Force was deployed Lithuanian rotation formed by career soldiers Starikovičius and Sergeant Major Sgt Maj Ro- to the operation in October 2017. Lithuanian and volunteer soldiers with the 6th Territorial landas Markevičius. troops are guarding Camp Castor in composi- Unit of the Resurrection Military District of "It is wonderful to welcome you after the tion of the German Contingent in the eastern the National Defence Volunteer Force based in successful return. Thank you for your dedica- part of Mali, province of Gao. Šiauliai. ted and professional completion of your tasks. Lithuanian Armed Forces information Soldiers of the 6th Force Protection Unit You have been praised and complimented, and Photo credits: NDVF 8th Territorial Unit, rotation and the National Support Element assessed really highly by the German Contin- Great Battle Military District, and the were brought by a German Air Force aircraft to gent command for your service," Commander Lithuanian Air Force

4 Lithuanian Military Digest News

Lithuanian and U.S. warships rendered passing honours

uring the weekend Lithuanian Navy basis was observed roughly 65 nautical miles USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) is a missile LNS Kuršis (M54) MCM ship met offshore as a way of the passing by ships to warship designated to destroy targets within with USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) greet, pay respect and wish luck to each other. thousands of kilometres radius. As long as 154 ofD the U.S. Navy while patrolling the exclusive Commanding of the USS Donald meters, the ship can take down hostile surface, economic zone of the Republic of Lithuania. Cook (DDG-75) guided missile destroyer lat- submerged ships, aircraft, cruise and ballistic The Lithuanian side proposed rendering pass- er sent a cordial thank-you in a message for the missiles. ing honours while sailing past each other on initiative and the passing honours conducted Information credits: Lithuanian Navy the port side. in a secure manner. The U.S. ship was complet- Photo credits: Lieutenant Junior Grade The tradition that is not practised on a daily ing assigned tasks in the Baltic Sea. Haroldas Uznys NATO training event n April 20-21 NATO allies and partners are conducting Exercise Ramstein Alloy 20-1 in the Baltic airspace. This year held Oin Lithuania, the annual scheduled training event hones command and control of NATO allies’ and partners’ (which are and this year) airspace surveillance and control, air policing, , and other air capabilities in the Baltic re- gion. The exercise involves aircraft of Lithuania, Bel- gium, , , Sweden, and Finland, and NATO’s E-3A AWACS in airspace control role. The training scenario covers search and rescue, practice diversion, and air-to-air refuelling. Held since 2016, Exercise Ramstein Alloy take place three times a year in one of the Baltic countries. This NATO exercise contributes to a better -in teroperability and integration of air forces of Lithu- ania, Latvia, Estonia, and other NATO countries in the region in line with NATO standards in force. The exercise also demonstrates NATO solidarity with its partners and the Baltic states. Information and photo credits: Lithuanian Air Force

May 2020. No 5. 5 In short

Partisan Honouring, Military and Public Unity Day

Partisan Honouring, Military and Public Unity Day in Vilnius on March 2016.

ROOTS OF THE FESTIVAL forces whose luck is a vital part in every citizens curity situation we have today we need a pow- y tradition, every year the Lithuanian life." erful armed forces more than ever, and public Armed Forces, NATO allies deployed The tradition to celebrate Partisan Ho- trust and support is one of the most necessary in Lithuania and all friends of the nouring, Military and Public Unity Day was weapons that gives the armed forces bravery ArmedB Forces are throwing a festival on Parti- revived when Lithuania’s independence was and resolve," Minister of National Defence Rai- san Honouring, Military and Public Unity Day restored. In the beginning it used to be held in mundas Karoblis says. celebrated on the third weekend of May in tri- Vilnius but subsequently a new tradition ap- Usually organizers of the festival make a big bute of partisan fights to present to the public peared to celebrate the festival in other regions military hustle of large scale — set up several history, activities, weaponry, and equipment of of Lithuania as well. For example, in 2009 tens of military tents, where representatives of the armed forces. This year the festival is can- and 2011 it was held in Kaunas, in 2012 — in all services of the Lithuanian Armed Forces celed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Šiauliai, in 2013 — in Klaipėda, in 2015 — in and NATO allies usually present their bran- still this date is a good opportunity to apprecia- Marijampolė, and in 2017 — in Panevėžys, etc. ches, offer a variety of entertaining tasks to te our unity. This festival is a type of tribute to friends of the young and old, demonstrate arms, equipment The tradition to celebrate Partisan Honour- Lithuanian Armed Forces — to people who are and gear, answer questions. ing, Military and Public Unity Day dates back fascinated by national defence, military service Also usually the audience can watch re- to Armed Forces and Society Unity Day in the and the idea of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. constructed military campaigns and smell inter-war. The celebration was first held in 1935 smoke and gunpowder of an enacted battle. through the endeavor of several soldiers and THE MAIN EVENTS For example, last year 2 military episodes were public organizations. Its promotion said: "cul- "Partisan Honouring, Military and Public shown: members of Grenadierius military his- tural life and prosperity of a country can only Unity Day is one of the most important holi- tory club re-enacted a fierce fight between the thrive if its rear is protected by a strong armed days of the National Defence System. In the se- freedom fighters (partisans) and the Russian

On this occasion Lithuanian soldiers and civilians visit places of partisans’ bunkers in Lithuanian woods.

6 Lithuanian Military Digest In short

Jonas Neifalta-Lakūnas — the commander of the Battle of Kalniškė. Freedom fighters from Dainava District. soldiers from "the War after the War" period, lies spread by the Soviets about the voluntary group of 60 partisans. and soldiers of the Grand Duchess Birutė Uh- accession of Lithuania to the . Al- were led by the officer of the Independent -Li lan Battalion acted out a contemporary mili- though an active partisan fighting movement thuania — Jonas Neifalta-Lakūnas. During the tary operation. was suppressed in the 1950s, the ideals for fight, partisans defeated about 400 occupants which men and women laid down their lives and about 20 partisans managed to escape THE WAR AFTER THE WAR in Lithuanian forests remained in the hearts of from the entrapment. In the summer of 1940 the Soviet Union oc- . The struggle (only in other forms) Today, there is a monument commemo- cupied and annexed Lithuania, and during the for the Independence of Lithuania never ceased. rating the dead partisans in the battlefield of occupation disbanded the Lithuanian military The Battle of Kalniškė was the largest and Kalniškė, where annual events honouring the and deported many officers to or exe- the most tragic partisan fighting struggles fighters are held. You can also learn about the cuted them. Since the outbreak of the Second between the Lithuanian freedom fighters and course of the battle and its history by walking World War Soviet positions weakened, in June the Soviet army in the history of Lithuania’s along the Kalniškė Battlefield Trail. 1941, Lithuanians instigated an insurgency post-war years. It took place on 16 May 1945. against the existing government and managed The Soviet occupant army surrounded the for- "Lithuanian Military Digest" inf. to form the Lithuanian Government, thus de- est of Kalniškė ( County, Simnas Dis- Photo credits: Sgt Spc 1st Class Ieva Budzeikaitė, nying both myths that Lithuania voluntarily trict) and hoped for an easy victory against a Alfredas Pliadis, MoD. joined the Soviet Union and was liberated by Germany. In a few days the oc- cupied Lithuania. In 1944 the Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania, signaling the start of the anti-Soviet armed resistance. This partisan war continued for nearly ten years (until 1953), and more than 20,000 freedom fighters (Lithuanian par- tisans) were killed during this period. During this time, the partisans numbered about 50,000 fighters and had about 50,000 active suppor- ters. These were former in the armed forces, who fought alongside with farmers, stu- dents and teachers. Partisan units wore the uniforms of the in- terwar Lithuanian Armed Forces, established a central command and prepared military and political documents, which stated that "The ul- timate goal of the struggle was an independent Lithuania." The partisan war disapproved the A monument commemorating the dead partisans in the battlefield of Kalniškė.

May 2020. No 5. 7 NATO's presence

THE BELGIAN TIGERS: Securing the Baltic skies

"DEPLOYING TO LITHUANIA HAS BECOME OUR BREAD AND BUTTER", SAYS MAJOR AVIATOR VANOPHEM, THE COMMANDER OF THE BELGIAN AIR FORCE DETACHMENT, CONDUCTING NATO AIR POLICING MISSION IN THE BALTIC STATES. THE BELGIAN PILOTS WITH THEIR F-16 JET FIGHTERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO LAND ON THE LITHUANIAN AIR FORCE ŠIAULIAI AIR BASE IN MARCH 2004 WHEN LITHUANIA JOINED NATO AND IN APRIL THEY ENDED THE 6TH BELGIAN MISSION HERE.

8 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

CHANGES: 16 YEARS AGO AND NOW enior Captain Aviator De Vries is one of the most experienced Belgian pilots of F-16 — he has flown 4860 hours in Stotal with this jet fighter since 1994. Also he has participated in the very first NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic States — he was a member of the Belgian deployment in 2004. "I remember very well the initial briefings we received from the local Air Traffic Controllers. They were a bit scared we would just fly around without adhering to their orders and that we would just fly wherever we wanted. We could assure them that we follow all the rules con- cerning Visual Flight Rules (VFR) or Instru- ment Flight Rules (IFR) in a similar way they are used to see with civilian Air Traffic. They were surprised to hear that, since they had a completely different experience with the only military traffic they knew at that time — the Russians", Sen. Capt Av. De Vries tells. Accor- ding to him, a possibility to act almost without any restrictions was one of the most enjoyed mission’s points for the Belgian pilots 16 years ago: "Everything we asked for was approved or was being looked at to get approval". Now Sen. Capt Av. De Vries is back to par- ticipate in the 6th NATO Air Policing mission of the Belgian Air Force and can evaluate al- terations in Lithuania: "The biggest change is in the infrastructure domain: The runway, the taxi tracks and buildings are completely reno- vated or built from scratch. The lodging facili- ties changed as well, because I remember time when our hotel got cut off from warm water because of major repair works to the central heating in town and a big part of Šiauliai had no warm water either". The commander of the Belgian Air Force Detachment Maj. Av. Vanophem also admits that infrastructure at the Šiauliai Air Base is changing drastically: "It has evolved from a disbanded Soviet airfield to a modern airbase, capable of hosting and operating western, high technology jets, but the principle of NATO Air Policing mission hasn’t changed over all those years — it stays a peacetime collective defense mission. For us deploying to Lithuania has be- come our bread and butter: In March 2004, the Belgian Air Force was the first to set foot on the Šiauliai Air Base and over all those years and multiple deployments later, we know exactly who and what to bring in order to support the Baltic Air Policing mission to the fullest. On top of that, Host Nation support is just great, so our national footprint is rather small". The Belgian pilots with their F-16 fighters were the first ones to land on the Airbase of

May 2020. No 5. 9 NATO's presence

Šiauliai when Lithuania joined NATO and this brations sets the spirit of solidarity amongst the year they also took part in a very special mo- Alliance", Maj. Av. Vanophem says. ment for Lithuania. On March 11 two Belgian fighters flew over the crowd in Vilnius during THE THRILL IN THE BALTIC the parade, devoted to the 30th anniversary of SKIES the restored State of Lithuania. "Personally, The 6th Belgian rotation is led by the 10th I assisted to the parade in Vilnius and can tell Tactical from Kleine Brogel Base in the from own experience that the Lithuanians were North of the . All flying and Operation very pleased to see and hear Belgian jets soar- Support personnel based in Lithuania is mainly ing overhead. As the principle of collective de- from the 31st — it is one of the four fense, the main focus of the NATO’s founding F-16 squadrons in the Belgian Air Force. Tiger treaty, it remains a unique principle that binds is a symbol of the Squadron, representing cou- members together. Taking part in national cele- rage and strength of the fighter pilots. All Belgian F-16 units are very expeditious and NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic States is just one item from a big spectrum of their tasks. The commander of the Belgian Air Force Detachment in Lithuania says that during the last 15 years, F-16 pilots from his country flew in various campaigns over , , and in a more offensive role. "In nature, Air Policing mission is more defen- sive and by conducting it we make sure that we F-16 pilots’ community in the Belgian Air can cover the complete spectrum of missions Force is rather small, so most of the fighter pi- we are tasked for. From a tactical point of view, lots already had an opportunity to participate Air Policing is not the most difficult mission for multiple times in NATO Air Policing mission us: Even my youngest Squadron pilots, from here and the thrill in the Baltic skies is appre- THE BELGIAN AIR POLICING the moment they are Basic Combat Ready, ciated even by the experienced pilots. "We are MISSIONS IN THE BALTIC STATES have the required level to fly these sorties. At tasked for mission as well st 1 mission: 2004 03 27 — 2004 07 01 home we are tasked as well to man the Quick at home — it is a part of our standard skill set, nd 2 mission: 2006 12 01 — 2007 04 01 Reaction Alert, however over here we see more which we train for on regular basis in Belgium, rd 3 mission: 2013 09 30 — 2014 01 03 action — you can imagine the excitement of a because such a mission requires a permanent, th 4 mission: 2018 08 31 — 2019 01 03 young wingman when he intercepts and flies basic, knowledge of air procedures and tactics. th 5 mission: 2019 08 31 — 2020 01 01 eventually next to a Russian combat aircraft for To be honest, it’s not the most difficult one task th 6 mission: 2020 01 01 — 2020 05 01 the first time", Maj. Av. Vanophem tells. for us, but an A-scramble for a Russian aircraft

10 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

F-16 fighter is not big, but nimble, can fly low, high, fast or slow for a pretty long time. Also jet fighter F-16 is well equipped and capable of doing long- range identifications if required during day or night conditions.

not adhering to the rules is without a doubt a aircrafts as well as the status of the airbase and cellent remedy to be able to beat the reaction must-do item on every pilot’s bucket list. The diversions fields. Also brief the upcoming mis- times on a regular basis and our F-16 fighter is chance to intercept aircraft like this in Belgium sions with our partners and get ready for the a perfect match for our job: It is not the biggest, is almost non-existing, so it remains a thrilling flights, — Sen. Capt Av. De Vries says. — In but nimble, can fly low, high, fast or slow with- experience even after the first one and every between we are waiting for whatever is coming out too much issues for a pretty long time. Also our pilot is proud to be a part of NATO Air Po- at us: We need to be able to get airborne in a F-16s are well equipped and capable of doing licing mission", Sen. Capt Av. De Vries assures. certain period of time, so therefore you will not long-range identifications if required during see pilots leaving the readiness building to do day or night conditions", Sen. Capt Av. De Vries FAST AND ALWAYS READY something else during their 24-hour duty". explains. Training and Quick Reaction Alert NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic The Belgian pilot tells that in Lithuania they flights are only one area of fighter pilots’ "must States is conducted 24/7 and the crews work fly much more than required to remain ready do" activities. They also study theory almost on on a duty regime. "When we start our 24-hour for the mission, because they want to stay ext- a daily basis to keep up with the ever-changing duty on base, at first we verify the status of the ra vigilant and sharp. "Daily practice is the ex- tactics and the many improvements of F-16.

May 2020. No 5. 11 NATO's presence

Summing up the Belgian F-16 pilots’ expe- visible for a public but very influential. They rience in the Baltic States during this mission, it do their best to prepare fighters for flights and seems that everybody had multiple opportuni- sometimes it’s quite challenging for them to ties to feel the thrill during the real intercepts fix technical malfunctions working on a mis- on aircrafts, which were infringing the Baltic sion abroad. airspace or were not adhering to the flight "It is the first NATO Air Policing mission in rules. According to the official data on intercep- Lithuania for me and I have very positive expe- tions of aircrafts near the Baltic States’ borders, rience. Actually, I think that other young tech- the Belgian fighters were scrambled almost 70 nical Officers also need to be given a chance to times in total. do such kind of missions. As we are deployed with a limited amount of means (personnel THE GREY CARDINALS and equipment), NATO Air Policing mission The Belgian fighter pilots and F-16s, of is an ideal learning experience for a young tech- course, are the brightest stars of NATO Air nical Officer like me", 1st Lieutenant Van Geel Policing mission, but Operation Support says. personnel, responsible for coordination of During the mission in Lithuania he was maintenance and logistic activities, as well responsible for coordinating maintenance and is very important. These specialists are like logistics activities: "Thanks to my job back in "grey Cardinals" in the politics — often in- Kleine-Brogel I know a lot about structural

repairs on F-16, but I’m not very familiar with for example avionics or engines. Luckily, I can count on my specialists that have a very good knowledge in their respective technical do- main. The daily intensity depends on the kind of malfunctions we have on our jets. I have to admit that, in general, it is a less dynamic working environment than my technicians and I are used to back in Belgium but this does not mean that there are no challenges". F-16 FIGHTING FALCON — A MULTIROLE FIGHTER Actually, the Belgian aviation technicians faced some very challenging repairs lately. The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, the first of the US Air Force multi-role fighter -air "One of them was the presence of cracks and craft, is the world’s most prolific fighter with more than 2,000 in service with the USAF and 2,500 a loose bushing in the canopy structure. This operational with 25 other countries. The F-16 and the F-15 Eagle were the world’s first aircraft led to a grounded jet since a spare canopy is able to withstand higher g-forces than the pilots. The Fighting Falcon entered service in 1979. not foreseen in our store. However, for every problem my technicians find a solution. Gi- WINGSPAN: 10 m ven the safety restrictions to swap the aircraft LENGTH: 15 m itself and limited other possibilities due to HEIGHT: 5 m the COVID-19 outbreak, we proposed a ca- EMPTY WEIGHT: 8,500 kg nopy swap. This is not standard to do abroad. TYPE: 1 x P&W F100-PW-200/220/229 or General Thanks to the flexibility of our people back in Electric F110-GE-100/129 Belgium, the excellent work of our egress spe- THRUST: 29,000 lb cialist and other technicians here in Šiauliai, MAXIMUM SPEED: 1,500 mph (Mach 2) we managed to do a successful canopy swap. MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: In excess of 15,000 m (50,000 ft) It was not an obvious thing to do, — 1st Lieu- RANGE: More than 2,000 miles ferry range (1,740 nm) tenant Van Geel explains, — All the explosives G LIMIT: In excess of 9 g of the canopy needed removal in Belgium for

12 Lithuanian Military Digest NATO's presence

Belgian F-16 pilots had multiple opportunities to feel the thrill in the Baltic skies, during the real intercepts on Russian aircrafts, which were infringing the Baltic airspace or were not adhering to the flight rules. According to the official data on interceptions of aircrafts near the Baltic States’ borders, the Belgian fighters were scrambled almost 70 times during their th6 mission.

transport safety. Consequently, re-installation into complete lock-down. It soon became clear put together in lock-down on base and their of these explosives here in Šiauliai was also to us that keeping the detachment fit would resting place to avoid the COVID-19. Luck- necessary, which is not a sinecure. Each step be an additional objective and that we had to ily, our people understand the situation. The needs to be done with the right precision fol- introduce new measures quickly. All planned lock-down is not fun, but it brings all techni- lowing the technical documentation. Since we personnel replacements were put on hold and I cians closer together, leading to a great team lacked a cabin pressurization tester, the cabin am proud to say that my personnel is so flexible performance and a wonderful success story," 1st pressurization had to be tested in flight by a that we are able to continue accomplishing our Lieutenant Van Geel says. test pilot: It was a perfect synergy where main- important NATO mission right to the end", The Belgian Air Force Detachment ended tenance meets the pilot community". says Maj. Av. Vanophem, the commander of the its NATO Air Policing mission in the Baltic Belgian Air Force Detachment. States at the end of April and the Spanish Air- COVID-19: A SUCCESS STORY As the Air Policing mission of the Belgian force replaced them from the 1st of May. "It’s In the middle of March the Belgian Air detachment was conducted us usual even du- hard to be humble", says the motto of the 31 Force Detachment, as well as other NATO ring the COVID-19 outbreak, the aviation Squadron and that’s true: the Belgian tigers units deployed in Lithuania was forced to face technicians had a few very challenging mo- have proven for the 6th time how reliable and the coronavirus crisis and act in a very chal- ments. "The coronavirus had an impact on our reputational they are. lenging environment when the whole world way of working. Our technical detachment and started to shut down. "Undoubtedly, coping logistical support counts only 35 members and By Ilona Skujaitė with the COVID-19 virus was a challenge in each of them is critically important. It’s like a Photo credits: the Belgian Air Force itself; in fact, even before the strict measures chain: If you break one link, its functional- Detachment, Lithuanian Air Force Šiauliai Air came into effect in Belgium, we already went ity degrades. Hence, the entire detachment is Base archives, NATO.

May 2020. No 5. 13 The discount is applicable only upon presentation of a service National Defence System employees card. (soldiers, civil servants and employees Conditions and applicable discounts may change. working under an employment contract) There are additional conditions. * Expositions are free of charge to the Lithuanian Military Academy Soldiers of the Permanent Mandatory (LMA)** cadets, Permanent Mandatory Initial Military Service (PMIMS) Initial Military Service soldiers serving in the LMA, and soldiers from the Gediminas Headquar- ters Battalion (GHB). Coordinate with the regional and recruiting service de- Members of the Lithuanian partment.*** Riflemen’s Union Due to a match of the football club "Atlantas" coordinate with the Grand Duke**** Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion's S5 division of the Motorized Bri- Lithuanian soldiers gade "Samogitia". Due to a match of the basketball club "Neptūnas" coordinate with the National Defence Volunteer Force’s S5 division of the Samogitia district 3rd team. Due to a match of the football club "Sūduva" coordinate with the Lithu- Soldiers of the National Defence Volun- anian Grand Duke Vytenis General Support Logistics Battalion’s S5 division. teer Forces ***** The discount is applicable to persons who serve or have served in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, also to those who are in the prepared personnel NATO soldiers reserve of the Lithuanian Armed Forces (for the entire study period both for the first and second cycle studies). The discount is applicable on February 16, March 11, July 6, and Negotiation issues November****** 23.

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May 2020. No 5. 15 Special

Footprints of Lithuanian Americans in the struggle for Independence

Lithuanian American National Council A FREQUENTLY OVERLOOKED HISTORIC Convention, Madison Square FACT IS THAT LITHUANIA’S DECLARATION Garden, New TH York, March 13- OF INDEPENDENCE OF FEBRUARY 16 , 14, 1918. 1918, DID NOT OCCUR OVERNIGHT. IT WAS,

Photo above INSTEAD, THE CONSEQUENCE OF A SERIES in the right: OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AND POLITICAL Lithuanian American DEVELOPMENTS. THIS, OF COURSE, DOES National NOT DETRACT FROM THE ACHIEVEMENT Council, delegate pin Whitehead WHICH THE DECLARATION’S SIGNATORIES Hoag, New BROUGHT ABOUT. HOWEVER, IT MUST BE Jersey. REMEMBERED THAT THERE WERE MANY OTHERS INVOLVED IN THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE INCLUDING MANY LITHUANIAN AMERICANS WHO ENERGETICALLY JOINED IN AND EFFECTIVELY CONTRIBUTED TO THIS CAMPAIGN.

16 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

THE NATIONAL AWAKENING Independence — complete Lithuanian politi- t is generally agreed that the Lithuanian cal sovereignty a year before it was declared in National Awakening of the late 19th centu- Lithuania! ry and the resultant Lithuanian Indepen- Idence movement stemmed from the Polish- A LITHUANIAN MONARCHY? Lithuanian Insurrection of 1863–1864. While The Lithuanian independence movement that struggle did not succeed, it energized the only gradually evolved in the homeland. Initial- nation to continue its efforts to free itself from ly, the leaders of the movement merely sought Czarist rule. The consequent brutal suppres- some modicum of political autonomy, some sion of this insurrection led to an even greater accommodation within the framework of Czar- resolve to resist tyranny. The Russian regime ist . In 1905 the Russians were outlawed the publishing of books in the Lithu- routed in the ill-fated Russo-Japanese War. This anian script; they had to be printed in Russian resulted in an easing of the Lithuanian publica- cyrillic type. At the same time, industrializa- tion restriction. With the advent of World War tion of the urban areas and the transformation I and the ensuing occupation of Lithuania by of the agricultural sector were taking place German forces in 1914, the Lithuanian inde- across the Western world. In Lithuania, like pendence movement considered the option of most other countries, the resulting economic a Lithuanian kingdom within the framework of turmoil led to the departure of one-fourth of Lithuanian American Liberty Bell Medal, 1919 the Imperial German Empire. As part of this the Lithuanian nation. Emigrants sought a bet- awarded for significant donations. effort, some Lithuanian leaders even offered ter life overseas, mostly in America. One would a crown to a proposed new Lithuanian mon- think that the loss of a quarter of the country’s new world, they did not forget their homeland arch, a member of the Wittenberg dynasty who population, in one generation, would have a and the families they left behind. It is suggest- claimed a remote lineage to the Lithuanian devastating demographic effect. Actually, this ed that the Lithuanian National Awakening King Mindaugas. He would have been known flight not only enabled the nation to survive would not have been successful had it not been as King Mindaugas II. Were the Lithuanian po- but eventually contributed significantly to for the participation and financial contribution litical leaders being opportunistic or were they achieving its long-sought independence. made by thousands of Lithuanian Americans just being practical given the conditions they and their organizations. Lithuanians on both faced at the time? In any event, this proposal THE BOOK SMUGGLERS sides of the ocean were directly involved in did not pan out and was soon abandoned. While Lithuanian American immigrants preserving and drawing inspiration from the embraced the liberty and riches offered by the nation’s glorious past. There were many out- LITHUANIAN AMERICANS TAKE standing leaders and writers in Lithuania. At ACTION the time, however, they did not have at their disposal the economic resources necessary to pursue this struggle. Publishing was con- trolled by the Russian government and the printing in the essentially prohibited. As a result, printing of Lithuanian publications took place in neighboring East Prussia (also known as Lithuania Minor). A clandestine network of book smuggling was established to deliver these books into the hands of the Lithuanian people. This was a perilous undertaking requiring courage and Lithuanian State Bond 100 Auksiniai, an ability to outmaneuver the Russian border 1919 purchased by American Lithuanians to guards. Surreptitious funding of this effort support Lithuania. was received from American Lithuanians and their organizations. In many ways, it was the Let us now recount the Lithuanian Inde- Lithuanian American funding of the nation’s pendence Movement from a Lithuanian Amer- book smuggling effort that kept the flame of ican perspective. The Lithuanian Americans the Lithuanian independence alive. Without were also experiencing their very own version the support of Lithuanian Americans through of a Lithuanian Awakening and their patriotic their writings, political action, and financial organizations gradually developed over the aid, the Book Smuggling Movement would years into nationwide networks. Following have failed and with it the hope of indepen- the first attempt at Lithuanian autonomy at dence. It was these enthusiastic and perhaps the Great Vilnius Seimas in November 1905 sometimes impatient Lithuanian Americans, Lithuanian Americans held their own, First who reveled in all things Lithuanian, who Lithuanian American Political Convention, in Book smuggler Vincas Juška. were the first (in 1917) to declare Lithuania’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 22,

May 2020. No 5. 17 Special

government has to exist in Lithuania for the na- tion to be genuinely free and independent. As a result, when a subsequent Lithuanian Declara- tion of Independence was passed on February 16th, 1918, in Vilnius, they immediately rec- ognized and supported the newly established government.

ATTENDED PEACE CONFERENCE The Third National Congress of Lithuanian Americans was held on March 13, 1918, at Madison Square Garden, New York, wherein Fifty dollar Lithuanian Liberty Loan Certificate, 1920. both Catholic and national political leaders 1906. There they demanded Lithuanian politi- Taryba, a precursor to the Lithuanian Ameri- representing over 700,000 of their countrymen cal autonomy. By 1908, the many smaller local can Council (LAC) which continues to oper- jointly called for the U.S. to recognize the Vil- Lithuanian community patriot organizations ate to this date. nius declaration and the government formed joined together to form the National Society At the conference, members, representing under it. This resolution was forwarded to of Lithuanian Patriots, which began funding approximately twenty-five percent of the total President Wilson and other foreign representa- Lithuanian publications and supported various Lithuanian world population, in the name of tives. Although President Wilson delayed rec- activities promoting Lithuanian independence. their nation passed their own Declaration of ognition of Lithuanian independence and the The Lithuanian language publications and ar- Independence, a full year before it was done in new government, he authorized the Lithuanian ticles penned by Lithuanian Americans were Lithuania. American representatives to attend the antici- sent to Prussia along with funds to support the pated Peace Conference. As a result, Lith- Lithuanian book smuggling movement. INFORMING As World War I raged in , Lithuanian PRESIDENT American, especially, Catholic organizations WILSON AND THE across the country raised money for Lithuanian VATICAN War Victims Relief, which under a U.S. govern- In accordance with the ment system was disseminated to all war vic- Lithuanian National Coun- tims of the Czarist Russian Empire. As a result, cil of America, the Reverend these funds only helped those Lithuanians who Jonas Zilius and Dr. Julius had fled their homeland during the war and re- Bielskis were to present cop- settled in Russia. ies of this Lithuanian Inde- Finally, the Lithuanian Roman Catholic pendence Declaration to Federation of America, called a special con- President Woodrow Wilson ference on January 10-11, 1917, in Pittsburg, and the representative of the Pennsylvania, to discuss Lithuanian Indepen- Vatican and other foreign dence. The coordination of efforts promoting ambassadors in Washington, Lithuania’s freedom was undertaken by the D.C. This was done a full Lithuanian attendees at the Conference of Lausanne in , 1918. From left: Rev. Juozas Dabužis, Kazys Pakštas, Antanas Lithuanian National Council of America which year before independence Smetona, Martynas Yčas, and Balys Mastauskas (Frank Mast). in Lithuanian was known as Amerikos Lietuvių was called for in Lithuania. Also, through Dr. Bielskis’ efforts, a uanian American delegates were in attendance Lithuanian Information Bureau was at the 1919 Versailles Peace Treaty Conference. established in Washington, D.C., Also, Lithuanian Americans substantially fi- which was commissioned to inform nanced the Lithuanian government operations American political leadership, the for several years through their purchase of Lith- media and the public at large that uanian loans and bonds. Several Lithuanian the conference has passed a Lithu- government officials at the time attested to the anian Declaration of Independence. fact that the nascent Lithuanian government (Today the Lithuanian Information would not have survived but for that financial Bureau’s work continues to be per- support. There is no question that Lithuanian formed by the Lithuanian American Americans were directly involved in the Lithu- Council through its agency Joint anian Independence Movement and their sup- Baltic American National Commit- port was crucial to the establishment of Lithu- tee in Washington, DC). anian statehood in 1918. Although these Lithuanian Americans had been the first to pro- MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS OF claim Lithuanian Independence, LITHUANIAN AMERICANS World War I: The Making of Americans they fully realized that a national Prior to the 20th century, immigrants arriv-

18 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

THE LITHUANIAN AMERICAN President Wilson’s call for the restoration of freedom to all people of Europe was heard by every immigrant in the . Even be- fore the smoke of First World War battles had dissipated, Lithuanian American war veterans, upon returning home, began to seek ways to help their homeland. As a result, most Lithu- anian American veterans chose to avoid join- ing the newly established American Legion in favor of forming their own veteran organiza- tions with objectives that included not only caring for their fellow veteran comrades, but also helping the struggle for Lithuanian inde- pendence. Though there was much Lithuanian Ameri- can support for this idea, the concept was op- posed by the United States Department of State which was committed to supporting the Czar- ist Russian government which had been one of its allies during the First World War. Even though the Soviet had already overthrown the Lithuanian American Council representatives at Lithuanian Liberty Bell, June 8-11, 1919, Czar, many government officials still hoped fund raising event. that the Czar could somehow be restored to the Russian thrown. To appease though who called ing to the United States did not find the gov- ing a bloody three pronged war against Czar- for Lithuanian support, Colonel E. J. Dawley ernment social support programs available to ist White Russians, Communist Russians, and an America military advisor was sent to Lithu- immigrants of today. There was no Unemploy- Polish forces for Lithuanian independence, ania to review the situation. Upon his returned, ment Insurance, Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. many of these veterans were spurred into ac- Colonel Dawley recommended that the Ameri- to help them in case of disability or job loss. tion. They had seen first-hand the hardship of can provide military aid to Lithuania nothing To obtain a degree of security in case of hard life under foreign occupation (Russian Czar). tangible materialized. With the ever growing times, immigrants formed mutual aid societies After experiencing freedom and democracy in disappointment over the United States delay based on religious, occupational, or other com- America, these veterans felt duty bound to help in providing assist the Republic of Lithuania, mon interest. Veterans who arrived in Baltimore their families and friends in Lithuania fight to the Lithuanian American community began to achieved this mutual aid goal by forming two achieve the same freedoms. take action into its own hands. To coordinate Lithuanian American veteran fraternal societ- ies that became the root organizations for The American Legion Lithuanian Post 154. The Knights of St. Casimir was formed in 1887 and the Knights of St. George was formed in 1903. Both organizations proudly wore their organiza- tion’s uniforms during community, religious and patriotic events. Both organizations supported America’s Great War effort and many of their members quickly volunteered for military ser- vice when WW I was declared. They and their families proudly served their new country in the military and civilian war effort with distinction. Sizable Lithuanian American Communities in other U.S. cities also formed veteran mutual aid societies, volunteered for military service and supported the war effort in similar fashion. After WW I ended, most of the returning Lithuanian American veterans rejoined their earlier military fraternal organizations, but now with a new prospective and expanded goal. Members of the Lithuanian American Brigade in Kaunas, 1920. From left: Capt J. J. Bielskis; In 1918–1920 knowing that their friends and unknown Lithuanian warrior from Australia, who worked in the British military mission; mjr. Orsino F. Newkirkas; Col. (later a Brigade General) Williamas N. Swarthoutas and Capt V. Lazdynas. relatives in their ancestral homeland were fight-

May 2020. No 5. 19 Special

nizer of the Freedom Guards. He immediately relinquished his position on the council and devoted his full time to the formation of a Li- thuanian American Brigade. Bielskis was soon joined by Colonel William N. Swarthout, a vol- unteer American military officer, who had been sent to the United States by Colonel Mykolas Gedgaudas in Paris to investigate the possibil- ity of forming the proposed Brigade. At that time, Bielskis estimated that ap- proximately 10,000 volunteers were ready to go to Lithuania, but due to the existing politi- cal situation the U.S. government would not allow these soldiers to leave the country as a military force. As a result, a clandestine op- eration had to be developed by Bielskis and Swarthout for Brigade volunteers leave the country traveling first to as laborers and from there sail to to join the Brigade in Lithuania. Under this plan, the recruitment and travel expenses of such volunteers were to be financed by the Lithuanians with some unpublicized indirect support from the U.S. Lithuanian Americans also were among the U. S. troops, sent to Europe in World War I: Private Mindow Leonard Zemaitis, age 16, Killed-in-Action, (above in the right) and government. Antanas Walcziackas (below) from Baltimore. Upon their arrival in Lithuania, the volun- teers were to then be formed into two infantry the effort to establish a Lithuanian American from an interview with Dr. Julius J. Bielskis regiments, a technical regiment, a bat- military force, Dr. Julius Bielskis was appointed by the noted historian Alfred Erich Senn that talion, an battery, and engineer bat- the Inspector General of the proposed Brigade. was published in Lituanus Magazine, Volume talion, consisting of 205 officers, 1,115 non- Bielskis had previously served as the Direc- 21, No. 3, Fall 1975. The Lithuanian American commissioned officers, and 4,600 soldiers and tor of the Lithuanian Information Bureau and Congress meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, in serve as a unified unit. A Brigade staff contin- served as the President of the Lithuanian Na- early 1919, appointed Bielski as the chief orga- gent consisting Colonel Swarthout, Major tional Council in Washington, D.C., from May 1917 to the end of 1919. Manpower for the proposed brigade came from returning Lithuanian Americans World War I veterans who wanted to help in the de- fense of Lithuania. These men were proven combat veterans, fully trained and prepared for action. Many of these veterans began forming together upon their return to the United States in anticipation of returning to Lithuania and helping to liberate the nation from its oppres- sors. From small ad hoc groups several larger organizations evolved the most notable be- ing the Freedom Guards (Laisves Sargai), the American Lithuanian Legion (Amerikos Lietu- viu Legionas) and the Alliance of American Lithuanian Soldiers (Amerikos Lietuviu Ka- reiviu Susiveienijimas). In one published May, 1919, account estimated that some 75,000 men were ready to go to Lithuania, though most his- torians estimate that an accurate number was probably somewhere in the 10,000 proposed range. The Freedom Struggles, Panevėžys, 1919: the officers of the Separate Joniškėlis Partisan Death Battalion (from 1919 12 09 — the Infantry Regiment). Sitting from left: the of the District Security 10,000 READY TO GO TROOPS Staff Artūras Pušmanas, the Commander of Joniškėlis Staff Petras Monvyd-Olechnavičius, the battalion The following account concerning the commander Antanas Stapulionis, the head of battalion’s provision branch Mulevičius and the adjutant Lithuanian American Brigade comes largely Antanas Kazilevičius. A skull with crossed bones was a symbol of the battalion.

20 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

The Lithuanian American Brigade members,1919. Ltn. J. Zamkus Lithuanian American WWI veterans, Worcester, Mass 1919, among the thousands who is sitting the rd3 from left, next to him — st1 class Ltn. P. J. Purvis. had volunteered to fight for Lithuanian Independence.

Oscar F. Newkirk, Captain Julius Bielskis, and recent Lithuanian migrants, but Lithuanians volunteering to serve in the Lithuanian Ameri- Captain Vladas Lazdynas, traveled to Lithuania born in American as wells as a good number can Brigade actually arrived in Lithuania. in the fall of 1919 to coordinate final travel for of none Lithuanian Americans. Most of the the volunteers and the establishment of the Bri- volunteers served in the American military in LOST CHANCE TO CHANGE THE gade in Lithuania. World War I and were ready to fight and die HISTORY? Though the American government con- to establish a free and democratic republic in Bielskis attributes the failure to form the tinued to oppose the concept of a Lithuanian Lithuania. Still even with such willing freedom proposed Lithuanian American Brigade not American Brigade going to the aid of Lithu- fighters and the hard work of the leaders in the to the U.S. government, but directly to the op- ania, a large number of volunteers had actually Lithuanian American community the dream position of Lithuanian Foreign Minister Au- been formed and was ready to travel to Lithu- of a Lithuanian American Brigade did not gustinas Voldemaras. At that time, Voldemaras ania. These volunteers not only consisted of come to fruition. Only a small number of those was engaged in a power struggle with President

Lithuanian Americans Poster — Lithuanian Liberation Army, gen. Žukauskas,1920.

Pranė Glemžaitė-Lazdynienė and Capt. Vladas Lazdynas, a Lithuanian American Brigade Officer, before their return to Lithuania, 1919. Capt Lazdynas is wearing a uniform of the Lithuanian American Brigade.

Dr. Jonas Julius Bielskis, the founder of the Lithuanian American Brigade.

May 2020. No 5. 21 Special

ania when occupied by Soviet and Nazi forces. This effort did not come cheaply, but these early Lithuanian Americans were more than willing to financially bear the burden of liberty.

LITHUANIAN LEGION OF AMERICA After Lithuania achieved its independence, many of the Lithuanian American Brigade volunteers started forming small local veter- ans groups. On February 16, 1930, under the leadership of Peter Jurgela, Lithuanian veteran groups from New York, Boston, Chicago, New Britain, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Hartford, New Haven, and Baltimore met in New York. They decided to join together and establish the na- tional Lithuanian Legion of America organi- Lithuanian American Legion of America, the 2nd Convention, Brooklyn, N.Y., November 18, 1934. zation. The organization was incorporated on December 19, 1934, and established its head- over the direction the nation There is no doubt that the political will and quarters in Brooklyn, New York. Its first Com- was to travel. He was quit blunt when he meet financial support provided by these early Lithu- mander was Baltimorean Dr. John A. Buchness with representatives of the Lithuanian American anian Americans directly contributed to the (Bucnis) who had served as a Captain in the Brigade. He thanked the Lithuanian Americans successful establishment of the Republic of American Army during the WW I. Buchness for their support of the Lithuanian cause, but Lithuania. Their demonstrated action in provid- subsequently served as the organization’s Na- demanded that the that the American Brigade ing information and education to the President tional Surgeon and was one of Lithuanian Post volunteers not serve together as a single unit, but of the United States and members of Congress 154’s charter members. be broken up among existing units of the Lithu- eventually led to the United States to recognize Although the Lithuanian Legion of Ameri- anian army. He refused to accept the position of and support the fledging new government. ca remained a separate organization from The the Brigade representatives that it not be broken These Lithuanian Americans did not then sit American Legion, its basic goals and dedica- up as it’s members were not all Lithuanians, did back and consider their job as done: They con- tion to God and Country were virtually identi- not all speak Lithuanian language, and were used tinued to provide both financial and political cal. The primary difference was that Lithuanian to a completely different life style than those now support to the Republic of Lithuania. These Legion of America accepted all former soldiers, serving in the Lithuanian army. The ’ early heroes realized that if Lithuania were to sailors, and marines of Lithuanian extraction, position that these volunteers serve together in a survive it would require the ever continuing regardless in which country’s armed forces similar fashion as the American forces had served support of Lithuanian Americans. For this rea- they had served. The American Legion admit- in France during the Great War was rejected by son, Lithuanian Americans maintained there ted only U.S. veterans. With its rich cultural and Voldemaras. Though the proposed Lithuanian their established political organizations which ethnic pride, membership in the Lithuanian American Brigade was supported by General immediately came to the assistance of Lithu- Legion of America increased. Silvestras Zukauskas, Colonel Antanas Merkys, and other high ranking officers, the Brigade failed to materialize through the stubbornness of one man. Voldemaras reportedly feared that the arrival of such a large number of Lithuanian Americans would jeopardize the position of na- tive Lithuanians in the military and government. As a result only about 500 of the Lithu- anian Americans volunteers traveling alone arrived in Lithuania. These volunteers upon their arrival were disbursed among existing Lithuanian units as desired by Voldemaras, but served Lithuania with great distinction. Several were decorated with the Cross of Vytis for their bravery in combat. Still one has to wonder if the proposed Lithuanian American Brigade would have changed history. Surely such volun- teer clearly demonstrated the conviction and will of the Lithuanian American community to help its ancestral homeland. Today we can only speculated what if? Lithuanian American Legion of America members in uniform.

22 Lithuanian Military Digest Special

By 1938, the Lithuanian Legion of America had nine posts with hundreds of members. The largest posts were in Chicago and New York. The Japanese December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor quickly changed the indepen- dent thinking of Lithuanian Legion of America members. Although they continued to be very proud of their ancestral heritage, they were Americans first and foremost. As a result, these proud Lithuanian Legion of America members pledged their support to the American war ef- fort and sought membership in The American Legion. Fifteen Lithuanian Legion of America members from Baltimore applied to The Ame- rican Legion for permission to form a post in Baltimore. On March 19, 1943, these fifteen Lithu- anian Legion of America Baltimore Post vet- erans were delighted to learn that their request to form an American Legion Post had been ap- proved and they had been issued a Temporary American Legion Charter. To their added joy, American Legion Baltimore Lithuanian Post 154 Flag Detail, which was honored by the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY, by being invited to take part in the academy‘s 2010 annual Commemoration these old veterans also learned that The Ameri- Ceremony honoring Lithuanian General Thaddeus Kosciusko, the academy‘s founding Father. can Legion had authorized their new Post to use its "Lithuanian Post" designation as its offi- cial name and to carry the Lithuanian National Flag during official functions. It is believed that Lithuanian Post 154 is the only American Legion Post authorized to bear such an ethnic designation in its official name. Post members worked diligently recruiting other Lithuanian American veterans. By June 19, 1944 when they received their permanent American Legion Charter, the Post’s member- ship had grown to fifty two.

By Henry L. Gaidis/ Draugas Photo credits: Balzekas Museum, the Lithuanian War Museum, Henry L. Gaidis archives, Glemžų family’s archive, Vytautas the Great War Museum. American Legion, Lithuanian Post 154, 75th Anniversary Swearing in Ceremony, July 21, 2018.

Henry L. Gaidis represents the Lithuanian American Council, Inc. (the Board of Directors of the Joint Baltic American National Committee — JBANC), Lithuanian American Community — Baltimore Chapter, Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (SFSAFBI), the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), Baltimore Lithuanian Hall Association, Baltimore Lithuanian Seniors Club, and Baltimore Lithuanian Festival Committee. He is also the President/ Curator of the Baltimore Lithuanian Museum, active Member of the Baltimore Lithuanian National Library, the Post Historian of the American Legion, Lithuanian Post 154 a member of the Lithuanian Riflemen's Union in Exile — Boston Chapter, and Board of Director Member of the Baltimore Lithuanian Hall Association.

American Lest We Forget WWI Commemorative and American Legion Education Medal — Gaidis Collection.

May 2020. No 5. 23 Photo credit: Lithuanian Air Force Šiauliai Air Base archive

24 Lithuanian Military Digest