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The Duffel Brief · the free edition, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Vol. 15 · No. 131 · Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Pentagon

Hegseth wears Eisenhower's globe as Halloween costume

Secretary says historic artifact looks better without America's allies

Spirit Halloween store to become pop-up ICE detention center

Army FRG unveils haunted house featuring spouses saying ‘I’m fine’

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Vol. 15 · No. 131

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Duffel Blog

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Vol. 15 · No. 131 · Deployed worldwide

Tuesday

3 November 2026

1553 Zulu

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· Page 2

Heroic predator drone is first recipient of distinguished warfare medal

Filed · 1545

BAGRAM AIR BASE, AFGHANISTAN -- The Defense Department has announced that THX-1138, an MQ-1 Predator Drone, will be the first recipient of the Pentagon's newly-minted Distinguished Warfare Medal.

On 17 December, THX-1138 stayed on station for 8 hours, defending a US Special Forces A-Team from numerous attacks with its Hellfire missiles. During the action, THX-1138 repeatedly refused requests to return to base.

At the end of the day, THX-1138's tenacity, perseverance, and valor in the face of enemy fire saved all 12 members of the team.

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