... referring to was called Operation Tiger. It was actually conducted in southern England on April 28, 1944, and the final death toll was 749. The ships participating in the training exercise were attacked by German u-boats and three LST's were sunk or seriously damaged. More details at this site:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1125713/posts

It was the dealiest American training exercise during WWII and I seriously doubt that we've had another since with as many casualties.

As for the news media coverage, it is probably the case that such coverage -- positive or negative -- is a reflection of the national attitude about the war (both WWII and Iraq), rather than the reverse.

See you in a couple of weeks. ----- jim o\-S