The Pensive Warrior

Heroes From History: Valeria Panlilio

Valeria Panlilio was a spy and guerilla fighter for the Allies during the Second World War. Commonly referred to as “Colonel Yay,” she is considered to have been the brains behind the “Marking Guerillas,” a notorious resistance group in the Philippines which fought against the Japanese occupation during the war. She was born in Denver, Colorado to an Irish-American father and Filipino mother. As an adult, she left the United States and moved to the Philippines to become a journalist. She worked as a news reporter for the Philippines Herald. When the war broke out, she was enlisted as a U.S. intelligence agent for the Allies and fed them information about Japanese movements in the Philippines.

Yay before WWII — Valeria “Yay” Panlilio before WWII

Valeria Panlilio was part of the U.S. military’s S-2 intelligence unit during WWII. She worked as a radio broadcast operator for the KZRH radio station. Her official job at the station was to broadcast Japanese propaganda to support the occupation. Unofficially, she used her position at the radio station to send intelligence reports to the Allies about Axis activity in the Philippines. She would send coded messages detailing Japanese troop movements using the radio station, and she also fed false information to the Japanese intelligence officer at the station about Allied movements. However, the Japanese military would eventually find out someone was feeding the Allies information from the radio station, putting Panlilio in danger of being exposed.

She repeatedly requested the U.S. Army transfer her to the fight in Baatan, but was consistently denied and ordered to remain in Manila to gather intelligence on the occupation there. Eventually, suspicions of her mounted to the point where the Japanese tried to have her arrested. With the threat of her cover being blown, and a desire to get more involved in the fight, Panlilio eventually decided to strike out against the Axis on her own terms. Locals sympathetic to the resistance helped her escape capture and flee into the mountains. There, she joined the Marking Guerillas and began fighting directly on the ground in the Filipino resistance against the Axis. Panlilio became an influential figure in the resistance and even married Marocs Agustin, leader of the Markings.

Panlilio and Agustin — Valeria Panlilio and her husband, Marcos Agustin

In the Markings Guerillas, she was sometimes referred to as “Mammy Yay” due to her vital role. She was second-in-command of the group, handling critical operations involving training of new members, treating the sick and wounded, and coordination of anti-propaganda. Yay created and strategized the dissemination of media to counter the propaganda coming from the Axis-controlled mainstream media during the Japanese occupation. This helped the resistance keep morale up as the Second World War raged on and people began to feel all hope may be lost of ever defeating the Nazis and the Empire of Japan. There were many dark times during WWII when hope for the Allies seemed slim, and it was difficult to keep spirits high.

Panlilio became known as “Colonel Yay” as she also led fighters into combat on the island of Luzon. Female guerilla fighters were referred to as “guerrilleras.” Due to the harsh realities of the Second World War, women across Europe and Asia often had to pick up a rifle and enter the battlefield. From France under Nazi occupation, to the Philippines under Imperial Japanese occupation, men, women, and children were pulled into the fray to stand against the forces of darkness. Panlilio was one of those people pulled into fhe fight during the darkest hours before the dawn when fire and rage threatened to consume all of Humanity.

Yay Panlilio with camera equipment — Yay Panlilio (left) was a journalist and reporter before, during, and after WWII.

She survived the Second World War and eventually returned to the United States to resume her work as a journalist there. She wrote her autobiography, “The Crucible,” and detailed her time as a spy and guerilla warfighter. She was quoted as saying: “It is true women are soft. It is also true that women can be the most bloodthirsty and cruel of creatures. I want to be neither. It is enough to do my duty.” After the Axis powers all surrendered and Panlilio laid down her arms, she returned to civilian life as a hero. She was awarded the United States Medal of Freedom for her service and settled down in New York. Eventually, she passed away in January of 1978.

Heroes like Yay Panlilio remind us of the duty of all humans to be at the ready to stand against the forces of darkness whenever and wherever they arise. I am sure she would have preferred to live her life as a journalist and reporter, informing people about the news in peace without fear of death or capture. However, as humans, we do not always get to choose when we are called upon to serve and protect Humanity from the forces of darkness. Evil always finds a way to rise up again, no matter how many times it is beaten back down. It is the duty of all of us to remain vigilant and at the ready for when we are called to serve in whatever capacity that is required of us. After all, a wise man once said that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

What do you think of Valeria “Yay” Panlilio? Have you ever heard of her? Also, what skills do you have that may be of use during a time of crisis? How do you think you would help during Humanity’s darkest hours?

If you’re interested in reading more about the relationship between America and the Philippines, check out this article and poem commemorating our history: “Family Found and Forged.”

All posts by the Pensive Warrior are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Celebrating the Bow: National Archery Day

It’s National Archery Day! The second Saturday of May is recognized as National Archery Day, an obscure holiday meant to celebrate the iconic duo of the bow and arrow. Archery is the application of the bow in combat and recreation across history. An “archer” is an individual armed with and wielding a bow. People can celebrate National Archery Day by learning about the history of archery, practicing archery on their own, or seeking out programs where they can learn to use the bow under the guidance of a professional. In the age of the Internet, people can even record or livestream themselves practicing with virtually any type of weapon and share the video with a professional for critique and advice.

Picture of a modern archer — Archery is still widely practiced in the modern age

Compound bows were invented in the 1960s, and archery became a regular Olympic sport in 1972 after making a few early appearances at the games. National Archery Day was founded in Louisiana, Kentucky by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) back in 2015 to celebrate their annual archery competition. While archery has become arguably obsolete in warfare and self-defense – at least in the presence of firearms – it is still popular in hunting and as a recreational activity. Archery is also a practical skill involving a weapon one can craft with simple materials and use to survive in a desperate situation.

A bow is a very humble tool, although more complex variations have been invented, such as the previously mentioned compound bow. In its simplest form, a bow is a short, wooden staff which is strong, but flexible. The two ends are connected by a shorter piece of string which bends the wooden staff into a curve. The arrow is a shaft made of wood or a comparable material with feathers or feather-like vanes on the end, and a sharp arrowhead on the tip. The arrowhead may be made of metal, bone, stone, or another comparable material capable of forming a sturdy, cutting edge.

Arrow Feathers — Arrows use feathers for enhanced accuracy in flight

The arrow is notched against the bowstring and the string pulled back until the arrowhead is just ahead of the bow itself. The archer grips the end of the arrow in between their fingers and hooks the bowstring with the same hand to pull it back. Pulling on the bowstring creates a tension referred to as potential energy. When released, the potential energy stored in the bow is converted to kinetic energy and launches the arrow at the target. The sharp arrowhead allows the arrow to penetrate the target and makes the arrow useful as a projectile.

Today, there are many different types of bows. The traditional bow is what started it all and has been used historically by hunters, warriors, and athletes in every part of the world except for Australia. The longbow is also a very prominent design which, as the name implies, is longer than a traditional bow and enables more powerful shots over longer distances. The recurve bow is a lighter bow with modularity for travel over longer distances and greater ease of replacing or swapping out parts. Eventually, the compound bow incorporated multiple strings and wheels which enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the weapon.

Recurve Bow — A recurve bow consists of multiple modular components which can be easily replaced.

The staff forming the body of a bow must be springy. It cannot break when bent, and this limits the kinds of materials which may be used in its construction. Before modern materials enabled easy manufacturing of strong, flexible materials, inventors of bows had to be creative with their designs. Bamboo offered a natural wood which served well as a flexible body for bows. Composite bows were also invented which involved gluing multiple sheets of wood together into a flexible whole. Sapwood and heartwood could be put together to form a durable, yet flexible staff for the bow.

Historically, arrow shafts have often been made of wood. The arrowheads have been made of a wide variety of materials. Hardwood, animal bone, flint, bronze, and eventually steel have all been implemented. Anything which can cut and keep an edge will do. The bowstring has historically been made of animal guts such as tendons, as well as fibrous plant materials. The stringy, flexible material is strong but can bend as well, providing tension that creates energy for the shot. Silk and rawhide have also been used. Out of all the materials, fibers made from plants were arguably the best, as they were not affected by wetness or dampness when rained on, submerged in water, or carried threw damp, tall grass.

Archery from Horseback — Samurai were famous for using archery on horseback, an artform still preserved today in recreational archery.

The bow is a revolutionary tool from human history which has been wildly influential. Later on, we will explore the influence of archery on human history in another blog post. I have tried archery once before as a child, but never dedicated myself to learning the artform. One day soon, I hope to do so. Archery is a very practical skill and a human practice which should certainly be maintained.

What do you think about archery? Have you every trained with the bow? What is your favorite kind of bow and why? Feel free to share your thoughts.

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Warm Weather Motivations: A Haiku Series

It is springtime where I live, and that means the weather is getting warmer. Each day, I find myself feeling the heat of the sun on my skin. Something about the warmer months has always made me feel more eager to exercise. My blood just feels like it’s running hotter and I want to get out and do more. That motivation has not only led me to go outside and start training with a longsword, but also to write more poetry! To that end, I wrote this series of haiku about springtime, exercising, and the life-long journey of training.

Louis Martinez training with a longsword

Time flows day by day
Seasons changing as years pass
Warmer months arrive

Soft winds stir gently
Spring heat teases summer fire
Hotter days ahead

A flame fills my veins
Passion born of blood and sweat
Burning from within

Blood pumping harder
The sun demanding action
Heat pushing me through

Sweat drips down my skin
Eager to reach new levels
Ever rushing forth

Waiting for that day
When wisdom dawns upon me
Always out of reach

Grasping at nothing
An intangible insight
I seek without end

What is your favorite way to get some exercise? Do you enjoy the hot weather, or do you prefer the cold? What inspires you to do some writing? Feel free to share your thoughts!

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Iconic Weapons: The M1 Garand

Since we looked at two iconic swords from history this month and one firearm, I thought it appropriate to look at another firearm in keeping with his month’s theme. That firearm we will explore today is the famous M1 Garand. Known officially as the “United States Rifle, Caliber .30, M1,” the M1 Garand is one of many iconic weapons from history that changed the way battles were fought and moved tactics forward by introducing new ways to fight.

John C. Garand presenting the M1 — John C. Garand (left) presenting the M1 Garand to Major General Charles M. Wesson (center) and Brigadier General Gilbert H. Stewart (right).

The M1 Garand was originally designed by John Cantius Garand. It was made of steel and black walnut wood, machined and assembled at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts – one of the first two arms manufacturing plants commissioned by George Washington to rectify American dependence on foreign arms imports centuries earlier. The receiver of the rifle was forged and machined with an assembly line which could produce several hundred M1 rifles per day at their peak. Simultaneously, the stocks were woodworked at the facility on a separate line. At the end, the steel and wood were assembled together to produce a finished M1 Garand.

The weapon was prominent among the U.S. military in WWII and the Korean War. During the Cold War, stockpiles of the weapon were handed down to U.S. allies as the American forces began phasing the M1 out for the M14. The weapon was officially in service between the years of 1936-1958 in the United States, and other countries still use it as their standard issue service weapon to this day. The weapon is also still used in drills and training among many countries in the modern age, including the United States.

M1 Garand with two-point sling — M1 Garand with a two-point sling

The M1 Garand replaced the M1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle, although the M1903A4 variant remained in service as a sniper rifle. The M1 Garand provided a higher rate of fire and greater accuracy than the M1903. It was a semi-automatic weapon with less recoil. The ammunition was lighter and allowed more to be carried, and the semi-auto fire enabled more rounds to be fired in a shorter period of time. Overall, it made for a superior infantry weapon, allowing the slower, heavier hitting M1903A4 to be delegated to a long-range role.

The M1 Garand makes a distinctive ping noise when the last round is fired and the empty clip is ejected. This was reportedly used to the advantage of both the combatants facing Americans equipped with the weapon, and by the Americans themselves to deceive their adversaries. During WWII and the Korean War, combatants facing the M1 Garand would listen for the distinctive ping to know when there may be an opportunity to charge the position of the ones wielding the weapon. On the other side, sometimes soldiers with an M1 Garand would fire one round and throw an empty clip to feign being out of ammo and lure combatants into a charge.

Soldier with an M1 Garand — A soldier with an M1 Garand

Looking at the muskets and cannons of centuries past; the M1 Garand still in use today but on its way out; and the modern weapons which have replaced it like the M16 rifles based off the AR-15 design, I marvel at how far humans have come and wonder what we will make next. After all, it was not that long ago in our history that we were training with swords, spears, and bows not as recreational endeavors and a way to preserve the past, but to familiarize ourselves with the conventional defense tools of the day. Now, those tools have passed from the conventional class to the historical. I wonder what will come next, and when the day may come when the firearms of today are displaced by some new tool which makes them obsolete.

I also wonder which weapons may stand the test of time and remain in common use, such as how the knife has remained conventional since the dawn of human existence. Only time will tell, I suppose. I look forward to seeing what comes next and familiarizing myself with any new tools which come onto the scene of human history.

What do you think of the M1 Garand? Have you ever had a chance to wield the weapon yourself? What is your favorite weapon design or system from human history?

Also, you may have noticed that some of the headings and references to the “Pen and Sword” have changed to the “Pensive Warrior.” I finally decided on this as the final name of the blog to differentiate it from other blogs and employ a unique name. I will be changing the domain name soon as well to provide a unique URL.

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Iconic Weapons: History of the Longsword

The longsword is such a classic and iconic symbol that it is used as a generic model for a sword in numerous different mediums of art and culture. Technically, the distinction between the classic “longsword” design and other types of swords such as the arming sword and “shortsword” may be a matter of blade lenght, hilt size, and semantics. The longsword then is that sword of European descent with a cruciform hilt long enough to be used with one or two hands and a straight, double-edged blade between 85-110 centimeters in length. It is probably the epitome of what many think of when they imagine a sword, rivaled only by the katana in the public consciousness of what constitutes this type of weapon. The image of a knight in shining armor with a classic longsword is as timeless and recognizable as the armor of the samurai and their infamous katana design.

The longsword became widely popular in Europe during the 14th Century, although the design emerged earlier than that. Some sources claim the weapon first emerged as early as the 12th Century, and others the 13th Century. Regardless of exactly when the first longsword was made, the weapon is noted to have been in common use between the years of 1250-1550. It was used as a service weapon in the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance Period. After that, it was overtaken by new weapons as technology advanced. Still, the longsword persists to this day as a potent symbol of discipline, honor, and virtue.

Crafting a high-quality longsword required skill beyond that of a simple blacksmith. Each sword had to fine-tuned to provide the perfect balance between flexibility and sturdiness. A sword which was too sturdy would break against a hard surface, but a sword which was too flexible would not be able to cut. A swordsmith would heat up the steel to the right color in a furnace before hammering it into shape. The edges would be hammered to a finer point than the center, forming the edge. The center of the steel would be hammered to flatten it out, but would be left thicker than the edges to provide a strong shape. Ensuring the sword was the proper weight and proportions required great skill and experience, and a swordsmith would need to take into consideration various factors such as the “point of balance,” “vibration nodes,” and “forward/aft pivotpoints” in order to craft the steel into a functional longsword design.

Different cross-sections — The cross-section of a longsword could come in many different shapes.

Tempering the blade also required a lot of experience since there was no way to measure the temperature of the steel. The swordsmith would have to know from experience by looking at the blade that it was the right temperature for tempering before quenching it in water or oil. The steel would also be filed down to craft precise edges and proportions to get the weight and shape just right. Filing would also be done to create the guard, pommel, and any decorations. Some parts of the steel might be hollowed out or filed down to create indentations which helped craft the perfect balance. Some longswords may have been mass-produced without such care or precision in order to equip large armies, producing more crude variants which were not as sturdy or balanced.

Historical training manual — A page from a historical training manual.

The longsword is a legendary symbol of skill and precision not only because of how great skill is required to craft one using traditional methods, but also how great skill is required to wield one. Numerous training manuals from throughout history when the longsword was in common use have been preserved and carried into the modern age. These have been adapted by modern practitioners into newer manuals as well, as the sword is still quite popular for recreational purposes. Learning to use the longsword is also a useful practice for one seeking to gain discipline and self-control.

The longsword design is notorious for being one of the most versatile weapons ever conceived. Every physical part of the weapon has offensive capability from the tip of the blade to the pommel. The hilt was long enough that it could be used with one or two hands, although the classic “longsword” is typically meant to be wielded with two hands. The long, straight blade was used for both cutting and thrusting. The blade itself could be gripped with one hand and stabilized for more precise thrusts, a technique known as “half-swording.” The sword could also be flipped around and held with both hands by the blade and swung like a hammer, striking an opponent with the guard in a technique known as the “murder stroke.” The guard itself was primarily used to protect the hands from strikes. There are even historical manuals which reference unscrewing the pommel and throwing it in the opponent’s face as a distraction before charging in.

Knight combat reenactment — A reenactment of knights engaging in combat with what appear to be a longsword (right) and a short sword or arming sword (left).

Ewart Oakeshott (1916-2002) created a system of typology for different swords of the classic “longsword” design. This system did not exist during the time when longswords were in common use, although it is useful due to the blurred distinction between “longswords” and other swords of similar length and purpose during the time when these swords were in service. Arming swords were very similar in size and purpose to what would be considered a “longsword.” However, the Oakeshott classifications are very distinct and a “Type XVIa” sword is probably the strictest interpretation of what constitutes a longsword in the Oakeshott typology.

There are many famous longswords from history, as these weapons were often preserved as family heirlooms and important cultural artifacts. The Wallace Sword is one such sword housed at the National Wallace Monument in Scotland. While there is reason to believe it is not the original sword, it is preserved as if it were. William Wallace was a Scottish knight who led the resistance against the English occupation of Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence. His famous longsword was used during the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Falkirk. It serves to this day as a potent symbol of freedom, liberty, justice, and the need to stand up for these ideals in the face of tyranny.

To me, the longsword is a symbol that is synonymous with courage, bravery, honor, integrity, and ingenuity. I recently started studying to use the longsword and plan to start practicing with one soon. Despite the weapon no longer being in common use and arguably being obsolete, I still want to learn how to wield and maintain the weapon so that I can benefit from the discipline one fosters whenever they learn to wield and maintain a new weapon, as well as so that I can pass the knowledge onto others and preserve the craft of this important symbol from human history.

What do you think about the longsword? Have you ever learned how to wield one? What does the longsword symbolize to you? Feel free to share your thoughts.

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Iconic Weapons: Brown Bess

The “Brown Bess” was the common name for the Land Pattern Musket, as well as other flintlock muskets in the same family. It was the weapon of choice of both the British Army and the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and was also prominently used in other significant conflicts such as the Texas Revolution and the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It was the official service weapon of the British Army from 1722-1838.

The Long Land Pattern – one of the early standardized patterns – was about 62 inches with a 42-inch barrel. It was made of wood and brass, and the metal was treated with a process to protect it against rusting which tinted it brown. The Brown Bess had a .75 caliber barrel and weighed approximately 10 pounds. Additionally, the weapon could be fitted with a bayonet. The common bayonet used with the Brown Bess was said to be 17 inches in length and arguably the most dangerous part of the weapon.

The Brown Bess incorporated the flintlock ignition system, which was a revolutionary upgrade from the matchlock system. The matchlock system on previous weapons required an external ignition device such as a match to light the powder. The flintlock system ignited the powder with a hammer that would strike a piece of flint and create sparks when the trigger was pulled. This greatly increased the rate of fire and made weapons safer to use. It also allowed for more shooters to stand next to each other, allowing for more heavily concentrated volley fire.

The rationale for the name of the “Brown Bess” is uncertain. The “Brown” term is obvious. The weapon was colored brown. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the origin of the term “Bess.” Some say it was to honor the late Queen Elizabeth who had died decades earlier. Others theorize “Bess” was a slang term for a prostitute and the British soldiers would joke about holding their musket like they would a “Bess.”

There were several standardized patterns designed which were known as the Brown Bess. At first, the weapons were not standardized, and it was difficult to get ammunition and replacement parts which worked universally. There was a need for a standardized pattern which could be mass-produced, easily repaired, and allow for standardized ammunition. This led to the Long Land Pattern, and eventually the Short Land Patter, the India Pattern, the New Land Pattern, and the Sea Service Pattern.

As a smoothbore rifle, the Brown Bess was not known for its accuracy. It was essentially a canon due to the lack of conventional rifling in the barrel. The bullet accelerated without any stabilizing effect and would go off in random directions once leaving the barrel. The Brown Bess did not have any sights on it since aiming at a target was not a significant consideration. The weapon was made to be fired in large volleys which would blanket a target area with bullets, ensuring that something was hit. In fact, it is said that training with the Brown Bess did not focus on aiming at all, but rather on reloading as quickly as possible so as to be prepared for the next volley. The Brown Bess is said to have been joked of as a glorified handle for a bayonet.

Continental Army solders — The Continental Army also used the Brown Bess.

During the American Revolution, the weapon was common among the colonists as male citizens in the Thirteen Colonies were required to keep and maintain a Brown Bess for militia duty. Life in the Colonies was harsh, and colonists were expected to be able to defend settlements in place of the British Army. With the bulk of their forces stationed thousands of miles away overseas, it was impossible for the British Army to provide meaningful defense to the Thirteen Colonies. Inevitably, as a rift between the Colonies and the Empire grew, the weapons which citizens were required to keep and maintain became a flashpoint on April 19, 1775.

At the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the British Army attempted to cease a stockpile of weapons from the Colonies. British soldiers marched toward Concord but were intercepted at Lexington by colonial militia. A standoff ensued which led to the infamous “shot heard round the world.” The British soldiers and colonists exchanged volley fire after the unknown shot first rang off. Two opposing walls of Brown Bess muskets were unloaded, causing casualties on both sides. Then, a melee ensued since the weapon took an impractically long amount of time to reload. The surviving British soldiers continued on to Concord where they encountered more armed resistance and suffered further casualties before retreating.

The Brown Bess symbolizes the importance of gun ownership; of knowing how to use a weapon; and of being prepared to use a weapon when the need arises. As every male citizen in the Thirteen Colonies was responsible for maintaining and caring for a Brown Bess since they could be needed to use it to defend themselves and their fellow citizens. They had to learn about the weapon; how to use it; and how to keep it in working order. Then, when duty called upon them to defend themselves and their fellow citizens from threats made by the very entity which was supposed to keep them safe, they were prepared to answer that call.

The Brown Bess reminds me that we never know if or when we will be called upon to defend ourselves, our homes, or our fellow citizens. We also never know who we will be called upon to defend against. Sometimes, circumstances may require us to defend against those who we thought were charged with defending us. Life is full of surprises and is rarely kind. It often seeks to test our resolve and challenge us in ways which force us to adapt, improvise, and overcome great adversity.

Have you ever heard of the Brown Bess? What do you think of when you see the weapon? What kind of images or ideas does it symbolize to you? Feel free to share your thoughts and share this article with others.

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Iconic Weapons: History of the Katana

This month, we will be following the theme of looking at iconic weapons from throughout human history, starting with the katana. This legendry sword design comes from Japan and is renowned as one of the most effective cutting tools ever made. The iconic sword features a curved, single-edged blade with a small guard. The word “katana” may be interpreted to mean ” a curved sword with a one-sided blade.” It is longer than a tachi, another sword of Japanese origins sometimes described as a precursor to the katana. Traditionally, the katana is worn with the cutting edge face up along with a wakizashi – a smaller blade similar in shape. The image of an armored samurai with their unmistakable katana is as timeless now as that of a Spartan soldier with their spear and shield.

The Japanese samurai are famous for their mounted fighting style, employing archery and swordsmanship from horseback. I have read some sources which say the katana emerged as a longer, more curved sword than the tachi which was superior for use on horseback. I have also read some sources which claim the katana was invented specificall y in response to the Mongol invasions of Japan and their thicker armor necessitating sturdier, more powerful swords as the tachi was known to chip and break against Mongol armor. Regardless, the katana was certainly useful for cutting targets on the ground from horseback and for engaging more heavily armored Mongol warriors. Smaller blades such as tanto and wakizashi enabled samurai and other warriors to engage more easily in close quarters and indoors, something which became more prevalent throughout Japanese history with new conflicts leading the battlefield to different arenas.

Forging a katana using the traditional method employed by Japanese swordsmiths could take several months to complete one sword. First charcoal and iron sand are burnt in a furnace known as a tatara for three days. The process purifies the metal and creates tamahagane steel. The pieces of tamahagane are broken up, examined, and sorted according to their carbon content after they have cooled. The pieces are usually heated back up and adjusted to further refine their carbon content. Some pieces will make the hard edge of the blade, while others are used to forge the soft body. The pieces are again heated and hammered into bars, which are then folded several times into layers. The soft and hard pieces of the sword are forged separately and then fused together. Traditionally, the katana is tempered with water after it has been fully forged. The sword is heated it to red hot and then submerged in water to harden it for battle. This is of course a very brief overview of the swordsmithing process and excludes many of the finer details. An in-depth explanation of how a traditional katana is forged may be read here.

A diagram of all the different named parts of a katana

Conventional methods of forging a katana involve cutting it from a sheet of purified steel; working the metal into shape; and then tempering the blade with water or oil. The conventional method is much quicker and can also produce more durable swords which last longer and require less maintenance. Although, the conventional method does not naturally produce many of the intricate designs inherent to the traditional folding process.

The katana is an iconic piece of human history, a symbol for many that is synonymous with strength, courage, bravery, and honor. To me, it also represents human ingenuity and our ability to invent novel tools and devices. Learning about the process that goes into making a single katana using traditional methods is inspiring. The commitment to the craft is immense, and the weapon itself is a thing of beauty. I also admire the expertise needed to wield a weapon such as a sword, the time and dedication it takes to hone one’s skills with such a long blade.

What do you think about the katana? Do you see it as just a piece of shaped metal, or an important symbol with powerful meaning? What does it represent to you, if anything?

All posts by The Pen and Sword are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Spring’s First Touches

Here is a poem I wrote about springtime. I am always inspired by spring and the transition from winter. I live in an area with four distinct seasons, and the winters are very cold. When spring comes back around every year, I feel my appreciation for the sun and its warmth renewed.

Spring's First Touches

Winter scares all life away
Snow clouds blocking the sky
Light fading quicker with each passing day
Everyone scurrying inside

Winter is long
It's end ever out of sight
The sun's warmth come and gone
A most perilous of nights

But winter is no eternal arrival
Here for a while, until it must go
A transient visitor on a cold reprisal
As fleeting as the melting snow

For spring always comes to usher in summer
As reliably as the sun rises each morn
It's soft first touches a gift like no other
Delivering us from winter's harsh scorn

After a long winter's night
After months with no sun
Spring pierces the sky with its light
Returning at last to see winter outdone

A step outside brings a sigh of relief
For the first time in so long
Like a feeling of disbelief
As soothing as a birdsong

The warmth of the sun's essence
So tender and caring
A calming presence
All one's woes upending

The cool breeze in the air
A gentle caress
Soft as a lover's care
Of one who knows best

The song of the birds
Chirping to rise each morn
A song with no words
Each day feeling reborn

Spring's return is like a gift
Made ever sweeter by winter's journey
A pleasant feeling set adrift
Filling us with glee aplenty

I dread winter each year
But love it every year too
For winter heralds in spring's cheer
All the sweeter to go through

That was Spring’s First Touches, by Louis Martinez. What did you think of this poem? Did you enjoy it? Could it be improved? Let me know! I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Also, what do you think about springtime? Do you live in a place with a different climate and different types of seasons? If so, what is your perception of springtime?

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Thomas Paine’s Unceremonious Ending and Enduring Legacy

Not every hero from history has a glorious end where they are remembered fondly and held up for the contributions they made to history. Sadly, this was the case with Thomas Paine. Despite his importance to American history, and indeed, human history as a whole, his later years in life were marred by imprisonment, betrayal, and poverty. Nevertheless, we recount his importance here in our modern day and shall never forget the efforts he made which brought about a freer human civilization. Still, it is humbling to look back on how one of the most important figures in human history was reportedly tossed as a casualty of diplomacy and madness.

Statue of Thomas Paine — A statue of Thomas Paine in Thetford, U.K.

Thomas Paine left the United States and returned to his homeland of England in 1787. He felt compelled to leave after several misfortunes had befallen him. Firstly, he was removed from his post as Secretary to the Committee on Foreign Affairs when he had to quote from secret documents in order to expose Silas Deane – a member of the Congress who was using his position to profit personally off dealings with the French. Even though Paine uncovered the corruption of Deane, he was forced to resign for revealing the secret documents. As he had donated all of his wealth in the United States to the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, he was desperate for employment.

Paine managed to find a job as a clerk in the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, donating much of his earnings to support the troops and also eventually writing “Public Good,” another of his famous works in which he sought to appeal to the newly formed United States to work together as one nation. He had made a great deal of sales with his literary works, but he always zealously sought to donate his profits and put the money he made back into increasing the circulation of his works. He successfully managed to appeal to Congress – endorsed by George Washington – to gain some land in New Rochelle where he devised plans for a new kind of bridge.

In 1787, Paine left the Americas and returned to his homeland of England. His goal was to make his plans for a new kind of bridge a reality. However, Paine became enraptured with tales of the French Revolution, prompting him to publish “Rights of Man” in response to Edmund Burke’s “Reflections on the Revolution in France.” Paine eventually traveled to France and was welcomed with open arms due to his antiroyalty rhetoric. However, when Paine saw the events of the Reign of Terror with his own eyes, he spoke out. Paine was against the death penalty in all circumstances and was critical of the mass executions underway in France. The country was bathed in blood as indiscriminate violence took hold and innocents were slaughtered in record numbers for espousing any views perceived as favorable to the monarchy, or at least insufficiently in favor of the revolution. Paine began espousing his views against the mass violence which would form some of the basis of his stance in “Age of Reason.” As a result, Paine was charged with treason in absentia on December 26, 1793. Two days later, French police arrested Paine and threw him in prison to await execution without due process.

Paine’s cell was described as a dark and wet hole with little to no light. He was locked up with many others awaiting execution by guillotine. During his time in his cell, he managed to continue working on “Age of Reason.” He also tried to appeal to his friend George Washington to help get him out of prison. However, Washington was unable to assist Paine. It is unclear if Washington wished he could help Paine or not, but Paine certainly felt abandoned. His inspiring literary works about the importance of revolution against tyrannical forces had become problematic for the stability of the new United States, and Washington was forced to publicly distance himself from Paine. As such, Washington could offer no help to his friend who had helped him motivate a nation to action and likely saved the future of the United States from the grip of demoralization early in the American Revolution.

Whatever George Washington really felt about Thomas Paine’s situation, he felt he could not help Paine without compromising the United States. This led Paine to feel betrayed, angry, and alone. He consigned himself to his fate and fell ill while awaiting execution. While Paine must have felt absolutely miserable at this time, his illness apparently led the guards of his prison to leave his cell door open to increase airflow and help him get better. When the time came for his execution, the inside of his cell door was marked, and eventually closed. When the executioners came to round up the prisoners marked for death that day, the chalk marking on Paine’s cell was hidden on the inside of the door, and they walked on past.

Eventually, James Monroe learned of Thomas Paine’s location in a French prison. Monroe was sympathetic to Paine, as both were known to be associates and friends with Thomas Jefferson. After the Reign of Terror ended, Monroe found the forgotten Paine still sick and dying in his cell. Monroe rescued Paine and brought the dying man to his family. After the Monroe’s nursed Paine back to good health, he eventually returned to the United States in 1802. Sadly, he returned to the land he helped free to find himself shunned, impoverished, and all but forgotten in the U.S. as he was in a French prison cell.

Paine eventually died alone in New York City seven years later with few to mourn his loss. He had fallen into a battle with alcoholism near the end of his life. Many considered him an “infidel” and a “heretic” for his criticisms of organized religion, as well as the distancing of the United States from his revolutionary rhetoric. Reportedly, only 6 people attended his funeral.

Today, Thomas Paine is remembered as one of Humanity’s greatest thought leaders who helped our species onto a brighter path with his literary works. He inspired many in his time to stand up for freedom, liberty, and justice. While circumstances led the actors of his day to use him as a scapegoat at times, his contributions to the ideas we have today are much appreciated. History will always look favorably upon those who championed freedom and liberty eventually, as all authoritarian regimes fall sooner or later. Nevertheless, Thomas Paine could have been more responsible with his money and abstained from always donating all of it, leaving himself in desperate situations where he had to plead to others for help. While it was very noble of Paine to always donate all of his money, it is wise to secure our own masks before assisting others.

As I have mentioned before, I am inspired by the life and works of Thomas Paine. It saddens me to learn about how his life took such tragic turns, especially near the end. It is ever more saddening to think of how Paine felt abandoned and betrayed by those he trusted, and rightfully so. This is especially upsetting as I am not sure how George Washington felt about the situation. I do not know if Washington wished to help Paine but could not for political reasons, or if Washington had really abandoned his friendship with Paine. If the latter were the case – as Paine believed – then were they ever really friends to begin with? I do not know, as I can only imagine how difficult decisions must be for those in positions such as these two figures from history. Still, the legacy left behind by Paine is one that inspires me to this day, and I choose to focus on what I can learn from his greatest accomplishments as well as his moments of misfortune.

What do you think of Thomas Paine and his many literary works? Which one of his works is your favorite and why? Feel free to share you thoughts!

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The Battle of Bunker Hill

When I was a child, I remember one of the picture books my father shared with me told the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was an inspirational story of courage and heroism. Reading it, I felt moved by the tales of bravery, self-sacrifice, and standing against impossible odds. This week, I decided to revisit that tale. It is a story I cannot wait to tell to my own children someday when I start a family.

Obelisk at Bunker Hill — This obelisk at Bunker Hill memorializes the site of the historic battle.

The Battle of Bunker Hill was one of the earliest battles of the American Revolutionary War, preceded by the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It is often considered it to be the first major battle of the war where significant numbers of troops faced off over contested territory, as the preceding battles were considered smaller skirmishes. The Battle of Bunker Hill was part of the larger event known as the Siege of Boston.

The Battle of Bunker Hill occurred on June 17, 1775. About two months after the war began, approximately 15,000 colonist volunteers had amassed around Boston. They were intent on preventing the 5,000 or so British regulars stationed there from advancing further, although they were poorly trained, ill-equipped, and low on ammunition. The British troops stationed in Boston were under the command of General Thomas Gage, and the Continental troops besieging the area were led by General Artemas Ward.

The British troops in Boston believed if they could take control of the hills in the area, they could break the siege and advance further into the region. The rebel colonists reportedly discovered this plan from an unknown civilian who learned of the impending troop movement in a conversation with a British officer in New Hampshire and reported it. The American revolutionaries were in fact colonists from the British Empire at the time, attempting to break off and declare independence from a monarchy which had refused to redress their grievances, and the British officer who gave away the plans may have thought nothing of it at the time.

When the rebel colonists learned of General Gage’s plans to take the hills, they moved to fortify them in preparation to halt the impending advance. The Massachusetts Committee of Public Safety had recommended fortifying Bunker Hill earlier, though nothing was done on the matter. That was until they learned of the impending troop movement, at which point the Continental troops sprung into action. Colonel William Prescott was sent with a detachment of about 1,000 colonists to fortify the hills. With him were General Joseph Warren, General Israel Putnam, and General Henry Burbeck. They built a redoubt on Breed’s Hill, which is a makeshift fort of dirt and other earthen fortifications such as breastworks to shield troops from incoming fire. The rebel colonists dug in for a tough fight and prepared to stand their ground. It is said they were discovered while building the fort and fired upon by British warships, yet they managed to finish building their fortifications without casualties.

Upon learning of the fortifications, General Gage sent a detachment of approximately 2,300 troops under the command of Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot to capture or displace the rebel colonists. They split into two groups, one under Howe and the other under Pigot. With cover from artillery fire, they approached the fortifications on Breed Hill. Howe’s group was meant to flank the colonists from behind by going around their fortifications while Pigot’s group approached more directly.

The main battle consisted of three waves. Knowing they were low on ammo, it is said that Prescott gave the famous order: “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.” The British troops approached the Continental fortifications a first time, and when they were close the earthworks, they were repelled by a volley of fire. The British troops retreated and regrouped before advancing on the fortifications again. However, the Continental forces had time to reload their weapons. A second time, the British troops were repelled and forced to retreat. However, on the third approach, most of the rebel colonists were without ammo or bayonets.

It was then the British forces managed to storm the fortifications and engage the rebels in close-quarters. The colonists fought valiantly, inflicting heavy causalities on Howe’s forces. In the end, however, they were forced to retreat, and some were captured by the British. Nevertheless, the victory was incredibly costly to the British Empire and did not affect the war favorably in their view. Gage was scapegoated by his superiors for his perceived failure of leadership due to unacceptable casualties. It caused dissatisfaction among the British leadership and had the opposite effect among the rebel colonists

The newly-recognized and emboldened Continental Army, now under the command of General George Washington, were aware of the heavy disparity in casualties between themselves and the British Empire. The large group of colonists who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill were poorly equipped volunteers who had just faced down the largest and most powerful military force in the world at the time. They did so with courage, honor, and bravery. They stood their ground for as long as they could and dealt a blow to the Empire that was harder than even they knew they could deliver.

Some have theorized that had the Battle of Bunker Hill been a more decisive victory for the British Empire, the colonists would have lost the will to fight and the war would have ended swiftly. However, the pyrrhic victory for the British showed that any war with the colonists would be long and costly. It shifted the expectations for the conflict on both sides and gave the American people the resolve they needed to continue the fight and eventually win their independence.

This is why I found the story so inspiring as a child. Even though the rebels lost that fight against the Empire, they did not lose their will to fight. They kept their spirits high and carried on. The courage and bravery of those who stood strong on the battlefield inspired others to take up the fight and continue on to victory in the end. They were not hardened warriors, and they were not well-equipped. They were a group of volunteers with little training and even less ammo. Still, they set an example to all who would follow in their footsteps of standing against authoritarian threats no matter the odds against them. That, to me, is inspiring.

What do you think about the Battel of Bunker Hill? Is this a story you were familiar with? What does it mean to you? Feel free to share this post as well as your thoughts!

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