Dr. Erik Villard
@erikthehistorian.bsky.social
Military/Digital Historian and Vietnam War specialist, soccer player, EDM fan, avid gamer, lives with my wonderful wife and a posse of Shih-Tzu's and cats.
Identifying the Marine tanks involved with the 2 Feb 1968 photo in Hue taken by Kyoichi Sawada. The one on the left is actually an M67 flamethrower version. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard) Main photo from Kyoichi Sawada. You can ID the tanks by their unique fender bends.
November 16, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Identifying the Marine tanks involved with the 2 Feb 1968 photo in Hue taken by Kyoichi Sawada. The one on the left is actually an M67 flamethrower version. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard) Main photo from Kyoichi Sawada. You can ID the tanks by their unique fender bends.
Geo-locate collage of the Dong Ba Gate, taken by the 1st Bn, 5th Marines, on 15 Feb 1968. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
November 16, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Geo-locate collage of the Dong Ba Gate, taken by the 1st Bn, 5th Marines, on 15 Feb 1968. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
There is no single image which can convey the moral and psychological weight of what "Andor" is telling us. Um . . . actually, yes, there is.
November 15, 2025 at 10:36 PM
There is no single image which can convey the moral and psychological weight of what "Andor" is telling us. Um . . . actually, yes, there is.
There is no more powerful Force in the universe than Luke Skywalker and all of of the good that he stands for. I will die on that hill. @markhamillofficial.bsky.social youtu.be/BTSsul8tPvU?...
Reactors Reaction To Seeing Luke Skywalker On The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 8 | Mixed Reactions
YouTube video by Mixed Reactions
youtu.be
November 15, 2025 at 2:43 AM
There is no more powerful Force in the universe than Luke Skywalker and all of of the good that he stands for. I will die on that hill. @markhamillofficial.bsky.social youtu.be/BTSsul8tPvU?...
Next to my hero Steven Gerrard, the player I admire and identify most with is Luka Modric. What a playmaker. Unbelievable. youtu.be/5QYUFXu12MI?...
When Luka Modrić Plays Like Time Didn’t Exist
YouTube video by Ballersite
youtu.be
November 14, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Next to my hero Steven Gerrard, the player I admire and identify most with is Luka Modric. What a playmaker. Unbelievable. youtu.be/5QYUFXu12MI?...
On this anniversary of the first day of the battle of LZ X-Ray, 14 Nov 1965, let us remember those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Rick Rescorla, born in Cornwall, England, served in the U.S. Army, and died saving people in the Twin Towers, embodied the best of who we are.
November 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
On this anniversary of the first day of the battle of LZ X-Ray, 14 Nov 1965, let us remember those who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Rick Rescorla, born in Cornwall, England, served in the U.S. Army, and died saving people in the Twin Towers, embodied the best of who we are.
This is a masterpiece of editing and analysis of what is among the most brilliant series ever made. It also expresses how I feel about this moment in history- absolutely breathtaking. youtu.be/wMRxxm7OWWE?...
Star Wars: The Rebellion
YouTube video by SWFT
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 11:55 PM
This is a masterpiece of editing and analysis of what is among the most brilliant series ever made. It also expresses how I feel about this moment in history- absolutely breathtaking. youtu.be/wMRxxm7OWWE?...
Starting to get back into 3d modeling with Sketchup. Going to fix up my Hue City 1968 map using contemporary photos to ensure that the building placements are correct. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
November 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Starting to get back into 3d modeling with Sketchup. Going to fix up my Hue City 1968 map using contemporary photos to ensure that the building placements are correct. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
Has any persona had such a profound, unexpected, and shattering impact given their apparent role as a "secondary character" as Kleya Marki in "Andor?" I'm going to say no. What a triumph of acting and writing. I'm still in awe. #Andor
November 12, 2025 at 4:25 AM
Has any persona had such a profound, unexpected, and shattering impact given their apparent role as a "secondary character" as Kleya Marki in "Andor?" I'm going to say no. What a triumph of acting and writing. I'm still in awe. #Andor
Working on the football (soccer) stadium in the Minecraft world I’m building for my niece. :)
November 11, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Working on the football (soccer) stadium in the Minecraft world I’m building for my niece. :)
If you saw Jason Kelce refer to his interview with Tyler Steen on Monday Night Football, you'll know Steen's grandfather, Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, was awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life for his fellow Marines in Vietnam in Sep 1967. Here is that crater where it happened. Honor.
November 11, 2025 at 7:03 PM
If you saw Jason Kelce refer to his interview with Tyler Steen on Monday Night Football, you'll know Steen's grandfather, Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, was awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life for his fellow Marines in Vietnam in Sep 1967. Here is that crater where it happened. Honor.
5-2 Stryker ACV's preparing for a mission in at FOB Frontenac, Arghandab Valley, Kandahar Province, March 2010. I think about that time in my life a lot these days. I hope to reconnect with some of the people I talked to, and interviewed on video, back then. #VeteransDay
November 11, 2025 at 1:09 AM
5-2 Stryker ACV's preparing for a mission in at FOB Frontenac, Arghandab Valley, Kandahar Province, March 2010. I think about that time in my life a lot these days. I hope to reconnect with some of the people I talked to, and interviewed on video, back then. #VeteransDay
One of the great photos of the Vietnam War, taken by Catherine Leroy in either 1967 or 1968. There is some question in my mind as to exactly where and when this photo was taken, and I'd like to pin that down. There is one intriguing mystery- look at the shoulders. One is not like the others.
November 9, 2025 at 5:34 PM
One of the great photos of the Vietnam War, taken by Catherine Leroy in either 1967 or 1968. There is some question in my mind as to exactly where and when this photo was taken, and I'd like to pin that down. There is one intriguing mystery- look at the shoulders. One is not like the others.
The P-51 scene in "Empire of the Sun" still gets me. I saw a flight of growling Spitfires fly low overhead at Duxford. You never forget. youtube.com/clip/Ugkx9ql...
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November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
The P-51 scene in "Empire of the Sun" still gets me. I saw a flight of growling Spitfires fly low overhead at Duxford. You never forget. youtube.com/clip/Ugkx9ql...
Getting back to some Vietnam War geo-location. I think the photo was taken on the western side of the Treasury compound on or about 4 Feb 1968 as the (mostly) 1/1 Marines were fighting their way through southern Hue. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
November 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Getting back to some Vietnam War geo-location. I think the photo was taken on the western side of the Treasury compound on or about 4 Feb 1968 as the (mostly) 1/1 Marines were fighting their way through southern Hue. Digital work by erikthehistorian (erik villard)
Years ago I looked into the John Olson photo of the mortally wounded Marine in Hue. With other great researchers, I believe we determined that he was Pfc. James Blaine, not the other Marine that Mark Bowden ID'd in his book. First, both Marines deserve our respect. Full stop. But what were clues?
November 7, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Years ago I looked into the John Olson photo of the mortally wounded Marine in Hue. With other great researchers, I believe we determined that he was Pfc. James Blaine, not the other Marine that Mark Bowden ID'd in his book. First, both Marines deserve our respect. Full stop. But what were clues?
It's taken longer than I had hoped, but I am now fully committed to finishing and releasing my Google Earth map system for the Vietnam War. Many reasons why now, but it is happening. Stay tuned.
November 6, 2025 at 9:43 PM
It's taken longer than I had hoped, but I am now fully committed to finishing and releasing my Google Earth map system for the Vietnam War. Many reasons why now, but it is happening. Stay tuned.
I love my Halo Warthog crew something fierce. I just do. For my money, a pinnacle in video game design. It makes me care in a totally unreasonable but deeply emotional way about a bunch of pixels.
November 6, 2025 at 3:03 AM
I love my Halo Warthog crew something fierce. I just do. For my money, a pinnacle in video game design. It makes me care in a totally unreasonable but deeply emotional way about a bunch of pixels.
If you can be Ferrier, be Ferrier.
November 5, 2025 at 9:41 PM
If you can be Ferrier, be Ferrier.
If you don't love the Smashing Pumpkins, we will never really know each other. Those are the rules- I don't make them. youtu.be/Ai84DK9HAJs?...
Redhead Reaction to [HQ] The Smashing Pumpkins - Muzzle
YouTube video by redheadedneighbor
youtu.be
November 1, 2025 at 2:49 AM
If you don't love the Smashing Pumpkins, we will never really know each other. Those are the rules- I don't make them. youtu.be/Ai84DK9HAJs?...
The Boys at the Beach- Raffie and Kody after tearing up Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, for the first time.
October 31, 2025 at 10:26 PM
The Boys at the Beach- Raffie and Kody after tearing up Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, for the first time.
The Boys at the Beach- Raffie and Kody after tearing up Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, for the first time.
October 31, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The Boys at the Beach- Raffie and Kody after tearing up Rehobeth Beach, Delaware, for the first time.
"ooouh, and there's a woman. Yeah. A woman, who I love. And I got close . . . nearly got FUKIN' EVERYTHING!" Among the best five minutes in ALL of television history. If you know, you know.
October 27, 2025 at 12:41 AM
"ooouh, and there's a woman. Yeah. A woman, who I love. And I got close . . . nearly got FUKIN' EVERYTHING!" Among the best five minutes in ALL of television history. If you know, you know.
In this moment, be Farrier. Turn that goddamn Spitfire around and do the right thing no matter what the cost to yourself. A vast host of people, stranded on the beach with danger fast approaching, are depending upon you. youtu.be/fIs6Cux_8v8?...
Dunkirk (IMAX) - No turning back for Fortis 1
YouTube video by Mikhail “mickey”
youtu.be
October 26, 2025 at 7:07 PM
In this moment, be Farrier. Turn that goddamn Spitfire around and do the right thing no matter what the cost to yourself. A vast host of people, stranded on the beach with danger fast approaching, are depending upon you. youtu.be/fIs6Cux_8v8?...
Another clever Army SSI is the 4th ID patch. The Roman numeral for 4 is "IV" so it is the "Ivy Division." Ivy symbolizes tenacity and fidelity (it can climb sheer surfaces) of the div's motto is "Steadfast and Loyal." Also note the center resembles a aiming sight. Also like the quarter turn square.
October 26, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Another clever Army SSI is the 4th ID patch. The Roman numeral for 4 is "IV" so it is the "Ivy Division." Ivy symbolizes tenacity and fidelity (it can climb sheer surfaces) of the div's motto is "Steadfast and Loyal." Also note the center resembles a aiming sight. Also like the quarter turn square.