18:31 EST - January 27, 1967
Friday, January 27, 2012
TFH 1/27: Sp4c. Donald W. Evans, Jr.
Forty-five years ago today, a combat medic with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division left a safe position to rescue wounded soldiers of another platoon. He repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire, ignored his own wounds, and gave his life so that others might survive.
He hailed from Covina, CA and was 23 years old at the time of his heroic acts in the face of the enemy. His name was Donald Ward Evans, Jr. For his courage and sacrifice, he received our Nation's highest honor.
He hailed from Covina, CA and was 23 years old at the time of his heroic acts in the face of the enemy. His name was Donald Ward Evans, Jr. For his courage and sacrifice, he received our Nation's highest honor.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
TFH 1/26: Lieutenant Carlos Thompson, MCSO
Today on Their Finest Hour, I bring you the first of a new category of honoree: recipients of the United States Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. This decoration, established on May 30, 2001, is for emergency responders who show great courage to the effect of:
On January 26, 2007 - five years to the day - Lieutenant Carlos Thompson of the Mobile (Alabama) County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle fitting the description of that belonging to an armed robbery suspect. A high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, the suspect stopped, turned, and opened fire upon Lieutenant Thompson with a SKS assault rifle.
From Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Citations for 2006-2007:
Lieutenant Carlos Thompson
Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Mobile, AL
On Friday, January 26, 2007, Lieutenant Carlos Thompson of the Mobile County (AL) Sheriff's Office attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of a suspect vehicle involved in an armed robbery. The driver subsequently fled the scene at a high rate of speed. At an intersection, the driver ran through the stop sign, made a 180-degree turn, and stopped his vehicle, facing Lieutenant Thompson. The suspect began firing an assault rifle, striking Lieutenant Thompson and seriously wounding him in his lower leg and hip, rendering him unable to exit his patrol car. While returning fire, Lieutenant Thompson was struck in the right elbow by gunfire, which forced him to reload his weapon with his weak hand to continue to return fire. As the suspect approached on foot, Lieutenant Thompson, using his weak hand, was able to fatally wound the suspect. Though seriously injured, Lieutenant Thompson was able to direct his fellow deputies arriving on the scene, ensuring that the area was secure and any evidence was protected.
Lieutenant Thompson was a 17-year veteran of the MCSO when this incident occurred. He received his medal at the White House from President Bush on October 22, 2008. He was also decorated with the local Combat Cross and Wounded in Service medals.
Actions above and beyond the call of duty; and exhibiting exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind; or an unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life.Five Medal of Valor-worthy acts of courage are recognized each year.
On January 26, 2007 - five years to the day - Lieutenant Carlos Thompson of the Mobile (Alabama) County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a vehicle fitting the description of that belonging to an armed robbery suspect. A high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, the suspect stopped, turned, and opened fire upon Lieutenant Thompson with a SKS assault rifle.
From Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Citations for 2006-2007:
Lieutenant Carlos Thompson
Mobile County Sheriff's Office, Mobile, AL
On Friday, January 26, 2007, Lieutenant Carlos Thompson of the Mobile County (AL) Sheriff's Office attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description of a suspect vehicle involved in an armed robbery. The driver subsequently fled the scene at a high rate of speed. At an intersection, the driver ran through the stop sign, made a 180-degree turn, and stopped his vehicle, facing Lieutenant Thompson. The suspect began firing an assault rifle, striking Lieutenant Thompson and seriously wounding him in his lower leg and hip, rendering him unable to exit his patrol car. While returning fire, Lieutenant Thompson was struck in the right elbow by gunfire, which forced him to reload his weapon with his weak hand to continue to return fire. As the suspect approached on foot, Lieutenant Thompson, using his weak hand, was able to fatally wound the suspect. Though seriously injured, Lieutenant Thompson was able to direct his fellow deputies arriving on the scene, ensuring that the area was secure and any evidence was protected.
Lieutenant Thompson was a 17-year veteran of the MCSO when this incident occurred. He received his medal at the White House from President Bush on October 22, 2008. He was also decorated with the local Combat Cross and Wounded in Service medals.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
TFH 1/24: Lord Baden-Powell - a Reprise
Five years ago to the day I posted my first "Their Finest Hour". The honoree was Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, known by boys and men as the founder of Scouting.
On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout meeting was held. (links to original 2007 TFH post)
And, Life Scout Allan Bourdius (2-Time Philmont Scout Ranch Veteran), is now proud to reiterate:
On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country; to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
And
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
In closing, I also remember one very important thing out of the Scout Law. In explaining the importance of "A Scout is...brave", this is a quote from the Boy Scout Handbook I've never forgotten, and always try to remind myself of when I face challenges:
A Scout is brave, even when he is afraid.
I hope to never be in true danger, but if I am, that I will act in spite of it.
On January 24, 1908, the first Boy Scout meeting was held. (links to original 2007 TFH post)
And, Life Scout Allan Bourdius (2-Time Philmont Scout Ranch Veteran), is now proud to reiterate:
On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my Country; to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
And
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
In closing, I also remember one very important thing out of the Scout Law. In explaining the importance of "A Scout is...brave", this is a quote from the Boy Scout Handbook I've never forgotten, and always try to remind myself of when I face challenges:
A Scout is brave, even when he is afraid.
I hope to never be in true danger, but if I am, that I will act in spite of it.
Friday, January 20, 2012
TFH 1/20: BMC Quincy Hightower Truett, USN
Beginning in late 1968, Operation SEALORDS was begun in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam to combat the communist Viet Cong supply lines and forces in the region. This operation combined several previous riverine warfare units of the United States Navy into one consolidated force, of which Task Force 116 was part.
On this day in 1969, Chief Boatswain's Mate Quincy Hightower Truett commanded a "Patrol Boat, River" (PBR), one of four other craft in a mission along the Kinh Dong Tien Canal. When the entire unit came under intense enemy attack, he sacrificed his own safety to rescue his comrades from a burning PBR. For his courage, leadership, and sacrifice, he was decorated with our Nation's second highest honor: the Navy Cross.
From Military Times' Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Boatswain's Mate Quincy Hightower Truett (NSN: 4284530), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 20 January 1969 while serving with River Division 551, River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), engaged in armed conflict against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces on the Kinh Dong Tien Canal in the Republic of Vietnam. As Patrol Officer of two River Patrol Boats (PBR's) in company with an Armored Troop Carrier (ATC) and two other PBR's, Chief Petty Officer Truett was aboard the fourth boat in the column when the entire unit came under intense enemy fire. PBR 8137, the boat ahead of Chief Petty Officer Truett, was taken under extremely heavy fire and began to burn, forcing the five occupants aboard into the water. Observing the men struggling to reach the safety of a ditch, Chief Petty Officer Truett ordered his PBR into the area of the burning craft to recover the men in the water. Without regard for his own personal safety, he deliberately exposed himself to the blistering enemy fire, positioning himself on the bow of his boat to provide covering fire and to assist the men from the water. Because of several bright fires from grass huts burning along the canal bank, Chief Petty Officer Truett was completely visible to the enemy during the entire rescue. Mortally wounded after he had helped rescue the last man from the water, Chief Petty Officer Truett, by his outstanding valor, concern for his shipmates' safety, and inspiring devotion to duty, contributed directly to the safe recovery of the crew of PBR 8137. His selfless efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The Knox-class frigate, USS Truett (FF-1095), was named in honor of this brave sailor and served our Navy for twenty years from 1974-1994. Her motto was "Dedication to God and Fatherland", which her namesake doubtlessly displayed in the face of the enemy.
Chief Truett, age 36 at his death, is listed on Panel 34W, Line 46 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's capital. Learn more about PBRs and the brave men who crewed them at the website of their veterans' association.
On this day in 1969, Chief Boatswain's Mate Quincy Hightower Truett commanded a "Patrol Boat, River" (PBR), one of four other craft in a mission along the Kinh Dong Tien Canal. When the entire unit came under intense enemy attack, he sacrificed his own safety to rescue his comrades from a burning PBR. For his courage, leadership, and sacrifice, he was decorated with our Nation's second highest honor: the Navy Cross.
From Military Times' Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Boatswain's Mate Quincy Hightower Truett (NSN: 4284530), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 20 January 1969 while serving with River Division 551, River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), engaged in armed conflict against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressor forces on the Kinh Dong Tien Canal in the Republic of Vietnam. As Patrol Officer of two River Patrol Boats (PBR's) in company with an Armored Troop Carrier (ATC) and two other PBR's, Chief Petty Officer Truett was aboard the fourth boat in the column when the entire unit came under intense enemy fire. PBR 8137, the boat ahead of Chief Petty Officer Truett, was taken under extremely heavy fire and began to burn, forcing the five occupants aboard into the water. Observing the men struggling to reach the safety of a ditch, Chief Petty Officer Truett ordered his PBR into the area of the burning craft to recover the men in the water. Without regard for his own personal safety, he deliberately exposed himself to the blistering enemy fire, positioning himself on the bow of his boat to provide covering fire and to assist the men from the water. Because of several bright fires from grass huts burning along the canal bank, Chief Petty Officer Truett was completely visible to the enemy during the entire rescue. Mortally wounded after he had helped rescue the last man from the water, Chief Petty Officer Truett, by his outstanding valor, concern for his shipmates' safety, and inspiring devotion to duty, contributed directly to the safe recovery of the crew of PBR 8137. His selfless efforts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
The Knox-class frigate, USS Truett (FF-1095), was named in honor of this brave sailor and served our Navy for twenty years from 1974-1994. Her motto was "Dedication to God and Fatherland", which her namesake doubtlessly displayed in the face of the enemy.
Chief Truett, age 36 at his death, is listed on Panel 34W, Line 46 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's capital. Learn more about PBRs and the brave men who crewed them at the website of their veterans' association.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
TFH 1/18: Sergeant Gordon Douglas Yntema, USA
On January 16-18, 1968, Sergeant Gordon Douglas Yntema was serving with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Vietnam. While accompanying Vietnamese civilian irregular soldiers, he assumed command when the native commander was seriously wounded. Even when severely wounded, he refused to withdraw and leave his comrades to the enemy. Ultimately, when faced with surrender and torment, he chose to fight to the death. For his actions above and beyond the normal call of duty, he received our Nation's highest honor.
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
*YNTEMA, GORDON DOUGLAS
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company
D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Place and date: Near Thong Binh,
Republic of Vietnam, 16-18 January 1968. Entered service at: Detroit, Mich.
Born: 26 June 1945, Bethesda, Md. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and above and beyond the call of
duty. Sgt. Yntema, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while assigned to Detachment
A-431, Company D. As part of a larger force of civilian irregulars from Camp Cai
Cai, he accompanied 2 platoons to a blocking position east of the village of
Thong Binh, where they became heavily engaged in a small-arms fire fight with
the Viet Cong. Assuming control of the force when the Vietnamese commander was
seriously wounded, he advanced his troops to within 50 meters of the enemy
bunkers. After a fierce 30 minute fire fight, the enemy forced Sgt. Yntema to
withdraw his men to a trench in order to afford them protection and still
perform their assigned blocking mission. Under cover of machinegun fire,
approximately 1 company of Viet Cong maneuvered into a position which pinned
down the friendly platoons from 3 sides. A dwindling ammunition supply, coupled
with a Viet Cong mortar barrage which inflicted heavy losses on the exposed
friendly troops, caused many of the irregulars to withdraw. Seriously wounded
and ordered to withdraw himself, Sgt. Yntema refused to leave his fallen
comrades. Under withering small arms and machinegun fire, he carried the wounded
Vietnamese commander and a mortally wounded American Special Forces advisor to a
small gully 50 meters away in order to shield them from the enemy fire. Sgt.
Yntema then continued to repulse the attacking Viet Cong attempting to overrun
his position until, out of ammunition and surrounded, he was offered the
opportunity to surrender. Refusing, Sgt. Yntema stood his ground, using his
rifle as a club to fight the approximately 15 Viet Cong attempting his capture.
His resistance was so fierce that the Viet Cong were forced to shoot in order to
overcome him. Sgt. Yntema's personal bravery in the face of insurmountable odds
and supreme self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
military service and reflect the utmost credit upon himself, the 1st Special
Forces, and the U.S. Army.
Sergeant Yntema left behind a wife and three young daughters. He also received the Silver Star Medal for gallantry and two Purple Heart medals during his Vietnam service. He rests in Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland, Michigan and appears on Panel 34E, Line 73 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) still defends our great Nation and the cause of liberty throughout the world from their home base at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
TFH 1/17: Colonel Robert F. Wilke, USAF
In January 1968, the 602nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando) flew their A-1 Skyraider attack planes from Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base on missions against the communist enemy in Vietnam. They were most typically used for close air support and as escorts on search and rescue missions for downed airmen.
On January 16 & 17, 1968, Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke was supporting an ultimately successful mission to rescue two downed fliers. He placed his aircraft at extreme risk to accomplish the mission and was shot down. For his gallantry, he was decorated with our Nation's second-highest honor: the Air Force Cross.
From Military Times' Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider pilot of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 16 and 17 January 1968. On these dates, Colonel Wilke participated in the successful combat recovery of two downed aircrew members and commanded an effort to recover two other downed pilots. The latter attempted recovery required a penetration of and flight beneath an extremely low overcast condition. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Wilke executed a slow spiral maneuver into the cloud formation, broke out beneath the overcast, and initiated his search in mountainous terrain with extremely limited air space. As he was conducting this low-level search in a heavily defended hostile environment, intense ground fire was being directed toward his aircraft and resulted in his being shot down over hostile territory. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Wilke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Robert Wilke's remains have never been recovered. He is listed on Panel 34E, Line 65 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In addition to his Air Force Cross, he was also decorated twice with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill in aerial combat.
On January 16 & 17, 1968, Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke was supporting an ultimately successful mission to rescue two downed fliers. He placed his aircraft at extreme risk to accomplish the mission and was shot down. For his gallantry, he was decorated with our Nation's second-highest honor: the Air Force Cross.
From Military Times' Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Colonel Robert Frederick Wilke, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1E Skyraider pilot of the 602d Tactical Fighter Squadron (Commando), Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action on 16 and 17 January 1968. On these dates, Colonel Wilke participated in the successful combat recovery of two downed aircrew members and commanded an effort to recover two other downed pilots. The latter attempted recovery required a penetration of and flight beneath an extremely low overcast condition. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Wilke executed a slow spiral maneuver into the cloud formation, broke out beneath the overcast, and initiated his search in mountainous terrain with extremely limited air space. As he was conducting this low-level search in a heavily defended hostile environment, intense ground fire was being directed toward his aircraft and resulted in his being shot down over hostile territory. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Wilke reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Robert Wilke's remains have never been recovered. He is listed on Panel 34E, Line 65 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In addition to his Air Force Cross, he was also decorated twice with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill in aerial combat.
Monday, January 16, 2012
TFH 1/16: Sergeant Jose Calugas
Jose Calugas was born on December 29, 1907 in the Philippines. At age 23 he joined the US Army's Philippine Scouts and was trained as an artilleryman. Seventy years ago today during the defense of the Bataan Peninsula, he took it upon himself to get a knocked-out gun back into action. For his courage and leadership, he was decorated with our Nation's highest honor:
CALUGAS, JOSE
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery
B, 88th Field Artillery, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: At Culis, Bataan
Province, Philippine Islands, 16 January 1942. Entered service at: Fort
Stotsenburg, Philippine Islands. Born: 29 December 1907, Barrio Tagsing, Leon,
%Iloilo, Philippine Islands. G.O. No.: 10, 24 February 1942. Citation: The
action for which the award was made took place near Culis, Bataan Province,
Philippine Islands, on 16 January 1942. A battery gun position was bombed and
shelled by the enemy until 1 gun was put out of commission and all the
cannoneers were killed or wounded. Sgt. Calugas, a mess sergeant of another
battery, voluntarily and without orders ran 1,000 yards across the shell-swept
area to the gun position. There he organized a volunteer squad which placed the
gun back in commission and fired effectively against the enemy, although the
position remained under constant and heavy Japanese artillery fire.
Sergeant Calugas was still fighting for liberty when the US forces in the Philippines surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. He survived the Bataan Death March and Japanese imprisonment until 1943, when he was released to work as a laborer in a rice mill. His release also meant his return to the fight; Calugas joined a guerrilla unit that helped lead to the liberation of the Philippines in 1945.
In 1945, Jose Calugas received his Medal of Honor from General of the Army George C. Marshall. He remained in the United States Army, received an officer's commission, and became an American citizen in the early 1950s. After leaving the army in 1957, he settled in Tacoma, WA and worked for Boeing. He passed away of natural causes at age 90 in January of 1998.
He rests today in Mountain View Memorial Park in Washington, near his adopted home.
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