Their Finest Hour

PFC Louis E. Willett, USA

2012-02-15T20:44:00.003-05:00

Louis Edward Willett was born in Brooklyn, NY during the waning days of World War II in 1945. In February 1967, a draftee, he was serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment - part of the storied 4th Infantry Division. The 12th Infantry is one of the most historic regiments of our Army.

The regiment was first constituted during the Civil War at Fort Hamilton in New York. The regiment served with distinction throughout our history including landing in the first wave on Utah Beach during Operation OVERLORD - the invasion of Normandy, France, D-Day, June 6, 1944. Their motto is Ducti Amore Patriae, in English, Led By Love of Country.

On this day in 1967, Private First Class Louis Willett's love of country and his fellow fighting man inspired him to acts of supreme courage, and supreme sacrifice. For his gallantry, his Nation deemed him worthy of its highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):

*WILLETT, LOUIS E.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 February 1967. Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y. Born: 19 June 1945, Brooklyn, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground. Despite the deadly fusillade, Pfc. Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. Pfc. Willett covered the squad's withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machinegun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. Pfc. Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded. By his unselfish acts of bravery, Pfc. Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. Pfc. Willett's valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Today, Louis Edward Willett's name can be found on Panel 15E, Line 37 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in our Nation's capital. He rests in peace in the Roman Catholic Cemetery of Saint John, Middle Village, Queens, NY.

1st Battalion, 12th Infantry continues to serve today in defense of liberty and our Nation with the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

TFH 2/14: Sergeant First Class William S. Sitman, USA

2012-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

William Samuel Sitman was born on August 9, 1923 in Bellwood, PA, a small town near Altoona. His service to our Nation began during the Second World War where he served with the Army in Europe. An account of Sitman's life written by William Summers, a hometown friend four years his junior, appeared in the Orlando Sentinel on May 29, 2000. In 1945 as the allied armies were crossing the Rhine River on their way into Germany, he was decorated with the Bronze Star medal for bravery when he helped extinguish a fire that threatened to detonate a trailer full of mortar ammunition.

After the war, he returned to peaceful life in Bellwood. He was involved with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars softball team, which is where Mr. Summers really got to know him. He married a local girl, Sara Emily Covert, and they had a daughter named Joan, born in 1948. Sitman returned to the Army in 1949. After North Korea invaded South Korea, he returned to war.

On the night of February 14, 1951, Sitman's unit - the 23rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 2nd Infantry Division - faced an intense attack from Chinese Communist forces. He was manning a key machine gun post covering a draw; if the position was overrun, the Chicomms would have a clear path into the town of Chipyong-ni. The enemy assault was relentless. Even though the machine gun and other weapons inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, they kept coming. An enemy grenade landed among Sitman's fellow soldiers. He did not hesitate...

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*SITMAN, WILLIAM S.

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Chipyong-ni, Korea, 14 February 1951. Entered service at: Bellwood, Pa. Birth: Bellwood, Pa. G.O. No.: 20, 1 February 1952. Citation: Sfc. Sitman distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. Sfc. Sitman, a machine gun section leader of Company M, was attached to Company I, under attack by a numerically superior hostile force. During the encounter when an enemy grenade knocked out his machine gun, a squad from Company I, immediately emplaced a light machine gun and Sfc. Sitman and his men remained to provide security for the crew. In the ensuing action, the enemy lobbed a grenade into the position and Sfc. Sitman, fully aware of the odds against him, selflessly threw himself on it, absorbing the full force of the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this fearless display of valor, his intrepid act saved 5 men from death or serious injury, and enabled them to continue inflicting withering fire on the ruthless foe throughout the attack. Sfc. Sitman's noble self-sacrifice and consummate devotion to duty reflect lasting glory on himself and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.

When the battle was over, an estimated 10,000 dead Chinese soldiers lay in front of the regiment's positions. William Sitman's courage above and beyond the call of duty and self-sacrifice undoubtedly helped set the course of the battle.

William Sitman rests today in Logan Valley Cemetery in Bellwood.

The Altoona Mirror has a wonderful collection of contemporaneous articles on the life of William Sitman (PDF File). A clipping dated June 8, 1993 shows that one of the five men Sitman saved stopped in Bellwood to honor his lost comrade and visit his family. The photos of his widow and child with some of the other clippings are quite moving. As best as I can determine, Sitman's daughter Joan, now age 63 or 64, is still living. I just said a prayer for her and the father she may have little direct memory of. I hope that if she should come across my post here she will be comforted that there are those of us who will never forget the lives of the men and women who have fought and died for the rest of us, and we also will never forget the loss suffered by their loved ones.

Three battalions of the 23rd Infantry are active today, all still with the 2nd Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. 1st Battalion is part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion is part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, and the 4th Battalion is part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

TFH 2/13: Police Officer Thomas D. Richards

2012-02-13T09:31:00.001-05:00

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor was created early last decade to recognize first responders who exhibit courage above and beyond the call of duty.

The recipient list for the award brings us just such a story from this day in 2004. On Feburary 13, 2004, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel responded to a woman having been shot. When they arrived on the scene, they came under fire from the assailant. They were saved by Police Officer Thomas D. Richards.

From Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Citations for 2003-2004:

Officer Thomas D. Richards, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police, Lexington, KY: On February 13, 2004, police, fire, and emergency services were dispatched to assist a woman lying outside with gunshot wounds to the head. The suspect, concealed inside the house, began to shoot at the team of public safety officers assembled. Six of the fire and emergency services team were pinned down by the suspect and two were shot (one was fatal). Officer Richards, noticing that the firefighters were unable to move to safe positions, drove his police cruiser directly into the line of fire, in an attempt to shield the wounded firefighters from the assailant's shots. The suspect fired again, shattering the cruiser's window, narrowly missing Officer Richards. The suspect then ceased firing, but Officer Richards remained with the firefighters until they could be safely evacuated by a police extraction team.

You can read more about the award and the brave men and women who have been decorated with it at the official site.

TFH 2/12: Sergeant Charles R. Long, USA

2012-02-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

Charles Richard Long was born on December 10, 1923 in Kansas City, MO and grew up in Independence, MO. After graduating from high school in 1941, he joined the United States Army. He served during World War II in the European Theater, including service during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he remained serving in the Army Reserve.

Called back to active duty for the Korean War, he served with the 38th Infantry Regiment as part of the 2nd Infantry Division. On this day in 1951, while acting as a forward observer for mortar fire, his gallantry and sacrifice was deemed worthy of our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*LONG, CHARLES R.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company M, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Hoengsong, Korea, 12 February 1951. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 10 December 1923, Kansas City, Mo. G.O. No.: 18, 1 February 1952. Citation: Sgt. Long, a member of Company M, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. When Company M, in a defensive perimeter on Hill 300, was viciously attacked by a numerically superior hostile force at approximately 0300 hours and ordered to withdraw, Sgt. Long, a forward observer for the mortar platoon, voluntarily remained at his post to provide cover by directing mortar fire on the enemy. Maintaining radio contact with his platoon, Sgt. Long coolly directed accurate mortar fire on the advancing foe. He continued firing his carbine and throwing handgrenades until his position was surrounded and he was mortally wounded. Sgt. Long's inspirational, valorous action halted the onslaught, exacted a heavy toll of enemy casualties, and enabled his company to withdraw, reorganize, counterattack, and regain the hill strongpoint. His unflinching courage and noble self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.

His family received his Medal of Honor from President Truman on February 1, 1952. He was laid to rest in Mount Washington Forever Cemetery in his hometown.

An Open Letter to Gabrielle Giffords

2012-02-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Hon. Gabrielle Giffords
c/o Giffords for Congress
P.O. Box 12886
Tucson, AZ 85732-2886

Dear Ms. Giffords,

My first reaction yesterday to the announcement by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that the fifth Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship of the United States Navy would carry your name was one of incredulity as I find the honor to be improperly given. Yet, at first, I did not believe this reflected poorly on you personally, but my opinion there has now changed. It is simply a disgrace that you are accepting this honor. I respectfully ask you to consider the following, and to reconsider your acceptance.

On June 27, 2005, four US Navy SEALs set off on a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan as part of Operation Red Wings. They were ambushed. Three of the four were killed. Their commander, Lieutenant (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership in the face of the enemy. I'm sure you're aware that there is no higher decoration our Nation can bestow, and that the final Arleigh Burke-class destroyer currently under construction is DDG-112, named the USS Michael Murphy.

The three other SEALs with Murphy all received the Navy Cross for heroism, just one slight notch below the Medal of Honor. The sole survivor, Marcus Luttrell, is still living and in general, I believe active US Navy warships should only be named for living individuals under the most unusual and extraordinary circumstances. But what of the two who received their awards posthumously after giving their lives for the United States?

Matthew Axelson was born just nine days before our Nation's Bicentennial in 1976. He was three days past his 29th birthday when he died. His Navy Cross citation reads as follows:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sonar Technician Second Class Matthew Gene Axelson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Axelson demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation, Petty Officer Axelson's element bravely engaged the militia, who held both a numerical and positional advantage. The ensuing firefight resulted in numerous enemy personnel killed, with several of the Navy members suffering casualties. Ignoring his injuries and demonstrating exceptional composure, Petty Officer Axelson advised the teammate closest to him to escape while he provided cover fire. With total disregard for his own life and thinking only of his teammate's survival, he continued to attack the enemy, eliminating additional militia fighters, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. A champion of freedom, Petty Officer Axelson will be remembered for his self-sacrificing actions in the continuing Global War on Terrorism. By his undaunted courage, fortitude under fire, and unwavering dedication to duty, Petty Officer Axelson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

Danny Dietz hailed from Colorado. In June 2005, he was 25 years old. His Navy Cross citation follows:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunners Mate Second Class Danny Phillip Dietz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

One of the roles of the Littoral Combat ship that at this time will bear your name is the inshore support of special operations forces generally, and SEALs in particular. Wouldn't it be more fitting and appropriate for LCS-10 to be named for Matthew Axelson or Danny Dietz rather than yourself?

Your husband is a decorated Naval Aviator, combat veteran, and NASA Astronaut. Naming a ship for him would be ten times more fitting than for yourself, even though he too is still living. I would hope he had advised you against accepting this recognition, as I would expect any honorable Naval Officer so to do. Alas, from pictures of the naming event, I'd say that wasn't the case.

Your congressional career was undistinguished. The main take away we are left with now is that you served long enough to be imbued with statist self-importance such that you believe yourself deserving of the honor you have been given, with or without the heinous attack upon yourself by a deranged individual. I can draw no other conclusion than that, since you have not rejected it.

I call upon you to immediately reject the naming of LCS-10 for yourself, and instead call for LCS-10 to be the USS Matthew Axelson and the following LCS-11 to be the USS Danny Dietz. Please do the right thing. As a former member of Congress and the spouse of a sailor, I hope you can find the consideration to yield for the families of those two brave men, and for all of the brave who fought along side of them.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Allan Bourdius
Gibsonia, PA

(This letter was delivered via Twitter and Facebook links)

UPDATE 11:05 2/11: Just to show that this isn't an "anti-Democrat" rant, because it is not, there's another living Democrat politician who is 1000x more worthy of having a ship named for them. He was Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph R. Kerrey, a SEAL during Vietnam, better known today as Bob Kerrey, the former Governor of, and United States Senator from, Nebraska.

TFH 2/10: Lieutenant Colonel George A. Davis, Jr., USAF

2012-02-10T09:48:00.000-05:00

George Andrew Davis, Jr. was born on December 1, 1920 in Dublin, TX. He first gave his service to our Nation and the cause of liberty during World War II in the US Army Air Corps, flying Republic P-47 Thunderbolts. He shot down seven Japanese enemy aircraft and earned a reputation as a "daredevil" pilot, in contrast to his reserved personality.

He transitioned from the Army to the United States Air Force when it was established as a separate branch in 1947. When war came again in Korea, he flew the North American F-86 Sabre, and was placed in command of the 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron. All told during the Korean War, he was credited with no fewer than eight enemy aircraft destroyed.

Sixty years ago today, he led a flight of Sabres near the border with Communist China. His superb airmanship, tenacity, and courage in battle cost him his life that day, but also resulted in him being decorated with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*DAVIS, GEORGE ANDREW, JR.

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Air Force, CO, 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force. Place and date: Near Sinuiju-Yalu River area, Korea, 10 February 1952. Entered service at: Lubbock, Tex. Born: 1 December 1920, Dublin, Tex. Citation: Maj. Davis distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. While leading a flight of 4 F-86 Saberjets on a combat aerial patrol mission near the Manchurian border, Maj. Davis' element leader ran out of oxygen and was forced to retire from the flight with his wingman accompanying him. Maj. Davis and the remaining F-86's continued the mission and sighted a formation of approximately 12 enemy MIG-15 aircraft speeding southward toward an area where friendly fighter-bombers were conducting low level operations against the Communist lines of communications. With selfless disregard for the numerical superiority of the enemy, Maj. Davis positioned his 2 aircraft, then dove at the MIG formation. While speeding through the formation from the rear he singled out a MIG-15 and destroyed it with a concentrated burst of fire. Although he was now under continuous fire from the enemy fighters to his rear, Maj. Davis sustained his attack. He fired at another MIG-15 which, bursting into smoke and flames, went into a vertical dive. Rather than maintain his superior speed and evade the enemy fire being concentrated on him, he elected to reduce his speed and sought out still a third MIG-15. During this latest attack his aircraft sustained a direct hit, went out of control, then crashed into a mountain 30 miles south of the Yalu River. Maj. Davis' bold attack completely disrupted the enemy formation, permitting the friendly fighter-bombers to successfully complete their interdiction mission. Maj. Davis, by his indomitable fighting spirit, heroic aggressiveness, and superb courage in engaging the enemy against formidable odds exemplified valor at its highest.

He was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on April 15, 1953 concurrent with his wife and family receiving his Medal of Honor. Davis' body was never recovered. He is honored with a cenotaph at the city cemetery of Lubbock, TX.

Davis was highly decorated for his military exploits. He also received the second highest award for courage, the Distinguished Service Cross, in Korea. His Distinguished Service Cross citation for the action on November 27, 1951 follows:

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major George Andrew Davis, Jr. (AFSN: 0-671514/13035A), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Squadron Commander, 334th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, on 27 November 1951, during an engagement with enemy aircraft near Sinanju, Korea. While leading a group formation of thirty-two F-86 aircraft on a counter air mission, Major Davis observed six MIG-15 aircraft headed southward above the group. With exemplary leadership and superior airmanship, he maneuvered his forces into position for attack. Leading with great tactical skill and courage, Major Davis closed to 800 feet on a MIG-15 over Namsi. He fired on the enemy aircraft, which immediately began burning. A few seconds later, the enemy pilot bailed out of his aircraft. Continuing the attack on the enemy forces, Major Davis fired on the wingman of the enemy flight, which resulted in numerous strikes on the wing roots and the fuselage. As Major Davis broke off his relentless attack on this MIG-15, another MIG-15 came down on him. He immediately brought his aircraft into firing position upon the enemy and after a sustained barrage of fire, the enemy pilot bailed out. Although low on fuel, he rejoined his group and reorganized his forces to engage the approximate 80 enemy aircraft making the attack. Against overwhelming odds, Major Davis' group destroyed two other MIG-15 aircraft, probably destroyed one and damaged one other. Major Davis' aggressive leadership, his flying skill and devotion to duty contributed invaluable to the United Nations' cause and reflect great credit on himself, the Far East Air forces and the United States Air Force.

He also received three Silver Star medals (1 World War II, 2 Korea) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses (2 World War II, 1 Korea).

His Korean War squadron, today known as the 334th Fighter Squadron, flies in defense of America as part of the 4th Operations Group, 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, SC. They are currently equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle.

TFH 2/9: Lance Corporal William R. Prom, USMC

2012-02-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Operation TAYLOR COMMON was launched by elements of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam on December 6, 1968 against the North Vietnamese Army in the An Hoa Basin. They were reinforced by Leathernecks from the 3rd Marine Division as well. One of the Marines was William Prom, born November 17, 1948, and who hailed from my adopted home town of Pittsburgh, PA.

On this day in 1969, Lance Corporal Prom's unit was ambushed by the NVA as they returned from a reconnaissance mission. Prom, leading a machine gun team, realized that without quick and decisive action the enemy would carry the day. His resolve and courage did not falter, and for his heroism, he was decorated with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):

*PROM, WILLIAM R.

Rank and organization: Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company 1, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. Place and date: Near An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. 9 February 1969. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pa. Born: 17 November 1948, Pittsburgh, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machinegun squad leader with Company 1, in action against the enemy. While returning from a reconnaissance operation during Operation TAYLOR COMMON, 2 platoons of Company 1 came under an intense automatic weapons fire and grenade attack from a well concealed North Vietnamese Army force in fortified positions. The leading. element of the platoon was isolated and several marines were wounded. L/Cpl. Prom immediately assumed control of 1 of his machineguns and began to deliver return fire. Disregarding his safety he advanced to a position from which he could more effectively deliver covering fire while first aid was administered to the wounded men. Realizing that the enemy would have to be destroyed before the injured marines could be evacuated, L/Cpl. Prom again moved forward and delivered a heavy volume of fire with such accuracy that he was instrumental in routing the enemy, thus permitting his men to regroup and resume their march. Shortly thereafter, the platoon again came under heavy fire in which 1 man was critically wounded. Reacting instantly, L/Cpl. Prom moved forward to protect his injured comrade. Unable to continue his fire because of his severe wounds, he continued to advance to within a few yards to the enemy positions. There, standing in full view of the enemy, he accurately directed the fire of his support elements until he was mortally wounded. Inspired by his heroic actions, the marines launched an assault that destroyed the enemy. L/Cpl. Prom's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Today, the 1st Marine Division is the ground combat element of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines still serves with the 3rd Marine Division as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force.

William Raymond Prom rests not far from my home in Allegheny Memorial Park, Allison Park, PA. This upcoming Memorial Day, I'm going to make it a point to visit his grave in honor and thanksgiving for the life and courage of this great American. He appears on Panel 32W, Line 2 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

TFH 2/8: Four Airmen over North Vietnam

2012-02-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1968, four American airmen strapped into their McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II fighters at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base as part of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing for a mission over North Vietnam. Their target: a heavily defended enemy airfield.

Faced with deteriorating weather conditions and intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, the two F-4s descended as low as they dared to attack the target visually. They were successful in destroying several enemy aircraft on the ground. While one of the two American fighters was shot down, the second stayed on station to coordinate the rescue of the downed airmen, both of whom evaded capture and were rescued.

For their tenacity, courage, and determination to strike their target in the face of enemy action, all four of these great Americans received our Nation's second highest honor: the Air Force Cross. All four citations are listed below, courtesy of Military Times' Hall of Valor.

Major Larry D. Armstrong

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Larry D. Armstrong, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Major Armstrong led two aircraft against one of the largest, most important, and most heavily defended airfields in North Vietnam. Despite inclement weather, Major Armstrong descended to extremely low altitude for a visual high-speed run across the airfield. Although faced with a barrage of withering anti-aircraft artillery fire, Major Armstrong remained as top cover and directed the rescue effort, which expeditiously recovered two downed airmen. As a result of his actions, Major Armstrong was successful in neutralizing a threat to Free World forces in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Armstrong reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Armstrong also received four Distinguished Flying Crosses for his Vietnam service. He retired as a full Colonel in 1978, and passed away in 1997. He rests in Arlington National Cemetery.

Captain John A. Corder

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain John A. Corder, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Pilot in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Captain Corder led two aircraft against one of the largest, most important, and most heavily defended airfields in North Vietnam. Despite inclement weather, Captain Corder descended to extremely low altitude for a visual high-speed run across the airfield. Although faced with a barrage of withering anti-aircraft artillery fire which severely crippled his aircraft, Captain Corder resolutely and skillfully pressed his attack against the target, damaging and destroying several aircraft on the ground. Captain Corder was finally forced to eject over hostile territory. He successfully evaded hostile search parties and was subsequently rescued by a friendly helicopter. As a result of his actions, Captain Corder was successful in neutralizing a threat to Free World forces in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness, Captain Corder reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Captain Corder later served as the Deputy Commander for Operations with the Central Command Air Forces during Operation DESERT STORM in 1991. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Major General in 1992, and is still living. Included among his other decorations are three awards of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.

Captain Tracey K. Dorsett, Jr.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Captain Tracy K. Dorsett, Jr. (AFSN: 0-59111), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Captain Dorsett led two aircraft against one of the largest, most important, and most heavily defended airfields in North Vietnam. Despite inclement weather, Captain Dorsett descended to extremely low altitude for a visual high-speed run across the airfield. Although faced with a barrage of withering anti-aircraft artillery fire which severely crippled his aircraft, Captain Dorsett resolutely and skillfully pressed his attack against the target, damaging and destroying several aircraft on the ground. He was finally forced to eject over hostile territory. He successfully evaded hostile search parties and was subsequently rescued by a friendly helicopter. As a result of his actions, Captain Dorsett was successful in neutralizing a threat to Free World forces in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Dorsett reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Dorsett is still living and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in September, 1980. He also received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his Vietnam Service.

First Lieutenant James Harry Hall

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to First Lieutenant James Harry Hall (AFSN: 0-81328), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Pilot in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 8 February 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Hall led two aircraft against one of the largest, most important and most heavily defended airfields in North Vietnam. Despite inclement weather, Lieutenant Hall descended to extremely low altitude for a visual high-speed run across the airfield. Although faced with a barrage of withering anti-aircraft artillery fire, Lieutenant Hall resolutely and skillfully pressed his attack against the target, damaging and destroying several aircraft on the ground. When the lead crew was finally forced to eject over hostile territory, Lieutenant Hall remained as top cover and directed the rescue effort, which expeditiously recovered the two downed airmen. As a result of his actions, Lieutenant Hall was successful in neutralizing a threat to Free World forces in Southeast Asia. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, First Lieutenant Hall reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Hall also received a Distinguished Flying Cross for his Vietnam service. He passed away in June of 2011 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. According to his Arlington burial record, he left the Air Force as a Captain.

Descendants of both the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron and the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing still fly with the Air Force in defense of liberty today. The 435th Fighter Training Squadron helps prepare the airmen of the future to follow in the footsteps of Armstrong, Corder, Dorsett, and Hall from Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph as part of the 12th Flying Training Wing. The 8th Fighter Wing currently flies in defense of our South Korean allies as well as to protect American interests in the Western Pacific from Kunsan Air Base, Korea.

TFH 2/7: 1LT James A. Gardner, USA

2012-02-07T10:56:00.003-05:00

James Gardner was born on this day in 1943. On his 23rd birthday in 1966, this young, two-year Army officer truly showed what it means to lead from the front. For his leadership and supreme courage in the face of the forces of tyranny, he was recognized with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (A-L):

GARDNER, JAMES A.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Place and date: My Canh, Vietnam, 7 February 1966. Entered service at: Memphis, Tenn. Born: 7 February 1943, Dyersburg, Tenn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Gardner's platoon was advancing to relieve a company of the 1st Battalion that had been pinned down for several hours by a numerically superior enemy force in the village of My Canh, Vietnam. The enemy occupied a series of strongly fortified bunker positions which were mutually supporting and expertly concealed. Approaches to the position were well covered by an integrated pattern of fire including automatic weapons, machine guns and mortars. Air strikes and artillery placed on the fortifications had little effect. 1st Lt. Gardner's platoon was to relieve the friendly company by encircling and destroying the enemy force. Even as it moved to begin the attack, the platoon was under heavy enemy fire. During the attack, the enemy fire intensified. Leading the assault and disregarding his own safety, 1st Lt. Gardner charged through a withering hail of fire across an open rice paddy. On reaching the first bunker he destroyed it with a grenade and without hesitation dashed to the second bunker and eliminated it by tossing a grenade inside. Then, crawling swiftly along the dike of a rice paddy, he reached the third bunker. Before he could arm a grenade, the enemy gunner leaped forth, firing at him. 1st Lt. Gardner instantly returned the fire and killed the enemy gunner at a distance of 6 feet. Following the seizure of the main enemy position, he reorganized the platoon to continue the attack. Advancing to the new assault position, the platoon was pinned down by an enemy machine gun emplaced in a fortified bunker. 1st Lt. Gardner immediately collected several grenades and charged the enemy position, firing his rifle as he advanced to neutralize the defenders. He dropped a grenade into the bunker and vaulted beyond. As the bunker blew up, he came under fire again. Rolling into a ditch to gain cover, he moved toward the new source of fire. Nearing the position, he leaped from the ditch and advanced with a grenade in one hand and firing his rifle with the other. He was gravely wounded just before he reached the bunker, but with a last valiant effort he staggered forward and destroyed the bunker, and its defenders with a grenade. Although he fell dead on the rim of the bunker, his extraordinary actions so inspired the men of his platoon that they resumed the attack and completly routed the enemy. 1st Lt. Gardner's conspicuous gallantry were in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Had he lived, today would have been James Gardner's 69th birthday. We thank him, and all those who prematurely lost their lives, in the defense of our Nation and its ideals. Lieutenant Gardner is listed on Panel 5E, Line 11 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. He rests in Fairview Cemetery, Dyersburg, TN.

On August 14th, 2009, his surviving family donated his Medal of Honor to his Vietnam unit, the 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, KY. The 327th Infantry, "Bastogne Bulldogs", forms the core of the 101st's 1st Brigade Combat Team today.

TFH 2/5: Pitch, Reverse, Block, Pass, Touchdown, Victory!

2012-02-05T09:40:00.001-05:00

Six years ago today, in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XL at Ford Field, Detroit, QB Ben Roethlisberger took the snap and pitched to Willie Parker, running left. Parker hands off to Antwaan Randel El running right. Big Ben throws a huge block on the blitzing corner back to spring Randel El to the outside. He stops, and throws a beautiful, on-target 43-yard pass to Hines Ward. Touchdown, and the Pittsburgh Steelers' fifth Lombardi Trophy was assured!

Antwaan Randel El became the first wide receiver to throw a TD pass in the Super Bowl. Hines Ward with 5 catches, 123 yards, and the clinching TD was the game's MVP.

TFH 2/4: Lieutenant Colonel Stanley T. Adams, USA

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

Stanley Taylor Adams, "Stan", was born on May 9, 1922 in De Soto, Kansas. His service to our Nation began during World War II. He was wounded twice during the North African and Italian campaigns, and later served on occupation duty in Japan.

Adams' Korean War service saw him gain an officer's commission for his leadership. Not long before he received his gold bars as a Second Lieutenant, then-Sergeant First Class Stan Adams led 13 men in a courageous counter-attack against an enemy force with at least 10 times the strength in numbers. Charging ahead with fixed bayonets, Adams and his soldiers routed the enemy.

This happened 61 years ago today. For his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty", he was decorated with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

ADAMS, STANLEY T.

Rank and organization: Master Sergeant (then Sfc.), U.S. Army, Company A, 19th Infantry Regiment. Place and date: Near Sesim-ni, Korea, 4 February 1951. Entered service at: Olathe, Kans. Born: 9 May 1922, DeSoto, Kans. G.O. No.: 66, 2 August 1951. Citation: M/Sgt. Adams, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy. At approximately 0100 hours, M/Sgt. Adams' platoon, holding an outpost some 200 yards ahead of his company, came under a determined attack by an estimated 250 enemy troops. Intense small-arms, machine gun, and mortar fire from 3 sides pressed the platoon back against the main line of resistance. Observing approximately 150 hostile troops silhouetted against the skyline advancing against his platoon, M/Sgt. Adams leaped to his feet, urged his men to fix bayonets, and he, with 13 members of his platoon, charged this hostile force with indomitable courage. Within 50 yards of the enemy M/Sgt. Adams was knocked to the ground when pierced in the leg by an enemy bullet. He jumped to his feet and, ignoring his wound, continued on to close with the enemy when he was knocked down 4 times from the concussion of grenades which had bounced off his body. Shouting orders he charged the enemy positions and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat where man after man fell before his terrific onslaught with bayonet and rifle butt. After nearly an hour of vicious action M/Sgt. Adams and his comrades routed the fanatical foe, killing over 50 and forcing the remainder to withdraw. Upon receiving orders that his battalion was moving back he provided cover fire while his men withdrew. M/Sgt. Adams' superb leadership, incredible courage, and consummate devotion to duty so inspired his comrades that the enemy attack was completely thwarted, saving his battalion from possible disaster. His sustained personal bravery and indomitable fighting spirit against overwhelming odds reflect the utmost glory upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the infantry and the military service.

Stanley Adams remained in the Army and also served in Vietnam. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1970. He passed away in a veterans' home at age 76 in 1999 from complications due to Alzheimer's Disease. He rests today in Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon

TFH 2/3: First Lieutenant Willibald C. Bianchi, USA

2012-02-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Continuing my series of every Medal of Honor recipient for World War II, 70 years to the day.

Willibald Bianchi was born on March 12, 1915 in New Ulm, Minnesota. When the United States was plunged into war on December 7, 1941 he was with the Philippine Scouts. On this date in 1942, the forces of liberty struggled against the Japanese invaders on the Bataan peninsula. While the forces of the United States Army and the Philippine Army were generally trying to just hold ground, occasionally they were able to counter-attack. During one such event, Lieutenant Bianchi's fighting spirit, courage, and tenacity were ultimately deemed worthy of our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (A-F):

*BIANCHI, WILLIBALD C.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: Near Bagac, Bataan Province, Philippine Islands, 3 February 1942. Entered service at: New Ulm, Minn. Birth: New Ulm, Minn. G.O. No.: 11, 5 March 1942. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy on 3 February 1942, near Bagac, Province of Bataan, Philippine Islands. When the rifle platoon of another company was ordered to wipe out 2 strong enemy machinegun nests, 1st Lt. Bianchi voluntarily and of his own initiative, advanced with the platoon leading part of the men. When wounded early in the action by 2 bullets through the left hand, he did not stop for first aid but discarded his rifle and began firing a pistol. He located a machinegun nest and personally silenced it with grenades. When wounded the second time by 2 machinegun bullets through the chest muscles, 1st Lt. Bianchi climbed to the top of an American tank, manned its antiaircraft machinegun, and fired into strongly held enemy position until knocked completely off the tank by a third severe wound.

The asterisk by his name indicates that the award was posthumous, as regular readers know. Willibald Bianchi survived the combat on Bataan to the time of the surrender in April 1942, and also survived the Bataan Death March that followed. He endured the torment of imprisonment at the hands of the Japanese Empire through January 1945. It is known that his conduct in captivity was exemplary; he did what he could to provide for and comfort his fellow soldiers in captivity.

On January 9, 1945 he was aboard a prison ship which the Japanese had not marked as such per international convention. Tragically, the ship was attacked and destroyed by a 1,000 pound bomb dropped by an American aircraft during the liberation of the Philippines, the pilot unaware that American POWs were aboard.

He rests today in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawai'i. On September 22, 2000, a monument to this great American hero was erected at South Dakota State University (link is PDF), his alma mater.

TFH 2/2: Corporal Larry L. Maxam, USMC

2012-02-02T09:18:00.001-05:00

When a defensive perimeter is compromised, it's real bad news for the defenders. Unless, that is, a heroic United States Marine is there to carry on the defense alone.

On this day in 1968, 20-year old Larry Maxam of Burbank, California grabbed an abandoned machine gun, ignored multiple wounds, and repelled the assault on the Cam Lo district headquarters in Vietnam. He gave his Nation his life. His Nation gave him its highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):

*MAXAM, LARRY LEONARD

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division (Rein), FMF. place and date: Cam Lo District, Quang Tri province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 February 1968. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 9 January 1948, Glendale, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader with Company D. The Cam Lo District Headquarters came under extremely heavy rocket, artillery, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire from a numerically superior enemy force, destroying a portion of the defensive perimeter. Cpl. Maxam, observing the enemy massing for an assault into the compound across the remaining defensive wire, instructed his assistant fire team leader to take charge of the fire team, and unhesitatingly proceeded to the weakened section of the perimeter. Completely exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, he sustained multiple fragmentation wounds from exploding grenades as he ran to an abandoned machine gun position. Reaching the emplacement, he grasped the machine gun and commenced to deliver effective fire on the advancing enemy. As the enemy directed maximum firepower against the determined marine, Cpl. Maxam's position received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade, knocking him backwards and inflicting severe fragmentation wounds to his face and right eye. Although momentarily stunned and in intense pain, Cpl. Maxam courageously resumed his firing position and subsequently was struck again by small-arms fire. With resolute determination, he gallantly continued to deliver intense machine gun fire, causing the enemy to retreat through the defensive wire to positions of cover. In a desperate attempt to silence his weapon, the North Vietnamese threw hand grenades and directed recoilless rifle fire against him inflicting 2 additional wounds. Too weak to reload his machine gun, Cpl. Maxam fell to a prone position and valiantly continued to deliver effective fire with his rifle. After 1 1/2 hours, during which he was hit repeatedly by fragments from exploding grenades and concentrated small-arms fire, he succumbed to his wounds, having successfully defended nearly half of the perimeter single-handedly. Cpl. Maxam's aggressive fighting spirit, inspiring valor and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Larry Maxam rests today in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, O'ahu, Hawai'i. He appears on Panel 36E, Line 78 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

His Vietnam-era unit, 1st Battalion/4th Marines, serves in the defense of the United States and liberty today from MCB Camp Pendelton, California. Starting last December, they have been forward deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Western Pacific.

TFH 2/1: Master Sergeant Hubert L. Lee, USA

2012-02-01T09:14:00.002-05:00

His platoon attacked by a numerically superior enemy force and forced to withdraw. The platoon leader wounded and incapacitated. He assumed command, regrouped his battered unit, and led them forward. When he was wounded the first time, he refused assistance and pressed the attack. Five times the platoon was repulsed by the enemy. Five times they regrouped and attacked again. During the fifth assault, he was wounded again, and crawled forward to continue the attack, motivating his men to follow. Wounded yet again, he still directed his soldiers on a final assault that ultimately regained the key objective the platoon had been holding.

This man was 36-year old Hubert Louis Lee of Arburg, Missouri. On this day in 1951 during the Korean War, his indomitable courage and leadership saw him eventually decorated with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

LEE, HUBERT L.

Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company I, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Ip-ori, Korea, 1 February 1951. Entered service at: Leland, Miss. Born: 2 February 1915, Arburg, Mo. G.O. No.: 21, 5 February 1952. Citation: M/Sgt. Lee, a member of Company I, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. When his platoon was forced from its position by a numerically superior enemy force, and his platoon leader wounded, M/Sgt. Lee assumed command, regrouped the remnants of his unit, and led them in repeated assaults to regain the position. Within 25 yards of his objective he received a leg wound from grenade fragments, but refused assistance and continued the attack. Although forced to withdraw 5 times, each time he regrouped his remaining men and renewed the assault. Moving forward at the head of his small group in the fifth attempt, he was struck by an exploding grenade, knocked to the ground, and seriously wounded in both legs. Still refusing assistance, he advanced by crawling, rising to his knees to fire, and urging his men to follow. While thus directing the final assault he was wounded a third time, by small-arms fire. Persistently continuing to crawl forward, he directed his men in a final and successful attack which regained the vital objective. His intrepid leadership and determination led to the destruction of 83 of the enemy and withdrawal of the remainder, and was a vital factor in stopping the enemy attack. M/Sgt. Lee's indomitable courage, consummate valor, and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the infantry and the U.S. Army.

Master Sergeant Hubert had also served our Nation during World War II. For his bravery in conflict, records show that he had also received the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. He survived the Korean War, and passed away in 1982 at age 67; he rests in Leland-Stoneville Cemetery, Stoneville, MO.

The 1st, 2nd, and 4th Battalions of the 23rd Infantry Regiment serve today in the defense of our great Nation and liberty still as part of the 2nd Infantry Division from their home at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

TFH: January 31, 1970 in Vietnam - Two Heroes

2012-01-31T14:04:00.004-05:00

On January 31, 1970 during the Vietnam War, two heroic Americans - one Marine, one Soldier - went above and beyond the call of duty to save the lives of their wounded comrades in separate actions. Both were decorated with the United States' highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (A-L):

CLAUSEN, RAYMOND M.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Croup 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1970. Entered service at: New Orleans, La. Born: 14 October 1947, New Orleans, La. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 during operations against enemy forces. Participating in a helicopter rescue mission to extract elements of a platoon which had inadvertently entered a minefield while attacking enemy positions, Pfc. Clausen skillfully guided the helicopter pilot to a landing in an area cleared by 1 of several mine explosions. With 11 marines wounded, 1 dead, and the remaining 8 marines holding their positions for fear of detonating other mines, Pfc. Clausen quickly leaped from the helicopter and, in the face of enemy fire, moved across the extremely hazardous mine laden area to assist in carrying casualties to the waiting helicopter and in placing them aboard. Despite the ever-present threat of further mine explosions, he continued his valiant efforts, leaving the comparatively safe area of the helicopter on 6 separate occasions to carry out his rescue efforts. On 1 occasion while he was carrying 1 of the wounded, another mine detonated, killing a corpsman and wounding 3 other men. Only when he was certain that all marines were safely aboard did he signal the pilot to lift the helicopter. By the courageous, determined and inspiring efforts in the face of the utmost danger, Pfc. Clausen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.

Raymond M. Clausen, Jr. lost his life to liver failure at age 56 on May 30, 2004. He rests today in Ponchatoula Cemetery, Ponchatoula, LA. His Vietnam-era unit, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 263, today flies the Bell Boeing MV-22 Osprey in defense of our Nation as Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 from Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War (M-Z):

PENRY, RICHARD A.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company C, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade. Place and date: Binh Tuy Province, Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1970. Entered service at: Oakland, Calif. Born: 18 November 1948, Petaluma. Calif. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Penry, Company C, distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman during a night ambush mission. As the platoon was preparing the ambush position, it suddenly came under an intense enemy attack from mortar, rocket, and automatic weapons fire which seriously wounded the company commander and most of the platoon members, leaving small isolated groups of wounded men throughout the area. Sgt. Penry, seeing the extreme seriousness of the situation, worked his way through the deadly enemy fire to the company command post where he administered first aid to the wounded company commander and other personnel. He then moved the command post to a position which provided greater protection and visual communication and control of other platoon elements. Realizing the company radio was damaged and recognizing the urgent necessity to reestablish communications with the battalion headquarters, he ran outside the defensive perimeter through a fusillade of hostile fire to retrieve a radio. Finding it inoperable, Sgt. Penry returned through heavy fire to retrieve 2 more radios. Turning his attention to the defense of the area, he crawled to the edge of the perimeter, retrieved needed ammunition and weapons and resupplied the wounded men. During a determined assault by over 30 enemy soldiers, Sgt. Penry occupied the most vulnerable forward position placing heavy, accurate fire on the attacking enemy and exposing himself several times to throw hand grenades into the advancing enemy troops. He succeeded virtually single-handedly in stopping the attack. Learning that none of the radios were operable, Sgt. Penry again crawled outside the defensive perimeter, retrieved a fourth radio and established communications with higher headquarters. Sgt. Penry then continued to administer first aid to the wounded and repositioned them to better repel further enemy attacks. Despite continuous and deadly sniper fire, he again left the defensive perimeter, moved to within a few feet of enemy positions, located 5 isolated wounded soldiers, and led them to safety. When evacuation helicopters approached, Sgt. Penry voluntarily left the perimeter, set up a guiding beacon, established the priorities for evacuation and successively carried 18 wounded men to the extraction site. After all wounded personnel had been evacuated, Sgt. Penry joined another platoon and assisted in the pursuit of the enemy. Sgt. Penry's extraordinary heroism at the risk of his own life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Richard Penry passed away at age 45 in 1994. He rests in Cypress Hill Memorial Park in Petaluma, CA. His Vietnam unit, the 199th Infantry Brigade, currently trains the Army warriors of the future at Fort Benning, GA.

TFH 1/30: First Lieutenant Robert M. McGovern, USA

2012-01-30T10:33:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1951 near Kamyangjan-ni, Korea a lone American infantry officer feared his men would buckle under the enemy's withering assault. He mustered all the courage he could, ignored his wounds, and charged forward. His name was Robert Milton McGovern, and for his gallantry and sacrifice, he was decorated with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*McGOVERN, ROBERT M.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Near Kamyangjan-ni, Korea, 30 January 1951. Entered service at: Washington, D.C. Birth: Washington, D.C. G.O. No.: 2, 8 January 1952. Citation: 1st Lt. McGovern, a member of Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations. As 1st Lt. McGovern led his platoon up a slope to engage hostile troops emplaced in bunker-type pillboxes with connecting trenches, the unit came under heavy machine gun and rifle fire from the crest of the hill, approximately 75 yards distant. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, 1st Lt. McGovern, assured the men of his ability to continue on and urged them forward. Forging up the rocky incline, he fearlessly led the platoon to within several yards of its objective when the ruthless foe threw and rolled a vicious barrage of handgrenades on the group and halted the advance. Enemy fire increased in volume and intensity and 1st Lt. McGovern realizing that casualties were rapidly increasing and the morale of his men badly shaken, hurled back several grenades before they exploded. Then, disregarding his painful wound and weakened condition he charged a machine gun emplacement which was raking his position with flanking fire. When he was within 10 yards of the position a burst of fire ripped the carbine from his hands, but, undaunted, he continued his lone-man assault and, firing his pistol and throwing grenades, killed 7 hostile soldiers before falling mortally wounded in front of the gun he had silenced. 1st Lt. McGovern's incredible display of valor imbued his men with indomitable resolution to avenge his death. Fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, they charged with such ferocity that hostile positions were overrun and the enemy routed from the hill. The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and intrepid actions of 1st Lt. McGovern reflected utmost glory on himself and the honored tradition of the military services.

Robert McGovern rests today at Arlington National Cemetery, along side his younger brother Jerome who was killed in action in Korea less than two weeks later.

First Lieutenant McGovern's Korean War unit, 1st Battalion/5th Cavalry, today fights for and defends liberty as part of the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Apollo 1: 45 Years

2012-01-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Lieutenant Colonel Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, USAF

Lieutenant Colonel Edward H. White II, USAF

Lieutenant Commander Roger B. Chaffee, USN

Spacecraft fire, Launch Complex 34

18:31 EST - January 27, 1967

If we die we want people to accept it. We are in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us, it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. Our god-given curiosity will force us to go there ourselves because in the final analysis, only man can fully evaluate the moon in terms understandable to other men.

TFH 1/27: Sp4c. Donald W. Evans, Jr.

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

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.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*EVANS, DONALD W., JR.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 12 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Tri Tam, Republic of Vietnam, 27 January 1967. Entered service at: Covina, Calif. Born: 23 July 1943, Covina, Calif. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. He left his position of relative safety with his platoon which had not yet been committed to the battle to answer the calls for medical aid from the wounded men of another platoon which was heavily engaged with the enemy force. Dashing across 100 meters of open area through a withering hail of enemy fire and exploding grenades, he administered lifesaving treatment to 1 individual and continued to expose himself to the deadly enemy fire as he moved to treat each of the other wounded men and to offer them encouragement. Realizing that the wounds of 1 man required immediate attention, Sp4c. Evans dragged the injured soldier back across the dangerous fire-swept area, to a secure position from which he could be further evacuated Miraculously escaping the enemy fusillade, Sp4c. Evans returned to the forward location. As he continued the treatment of the wounded, he was struck by fragments from an enemy grenade. Despite his serious and painful injury he succeeded in evacuating another wounded comrade, rejoined his platoon as it was committed to battle and was soon treating other wounded soldiers. As he evacuated another wounded man across the fire covered field, he was severely wounded. Continuing to refuse medical attention and ignoring advice to remain behind, he managed with his waning strength to move yet another wounded comrade across the dangerous open area to safety. Disregarding his painful wounds and seriously weakened from profuse bleeding, he continued his lifesaving medical aid and was killed while treating another wounded comrade. Sp4c. Evan's extraordinary valor, dedication and indomitable spirit saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers, served as an inspiration to the men of his company, were instrumental in the success of their mission, and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Donald Evans rests today in Oakdale Memorial Park, Glendora, CA. He is memorialized on Panel 14E, Line 85 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry continues to defend liberty and our Nation as part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO.

TFH 1/26: Lieutenant Carlos Thompson, MCSO

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

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:

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.

TFH 1/24: Lord Baden-Powell - a Reprise

2012-01-24T17:57:00.004-05:00

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.

TFH 1/20: BMC Quincy Hightower Truett, USN

2012-01-20T10:05:00.000-05:00

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.

TFH 1/18: Sergeant Gordon Douglas Yntema, USA

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

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:

*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.

TFH 1/17: Colonel Robert F. Wilke, USAF

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

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.

TFH 1/16: Sergeant Jose Calugas

2012-01-16T09:25:00.004-05:00

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:

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

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.

TFH 1/13: Plunged into Disaster, Six Shined

2012-01-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Thirty years ago today, Washington National Airport (today Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) had been closed in the morning due to heavy snowfall. The airport had reopened around noon. At 1:45 PM, an Air Florida 737 arrived from Miami. That aircraft's attempt to return to Florida that afternoon would end in tragedy.

After a delay of almost two hours, Air Florida Flight 90 - carrying 74 passengers and 5 crew - prepared for departure amid falling temperatures and continuing snowfall. The aircraft had been deiced, but the deicing solution hadn't been mixed properly and wasn't as effective as it should have been. The two pilots, neither particularly experienced with flying in cold weather and snow/ice conditions, inexplicably did not turn the anti-icing systems of their two engines on as part of their takeoff checklist. The pilots also erred by keeping their aircraft very close to the plane taxiing in front of them, thinking incorrectly that the heat from that plane's engine exhaust would help keep theirs free of snow and ice, when the opposite was true.

At 3:59 PM, Flight 90 began its takeoff roll on Runway 01. First Officer Roger Pettit, the "pilot flying" for this leg of the journey, noticed that the 737's performance didn't match what his instruments were telling him. Regardless of his concern, the crew continued with the takeoff - icing conditions on the engines meant that they were producing 16.7% less pressure than they should have, while the instruments reported full power. The icing on the plane's wings denied it a substantial amount of lift. Flight 90 made it airborne - barely - but only reached about 350 feet in altitude before the pilots lost control.

At 4:01 PM, the 737 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River. The forward section of the plane rapidly sunk, leaving just the tail area separated and afloat.

Four motorists on the bridge were killed by the impact. Of the 79 souls aboard the plane, 73 perished in the crash. Six aboard the plane survived the crash; five of those were ultimately saved. Two of the passengers, along with four people who engaged in the rescue, are the real subject of today's recounting of courage.

Flight Attendant Kelly Duncan, then 22 years old, was the youngest member of the Air Florida crew and the only crew member survivor. She was seated in the rear of the plane, and quickly found herself in the icy Potomac river with the other five survivors. Putting her passengers first, she assisted the other survivors as best she could as they clung to the fractured tail of the aircraft, including giving the only available life jacket to one of the injured passengers. She was recognized by the NTSB for her selfless act.

Roger Olian, a sheet metal working foreman at a Washington area hospital, was driving home and was atop the 14th Street Bridge when the plane struck. He heard a man yelling that a plane was in the water. Olian exited his truck, and courageously dove into the river in an attempt to assist the survivors. With ice clinging to his body, he came ashore looking for anything that could be used to assist the victims. Grabbing what little was available to him - some rope, battery jumper cables - he ignored the voices of other bystanders and reentered the freezing waters to try and save others. For his courage at extreme risk to himself, he was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the United States Coast Guard.

Lenny Skutnik, a US government office assistant in his late 20s, observed a passenger - Priscilla Tirado - struggling in the water as a helicopter (see below) tried to drop a life line to her. Without hesitation, he stripped off his coat and boots and swam 30 feet out into the river to assist her. He was successful in towing Ms. Tirado to shore, saving her life. Thirteen days after the disaster, he was recognized by President Reagan during the 1982 State of the Union Address. Like Roger Olian, Skutnik was also decorated by the Coast Guard with the Gold Lifesaving Medal.

Donald W. Usher and Melvin E. Windsor crewed the United States Park Police's helicopter Eagle 1. Usher (the pilot) and Windsor (a paramedic) were credited with saving four of the survivors by dropping lines to them from the air and assisting them to shore. At one point during the rescue, they were so low to the water that the landing skids went beneath the surface of the Potomac. Windsor also exited the helicopter onto the barely floating wreckage of the tail section to assist the survivors. They were both decorated with the US Department of the Interior's Valor Award and Silver Lifesaving Medals by the Coast Guard.

Arland Dean Williams, Jr., age 46, was a passenger. He didn't know any of his fellow survivors personally, but he unhesitatingly and with complete selflessness and courage put the lives of the others before his own. A life vest was dropped from Usher and Windsor's helicopter; he gave it to another. Then a flotation ball was dropped; that was given to another. He retrieved many of the lines from the helicopter - and passed them to others. He was the last remaining victim in the water when the tail section finally sank. Exhausted and succumbing to hypothermia, he was unable to save himself, was dragged under, and drowned. Time Magazine on January 25, 1982 - before his identity was known - wrote of his courage:

So the man in the water had his own natural powers. He could not make ice storms, or freeze the water until it froze the blood. But he could hand life over to a stranger, and that is a power of nature too. The man in the water pitted himself against an implacable, impersonal enemy; he fought it with charity; and he held it to a standoff. He was the best we can do.

It took some time to conclusively identify Williams as "the man in the water". On June 6, 1983 in an Oval Office ceremony, President Ronald Reagan and Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth Dole presented his parents, sister, and children with his Gold Lifesaving Medal from the Coast Guard.

Also in 1983, the District of Columbia renamed the 14th Street Bridge to the "Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge." On this day, as well as all others, may those who use the bridge - and the rest of us too - remember the fantastic courage shown that day thirty years ago.

And to the families of all those lost aboard Flight 90, you will be in our prayers on this grim anniversary.

The Washington Post has retrospective coverage, as well as a reprise of the front page from the following day in 1982.

TFH 1/12 Extra: Corporal Ronald E. Rosser, USA

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ronald Rosser first enlisted in the United States Army at age 17 in 1946. His three-year enlistment saw him returned to civilian life in 1949. After one of his brothers was killed in action during the early days of the Korean War, he reenlisted in hopes of avenging his dead sibling.

60 years ago today - and 10 years after today's other honoree, Lieutenant Alexander Nininger - then Corporal Rosser single-handedly changed the course of a battle. For his gallantry, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

ROSSER, RONALD E.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Heavy Mortar Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Place and date: Vicinity of Ponggilli, Korea, 12 January 1952. Entered service at: Crooksville, Ohio. Born: 24 October 1929, Columbus, Ohio. G.O. No.: 67, 7 July 1952. Citation: Cpl. Rosser, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. While assaulting heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, was stopped by fierce automatic-weapons, small-arms, artillery, and mortar fire. Cpl. Rosser, a forward observer was with the lead platoon of Company L, when it came under fire from 2 directions. Cpl. Rosser turned his radio over to his assistant and, disregarding the enemy fire, charged the enemy positions armed with only carbine and a grenade. At the first bunker, he silenced its occupants with a burst from his weapon. Gaining the top of the hill, he killed 2 enemy soldiers, and then went down the trench, killing 5 more as he advanced. He then hurled his grenade into a bunker and shot 2 other soldiers as they emerged. Having exhausted his ammunition, he returned through the enemy fire to obtain more ammunition and grenades and charged the hill once more. Calling on others to follow him, he assaulted 2 more enemy bunkers. Although those who attempted to join him became casualties, Cpl. Rosser once again exhausted his ammunition obtained a new supply, and returning to the hilltop a third time hurled grenades into the enemy positions. During this heroic action Cpl. Rosser single-handedly killed at least 13 of the enemy. After exhausting his ammunition he accompanied the withdrawing platoon, and though himself wounded, made several trips across open terrain still under enemy fire to help remove other men injured more seriously than himself. This outstanding soldier's courageous and selfless devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all men. He has contributed magnificently to the high traditions of the military service.

After his Korean War service, Rosser stayed in the Army. He sought to return to combat in Vietnam, after his younger brother Gary was killed serving with the United States Marine Corps. His request was denied, and he retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Ronald Rosser is still living.

TFH 1/12: Second Lieutenant Alexander R. Nininger, USA

2012-01-12T06:30:00.000-05:00

70 years ago today, West Point graduate Alexander R. Nininger, Jr. was fighting the Japanese in the Philippines on the Bataan Peninsula with the 57th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Scouts. As history tells, the defense was ultimately futile. Regardless, our brave soldiers did their duty, and many went above and beyond that call.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*NININGER, ALEXANDER R., JR.

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 57th Infantry, Philippine Scouts. Place and date: Near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, 12 January 1942. Entered service at: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Birth: Gainesville, Ga. G.O. No.: 9, 5 February 1942. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Abucay, Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 12 January 1942. This officer, though assigned to another company not then engaged in combat, voluntarily attached himself to Company K, same regiment, while that unit was being attacked by enemy force superior in firepower. Enemy snipers in trees and foxholes had stopped a counterattack to regain part of position. In hand-to-hand fighting which followed, 2d Lt. Nininger repeatedly forced his way to and into the hostile position. Though exposed to heavy enemy fire, he continued to attack with rifle and handgrenades and succeeded in destroying several enemy groups in foxholes and enemy snipers. Although wounded 3 times, he continued his attacks until he was killed after pushing alone far within the enemy position. When his body was found after recapture of the position, 1 enemy officer and 2 enemy soldiers lay dead around him.

Lieutenant Nininger lies at rest near where he fell in the Philippines.

TFH 1/11: Captain Harold A. Fritz, USA

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Harold Fritz was born on February 11, 1944 in Chicago, IL. His service to our Nation in the Army began in 1966. On this day in 1969, he was a First Lieutenant with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment serving in Vietnam. When the armored column Fritz was commanding was ambushed, he unquestionably demonstrated that leadership is from the front, and that one man can turn the tide of battle. For his gallantry, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

FRITZ, HAROLD A.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Place and date: Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 January 1969. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 21 February 1944, Chicago, 111. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fritz, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, near Quan Loi. Capt. Fritz was leading his 7-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, Capt. Fritz' vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Capt. Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men. With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, Capt. Fritz manned a machine gun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within 2 meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Capt. Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties. When a relief force arrived, Capt. Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, Capt. Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Capt. Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect the greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.

Harold Fritz retired from the Army in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 27 years of honorable service. He is still living.

His Vietnam-era unit, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, today has the vital role of the "opposing force" at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, CA. The NTC's role is to provide realistic combined arms training for the fighting units of the Army as preparation for actual combat.

2011 Pittsburgh Steelers - a Post-Mortem

2012-01-10T17:50:00.001-05:00

As has been well reported, the Steelers lost to the Denver Broncos in crushing fashion Sunday night, ending their reign as defending AFC Champions. Here are my thoughts on what was actually a good season that probably ended too soon.

1) The Big Failure. Simple: losing both games against the Baltimore Ravens. The opening game was an embarrassment. Giving up a 92-yard TD drive at the end of regulation in week 9 for loss #2 wasn't a whole lot better. If they could have held on to their lead and won the week 9 game, they'd have finished 13-3, won the division, and have secured both a 1st round bye and home field throughout the playoffs by virtue of beating the Patriots in week 8. Ultimately, the course of the Steelers' playoff exit may have been decided on November 6th.

2) Some Rest Would've Been Nice. I realize hindsight is 20-20, but the Steelers didn't handle injuries well down the stretch. Roethlisberger should have been inactive to let his ankle heal fully. Again, go back to November 6th - they win that game, no question Big Ben doesn't play on a bum ankle.

3) Are they too old? Good question. They certainly looked that way on Sunday. Were the injuries to D-Line stalwarts Hampton and Keisel age related? Probably not, but neither of them are spring chickens from a football perspective. It's already pretty much assured that Aaron Smith won't be back next year after season-ending injuries two years in a row. Defensive captain and signal caller James Farrior just finished his 15th season. Hines Ward ends his 14th season (I think he'll be back) but that isn't a big deal because...

4) The Steelers have the best receiving corps in the NFL. Period. They don't have the best single receiver. They have the best unit. Antonio Brown: first ever in league history with 1,000+ receiving yards and 1,000+ return yards. Mike Wallace: nobody will out run him. Emmanuel Sanders: so long as he stays healthy, he's clutch. Jericho Cotchery came up with a couple of big catches in key spots, but won't likely return since he's an unrestricted free agent and with the Brown/Sanders/Wallace trifecta, the Steelers will use cap space and the dollars elsewhere. Prediction: Ward takes a pay cut and stays here. The alternative is retirement. He's loved here, and was around for the Rod Woodson departure debacle. I don't think he'll risk his good will with the fans.

5) Back to an "age" topic, what was up with Polamalu? No secret Troy had an off-year. What I found more disturbing than his lack of interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries was his instincts seemed to be off. Throughout his career, Polamalu has had an awesome ability to jump plays or come out of nowhere to make a game changing play. He started looking better late in the season - I saw a lot of that Troy - but was way off the mark in the Wild Card playoff game. Hopefully, he gets back in the groove for next season...at age 31.

6) Let's hope Maurkice Pouncey isn't really fragile. Two seasons. Two late season ankle injuries. He also missed time during the season. The difference in the Steelers' O-Line is massive when Pouncey plays versus not. We need him healthy.

7) What next? With their loss Sunday, the Steelers locked up the 24th overall pick in the 2012 draft. I think they might be in the position of picking the "best available player regardless of position", but I think they'll shy away from a receiver. If I was making the pick, it would be a lineman - offense first, then defense.

Looking ahead to the 2012 season, the Steelers will get a rematch with the Broncos (figure that will be a Sunday Night Football appearance). If the AFC West is on the rise, it could be a tough schedule. Games vs. the Jets and Titans should be easy wins based on relative team situations. The games vs. the NFC East should be interesting too - the only walk-over is the Redskins.

What will 2012 hold? It's going to depend really on how the Steelers who suffered late season injuries (Rashard Mendenhall, in particular, not mentioned earlier) recover. Right now, I'm going to say they don't do as well as this year, finish 11-5 but win the division with a week 17 victory over the hated Ravens.

TFH 1/10: PFC Clarence Eugene Sasser, USA

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Clarence Sasser gave up his college deferments to serve in the United States Army. Trained as a combat medic, on this day in 1968 he ignored his own wounds and safety to save the lives of others. For his courage, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

SASSER, CLARENCE EUGENE

Rank and organization: Specialist Fifth Class (then Pfc.), U.S. Army, Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: Ding Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 10 January 1968. Entered service at: Houston, Tex. Born: 12 September 1947, Chenango, Tex. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp5c. Sasser distinguished himself while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion. He was serving as a medical aidman with Company A, 3d Battalion, on a reconnaissance in force operation. His company was making an air assault when suddenly it was taken under heavy small arms, recoilless rifle, machinegun and rocket fire from well fortified enemy positions on 3 sides of the landing zone. During the first few minutes, over 30 casualties were sustained. Without hesitation, Sp5c. Sasser ran across an open rice paddy through a hail of fire to assist the wounded. After helping 1 man to safety, was painfully wounded in the left shoulder by fragments of an exploding rocket. Refusing medical attention, he ran through a barrage of rocket and automatic weapons fire to aid casualties of the initial attack and, after giving them urgently needed treatment, continued to search for other wounded. Despite 2 additional wounds immobilizing his legs, he dragged himself through the mud toward another soldier 100 meters away. Although in agonizing pain and faint from loss of blood, Sp5c. Sasser reached the man, treated him, and proceeded on to encourage another group of soldiers to crawl 200 meters to relative safety. There he attended their wounds for 5 hours until they were evacuated. Sp5c. Sasser's extraordinary heroism is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

American hero Clarence Sasser lives to this day. His Vietnam unit, 3rd Battalion/60th Infantry, today prepares the warriors of tomorrow who will defend our Nation and liberty across the globe at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

TFH 1/9: SP4 Danny J. Petersen, USA

2012-01-09T22:07:00.001-05:00

A disabled APC. Wounded crewmen who had to be rescued and evacuated. All in the face of a numerically superior hostile force. This was what faced 20-year old Danny Petersen of Kansas this day in 1970.

From Medal of Honor Citations from the Vietnam War:

*PETERSEN, DANNY J.

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 January 1970. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 11 March 1949, Horton, Kans. Citation: Sp4c. Petersen distinguished himself while serving as an armored personnel carrier commander with Company B during a combat operation against a North Vietnamese Army Force estimated to be of battalion size. During the initial contact with the enemy, an armored personnel carrier was disabled and the crewmen were pinned down by the heavy onslaught of enemy small arms, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Sp4c. Petersen immediately maneuvered his armored personnel carrier to a position between the disabled vehicle and the enemy. He placed suppressive fire on the enemy's well-fortified position, thereby enabling the crewmembers of the disabled personnel carrier to repair their vehicle. He then maneuvered his vehicle, while still under heavy hostile fire to within 10 feet of the enemy's defensive emplacement. After a period of intense fighting, his vehicle received a direct hit and the driver was wounded. With extraordinary courage and selfless disregard for his own safety, Sp4c. Petersen carried his wounded comrade 45 meters across the bullet-swept field to a secure area. He then voluntarily returned to his disabled armored personnel carrier to provide covering fire for both the other vehicles and the dismounted personnel of his platoon as they withdrew. Despite heavy fire from 3 sides, he remained with his disabled vehicle, alone and completely exposed. Sp4c. Petersen was standing on top of his vehicle, firing his weapon, when he was mortally wounded. His heroic and selfless actions prevented further loss of life in his platoon. Sp4c. Petersen's conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism are in the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Danny Petersen rests today in Netawaka, Kansas. The 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry currently serves with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, WA.

TFH 1/6: Major Patrick Henry Brady, USA

2012-01-06T09:50:00.001-05:00

Patrick Brady was an ambulance helicopter pilot. On October 2-3, 1967 he received our Nation's second-highest honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, for heroism while rescuing his wounded comrades. He wasn't done.

On this day in 1968, he flew repeatedly into hostile fire to save the injured. Two helicopters were shot out from under him, and he didn't stop. He was credited with the evacuation of 51 severely wounded soldiers, and for his courage, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

BRADY, PATRICK HENRY

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Medical Service Corps, 54th Medical Detachment, 67th Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade. Place and date: Near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, 6 January 1968. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 1 October 1936, Philip, S. Dak. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, Maj. Brady distinguished himself while serving in the Republic of Vietnam commanding a UH-1H ambulance helicopter, volunteered to rescue wounded men from a site in enemy held territory which was reported to be heavily defended and to be blanketed by fog. To reach the site he descended through heavy fog and smoke and hovered slowly along a valley trail, turning his ship sideward to blow away the fog with the backwash from his rotor blades. Despite the unchallenged, close-range enemy fire, he found the dangerously small site, where he successfully landed and evacuated 2 badly wounded South Vietnamese soldiers. He was then called to another area completely covered by dense fog where American casualties lay only 50 meters from the enemy. Two aircraft had previously been shot down and others had made unsuccessful attempts to reach this site earlier in the day. With unmatched skill and extraordinary courage, Maj. Brady made 4 flights to this embattled landing zone and successfully rescued all the wounded. On his third mission of the day Maj. Brady once again landed at a site surrounded by the enemy. The friendly ground force, pinned down by enemy fire, had been unable to reach and secure the landing zone. Although his aircraft had been badly damaged and his controls partially shot away during his initial entry into this area, he returned minutes later and rescued the remaining injured. Shortly thereafter, obtaining a replacement aircraft, Maj. Brady was requested to land in an enemy minefield where a platoon of American soldiers was trapped. A mine detonated near his helicopter, wounding 2 crewmembers and damaging his ship. In spite of this, he managed to fly 6 severely injured patients to medical aid. Throughout that day Maj. Brady utilized 3 helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men, many of whom would have perished without prompt medical treatment. Maj. Brady's bravery was in the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Brady retired from the United States Army as a Major General in 1993. He is still living, and is one of just two individuals to receive both the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross for actions in Vietnam.

The 44th Medical Brigade serves today as part of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

TFH 1/5: Staff Sergeant Franklin D. Miller, USA

2012-01-05T12:19:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1970, Franklin Douglas "Doug" Miller was a nearly 25-year old Green Beret with the 5th Special Forces Group. The patrol he was leading encountered a booby trap. With the enemy alerted by the trap's explosion and in superior numbers, it fell upon this man to rescue the day. For his courage, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

MILLER, FRANKLIN D.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. place and date: Kontum province, Republic of Vietnam, 5 January 1970. Entered service at: Albuquerque, N. Mex. Born: 27 January 1945, Elizabeth City, N.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Miller, 5th Special Forces Group, distinguished himself while serving as team leader of an American-Vietnamese long-range reconnaissance patrol operating deep within enemy controlled territory. Leaving the helicopter insertion point, the patrol moved forward on its mission. Suddenly, 1 of the team members tripped a hostile booby trap which wounded 4 soldiers. S/Sgt. Miller, knowing that the explosion would alert the enemy, quickly administered first aid to the wounded and directed the team into positions across a small stream bed at the base of a steep hill. Within a few minutes, S/Sgt. Miller saw the lead element of what he estimated to be a platoon-size enemy force moving toward his location. Concerned for the safety of his men, he directed the small team to move up the hill to a more secure position. He remained alone, separated from the patrol, to meet the attack. S/Sgt. Miller single-handedly repulsed 2 determined attacks by the numerically superior enemy force and caused them to withdraw in disorder. He rejoined his team, established contact with a forward air controller and arranged the evacuation of his patrol. However, the only suitable extraction location in the heavy jungle was a bomb crater some 150 meters from the team location. S/Sgt. Miller reconnoitered the route to the crater and led his men through the enemy controlled jungle to the extraction site. As the evacuation helicopter hovered over the crater to pick up the patrol, the enemy launched a savage automatic weapon and rocket-propelled grenade attack against the beleaguered team, driving off the rescue helicopter. S/Sgt. Miller led the team in a valiant defense which drove back the enemy in its attempt to overrun the small patrol. Although seriously wounded and with every man in his patrol a casualty, S/Sgt. Miller moved forward to again single-handedly meet the hostile attackers. From his forward exposed position, S/Sgt. Miller gallantly repelled 2 attacks by the enemy before a friendly relief force reached the patrol location. S/Sgt. Miller's gallantry, intrepidity in action, and selfless devotion to the welfare of his comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

According to Wikipedia, Miller eventually became a Command Sergeant Major in our Army. He passed away on June 30, 2000 and was cremated and his ashes scattered. From a picture contemporaneous to his Medal of Honor presentation at the previous link, we can see that he also was decorated with the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals for gallantry, although records for those awards do not appear at Military Times' Hall of Valor.

The 5th Special Forces Group serves our Nation to this day around the world from their home base of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

TFH 1/4: SP4 Larry Johnson, USA

2012-01-04T16:23:00.001-05:00

I can't find a lot about Specialist Fourth Class Larry Johnson, so I'll just let his citation for the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded for his heroism and leadership on this day in 1969 and our Nation's second highest honor, speak for itself.

From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Larry Johnson (ASN: US-67193481), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Johnson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 January 1969 as acting platoon sergeant on a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Ben Tre, Kien Hoa Province. While his company was being inserted into a landing zone it came under intense enemy fire and sustained several casualties. Realizing that the hostile fire would have to be suppressed before his stricken comrades could be evacuated, Specialist Johnson quickly organized his troops and led them through the fusillade toward the communist's bunkers. Despite being wounded by enemy fire, he skillfully brought his element across an open area and into a canal, maneuvering to within ten meters of the fortifications before he and his men were pinned down by a crossfire. Courageously exposing himself to the barrage, he then left the dike and single-handedly assaulted a bunker, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades. Wounded and driven back, he made a second attempt, only to be wounded again. Although unable to use his right arm and in great pain, he charged through the crossfire and, after being hit a fourth time, succeeded in destroying the bunker with hand grenades. As he was beginning to assault a second bunker, he lost consciousness due to his wounds. Sergeant Johnson's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

TFH 1/3: Gunnery Sergeant Joseph F. Covella, USMC

2012-01-03T06:45:00.002-05:00

Joseph Francis Covella hailed from Brooklyn, NY. He served with the United States Marine Corps in Korea with the 2nd Battalion/5th Marines and was decorated with the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action on September 20, 1951.

The entrance of the United States into the Vietnam War saw then Gunnery Sergeant Covella serving as an advisor to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Infantry Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On this day in 1966, he stayed with our allies who remained behind to cover the withdrawal of forces facing a numerically superior enemy. For his courage, he was awarded 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 Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Francis Covella (MCSN: 1001220), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Light Weapons Infantry Advisor, Third Battalion, First Regiment, First Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, on 3 January 1966. Sergeant Covella was accompanying the First Company of his Battalion when that unit came under scorching fire from their front, pinning them in a ditch while the numerically superior enemy force continued to rain murderous fire upon them. When the order to withdraw was given, one platoon was instructed to remain in position to provide covering fire, and Sergeant Covella, with no regard for his personal safety, volunteered to remain with the platoon. The remainder of the company made an orderly withdrawal and the platoon was told to evacuate. As soon as the order was implemented, three Vietnamese soldiers and one American advisor were wounded. Realizing that without covering fire his platoon would be destroyed, Sergeant Covella stayed with the wounded to aid them and cover the retreat in the face of a merciless enemy advance. He was able to halt the enemy long enough for his platoon to escape from the trap. His battalion found him later with the men he had tried to protect. By his personal bravery, consummate courage and willing self-sacrifice for his comrades, Sergeant Covella reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Gunnery Sergeant Covella was also awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his Vietnam service. His courageous sacrifice reflects the heritage of his Korean War unit; 2/5 Marines' motto is "Retreat, Hell!" It comes from the battalion's combat service in World War I. On June 1, 1918 the battalion arrived at the front lines and was immediately advised to retreat by a French officer. He was answered by Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams: "Retreat? Hell, we just got here!"

TFH 12/30: 1LT Robert L. Howard, USA

2011-12-30T09:35:00.002-05:00

On this day in 1968, a 29 year-old Sergeant First Class with the 5th Special Forces Group organized and led his mixed American/Vietnamese infantry platoon while it was under heavy attack by a much larger enemy force. For his courage and determination, he received our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War.

HOWARD, ROBERT L.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 30 December 1968. Entered service at: Montgomery, Ala. Born: 11 July 1939, Opelika, Ala. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Howard (then Sfc .), distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory in the Republic of Vietnam. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated 2-company force. During the initial engagement, 1st Lt. Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. 1st Lt. Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, 1st Lt. Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As 1st Lt. Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer's equipment, an enemy bullet struck 1 of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant's belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. 1st Lt. Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, 1st Lt. Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, 1st Lt. Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours 1st Lt. Howard's small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. 1st Lt. Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. 1st Lt. Howard's gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

As you can tell from his Medal of Honor citation, Robert Howard had received an officers' commission by the time he was recognized for his great courage. He was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Vietnam War, also receiving two Distinguished Service Crosses and the Silver Star medal, among other decorations including eight Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat.

He retired from the Army in 1992 with the rank of Colonel. He passed away on December 23, 2009 from pancreatic cancer and rests today in Arlington National Cemetery.

His unit from Vietnam, the 5th Special Forces Group, still serves today defending freedom and liberty across the globe from its home base at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

TFH 12/24: CDR Laurence A. Abercrombie, USN

2011-12-24T10:39:00.001-05:00

Laurence Allen Abercrombie was born on October 10, 1897 in Lawrence, MA. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1921. The beginning of World War II found him in command of the Mahan-class destroyer USS Drayton (DD-366). She was at sea during the attack on Pearl Harbor escorting the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (CV-2). Just over two weeks later, Commander Abercrombie and the Drayton found themselves escorting a convoy to Christmas Island. On this day, 70 years ago, Laurence Abercrombie's skill and courage as a commanding officer under fire earned him the first of the three Navy Crosses he received for his World War II service, our Nation's second highest honor.

All three of Commander Abercrombie's Navy Cross citations, from the Military Times' Hall of Valor:

Action Date: 24 December 1941

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Laurence Allen Abercrombie (NSN: 0-56922), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DRAYTON (DD-366), during operations in the Far East on 24 December 1941 Commander Abercrombie skillfully directed his vessel in an engagement which resulted in the destruction of an enemy vessel. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.

Action Date: 22 October 1942

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Laurence Allen Abercrombie (NSN: 0-56922), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as the Commanding Officer of Destroyer Division NINE, which engaged Japanese naval forces in a daring daylight raid on the enemy patrol line south of the Gilbert Islands on 22 October 1942. Commander Abercrombie skillfully maneuvered his division, exercising such brilliant tactical judgment that heavy damage was inflicted upon the enemy. Two enemy vessels were sunk by the gunfire of his force, and repeated air attacks were repelled without damage to the ships or crews under his command. Through his leadership this bold mission was brought to a highly successful conclusion. His courageous conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.

Action Date: 17 February 1943

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Cross to Commander Laurence Allen Abercrombie (NSN: 0-56922), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. DRAYTON (DD-366), as Screen Commander of a Task Force unit during action against Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands area on 17 February 1943. By the accurate and timely warning given by the ships under his command, Commander Abercrombie enabled the task unit commander to dispose his transports and destroyers for the most effective action against hostile Torpedo Planes. Despite the difficulties and hazards of a night engagement during which five Japanese planes were destroyed, Commander Abercrombie brought his forces through without casualty or damage. Commander Abercrombie's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed in large measure to the outstanding success of these vital missions and reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service.

We have much to be thankful for the skill and gallantry of our sailors past and present. Laurence Abercrombie retired from the Navy as a Rear Admiral and he passed away on May 3, 1973.

USS Drayton served throughout World War II in the Pacific, earning eleven battle stars. She was decommissioned on October 9, 1945 and sold to be scrapped on December 20, 1946.

TFH 12/23: Captain Henry Talmage Elrod, USMC

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Henry Elrod was born in Turner County, GA on September 27, 1905. After attending the University of Georgia and Yale University, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1927. He received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1931, and earned his aviators' wings in 1935.

The growing winds of war found "Hammerin' Hank" in Hawai'i early in 1941. As hostilities increasingly appeared imminent, he was sent with the 14 planes of Marine Fighter Squadron 211 to Wake Island on December 4th. On December 8th, coincidental with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (Wake, being on the other side of the International Date Line), Wake also came under assault.

The Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and civilians on Wake Island held off the Japanese invaders for fifteen days of intense combat. Henry Elrod flew his F4F Wildcat to distinction, shooting down two attacking aircraft and sinking a Japanese destroyer. When all the defender's aircraft had been destroyed, he picked up a rifle and joined the battle line. 70 years ago today, he gave his life, and for his gallantry he received our Nation's highest honor:

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*ELROD, HENRY TALMAGE

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 27 September 1905, Rebecca, Ga. Entered service at: Ashburn, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to Marine Fighting Squadron 211, during action against enemy Japanese land, surface and aerial units at Wake Island, 8 to 23 December 1941. Engaging vastly superior forces of enemy bombers and warships on 9 and 12 December, Capt. Elrod shot down 2 of a flight of 22 hostile planes and, executing repeated bombing and strafing runs at extremely low altitude and close range, succeeded in inflicting deadly damage upon a large Japanese vessel, thereby sinking the first major warship to be destroyed by small caliber bombs delivered from a fighter-type aircraft. When his plane was disabled by hostile fire and no other ships were operative, Capt. Elrod assumed command of 1 flank of the line set up in defiance of the enemy landing and, conducting a brilliant defense, enabled his men to hold their positions and repulse intense hostile fusillades to provide covering fire for unarmed ammunition carriers. Capturing an automatic weapon during 1 enemy rush in force, he gave his own firearm to 1 of his men and fought on vigorously against the Japanese. Responsible in a large measure for the strength of his sector's gallant resistance, on 23 December, Capt. Elrod led his men with bold aggressiveness until he fell, mortally wounded. His superb skill as a pilot, daring leadership and unswerving devotion to duty distinguished him among the defenders of Wake Island, and his valiant conduct reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Captain Elrod was originally interred on Wake Island among those who fell with him during the battle. His remains were moved to Arlington National Cemetery in 1947, where he rests today.

His squadron, today VMA-211, the "Wake Island Avengers", flies the AV-8B Harrier II in defense of our Nation and the cause of liberty.

TFH 12/22: Major Thomas J. H. Trapnell, USA

2011-12-22T09:54:00.000-05:00

Thomas John Hall Trapnell, "Trap" as he was nicknamed, was born on November 23, 1902 in Yonkers, NY. In 1923, he began his military service at the United States Military Academy, West Point. After graduation, he was commissioned and became a cavalry officer. With the cavalry, he served under such noted officers as Jonathan Wainwright and George Patton.

In 1939, he joined the Philippine Scouts with the 26th Cavalry Regiment. The Japanese Empire invaded the Philippines in a coordinated attack with that on Pearl Harbor. Against insurmountable odds, the forces of the United States Army and the Philippine Army retreated towards the Bataan Peninsula. Trap, then commanding the 26th Cavalry, fought courageously in a rear guard action to protect the withdrawal, including the last horse cavalry charge in US Army history.

On this day in 1941, 70 years ago to the day, his determination, heroism, and fighting spirit was on display as he single-handedly destroyed a bridge to slow the enemy's advance. For his gallantry, he was decorated with our Nation's second highest honor: the Distinguished Service Cross.

From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major Thomas John Hall Trapnell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of the 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces while the U.S. Cavalry engaged in rear guard action on 22 December 1941, in the Philippine Islands. During a concentration of enemy fire from tanks and infantry, Major Trapnell remained between the hostile forces and his own troops and set on fire a truck on a bridge somewhere in Launion Province. Then he waited calmly until the bridge had burned before leaving in a scout car to rejoin his troops. Major Trapnell's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Major Trapnell was captured by the Japanese in April of 1942. He survived the hell of the Bataan Death March, and remained a prisoner of war until he was liberated by the Soviet Union in Manchuria in 1944.

While a prisoner, Trap was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. His service to our Nation continued in the Korean War and in the early days of US involvement in Vietnam. He advised President Kennedy not to get involved. He retired as a Lieutenant General in 1962, with the recommendation he hold the rank of full General in retirement.

In addition to his Distinguished Service Cross, he was also decorated during his career with the Army Distinguished Service Medal, three Silver Star medals, four awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star medal with Valor Device.

Thomas John Hall Trapnell, American hero, passed away on February 13, 2002 at age 99. He rests in the cemetery at West Point.

TFH 12/21: Corporal Larry Eugene Smedley, USMC

2011-12-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

On this day in 1967, one courageous 18-year old United States Marine led his six-man squad against an enemy force nearly twenty times as large. He ignored his wounds, and kept up the attack. He gave his life for us, and was recognized with our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*SMEDLEY, LARRY E.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 21 December 1967. Entered service at: Orlando, Fla. Born: 4 March 1949, Front Royal, Va. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with company D, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the evenings of 20-21 December 1967, Cpl. Smedley led his 6-man squad to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy Valley, near Phouc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province. Later that night an estimated 100 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army regulars, carrying 122mm rocket launchers and mortars, were observed moving toward Hill 41. Realizing this was a significant enemy move to launch an attack on the vital Danang complex, Cpl. Smedley immediately took sound and courageous action to stop the enemy threat. After he radioed for a reaction force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to a more advantageous position and led an attack on the numerically superior enemy force. A heavy volume of fire from an enemy machinegun positioned on the left flank of the squad inflicted several casualties on Cpl. Smedley's unit. Simultaneously, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, wounding him in the right foot and knocking him to the ground. Cpl. Smedley disregarded this serious injury and valiantly struggled to his feet, shouting words of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge against the enemy machinegun emplacement, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, until he was again struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely wounded and weak from loss of blood, he rose and commenced a 1-man assault against the enemy position. Although his aggressive and singlehanded attack resulted in the destruction of the machinegun, he was struck in the chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Cpl. Smedley's inspiring and courageous actions, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Corporal Smedley rests today with so many other of our honored dead in Arlington National Cemetery. He is also memorialized on Panel 32E, Line 40 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

His unit, 1st Battalion/7th Marine Regiment, still serves today in defense of liberty and freedom with the 1st Marine Division.

TFH 12/20: 2LT Charles L. Brown, USAAC

2011-12-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

From time to time, the valor of our heroes takes too long to recognize. In the case of Charles Brown, recognition of his heroism during World War II took over 64 years. On December 20, 1943 Brown was piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress on a bombing mission over Germany when it was heavily damaged by Nazi anti-aircraft fire and attacking fighters. On February 4, 2008 the United States Air Force presented him with our Nation's second highest award for courage, 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 pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Second Lieutenant Charles L. Brown for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a B-17 Pilot of the 527th Bombardment Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy), EIGHTH Air Force, in action over Germany, 20 December 1943. On this date while attacking a heavily defended target over occupied Germany, Lieutenant Brown's aircraft sustained severe flak damage, including destruction of the Plexiglas nose, wing damage, and major damage to the number two and four engines. Lieutenant Brown provided invaluable instructions to the copilot and crew requiring the number two engine to be shut down. He then expertly managed to keep the number four engine producing partial power. This action enabled his crew to complete the improbable bombing run and bomb delivery on this important strategic target. Immediately upon leaving the target, sever multiple engine damage prevented maintaining their position in formation. During this extreme duress, the demonstrated airmanship displayed by Lieutenant Brown could only be described as crucially pivotal to the aircraft's survival and displayed by only more seasoned and experienced aviators during the War. His violent, evasive tactics to counter the multiple enemy efforts to destroy their airplane directly contributed to his crew and his aircraft's survival. Alone and outnumbered, the aircraft was mercilessly attacked by the enemy in which crew difficulties were compounded when discovered only three defensive guns were operational, the others frozen in the -75 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. The result of this brief, but devastating aerial battle was one crew member dead; another critically wounded that would require amputation of his leg; serious damage of the third engine; the complete destruction of the aircraft's left elevator and stabilizer; the inoperability of the bomber's oxygen and communications systems; and the complete shredding of the rudder by enemy fire that produced a death roll of the plane as it spiraled helplessly out of control causing the entire crew to temporarily lose consciousness. Miraculously, prior to ground impact, Lieutenant Brown and the copilot regained consciousness and managed to regain full flight control by pulling the heavily damaged aircraft out of its nose-dive. Although managing to recover this aircraft from certain doom, the crew's plight was further complicated when a lone German fighter witnessed the maneuver, now attempted to force the crippled aircraft to land. Displaying coolness, courage and airmanship of more senior pilots, he boldly rejected the enemy fighter's attempts at a forced landing and directed the struggling aircraft to the North Sea. While attempting this improbable, treacherous return to home station, Lieutenant Brown's command and control was instrumental to the remaining crew's survival. While in the cockpit, he provided the essential engine control, fuel management, and piloting skills necessary to the cockpit team during their hazardous, yet miraculous return of the aircraft's perilous crossing of the North Sea back to home station in England. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Brown reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Corps.

There's another side to this story: that of the German Luftwaffe pilot who intercepted the stricken B-17 and let it escape. His name was Franz Stigler. Stigler, who had already shot down two B-17s that day, could see through the holes blasted in the plane by his comrades' weapons. He saw the dead and dying crew inside, and held his fire, thinking:

I cannot kill these half-dead people. It would be like shooting at a parachute.

The Nazis weren't known for their compassion, but Franz Stigler showed it that day. Had his act of mercy become known to his own chain of command, he'd have been executed for his actions. His courage in not shooting is also worthy of our praise.

Late in their lives, both Brown and Stigler located each other and the incredible story of 12/20/1943 became known. Both of them passed away in 2008: Stigler in March, Brown in November - about 9 months after receiving his Air Force Cross.

The 379th Bombardment Group's descendant, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, flies in defense of our Nation today.

TFH 12/16: Major Robert S. Beale, USAF and Major Paul J. Mongillo, USAFR

2011-12-16T10:38:00.000-05:00

SEAD - Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. It is one of the most dangerous combat missions an aviator can fly. These brave pilots make themselves the targets. They attack anti-aircraft gun and missile sites and the radars that enable them. They are the ones who protect our bombers and attack aircraft from ground defenses so that they reach their targets.

On this day in 1967, two gallant airmen (one a reservist) climbed aboard their Republic F-105 Thunderchief in Thailand on a mission to support air attacks on the communist North Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. They faced intense flak. They had 18 surface-to-air missiles fired at them. Even after their plane was struck by enemy fire, they did not give up on their vital mission of protecting strike aircraft from those same weapons. One survived, one gave his life for his Nation and liberty.

Through their skill and courage, all of the other aircraft they were clearing the way for reached their target and returned safely. For their skill and courage, both Major Robert S. Beale and Major Paul John Mongillo received our Nation's second highest honor: the Air Force Cross. (Name links to Military Times' Hall of Valor records)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Robert S. Beale (AFSN: 0-57324), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, during a missile suppression mission on an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Beale braved many concentrations of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his superb airmanship, aggressiveness, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Beale reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 Major Paul John Mongillo (AFSN: FV 0-3087591), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-105 Thunderchief Electronics Warfare Officer of the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action against an isolated vital military target near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 16 December 1967. On that date, Major Mongillo braved many concentrations of heavy anti-aircraft artillery fire and eighteen surface-to-air missiles as he successfully led his missile suppression flight in diverting the hostile defenses away from the main strike force. He contributed to the destruction of one missile site only three miles from the center of the heavily defended target area and damaged at least one other missile complex. As a result of his actions, the main strike force suffered no losses, encountered only four missiles, and successfully destroyed this vital military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Mongillo reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Major Paul Mongillo is remembered on Panel 32E, Line 15 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC.

Robert Beale retired from the United States Air Force in 1979 with the rank of Colonel. He also received a Silver Star medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in Vietnam as well as two awards of the Legion of Merit for his peacetime exceptional service.

Beale and Mongillo's squadron, the 44th Fighter, still flies in defense of liberty and our great Nation today. They are part of the 18th Operations Group of the 18th Wing, based at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.

TFH 12/15: Sergeant Allen James Lynch, USA

2011-12-15T09:05:00.003-05:00

Allen Lynch was born on October 28, 1945 in Chicago. He joined the Army in 1964. Three years later, he was serving as a radioman in the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment as they fought in Vietnam. On this day in 1967, he refused to abandon three wounded comrades and repeatedly put himself at risk to protect them and lead his unit's counterattack against a numerically-superior enemy.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

LYNCH, ALLEN JAMES

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). place and date: Near My An (2), Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 December 1967. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Born: 28 October 1945, Chicago, Ill. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Lynch (then Sp4c.) distinguished himself while serving as a radio telephone operator with Company D. While serving in the forward element on an operation near the village of My An, his unit became heavily engaged with a numerically superior enemy force. Quickly and accurately assessing the situation, Sgt. Lynch provided his commander with information which subsequently proved essential to the unit's successful actions. Observing 3 wounded comrades Lying exposed to enemy fire, Sgt. Lynch dashed across 50 meters of open ground through a withering hail of enemy fire to administer aid. Reconnoitering a nearby trench for a covered position to protect the wounded from intense hostile fire, he killed 2 enemy soldiers at point blank range. With the trench cleared, he unhesitatingly returned to the fire-swept area 3 times to carry the wounded men to safety. When his company was forced to withdraw by the superior firepower of the enemy, Sgt. Lynch remained to aid his comrades at the risk of his life rather than abandon them. Alone, he defended his isolated position for 2 hours against the advancing enemy. Using only his rifle and a grenade, he stopped them just short of his trench, killing 5. Again, disregarding his safety in the face of withering hostile fire, he crossed 70 meters of exposed terrain 5 times to carry his wounded comrades to a more secure area. Once he had assured their comfort and safety, Sgt. Lynch located the counterattacking friendly company to assist in directing the attack and evacuating the 3 casualties. His gallantry at the risk of his life is in the highest traditions of the military service, Sgt. Lynch has reflected great credit on himself, the 12th Cavalry, and the U.S. Army.

Lynch left the Army in 1969. In civilian life he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs and has also volunteered with both the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

1st Battalion/12th Cavalry serves today with the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, TX.

Pearl Harbor: What Wasn't Lost

2011-12-14T15:25:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday, we marked the 70th anniversary of the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The cost to the United States Navy was great, but of the eight battleships sunk or damaged during the attack, six returned to service later in the war, some after not much time at all.

In addition to the battleships, seven major ships were sunk or damaged. Of those seven, all but one returned to active service:

USS Utah (AG-16, ex-BB-31) - Utah was no longer a first-line battleship, instead finding use as an anti-aircraft gunnery training ship. She was mistaken by the Japanese attackers as an active capital ship and was struck by numerous air-dropped torpedoes. She capsized and like Arizona, still rests in Pearl Harbor today as the grave for 54 of her crew.

USS Raleigh (CL-7) - Raleigh, an Omaha-class light cruiser, was struck by a single Japanese torpedo and listed severely to her port side, in danger of capsizing. Her valiant crew saved the ship, and destroyed five enemy planes with determined anti-aircraft fire. She was repaired and served with the Pacific Fleet for the duration of the war. Raleigh was decommissioned on November 2, 1945 and scrapped in early 1946.

USS Honolulu (CL-48) - Honolulu, a Brooklyn-class light cruiser, received only minor damage during the attack. She served throughout the war in the Pacific, earning eight battle stars and surviving a Japanese torpedo attack during the Battle of Leyte on October 20, 1944. Her major repairs were completed at Norfolk in early 1945. She decommissioned to reserve status on February 3, 1947 and was scrapped in 1959.

USS Helena (CL-50) - Helena, a St. Louis-class light cruiser, was struck at Pearl by one torpedo. Her crew's outstanding damage control prevented major damage to the ship, even though one boiler room and one engine room were flooded. Helena returned to service after repairs in 1942, participating in the Guadalcanal campaign. On July 5-6, 1943, Helena was sunk by three Japanese torpedoes during the Battle of Kula Gulf. 168 sailors of her nearly 900 crew were killed in action. She was the first ship to receive the Navy Unit Commendation, the unit-equivalent of the individual Silver Star medal.

USS Cassin (DD-372) - Cassin, a Mahan-class destroyer, was dry docked with fellow destroyer USS Downes (DD-375, below) and battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) during the attack. An incendiary bomb strike caused Downes' fuel tanks to explode, and uncontrollable fires spread to both destroyers. Originally assumed to be a total loss, Cassin was eventually repaired and returned to service on February 5, 1944. She contributed to many of the late 1944-early 1945 offensive operations in the Pacific. Decommissioned at Norfolk on December 17, 1945 she was scrapped in 1947.

USS Shaw (DD-373) - Shaw, also of the Mahan-class, was also dry docked on December 7th. She was struck by three bombs setting her afire. At 0925 the order to abandon ship was given, and her forward magazine exploded about five minutes later causing heavy damage. She was repaired, however, and rejoined the fleet after receiving a new bow in the summer of 1942. Shaw eventually earned eleven battle stars for her contributions to winning the war in the Pacific. Decommissioned at New York City in October 1945, she was scrapped in 1946.

USS Downes (DD-375) - Downes, a third member of the Mahan-class, was struck as previously mentioned by an incendiary bomb and the ensuing fires destroyed both herself and Cassin. Her wreck was eventually salvaged and towed to the mainland for repairs. Downes left the Mare Island Naval Shipyard on November 15, 1943 and rejoined the war in the Pacific in early 1944. After earning four battle stars for her Pacific service, she was decommissioned on December 17, 1945 and scrapped in 1947.

One destroyed, six damaged to varying degrees, six returned to combat. Certainly the cost of repairs and time to complete them affected these vessels' contribution to the war, but they were not destroyed. They all ultimately helped to defeat Japan. But what of the other things the Japanese didn't destroy?

The Japanese raiders did not attack three key infrastructure resources at Pearl Harbor. The loss of or severe damage to any one of the three could have vastly altered the course of World War II in the Pacific.

First, the above-ground fuel storage tanks were not struck. These tanks contained the entire fuel supply for the US Pacific Fleet. One Japanese bomb could have started a chain reaction explosion wiping out the entire supply of naval fuel oil. The closest "filling station" for our ships would have been San Diego.

Second, the Pearl Harbor Submarine Base was left untouched. The story of US and allied submarines' contributions to winning World War II in the Pacific is one of the great under-appreciated efforts of the war. The only long-range offensive capability of the US Navy was our submarines, well into 1943. Without the forward support provided by the submarine base at Pearl, the ability of the fleet to seize the initiative against Japan would have been severely hampered.

Third, the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard was also undamaged. The shipyard executed salvage and repair operations for the units damaged on December 7th, plus altered the course of future battles by being able to complete quick battle damage repairs in 1942 and beyond. The Battle of Midway in June 1942 would likely have had a very different outcome had the shipyard not been capable of repairing the heavily damaged USS Yorktown (CV-5) in just three days after the Battle of the Coral Sea (the Japanese had thought her sunk there!)

All significant. All war-changing assets. They pale in comparison though to the three most important things not at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941: the three Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers.

USS Lexington (CV-2)

Lexington was originally laid down as a battlecruiser. The world's first attempt at preventing war via arms control, the Washington Naval Conference, placed restrictions on capital ships (then battleships and battlecruisers) but allowed for prohibited ships already under construction to be converted into aircraft carriers. She entered service on December 14, 1927 - 84 years to the day of this writing.

USS Lexington pre-war in October 1941

Lexington departed Pearl Harbor on December 5, 1941 to transport USMC aircraft to Midway. She learned of the attack on December 7th by radio, and immediately commenced searching for the Japanese task force. It's lucky that she didn't find them - and escaped Japanese detection - because the much larger Japanese force was only about 400 miles away at the time and Lexington would have come under heavy attack.

1942 saw Lexington as a key member of the force keeping essential sea lanes to Australia and New Zealand open. During the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942, she received three hits from Japanese dive bombers and one torpedo strike.

USS Lexington burning and sinking, 5/8/1942

Her heroic crew tried to save her and had gotten both flooding and fires under control. Their damage-control efforts were for naught when the ship was shattered by an explosion thought to be caused by fuel vapors. Afire and sinking, Lexington was abandoned. She was scuttled by two torpedoes fired by the destroyer USS Phelps and sank, taking with her at least 300 of her crew. Lexington's contribution to winning World War II was short, but invaluable.

USS Saratoga (CV-3)

Saratoga was Lexington's sister ship; another battlecruiser conversion required by treaty. She actually entered service about a month earlier than her sister, commissioning on November 16, 1927.

USS Saratoga on Navy Day (Oct. 27) 1932

She had left Pearl Harbor on November 26, 1941 for maintenance at the Navy's west coast shipyards. As the Japanese bombs were falling on Pearl Harbor, Saratoga was sailing into San Diego. After a quick turn-around, she sailed for Wake Island carrying USMC aircraft reinforcements. This mission was ultimately recalled as Wake fell to the Japanese on December 23, 1941.

Saratoga was damaged by a Japanese torpedo southwest of Hawai'i on January 11, 1942. After quick repairs at Pearl Harbor, she sailed for the mainland for permanent repairs and complete modernization of her anti-aircraft guns. She rejoined the fleet immediately after the Battle of Midway.

From 1942 on, Saratoga participated in many of the major Pacific campaigns: Aleutians, Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Savo Island, Bougainville Island, Makin, Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, and Iwo Jima. She survived battle damage throughout her service, including a kamikaze strike on February 21, 1945.

Saratoga underway, February 1944

Throughout her service lifetime, Saratoga recorded 98,549 aircraft landings. World War II earned her eight battle stars. Her wartime service ended by transporting over 29,000 American servicemen in several trips back home to their peacetime lives and families. Old, worn, and obsolescent at the end of World War II, she was used as a target for and sunk by an atomic bomb test at Bikini Atoll on July 25, 1946.

USS Enterprise (CV-6)

Enterprise, the second carrier of the Yorktown-class, was commissioned on May 12, 1938. She sailed from Pearl Harbor on November 28, 1941 to deliver aircraft to Wake Island. She returned to the harbor still in flames on December 8th, replenished, and got back to sea lest another Japanese attack catch her in port.

On April 8, 1942, Enterprise sailed from Pearl for her first offensive operation of the war. She rendezvoused with USS Hornet (CV-8) for the Doolittle Raid on Japan. Enterprise handled the defensive air cover for the task force as Hornet's planes were stowed to accommodate the Army bombers on deck.

Enterprise and her planes were decisive at the Battle of Midway in June, 1942. Her dive bombers attacked and sank both the Japanese carriers Akagi and Kaga - two of the six that had launched the Pearl Harbor strike.

Torpedo bombers of squadron VT-6 on board Enterprise during the Battle of Midway

From Midway on, there was no other ship of the United States Navy that fought in more battles or had more of an effect on the outcome of the war. The remainder of 1942 through mid-1943 sent the "Big E" to fight in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, Guadalcanal, and the Battle of Rennell Island.

At one point during the fight for Guadalcanal, Enterprise was the sole remaining operational carrier in all the Pacific. Her crew, ever fearless, put up a sign that read: "Enterprise vs. Japan" - in other words, bring it on.

Near miss of a Japanese bomb dropped against Enterprise, Santa Cruz, 1942

After several months of heavy combat, Enterprise returned home for refit in the summer of 1943. Returning for the Battle of Makin Atoll in November 1943, she attacked the Caroline Islands, Emirau Island, New Guinea, Saipan, Rota, Guam - Enterprise and her planes were key to the "island hopping" strategy.

In 1944 and 1945, Enterprise fought in the four decisive battles of the final phase of the war: the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. During the attack on Okinawa, she suffered her last major battle damage when a bomb-laden Japanese kamikaze struck her on May 14, 1945.

Enterprise hit by kamikaze attacker, 5/14/1945

On V-J Day, Enterprise was wrapping up her repairs back in the United States. She was used like Saratoga for transporting Americans back home from war, which Enterprise did in both oceans. Enterprise was decorated for her service unlike any other ship in the war, receiving twenty battle stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Navy Unit Commendation. The citation for her Presidential Unit Citation read:

For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, 7 December 1941, to 15 November 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation.

During one of her post-war trips to Europe, the Royal Navy's First Lord of the Admiralty came aboard to present Enterprise with a Royal Navy Pennant, that service's highest decoration for a ship and her crew, in recognition of her service to the cause of liberty. In the 400-plus year history of the Royal Navy, Enterprise is the only non-British ship to receive that recognition.

I shudder to think what the course of World War II would have been without Enterprise there from beginning to end. She could have been replaced, but as the war was fought, we couldn't have won it without her.

The greatest warship of World War II was decommissioned at New York City on February 14, 1947. Several efforts were made for the next ten years to preserve the "Big E" as a museum and memorial, but none could raise the money to sustain the vessel. Enterprise was sold to be scrapped on July 1, 1958 and perhaps the greatest heroine of World War II was lost.

Concluding Thoughts on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a defeat. The strategic and tactical surprise Japan achieved stunned the United States, crippled (for a time) our Pacific fleet, and threw a nation on the defensive. Ultimately though, Pearl Harbor was a pyrrhic victory for the Japanese because they did not press their tactical and strategic advantage, nor did they completely destroy the major US capital ships they so desperately needed to. Consider:

One, just one, follow-on attack against Pearl Harbor later in the day of December 7th or on the 8th or 9th could have destroyed the US Pacific fleet's fuel supply, its ability to repair ships close to the battle areas, conduct submarine operations, sunk or damaged either Lexington or Enterprise, or some combination of those devastating outcomes.

World War II spanned 1,347 days from Pearl Harbor to V-J Day. How many days longer the conflict would have raged had the United States lost more on the first day of the war we will never know, but ultimately our Nation's recovery from the Day of Infamy to victory got its resolve and fighting spirit because of the attack, and we were left by the enemy with resources that ultimately would destroy them.

I'm tempted to look at Pearl Harbor not only as the first defeat but also the first victory because of what the Japanese failed to do. As was true of ten years ago brave men and women of United 93 shining through the darkness on 9/11, the courageous servicemen seventy years ago who doused the flames and salvaged the wreckage at Pearl Harbor did the same for the morning of December 7, 1941.

TFH 12/14: Sergeant John William Rucker, USA

2011-12-14T11:39:00.003-05:00

The Distinguished Service Cross is the second-highest award for valor for members of the United States Army. Reading DSC citations frequently make me wonder why some of these brave fighting men didn't receive the Medal of Honor. Records from this day in 1970 bring us such a story: Army Ranger John Rucker.

From Military Times' Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant John William Rucker (ASN: US-222302703), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C (Ranger), 75th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. Sergeant Rucker distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 14 December 1970, while serving as assistant team leader to a six-man patrol during ground operations near Tuy Hoa, Republic of Vietnam. As the small unit advanced along a narrow trail, the lead man observed a large enemy force moving toward the friendly element along the path. Immediately, the American patrol hastened into an ambush position paralleling the enemy avenue of approach. Although vastly outnumbered, Sergeant Rucker and another team member initiated contact with the foe as they unleashed a barrage of claymore anti-personnel mines and automatic weapons fire. Utilizing the element of surprise, Sergeant Rucker's stratagem resulted in the elimination of approximately ten belligerents. The foe reacted to the initial onslaught with fragmentation grenades and automatic weapons fire while attempting to maneuver into position surrounding Sergeant Rucker's team. Realizing the peril caused by the threat of encirclement, Sergeant Rucker exposed himself to the hail of enemy rounds as he fought to prevent the foe from flanking and trapping his men, Suddenly, Sergeant Rucker was knocked to the ground by a flurry of bullets. Although painfully wounded, the sergeant refused medical assistance and continued his mission of resistance. Numerous enemy troops attempted to overrun the friendly perimeter, but Sergeant Rucker challenged the charge with accurate bursts from his M-16 rifle. Refusing to relinquish his position in the face of the enemy counter-attack, the tenacious Sergeant Rucker held his ground until his injuries weakened him and caused him to fall unconscious. Moments later, American medical helicopters and gunships arrived at the scene to evacuate the beleaguered troops. Sergeant Rucker succumbed to his wounds en route to the base hospital. Sergeant Rucker's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

John William Rucker appears on Panel 06W, Line 121 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The descendant of his unit, the 75th Ranger Regiment, is a key component of both Army Special Operations Command and United States Special Operations Command.

TFH 12/13: Commander John Milton Hyde, USN

2011-12-13T11:12:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1944, the captain of the Balao-class submarine USS Bergall (SS-320) found his boat in water too shallow to submerge. Undeterred, he led the Bergall on a night surface attack on two Japanese heavy cruisers, destroying one and severely damaging the second at a minimum. For his leadership and courage, 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 pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander John Milton Hyde (NSN: 0-73456), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BERGALL (SS-320), on the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine on 13 December 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Contacting two hostile heavy cruisers in water too shallow to permit submersion if detected, Commander Hyde courageously launched a night surface attack against the enemy vessels and directed the firing of six torpedoes, which caused one of the cruisers to blow up with a tremendous explosion and a mass of engulfing flames and inflicted extensive damage on the other which stopped dead in the water. After reloading, he once again attacked the crippled vessel and, when a salvo from the damaged cruiser inflicted damage to the BERGALL's pressure hull, skillfully maneuvered his craft to evade further damage and return to port. By his leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty, Commander Hyde upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

John Hyde also received three Silver Star medals for heroism and skill as a submarine officer and commander in the face of the enemy. To him, and to all our brave submariners who have defended liberty throughout the Earth's oceans, we say thank you.

Pearl Harbor: What Was Lost

2011-12-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, what was lost at Pearl Harbor were lives.

1,999 United States Navy
233 United States Army (including the Air Corps)
109 United States Marine Corps
49 Civilians

2,390 in total. An additional 1,178 were wounded, and survived.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was devastating to the United States Navy's Pacific fleet. Naval doctrine prior to World War II focused on the centrality of the battleship. Naval war would be decided by big guns on both sides slugging it out shell for shell.

Pearl Harbor was the beginning of the end of the battleship as the dominant capital warship for the United States, mainly because with eight of the nine Pacific Fleet battleships destroyed or severely damaged, the aircraft carriers were the only striking force the US Navy had left.

The attack itself, clearly, was evidence of the ascendancy of the aircraft carrier. Two Japanese fast battleships - Hiei and Kirishima - accompanied Vice Admiral Chūichi Nagumo's 1st Air Fleet as escorts for the Pearl Harbor attack, but weren't involved in any shooting. Aircraft from the six Japanese carriers - Akagi, Hiryū, Kaga, Shōkaku, Sōryū, and Zuikaku - did all the damage.

What was the ultimate cost to the United States Navy in capital ships? Here's what happened to all nine battleships, listed in order of their hull numbers, belonging to the Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941.

I hope you take the time to read the whole thing.

USS Nevada (BB-36)

Commissioned in 1916, Nevada was the lead ship of a new class of battleships - the first built for the United States Navy to use fuel oil from construction rather than coal-fired boilers. She was modified during a 2 1/2-year refit in 1927-1930.

On December 7th, Nevada was the only of the battleships in Pearl Harbor that wasn't sharing its moorings with another vessel. Her engineers got up steam, and she tried to escape the harbor. Contemporaneous accounts from the attack say that being able to see Nevada making for open ocean as bombs and torpedoes were exploding was a gigantic morale boost. At around 0950 local, she was struck by five bombs; too much damage for her to continue. Nevada beached at Hospital Point at about 1030 hours so as not to block the harbor. 60 men were killed and 109 wounded aboard her.

USS Nevada beached after the Pearl Harbor attack

The Japanese thought her sunk and destroyed, but Nevada wasn't done by a long shot. Refloated by the Navy on February 12, 1942, emergency repairs were made - just enough for Nevada to sail for the Puget Sound Navy Yard in Washington state. She received a major overhaul and modernization. Emerging from overhaul in October 1942, Nevada got her first taste of revenge with the operation to recapture the Alaskan island of Attu in May 1943. She then left the Pacific for service with the Atlantic fleet.

USS Nevada, sunk at Pearl Harbor, unleashed her ten 14-inch guns against Nazi German positions in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. For four months she provided fire support to our forces ashore.

Forward 14" guns of Nevada bombarding France on D-Day

Nevada was then ordered back to the United States for maintenance. As part of her refit, the three 14-inch guns in her Turret #1 were replaced with guns salvaged from the USS Arizona (see below). Arizona - destroyed at Pearl Harbor - would have three of her 12 guns taken to war with Japan by Nevada.

Nevada used those three guns from Arizona as part of the bombardment fleet for the invasions of both Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Were it not for the atomic bomb, those guns assuredly would have shelled Japan as well.

She finished her wartime service as part of the occupation force in Tokyo Bay, a fitting place for a ship who ended the first battle of World War II on the bottom of Pearl Harbor. Now over 32 years old, Nevada was decommissioned and used as a target.

USS Oklahoma (BB-37)

Oklahoma was Nevada's sister-ship, built to the same design and specifications, and also commissioned in 1916. Like her sister, she had been modernized and updated through refits during 1927-1929.

On December 7th, she was moored outboard of the USS Maryland (below). Three Japanese air-dropped torpedoes struck her, causing her to flood and capsize. As she began to roll, she was struck by two more torpedoes, sealing her fate. Just twelve minutes after the first bombs fell, Oklahoma was sunk.

Capsized USS Oklahoma with damaged USS Maryland behind

Oklahoma suffered the loss of 429 of her crew. The survivors, even as their ship was being destroyed under them, continued fighting. Many of them climbed aboard the Maryland to man anti-aircraft batteries and assist with firefighting and damage control.

The Navy began salvage operations on Oklahoma in July 1942. She wasn't righted until June 1943. After drydocking, the Navy determined that the ship was too damaged to be properly repaired. Oklahoma was decomissioned on September 1, 1944 and stripped of her armaments and superstructure.

Destined for a shipbreaker, the hull of Oklahoma sank under tow back to the US mainland during a storm on May 17, 1947.

USS Pennsylvania (BB-38)

Pennsylvania was the lead ship of another battleship class. When commissioned in 1916, she became the flagship for the Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet. Like other World War I battleships, she was modernized in the 1920s and 1930s.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Pennsylvania was dry docked. She received damage from bomb strikes and from shrapnel produced by bomb strikes on two other ships in the dry dock, destroyers Cassin and Downes. Coming through the attack relatively unscathed with 15 crew KIA, 14 MIA, and 38 wounded, she set sail for the mainland and full repairs just 13 days after the attack.

Pennsylvania served with distinction throughout the war in the Pacific. Like Nevada, she met her end post-war as a target.

USS Arizona (BB-39)

Arizona was the second and final Pennsylvania-class battleship, also commissioned in 1916. As with the other World War I-era battleships, she had received refits and modernization during the 1920s and 1930s. Her last yard period before the attack ended in January 1941.

USS Arizona (BB-39) as she appeared in the 1930s

Three days prior to the attack, Arizona participated in night gunnery exercises along with Nevada and Oklahoma. Upon returning to Pearl Harbor, the repair ship USS Vestal moored along side Arizona on Battleship Row to assist with maintenance.

Arizona's crew was alerted to the attack by the general quarters alarm at 0755. At approximately 0800, 10 Japanese bombers singled out Arizona and Vestal for attack. Arizona was struck by four bombs, Vestal two, and there were also three near misses.

At 0806, a fifth armor-piercing bomb struck Arizona. The bomb impacted on her foredeck in the vicinity of Turret II, penetrated the protective armor, and likely detonated inside the forward main battery magazines.

USS Arizona is destroyed by forward main battery magazine explosion

Seven seconds after the bomb hit, the powder and ammunition inside the forward main battery magazines exploded, venting mainly through the sides of the ship, collapsing the entire forward structure, and setting off tertiary fires and explosions throughout the vessel. The massive explosion that destroyed Arizona actually blew out the fires on board Vestal from the blast pressure.

She quickly sank to the bottom of the harbor, with 1,177 of her crew. Arizona's fires burned for two days.

Arizona in the aftermath

Arizona was finally decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on December 1, 1942. Salvage operations began by scrapping the superstructure. Both of her aft triple-14" gun turrets were removed and used as coastal artillery batteries to defend Hawaii. Turret II was also salvaged, and those guns went to war aboard Nevada in 1945 (above).

In 1962, the USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated. I have been there. I will never forget what I saw. Arizona lies today in view, with some structure visible varying with the tides. Her fuel tanks, still containing naval fuel oil, slowly seep into the harbor to this day.

Arizona as she lies today

I believe that visiting the Arizona as she lies is a pilgrimage that every American must make if they are able to do so. It is an incredibly moving experience. I visited her and paid my respects to the lost a few days after Election Day in November, 2000. You will cry, and you should. You will stand for minutes, as I did, and look at the wall of honor where all of Arizona's dead are listed. You are standing above the collective grave for most of them.

"To the memory of the gallant men here entombed and their shipmates who gave their lives in action on December 7, 1941 on the USS Arizona"

Today in Pearl Harbor, the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) is permanently moored forward of Arizona's resting place. Missouri can be toured, and you can stand upon the spot where Imperial Japan signed the instruments of surrender on her foredeck on September 2, 1945.

View of Arizona from Missouri

Missouri sits with her bow pointed towards Arizona; the six 16-inch guns of her forward main battery forever watching over her sunken predecessor. This is the only place on earth where both the beginning and the end of World War II are together. Victory, as it always should, rises above defeat.

USS Tennessee (BB-43)

Commissioned in 1920, Tennessee was the first of a new two battleship class, the other being the USS California, chronicled next.

On the morning of December 7, 1941 Tennessee was moored with West Virginia (below). During the Japanese attack, she came through much better than the other battleships, suffering only two bomb hits - neither bomb penetrated a vital area or exploded high-order. West Virginia, however, sunk and Tennessee was trapped between her sunken comrade and the mooring quays for 10 days following.

After being freed from the mooring and receiving band-aid repairs, Tennessee set sail for the Puget Sound Navy Yard, complete repairs, and some modifications.

She emerged from the yard in early 1942 and immediately joined the US Navy forces protecting the west coast from a potential, and at the time widely feared, Japanese strike against the mainland. In 1943, she found herself back in the shipyard for an extensive modernization.

From 1943-1945, Tennessee participated in every major offensive campaign of the War in the Pacific: Aleutians, Tarawa, Marshall Islands, Bismark Archipelago, Mariana Islands, Palau, Leyte Gulf, Surigao Strait, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. She steamed a total of 170,073 miles, and flung 9,347 14" shells from her main battery along with 46,341 shells from the secondary 5" batteries at our Japanese enemies.

USS Tennessee bombards Japanese positions on Guam, July 1944

Decommissioned to reserve status on February 14, 1947, USS Tennessee was struck from the Naval Vessel Register on March 1, 1959 and sold for scrap later that same year.

USS California (BB-44)

Tennessee's sister ship California joined the fleet in 1921. For many of the years up to 1940, she served as the flagship of the Pacific Fleet.

On December 7, 1941 she was moored at the southern end of Pearl Harbor's Battleship Row. Prior to the attack, her crew was preparing for material and equipment inspections and her watertight integrity was compromised. Two torpedo hits in rapid succession caused California to begin taking on water. Near-miss bomb blasts buckled her hull plates, causing even more flooding. She sank to the bottom of the harbor, decks awash, with the loss of 100 of her crew.

Salvage operations on California did not begin until early 1942. She was refloated on March 25th, and left Hawaii under her own power on June 7, destined for the Puget Sound Navy Yard. California, more heavily damaged than her sister Tennessee, did not rejoin the fleet until 1944. She continued to serve in the Pacific, primarily in the role of gunnery support for amphibious landings.

Like Tennessee, California was decommissioned to reserve on February 14, 1947 and sold for scrap in July of 1959.

USS Colorado (BB-45)

Colorado was the lead ship of a new, four-battleship class and joined the fleet in 1923. The Colorado-class' major innovation in fighting ships was the switch from 14" to 16" main guns. In her pre-war actvities, Colorado participated in the search for lost aviator Amelia Earhart in 1937.

December 7, 1941 left Colorado as the only undamaged battleship in the Pacific. She wasn't at Pearl Harbor, having entered the Puget Sound Navy Yard on June 25, 1941. Her modifications done on March 31, 1942 she joined the forces protecting the west coast.

One particular incident involving Colorado deserves special recognition. Beginning on July 24, 1944 Colorado was providing naval gunfire to the forces fighting on the island of Tinian. She received 22 hits fired from Japanese shore batteries and kept fighting until August 3 despite the damage.

USS Colorado after the Tinian Battle, multiple shell holes visible

While supporting the recapture of the Philippines in November 1944, Colorado was struck by two kamikaze planes and survived.

She was decommissioned to reserve status in 1947, and scrapped in 1959.

USS Maryland (BB-46)

Maryland, of the Colorado-class but the first to enter service in 1921, had made a goodwill trip to Australia and New Zealand with the Pacific Fleet in 1925. In 1928, she transported President Herbert Hoover for the Pacific leg of his Latin America tour.

On December 7th, Maryland was moored inboard of Oklahoma. She received two bomb hits, but most of the ordnance expended in her area found the doomed Oklahoma instead. By mid-morning, the situation aboard had improved, and Maryland sent damage control teams to assist with firefighting on other stricken ships.

USS Maryland on left, capsized USS Oklahoma on right

The Japanese had counted Maryland as sunk, but by December 30, 1941 she was sailing into Puget Sound for refit and modifications. Emerging from the yard in late February 1942, she participated in the decisive Battle of Midway in June.

Like the other Pacific battleships, Maryland was too slow to keep up with aircraft carrier-based task forces and spent the rest of the war as gunfire support for amphibious assaults. And, like most of the others, she decommissioned to reserve status in 1947 and was scrapped in 1959.

USS West Virginia (BB-48)

West Virginia, also of the Colorado-class, joined the fleet in 1923.

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, she was moored to the outboard of Tennessee with 40 feet of water under her keel. The bulk of damage done to West Virginia was from air-dropped torpedoes, but there is also some evidence that she was also struck by one or more torpedoes fired from a Japanese midget submarine that infiltrated the harbor.

One torpedo destroyed the ship's rudder and steering gear. Three more impacted below the armor belt, causing severe flooding. Other torpedoes struck the armor, buckling it. It's also thought that one or more torpedoes may have entered the ship through previous blast holes, detonating well inside the vessel.

Quick action by West Virginia's damage control crews allowed the ship to flood, and thus settle, evenly. West Virginia burned and sank, but she did not capsize like the less fortunate Oklahoma.

Severe damage was also caused by two bomb hits and by the massive fires from Arizona that at times engulfed West Virginia. She settled on an even keel, and was abandoned.

West Virginia lay flooded with her decks awash until the spring of 1942 when salvage operations began. She was refloated on May 17th, and moved to one of the dry docks at Pearl. Repair crews recovered 66 more of their slain comrades, and made some tragic discoveries. Several of the men killed survived the torpedo strikes and flooding, only to be trapped to die of suffocation. Three men were found together in a compartment; a calendar they had indicated that they lived, waiting for a rescue that wouldn't come, for 16 days.

West Virginia finally left Pearl Harbor for final repairs and refit on May 7, 1943. Because she was the most heavilly damaged vessel from Pearl Harbor to survive, she was also the last to rejoin the fleet. Rejoining the war in the Pacific in late 1944, she served with distinction for the rest of the war including the recapture of the Philippines and the attacks on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Decommissioned 1947, scrapped 1959.

Rebuilt USS West Virginia, 1944

Conclusions

Nine ships, eight of which were at Pearl Harbor. Of the eight, two were sunk and deemed destroyed/unsalvageable: Arizona and Oklahoma. Of the other six, four returned to service in 1942 and two in 1944.

These older battleships were limited to top speeds of around 21 knots; too slow to serve with aircraft carriers that could make 30+ knots. They likely would have diminished in importance even if the damage to the battle fleet had been less. All seven surviving Pacific fleet battleships after December 7, 1941 got their revenge in combat. All seven survived the war.

The Pearl Harbor attack was a national shock. Thousands lost their lives. The impact of Japan's attack was just strategic and psychological though. The Japanese did great damage for certain, but they did not ultimately accomplish their mission. Three-fourths of the battleships damaged or sunk on December 7, 1941 - all assumed by the Japanese to be destroyed - returned to the war. Based upon their battle records after Pearl Harbor, it's pretty clear that were it not for the Pearl Harbor survivors Nevada, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, California, Maryland, and West Virginia - plus the undamaged Colorado - the story of World War II could have been very different had those seven not survived to fight another day.

And fight well, they all did.

Fifth of Five Bomb Hits...

2011-12-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

To this point in the attack, battleship USS Arizona had been struck by four bombs. The fifth bomb hit at 0806 Hawaiian time penetrated the forward main battery magazines, causing a catastrophic explosion that destroyed the vessel seven seconds later.

Arizona burned for two days. Of her 1,400 crew, 1,177 perished. As most know, she still lies where she was destroyed. Of the dead, most still lie with her.

These are the brave Sailors and Marines who died with their ship.
(Full Military & Civilian Casualty Resource for the Attack)

Never forget. Never.

The Message

2011-12-07T12:55:00.000-05:00

AIRRAID ON PEARLHARBOR X THIS IS NO DRILL

Message sent from CINCPAC headquarters, 0755 Hours Hawaiian Time, December 7, 1941.

The Attack is Underway

2011-12-07T12:48:00.000-05:00

At this moment on December 7, 1941 - 0748 Hawaiian Time - the first aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy began attacking Kaneohe. 70 years ago.

Never forget. Never.

TFH 12/7: On the Darkest Day, Sixteen Shined

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the 70th Anniversary of the surprise attack by the Empire of Japan upon the United States of America at Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawai'i. I will have additional posts today, which will appear at their correct times in historical context, that is, five hours ahead of Hawaiian Time.

This post is appearing at 0200 Hawaiian Time. The first Japanese aircraft struck Hawai'i at 0748 local, 1248 Eastern.

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a military disaster of epic proportions. It isn't hard to imagine, but it could have been worse (more on that later today). 2,402 Americans lost their lives, 1,247 were wounded. Even in defeat, the courage and valor of the American fighting man shone through the darkness.

55 received the Navy Cross or Distinguished Service Cross
53 received the Silver Star

And sixteen incredible Americans received our Nation's highest decoration: the Medal of Honor. Fifteen sailors at Pearl Harbor, one Marine at the far western end of the Hawaiian chain on Midway. Of the sixteen, eleven gave their lives.

Today, now, we recognize and honor all sixteen.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (A-F):

*BENNION, MERVYN SHARP

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy. Born: 5 May 1887, Vernon, Utah. Appointed from: Utah. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. West Virginia, after being mortally wounded, Capt. Bennion evidenced apparent concern only in fighting and saving his ship, and strongly protested against being carried from the bridge.

*CANNON, GEORGE HAM

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 5 November 1915, Webster Groves, Mo. Entered service at: Michigan. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own condition during the bombardment of Sand Island, Midway Islands, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. 1st Lt. Cannon, Battery Commander of Battery H, 6th Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, U.S. Marine Corps, was at his command post when he was mortally wounded by enemy shellfire. He refused to be evacuated from his post until after his men who had been wounded by the same shell were evacuated, and directed the reorganization of his command post until forcibly removed. As a result of his utter disregard of his own condition he died from loss of blood.

FINN, JOHN WILLIAM

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy. Place and date: Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Entered service at: California. Born: 23 July 1909, Los Angeles, Calif. Citation: For extraordinary heroism distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lt. Finn promptly secured and manned a .50-caliber machinegun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machinegun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy's fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

*FLAHERTY, FRANCIS C.

Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve. Born: 15 March 1919, Charlotte, Mich. Accredited to: Michigan. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty and extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ens. Flaherty remained in a turret, holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.

FUQUA, SAMUEL GLENN

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Arizona. Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Entered service at: Laddonia, Mo. Born: 15 October 1899, Laddonia Mo. Citation: For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism, and utter disregard of his own safety above and beyond the call of duty during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Upon the commencement of the attack, Lt. Comdr. Fuqua rushed to the quarterdeck of the U.S.S. Arizona to which he was attached where he was stunned and knocked down by the explosion of a large bomb which hit the guarterdeck, penetrated several decks, and started a severe fire. Upon regaining consciousness, he began to direct the fighting of the fire and the rescue of wounded and injured personnel. Almost immediately there was a tremendous explosion forward, which made the ship appear to rise out of the water, shudder, and settle down by the bow rapidly. The whole forward part of the ship was enveloped in flames which were spreading rapidly, and wounded and burned men were pouring out of the ship to the quarterdeck. Despite these conditions, his harrowing experience, and severe enemy bombing and strafing, at the time, Lt. Comdr. Fuqua continued to direct the fighting of fires in order to check them while the wounded and burned could be taken from the ship and supervised the rescue of these men in such an amazingly calm and cool manner and with such excellent judgment that it inspired everyone who saw him and undoubtedly resulted in the saving of many lives. After realizing the ship could not be saved and that he was the senior surviving officer aboard, he directed it to be abandoned, but continued to remain on the quarterdeck and directed abandoning ship and rescue of personnel until satisfied that all personnel that could be had been saved, after which he left his ship with the boatload. The conduct of Lt. Comdr. Fuqua was not only in keeping with the highest traditions of the naval service but characterizes him as an outstanding leader of men.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (G-L):

*HILL, EDWIN JOSEPH

Rank and organization: Chief Boatswain, U.S. Navy. Born: 4 October 1894, Philadelphia, Pa. Accredited to: Pennsylvania. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage, and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. During the height of the strafing and bombing, Chief Boatswain Hill led his men of the linehandling details of the U.S.S. Nevada to the quays, cast off the lines and swam back to his ship. Later, while on the forecastle, attempting to let go the anchors, he was blown overboard and killed by the explosion of several bombs.

*JONES, HERBERT CHARPOIT

Rank and organization: Ensign, U.S. Naval Reserve. Born: 1 December 1918, Los Angeles, Calif. Accredited to: California. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage, and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Ens. Jones organized and led a party, which was supplying ammunition to the antiaircraft battery of the U.S.S. California after the mechanical hoists were put out of action when he was fatally wounded by a bomb explosion. When 2 men attempted to take him from the area which was on fire, he refused to let them do so, saying in words to the effect, "Leave me alone! I am done for. Get out of here before the magazines go off."

*KIDD, ISAAC CAMPBELL

Rank and organization: Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy. Born: 26 March 1884, Cleveland, Ohio. Appointed from: Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Rear Adm. Kidd immediately went to the bridge and, as Commander Battleship Division One, courageously discharged his duties as Senior Officer Present Afloat until the U.S.S. Arizona, his Flagship, blew up from magazine explosions and a direct bomb hit on the bridge which resulted in the loss of his life.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (M-S):

PHARRIS, JACKSON CHARLES

Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. California. Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Entered service at: California. Born: 26 June 1912, Columbus, Ga. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the U.S.S. California during the surprise enemy Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. In charge of the ordnance repair party on the third deck when the first Japanese torpedo struck almost directly under his station, Lt. (then Gunner) Pharris was stunned and severely injured by the concussion which hurled him to the overhead and back to the deck. Quickly recovering, he acted on his own initiative to set up a hand-supply ammunition train for the antiaircraft guns. With water and oil rushing in where the port bulkhead had been torn up from the deck, with many of the remaining crewmembers overcome by oil fumes, and the ship without power and listing heavily to port as a result of a second torpedo hit, Lt. Pharris ordered the shipfitters to counterflood. Twice rendered unconscious by the nauseous fumes and handicapped by his painful injuries, he persisted in his desperate efforts to speed up the supply of ammunition and at the same time repeatedly risked his life to enter flooding compartments and drag to safety unconscious shipmates who were gradually being submerged in oil. By his inspiring leadership, his valiant efforts and his extreme loyalty to his ship and her crew, he saved many of his shipmates from death and was largely responsible for keeping the California in action during the attack. His heroic conduct throughout this first eventful engagement of World War II reflects the highest credit upon Lt. Pharris and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

*REEVES, THOMAS JAMES

Rank and organization: Radio Electrician (Warrant Officer) U.S. Navy. Born: 9 December 1895, Thomaston, Conn. Accredited to: Connecticut. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. After the mechanized ammunition hoists were put out of action in the U.S.S. California, Reeves, on his own initiative, in a burning passageway, assisted in the maintenance of an ammunition supply by hand to the antiaircraft guns until he was overcome by smoke and fire, which resulted in his death.

ROSS, DONALD KIRBY

Rank and organization: Machinist, U.S. Navy, U.S.S. Nevada. Place and date: Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, 7 December 1941. Entered service at: Denver, Colo. Born: 8 December 1910, Beverly, Kans. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, extraordinary courage and disregard of his own life during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When his station in the forward dynamo room of the U.S.S. Nevada became almost untenable due to smoke, steam, and heat, Machinist Ross forced his men to leave that station and performed all the duties himself until blinded and unconscious. Upon being rescued and resuscitated, he returned and secured the forward dynamo room and proceeded to the after dynamo room where he was later again rendered unconscious by exhaustion. Again recovering consciousness he returned to his station where he remained until directed to abandon it.

*SCOTT, ROBERT R.

Rank and organization: Machinist's Mate First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 13 July 1915, Massillon, Ohio. Accredited to Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. The compartment, in the U.S.S. California, in which the air compressor, to which Scott was assigned as his battle station, was flooded as the result of a torpedo hit. The remainder of the personnel evacuated that compartment but Scott refused to leave, saying words to the effect "This is my station and I will stay and give them air as long as the guns are going.''

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II (T-Z):

*TOMICH, PETER

Rank and organization: Chief Watertender, U.S. Navy. Born: 3 June 1893, Prolog, Austria. Accredited to: New Jersey. Citation: For distinguished conduct in the line of his profession, and extraordinary courage and disregard of his own safety, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by the Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Although realizing that the ship was capsizing, as a result of enemy bombing and torpedoing, Tomich remained at his post in the engineering plant of the U.S.S. Utah, until he saw that all boilers were secured and all fireroom personnel had left their stations, and by so doing lost his own life.

*VAN VALKENBURGH, FRANKLIN

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy. Born: 5 April 1888, Minneapolis, Minn. Appointed from: Wisconsin. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his own life, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor T.H., by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. As commanding officer of the U.S.S. Arizona, Capt. Van Valkenburgh gallantly fought his ship until the U.S.S. Arizona blew up from magazine explosions and a direct bomb hit on the bridge which resulted in the loss of his life.

*WARD, JAMES RICHARD

Rank and organization: Seaman First Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 10 September 1921, Springfield, Ohio. Entered service at: Springfield, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and complete disregard of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor by Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. When it was seen that the U.S.S. Oklahoma was going to capsize and the order was given to abandon ship, Ward remained in a turret holding a flashlight so the remainder of the turret crew could see to escape, thereby sacrificing his own life.

YOUNG, CASSIN

Rank and organization: Commander, U.S. Navy. Born: 6 March 1894, Washington, D.C. Appointed from: Wisconsin. Other Navy award: Navy Cross. Citation: For distinguished conduct in action, outstanding heroism and utter disregard of his own safety, above and beyond the call of duty, as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Vestal, during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by enemy Japanese forces on 7 December 1941. Comdr. Young proceeded to the bridge and later took personal command of the 3-inch antiaircraft gun. When blown overboard by the blast of the forward magazine explosion of the U.S.S. Arizona, to which the U.S.S. Vestal was moored, he swam back to his ship. The entire forward part of the U.S.S. Arizona was a blazing inferno with oil afire on the water between the 2 ships; as a result of several bomb hits, the U.S.S. Vestal was afire in several places, was settling and taking on a list. Despite severe enemy bombing and strafing at the time, and his shocking experience of having been blown overboard, Comdr. Young, with extreme coolness and calmness, moved his ship to an anchorage distant from the U.S.S. Arizona, and subsequently beached the U.S.S. Vestal upon determining that such action was required to save his ship.

TFH 12/6: Captain Angelo J. Liteky, USA

2011-12-06T14:25:00.001-05:00

Military chaplains are men of God and non-combatants. Regardless, they frequently put themselves at great risk to minister to their flock: all our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. On this day in 1967, one chaplain - a Catholic priest - went above and beyond the call of duty to not only minister to his men's souls, but to save their lives.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

LITEKY, ANGELO J.

Rank and organization: Chaplain (Capt.), U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 199th Infantry Brigade. place and date: Near Phuoc-Lac, Bien Hoa province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 December 1967 . Entered service at: Fort Hamilton, N.Y. Born: 14 February 1931, Washington, D.C. Citation: Chaplain Liteky distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while serving with Company A, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He was participating in a search and destroy operation when Company A came under intense fire from a battalion size enemy force. Momentarily stunned from the immediate encounter that ensued, the men hugged the ground for cover. Observing 2 wounded men, Chaplain Liteky moved to within 15 meters of an enemy machine gun position to reach them, placing himself between the enemy and the wounded men. When there was a brief respite in the fighting, he managed to drag them to the relative safety of the landing zone. Inspired by his courageous actions, the company rallied and began placing a heavy volume of fire upon the enemy's positions. In a magnificent display of courage and leadership, Chaplain Liteky began moving upright through the enemy fire, administering last rites to the dying and evacuating the wounded. Noticing another trapped and seriously wounded man, Chaplain Liteky crawled to his aid. Realizing that the wounded man was too heavy to carry, he rolled on his back, placed the man on his chest and through sheer determination and fortitude crawled back to the landing zone using his elbows and heels to push himself along. pausing for breath momentarily, he returned to the action and came upon a man entangled in the dense, thorny underbrush. Once more intense enemy fire was directed at him, but Chaplain Liteky stood his ground and calmly broke the vines and carried the man to the landing zone for evacuation. On several occasions when the landing zone was under small arms and rocket fire, Chaplain Liteky stood up in the face of hostile fire and personally directed the medivac helicopters into and out of the area. With the wounded safely evacuated, Chaplain Liteky returned to the perimeter, constantly encouraging and inspiring the men. Upon the unit's relief on the morning of 7 December 1967, it was discovered that despite painful wounds in the neck and foot, Chaplain Liteky had personally carried over 20 men to the landing zone for evacuation during the savage fighting. Through his indomitable inspiration and heroic actions, Chaplain Liteky saved the lives of a number of his comrades and enabled the company to repulse the enemy. Chaplain Liteky's actions reflect great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Posting Captain Liteky's tale of heroism required some reflection and consideration on my part. I wrote earlier today about my reservations. Liteky left the priesthood in 1975, eventually married, changed his name to Charles, and became a peace and social justice activist. That in of itself is not what troubled me; we're all free to both support a particular world view, and to change our minds as to what that world view is. No, what troubled me is that on July 29, 1986 he renounced his Medal of Honor by leaving it at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a protest to the policies of the Reagan Administration and our Nation. My first take was that this was an affront to all other Medal of Honor recipients and the courage and sacrifices they all made for the cause of Liberty and in defense of all of us. Disagree, fine - but keep sacred the award and what it represents.

Then, I read this article originally published on March 24, 2000 from the San Francisco Chronicle. In it, fellow Medal of Honor recipient Paul Bucha is quoted:

When I look at Liteky, I have respect for the courage of his views. It's difficult to be an iconoclast. It's much easier to go along. Men like Liteky are people who should force us to stop and think, and they should not be ostracized and criticized. They are entitled to their views, and perhaps if we listened we'd be better off.

He's right. I was wrong to be hesitant. Captain Liteky's heroism on December 6, 1967 is rightfully set apart from his later life, most of which I would likely have big philosophical problems with. For all our military chaplains - and all Americans - his actions under fire are to be commended and admired.

Liteky's Medal of Honor that he left at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial today is part of the collection at the National Museum of American History in our Nation's capital.

A dilemma

2011-12-06T09:09:00.001-05:00

As readers of this space know, most of my regular content fits with the blog title: the stories of heroes, in particular those who have received the Medal of Honor or DSC/NC/AFC. I am ever in awe of the deeds of these great Americans, as I hope all my readers are too.

For December 6, I found a Medal of Honor Citation that jumped off the page at me for recognition (as if any MoH citation is mundane) because of who the individual was. I had started cutting and pasting and writing the blog post when I found out something troubling. This hero later renounced his Medal as a protest against our government and Nation, and returned it.

I am a believer in the United States and our freedoms, including that of dissent. Lord knows I have enough issues with our government that I better believe in protecting dissent. I have a hard time though recognizing someone who rejects that our Nation can legitimately honor his actions while pursuing policies he disagrees with. To me, honoring this man in this space diminishes the deeds, courage, and sacrifices of the other 3,457 recipients of our Nation's highest honor.

Am I wrong? Way off base? There are five USMC Navy Cross recipients whose deeds fell on this day in 1950 I can choose from, or honor all five, as an alternative.

I have a record of honoring heroes with whom I disagree politically. There's only one Medal of Honor since 1900 that was awarded for actions on December 6. I'm just having a hard time understanding how a man who saved 20 American soldiers can reject his Nation's gratitude under any circumstances.

Please let me know what you think. Comment or send a tweet to me @allanbourdius

Thanks.

TFH 12/5: Major Thomas E. Dayton, USAF

2011-12-05T12:36:00.001-05:00

The US Air Force's 22nd Special Operations Squadron was based in Thailand during the Vietnam War, flying the A-1 Skyraider. They flew interdiction missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and also supported other operations, such as the rescue of downed aircrews.

On December 5-7, 1969 one gallant airman would not leave a downed comrade to the hands of the enemy. He repeatedly exposed his plane to ground fire at great risk to himself and because of his skill and courage, the rescue was ultimately successful. That airman was Major Thomas E. Dayton, and for his heroism, he received 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 pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Thomas E. Dayton (AFSN: 0-29982), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an A-1 Tactical Fighter Pilot of the 22d Special Operations Squadron, in action in Southeast Asia, from 5 December 1969 to 7 December 1969. On those dates, Major Dayton exerted all the courage and flying skill at his disposal in a fiercely opposed attempt to rescue a fellow airman from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. During the first two days of this largest search and rescue mission attempted in Southeast Asia, Major Dayton escorted helicopters into the search area on four separate occasions. Despite intense hostile fire during low altitude and slow speed required in this protective role, he repeatedly attacked hostile positions throughout the valley. Designated On-Scene Commander on the third day, Major Dayton continued his heroic rescue efforts with great vigor and determination despite the fact that fifteen previous attempts had failed, and with full knowledge that each return would again place his life in jeopardy. Notwithstanding these tremendous obstacles, Major Dayton persisted in his efforts, with the realization that the successful application of airpower would be the deciding factor. During the final rescue attempt, Major Dayton had to hold an orbiting position over the survivor to divert air strikes away from the survivor's position. Braving hundreds of rounds of hostile fire during these three days, Major Dayton took control of the recovery operation at its lowest ebb and heroically challenged and mastered this successful, unparalleled rescue mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Dayton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Major Dayton also was decorated with the Silver Star (October 8, 1969) and three Distinguished Flying Crosses (10/6/1969, 12/11/1969, and 2/7/1970) for his Vietnam service. The records at Military Times show that he continued his service to our Nation and the defense of liberty into the 1980s, attaining at least the rank of Colonel, and twice receiving the Legion of Merit for outstanding service. The 22nd Special Operations Squadron is today inactive with the USAF, and has no descendant unit.

To Thomas E. Dayton, and all the brave men and women who have defended us in the skies, we say thanks.

Cheers!

2011-12-05T11:09:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1933, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, repealing Prohibition as established by the 18th Amendment! Talk about a long national nightmare ending.

Prohibition is an interesting topic for the present day, in the case of the "war on drugs" and now-illegal products from marijuana to methamphetamine. Is continued prohibition the answer, or do we remove Federal restrictions and rely on the 10th Amendment and the laws of the states? Legalize everywhere?

With each passing day I'm becoming more libertarian on this issue and leaning towards a 10th Amendment fix. We are on safe ground when we stick to the Constitution.

Gah! Another topic to add to the list of things I'd love to write about when I have the time...

TFH 12/2: Colonel William E. Barber, USMC

2011-12-02T10:40:00.001-05:00

William Earl Barber was born November 20, 1919 in Dehart, Kentucky. His service to our Nation began in March 1940 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In 1943, he entered Officer Candidates School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August of that year. He landed on Iwo Jima with the 26th Marine Regiment ("The Professionals") and received the Silver Star for bravery and a Purple Heart for wounds received.

After occupation duty in Japan, he returned to the United States in 1946 to continue his Marine Corps career. As the United States once again found itself at war in 1950, then Captain Barber was sent with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines (the "War Dogs", motto "Ready for anything, counting on nothing.") to Korea.

During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir from November 28 to December 2, 1950 in freezing, snowy weather, Captain Barber's company of 220 Marines was assaulted by no fewer than 1,400 communist attackers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. They were defending the supply line to the rest of the 1st Marine Division; the survival of 8,000 of their comrades depended on their stand. Throughout the fight, the Marines of F Company could count on one thing: the incredible heroism and leadership of their commander.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

BARBER, WILLIAM E.

Rank and organization: Captain U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer, Company F, 2d Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Chosin Reservoir area, Korea, 28 November to 2 December 1950. Entered service at: West Liberty, Ky. Born: 30 November 1919, Dehart, Ky. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Company F in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assigned to defend a 3-mile mountain pass along the division's main supply line and commanding the only route of approach in the march from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, Capt. Barber took position with his battle-weary troops and, before nightfall, had dug in and set up a defense along the frozen, snow-covered hillside. When a force of estimated regimental strength savagely attacked during the night, inflicting heavy casualties and finally surrounding his position following a bitterly fought 7-hour conflict, Capt. Barber, after repulsing the enemy gave assurance that he could hold if supplied by airdrops and requested permission to stand fast when orders were received by radio to fight his way back to a relieving force after 2 reinforcing units had been driven back under fierce resistance in their attempts to reach the isolated troops. Aware that leaving the position would sever contact with the 8,000 marines trapped at Yudam-ni and jeopardize their chances of joining the 3,000 more awaiting their arrival in Hagaru-ri for the continued drive to the sea, he chose to risk loss of his command rather than sacrifice more men if the enemy seized control and forced a renewed battle to regain the position, or abandon his many wounded who were unable to walk. Although severely wounded in the leg in the early morning of the 29th, Capt. Barber continued to maintain personal control, often moving up and down the lines on a stretcher to direct the defense and consistently encouraging and inspiring his men to supreme efforts despite the staggering opposition. Waging desperate battle throughout 5 days and 6 nights of repeated onslaughts launched by the fanatical aggressors, he and his heroic command accounted for approximately 1,000 enemy dead in this epic stand in bitter subzero weather, and when the company was relieved only 82 of his original 220 men were able to walk away from the position so valiantly defended against insuperable odds. His profound faith and courage, great personal valor, and unwavering fortitude were decisive factors in the successful withdrawal of the division from the deathtrap in the Chosin Reservoir sector and reflect the highest credit upon Capt. Barber, his intrepid officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.

William Barber also served our Nation in Vietnam. He retired from the Marine Corps on May 1, 1970. He died of natural causes on April 19, 2002 and rests today with so many of our Nation's heroic dead in Arlington National Cemetery.

William Earl Barber at Military Times' Hall of Valor, including his World War II citation for the Silver Star and Vietnam citation for the Legion of Merit with Combat "V".

The units of his Medal of Honor heroism still serve our great Nation today. 2nd Battalion/7th Marines is part of the 1st Marine Division.

Chuck Woolery, Patriot!

2011-12-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

With thanks to the Larry O'Connor Show, I had no idea that Chuck Woolery was on our side and that he's produced some absolutely awesome content! A sample:

You can get the rest of his videos from his site or direct on the Save Us Chuck Woolery YouTube page. What ever you do, don't miss "Let's Tax the Amish". Enjoy, my fellow patriots!

TFH 12/1: PFC Lewis Albanese, USA

2011-12-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

Forty-five years ago today, a 20-year old American infantryman fixed his bayonet, charged into a network of enemy defensive positions, eliminated the opposition and enabled his platoon to continue the advance against a superior force. When he ran out of ammunition, he continued to engage the enemy hand-to-hand until he succumbed to his wounds. This is the story of Lewis Albanese.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*ALBANESE, LEWIS

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 1 December 1966. Entered service at: Seattle, Wash. Born: 27 April 1946, Venice, Italy. G.O. No.: 12, 3 April 1968. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Private First Class Albanese's platoon, while advancing through densely covered terrain to establish a blocking position, received intense automatic weapons fire from close range. As other members maneuvered to assault the enemy position, Private First Class Albanese was ordered to provide security for the left flank of the platoon. Suddenly, the left flank received fire from enemy located in a well-concealed ditch. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades from this fire, Private First Class Albanese fixed his bayonet and moved aggressively into the ditch. His action silenced the sniper fire, enabling the platoon to resume movement toward the main enemy position. As the platoon continued to advance, the sound of heavy firing emanated from the left flank from a pitched battle that ensued in the ditch which Private First Class Albanese had entered. The ditch was actually a well-organized complex of enemy defenses designed to bring devastating flanking fire on the forces attacking the main position. Private First Class Albanese, disregarding the danger to himself, advanced 100 meters along the trench and killed 6 of the snipers, who were armed with automatic weapons. Having exhausted his ammunition, Private First Class Albanese was mortally wounded when he engaged and killed 2 more enemy soldiers in fierce hand-to-hand combat. His unparalleled actions saved the lives of many members of his platoon who otherwise would have fallen to the sniper fire from the ditch, and enabled his platoon to successfully advance against an enemy force of overwhelming numerical superiority. Private First Class Albanese's extraordinary heroism and supreme dedication to his comrades were commensurate with the finest traditions of the military service and remain a tribute to himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

PFC Albanese's unit, 5th Battalion/7th Cavalry is today the 5th Squadron/7th Cavalry, reconnaissance element of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. 5/7 Cav's Vietnam Division, the 1st Cavalry Division, continues serving our nation with its four heavy brigade combat teams and other units in Fort Hood, TX.

TFH 11/30: PFC Charles George, USA

2011-11-30T11:00:00.001-05:00

The US 179th Infantry Regiment (In Omina Paratus - "In All Things Prepared") has been part of the Oklahoma Army National Guard since 1921. Fifty-one years ago, the regiment as part of the 45th Infantry Division (Semper Anticus - "Always Forward") was fighting in Korea. On this day in 1950, one brave American soldier engaged the enemy hand-to-hand and then protected two of his comrades with his own body.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

*GEORGE, CHARLES

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Songnae-dong, Korea, 30 November 1952. Entered service at: Whittier, N.C. Born: 23 August 1932, Cherokee, N.C. G.O. NO.: 19, 18 March 1954. Citation: Private First Class George, a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy on the night of 30 November 1952. He was a member of a raiding party committed to engage the enemy and capture a prisoner for interrogation. Forging up the rugged slope of the key terrain feature, the group was subjected to intense mortar and machine gun fire and suffered several casualties. Throughout the advance, he fought valiantly and, upon reaching the crest of the hill, leaped into the trenches and closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. When friendly troops were ordered to move back upon completion of the assignment, he and 2 comrades remained to cover the withdrawal. While in the process of leaving the trenches a hostile soldier hurled a grenade into their midst. Private First Class George shouted a warning to 1 comrade, pushed the other soldier out of danger, and, with full knowledge of the consequences, unhesitatingly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. Although seriously wounded in this display of valor, he refrained from any outcry which would divulge the position of his companions. The 2 soldiers evacuated him to the forward aid station and shortly thereafter he succumbed to his wound. Private First Class George's indomitable courage, consummate devotion to duty, and willing self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit upon himself and uphold the finest traditions of the military service.

1st Battalion/179th Infantry (PFC George's battalion) serves today as a member of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which holds the lineage of the 45th Division. This unit, still part of the OK ARNG, has deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq in support of the War on Terror.

Site Note

2011-11-30T10:47:00.001-05:00

It would appear that the United States Army has changed the site for Medal of Honor Citations. This is the new link!

As I am able, I will go back and correct previous embedded links in my "Finest Hour" posts.

TFH 11/29: Staff Sergeant Robert J. Pruden, USA

2011-11-29T11:31:00.001-05:00

Robert J. Pruden entered the United States Army in 1968. Promoted quickly, he was a member of the 75th Ranger Infantry Regiment (Airborne). On this day in 1969, his indomitable fighting spirit and courage earned for him our Nation's highest honor.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:

*PRUDEN, ROBERT J.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, 75th Infantry, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam, 29 November 1969. Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn. Born: 9 September 1949, St. Paul, Minn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Pruden, Company G, distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance team leader during an ambush mission. The 6-man team was inserted by helicopter into enemy controlled territory to establish an ambush position and to obtain information concerning enemy movements. As the team moved into the preplanned area, S/Sgt. Pruden deployed his men into 2 groups on the opposite sides of a well used trail. As the groups were establishing their defensive positions, 1 member of the team was trapped in the open by the heavy fire from an enemy squad. Realizing that the ambush position had been compromised, S/Sgt. Pruden directed his team to open fire on the enemy force. Immediately, the team came under heavy fire from a second enemy element. S/Sgt. Pruden, with full knowledge of the extreme danger involved, left his concealed position and, firing as he ran, advanced toward the enemy to draw the hostile fire. He was seriously wounded twice but continued his attack until he fell for a third time, in front of the enemy positions. S/Sgt. Pruden's actions resulted in several enemy casualties and withdrawal of the remaining enemy force. Although grievously wounded, he directed his men into defensive positions and called for evacuation helicopters, which safely withdrew the members of the team. S/Sgt. Pruden's outstanding courage, selfless concern for the welfare of his men, and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Robert Pruden rests today in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. The descendant of his Vietnam Era unit, the 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne), is a key component today of our special operations forces for the War on Terror. We are forever thankful for the courage of men like Robert Pruden, and all those who serve or have served with the Rangers.

TFH 11/28: Staff Sergeant Robert S. Kennemore, USMC

2011-11-28T10:30:00.001-05:00

On November 27, 1950 the Battle of Chosin Reservoir began. During the opening phases of the battle, one United States Marine sacrificed his body to protect the lives of his comrades. This Marine, a veteran of Guadalcanal during World War II, was Robert S. Kennemore.

From Medal of Honor Citations for the Korean War:

KENNEMORE, ROBERT S.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division ( Rein ). Place and date: North of Yudam-ni, Korea, 27 and 28 November 1950. Entered service at: Greenville, S.C. Born: 21 June 1920, Greenville, S.C. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of a machine gun section in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. With the company's defensive perimeter overrun by a numerically superior hostile force during a savage night attack north of Yudam-ni and his platoon commander seriously wounded, S/Sgt. Kennemore unhesitatingly assumed command, quickly reorganized the unit and directed the men in consolidating the position. When an enemy grenade landed in the midst of a machine gun squad, he bravely placed his foot on the missile and, in the face of almost certain death, personally absorbed the full force of the explosion to prevent injury to his fellow marines. By his indomitable courage, outstanding leadership and selfless efforts in behalf of his comrades, S/Sgt. Kennemore was greatly instrumental in driving the enemy from the area and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

The Chinese Communist grenade he smothered cost him both his legs. Robert Kennemore passed away at age 68 on April 26, 1989 and rests in San Francisco National Cemetery.

Staff Sergeant Kennemore's unit, 2nd Battalion/7th Marines, still serves today with the 1st Marine Division, steadfastly defending our Nation and liberty.

TFH 11/25: 50 Years of the "Big E"

2011-11-25T09:57:00.001-05:00

USS Enterprise (CVN-65)

We are Legend

Ready on Arrival

The First, the Finest

Eight Reactors, None Faster

Fifty years ago today, the United States Navy commissioned its first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). For those fifty years, she has defended liberty in all the world's oceans. She will continue to do so for just a few more years; she is destined to be replaced by the newest American carrier, the PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) by 2015.

To all the thousands of brave men and women who have manned this gallant, pioneering warship for the past half-century, a grateful America - as well as all those who cherish the defense of liberty, wherever they may be - we say thank you.

Please take a few minutes to watch this great video from the US Navy on 50 years of USS Enterprise History.

TFH 11/23: LTJG Eugene Ralph Hanks, USNR

2011-11-23T09:04:00.001-05:00

In late November 1943, coincidental with the attack on Tarawa, American forces also attacked and seized Makin Atoll elsewhere in the Gilbert Islands. Flying off of the USS Enterprise (CV-6), fighter squadron VF-16 supported the landings and defended the force against attacking Japanese aircraft.

On this day in 1943, one Naval Aviator led his four-plane flight into aerial combat against a superior force and shot down five or six enemy aircraft himself. Lieutenant Junior Grade Eugene Ralph Hanks, for his heroism to include five straight days - not just on November 23, 1943 - 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 pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Eugene Ralph Hanks, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE [see my note below] (CV-6), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands Areas from 19 to 24 November 1943. Gallantly leading his four-plane combat team as part of a twelve plane air patrol intercepting a strong force of hostile aircraft on 23 November Lieutenant Hanks fought his plane boldly and with relentless determination and, although outnumbered nearly two to one, personally shot down five Japanese planes and probably another of the seventeen destroyed during the bitter engagement. Again vastly outnumbered the following day, he continued his bold tactics and, despite his disadvantageous position, directed a brilliantly executed attack to destroy ten hostile fighters and two bombers. By his outstanding ability as a leader and an airman, Lieutenant Hanks contributed materially to the success of our aerial operations in the Pacific war area, and his valiant devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

Blogger's note: Military Times' Hall of Valor lists LTJG Hanks' ship as the USS Yorktown with an incorrect hull number of "6"; Yorktown was CV-5 and furthermore was sunk at the Battle of Midway on June 7, 1942. I have made the correction above because I believe it to be accurate. Whether or not Hanks' Navy Cross actual printed citation included the mistake I don't know.

Thanks to all of our brave Naval Aviators, past and present - and a very happy Thanksgiving to those who are currently deployed and separated from their families!

If you're ever in Pensacola, I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of Naval Aviation too!

The Questions I Want to Ask

2011-11-22T14:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight is (another) Republican Presidential Candidate debate, produced by the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute, and will air on CNN. The debate is to focus on national security and foreign policy, but will necessarily branch into other topics such as the "super committee" failure.

For each of the eight candidates who will be in the debate, these are the one, single question I'd like each of them to respond to, listed alphabetically (some may have a follow-up, too):

For Representative Michele Bachmann:

Mrs. Bachmann, since you took your seat with the 110th Congress in 2007, not one single piece of original legislation that you have authored, or were the primary sponsor of, has been brought to the floor of the House for a vote, much less passed. This includes the time you have spent to date with the 112th Congress, under the leadership of your own party. What does this say to your abilities to shepherd legislation through Congress - for foreign, domestic, or national security issues - whether your party is in control or not?

For Mr. Herman Cain:

Mr. Cain, in New Hampshire on November 17th, you were quoted as saying, "Who knows every detail of every country or every situation on the planet? Nobody! We need a leader, not a reader," and, "Forget the facts, forget history, just lead!" Without a strong perspective on world and regional histories, the ability to rapidly digest the written intelligence reports you would receive as President, and contextualizing that intelligence into historical context, exactly how do you propose to lead with a consistent strategy for foreign policy?

For former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich:

Mr. Speaker, in 1991 you introduced H.R. 3965, the "Ronald Reagan Peace Dividend Investment Act", which had at its purpose to insure that any federal dollars saved by the post-Cold War "peace dividend" would be automatically applied to deficit and/or debt reduction, or returned to the taxpayers, and not used for additional spending on other programs. That legislation was not adopted. Would you support legislation today with the same purpose in mind, essentially separating defense spending for budgetary, accounting, and tax allocation purposes from the rest of the Federal budget?

For Governor Jon Huntsman:

Governor Huntsman, for nearly two years you served as the United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China for the administration of President Barack Obama and in the State Department under Secretary Hillary Clinton. Since you were largely responsible for executing the United States' foreign policy with respect to China, do you support the Obama Administration's policies to date in our relations, and what has worked well and what has not?

Governor Huntsman, a follow-up: do you support maintaining the "one China" policy or would you support recognizing the de facto state-on-the-ground and granting full recognition to the Republic of China including the within the United Nations?

For Representative Dr. Ron Paul:

Dr. Paul, you have said repeatedly that United States' policies regarding to the Middle East either directly or indirectly led to the 9/11 attacks, continued terrorist and Islamic extremist threats against the United States, and what is perceived as our poor reputation in that part of the world - and also that withdrawing American presence from that area would improve our relations. If we can take a minute to put your stated position in historical context, we are coming up on the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by Imperial Japan. Japan went to war in 1941 because they viewed the United States as encroaching on their sphere of influence in the western Pacific. Should the United States have acceded to Japanese demands and withdrawn from the western Pacific in 1941 to prevent war and improve our relationship with the Japanese Empire?

For Governor Rick Perry:

Governor Perry, your State of Texas shares the longest border with Mexico, and as you have said often, your experience with border security and the work of Texas law enforcement responding to crimes directly or indirectly caused by illegal immigration makes you uniquely qualified among your peers on stage to address border security as President. You have also taken a lot of criticism for legislation enacted in Texas which could be viewed as enabling further illegal immigration to this country by providing state benefits to the children of illegals. As President, how would you balance the Tenth Amendment rights of the states to enact policies that, in the views of their legislatures and executives, are necessary and proper for the sound running of a state but are in conflict with national interests to deter and prevent illegal immigration?

Governor Perry, a follow-up: Can you please describe how Texas is insuring compliance within your state with 8 USC 1623 which reads, "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a State (or a political subdivision) for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or nation of the United States is eligible for such a benefit (in no less an amount, duration, and scope) without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident."?

For Governor Mitt Romney:

Governor Romney in your foreign policy position papers, you have promised to take steps for the "strengthen[ing] and repair[ing of] relationships with steadfast allies," and to "enhance our deterrent against Iran." Since its founding in 1949, the United States has led NATO and has had one of our senior military officers in the position of Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. The recent NATO actions in Libya, however, were executed mainly outside American leadership; we were said to be "leading from behind." How do you view the role of NATO in reinforcing American interests both in Europe and surrounding areas, and would you support and push for expanding NATO membership to include countries such as Israel and Iraq who are under direct Iranian threat?

For Senator Rick Santorum:

Senator Santorum, as a freshman in the 102nd Congress you introduced legislation to cancel a nuclear submarine program of the Navy, require that all missile defense efforts stay within the ABM treaty, cancel the remainder of the B-2 stealth bomber program, and scrap all nuclear weapons projects of the Department of Energy. In the 103rd Congress, you introduced legislation to cut the personnel of our intelligence agencies by 25 percent, terminate the Department of Defense's independent research and development program, cancel upgrades to the F/A-18 fighters of the Navy and Marine Corps, and slow down the acquisition of destroyers by the Navy. How do these positions from your congressional career mesh with your stated positions on national security and defense today, and what specifically caused or informed you to change your views?

Will any of these questions be asked? I'm not a moderator, so probably not...

TFH 11/22: General David Shoup, USMC

2011-11-22T08:30:00.001-05:00

David Monroe Shoup was born in Indiana on December 30th, 1904. He served for 37 years with the United States Marine Corps, finishing his career as the 22nd Commandant.

On November 20, 1943 the United States launched Operation Galvanic - the amphibious assault on Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. The largest island of the atoll is Betio. The 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Marine Regiment was the lead assault force. Then-Colonel David Shoup had taken command of the regiment just eleven days before.

After a brief naval bombardment, our Marines stormed ashore. Their first enemy was nature; the tides had been miscalculated, meaning that there was not enough clearance for landing craft to pass over the reefs. Instead of landing on the beach, many had to slog through the surf dragging their equipment under enemy fire. Once ashore, our forces faced the most tenacious and heavily dug-in Japanese defenders yet. Throughout the battle, one man stood taller than the rest, ignored his own wounds, and led his Marines to victory.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

SHOUP, DAVID MONROE

Rank and organization: Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, and Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. Entered service at: Indiana. Born: 30 December 1904, Tippecanoe, Ind. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of all Marine Corps troops in action against enemy Japanese forces on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 20 to 22 November 1943. Although severely shocked by an exploding enemy shell soon after landing at the pier and suffering from a serious, painful leg wound which had become infected, Col. Shoup fearlessly exposed himself to the terrific and relentless artillery, machinegun, and rifle fire from hostile shore emplacements. Rallying his hesitant troops by his own inspiring heroism, he gallantly led them across the fringing reefs to charge the heavily fortified island and reinforce our hard-pressed, thinly held lines. Upon arrival on shore, he assumed command of all landed troops and, working without rest under constant, withering enemy fire during the next 2 days, conducted smashing attacks against unbelievably strong and fanatically defended Japanese positions despite innumerable obstacles and heavy casualties. By his brilliant leadership daring tactics, and selfless devotion to duty, Col. Shoup was largely responsible for the final decisive defeat of the enemy, and his indomitable fighting spirit reflects great credit upon the U.S. Naval Service .

Our Navy and Marine Corps suffered 1,696 killed in action to seize Tarawa, but our enemy paid a much higher price. Of the approximately 4,850 defenders on the island, only 146 lived to be taken prisoner.

Throughout his career, David Shoup embodied the 2nd Marine Division's motto of "Follow Me" and the 2nd Marines' motto of "Keep Moving" - most definitely during the battle on Tarawa. Both the 2nd Marines and the 2nd Marine Division valiantly serve and defend our Nation to this day.

TFH 11/21: MN1 Cecil H. Martin, USN

2011-11-21T09:06:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1968, 28 year-old Mineman First Class Cecil H. Martin commanded a two-boat riverine patrol in Vietnam's Mekong Delta. When the patrol came under intense enemy fire, he placed his boat between the enemy and a stricken craft, led the defense, and saved many to fight again another day. For his heroism and leadership, he received our Nation's second-highest recognition for valor: the Navy Cross.

From Military Times Hall Of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Mineman First Class Cecil H. Martin, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on the night of 21 November 1968 while serving with River Division 531, River Patrol Flotilla FIVE, Task Force 116 (TF-116), during riverine assault operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Mekong Delta region of the Republic of Vietnam. As Senior Boat Captain of a two-boat patrol, Petty Officer Martin was transiting from Rach Soi to Rach Gia, in conjunction with a concentrated patrol program adopted for the Sea Lords interdiction campaign in the lower Delta, when his patrol came under heavy enemy attack on all sides. During the initial hail of fire, his cover boat received two direct rocket hits, wounding all personnel aboard and causing the craft to veer out of control and run aground directly in front of the enemy firing positions. Petty Officer Martin ordered his coxswain to reverse course and reenter the ambush area to rescue the cover boat's crew members. As his unit approached the stricken craft, Petty Officer Martin directed effective counterfire and, placing his boat between the beleaguered craft and the blazing enemy batteries, took command of the precarious rescue effort. While affording exemplary leadership and inspiration to the members of his surprised and battered patrol element, he directed the major fire-suppression efforts of his gunners, personally manning and firing a machine gun at crucial intervals. Additionally, Petty Officer Martin rendered first aid to casualties, extinguished a fire in the beached craft, advised his commanding officer in the Naval Operations Center of the seriousness of the situation, and coordinated the transfer of wounded personnel to his unit. Through his courageous and determined fighting spirit, he succeeded in safely extracting his men, undoubtedly saving numerous lives. His great personal valor in the face of heavy and sustained enemy fire was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

All told, Cecil Martin served for 21 years in our Navy, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Lieutenant. Our Nation is forever grateful for your service and courage, and that of all the gallant sailors who have served in our Navy!

Supreme Court Math: Who Cares About Kagan?

2011-11-17T20:47:00.001-05:00

Doug Mataconis at Outside the Beltway has produced a couple of good roundups on the Justice Thomas or Justice Kagan recusal questions surrounding the judicial review of Obamacare. I think that there's a much stronger case to be made for Kagan's recusal than Thomas', but I don't think it's worth us conservatives spending a lot of time arguing for her to remove herself. Why? Simple math says it is unlikely that Kagan's presence will alter the outcome.

Here's how I see it working out:

Definite NO Justices on Obamacare: Alito, Roberts, Scalia, Thomas
Definite YES Justices on Obamacare: Breyer, Ginsburg, Kagan, Sotomayor

That leaves Justice Kennedy. If he goes anti-Obamacare, it's a 5-4 decision we like, else a 4-5 we hate. If Kagan doesn't hear the case and Kennedy is a No, then it's a 5-3 decision we like and the only benefit is that it's a two vote margin and not one. If Kennedy is a Yes in that circumstance, it's 4-4 and Obamacare will be preserved just the same as if it was 4-5. Split courts leave the lower court decisions in force, which in this case makes for a bit of chaos because different district courts and Circuit Courts of Appeals have come to different conclusions.

If that math holds, I'll just point out that a Thomas recusal - however unlikely - would be a disaster. If it holds, it really doesn't matter if Kagan is sitting or not.

TFH 11/17: 1LT Bernard J. Ray, USA

2011-11-17T09:42:00.001-05:00

On this day in 1944, the United States Army was engaged in intense fighting with Nazi German forces during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. At least 12,000 valiant Americans perished in combat during the battle; we suffered around 33,000 casualties in all.

The 4th Infantry Division had been fighting on the European mainland since D-Day, June 6, 1944, when they were the first unit to hit Utah Beach at H-Hour. Their D-Day victory and service as France was liberated embodied the division's motto: Steadfast and Loyal. One of the division's regiments, the 8th Infantry, is known as the "Fighting Eagles", and aspire to satisfy their motto of Patriae Fidelis - Loyalty to Country.

During the Hürtgen battle, one Fighting Eagle officer, when his unit was pinned down by intense enemy fire and defensive obstacles, sacrificed himself so that the forces of liberty could charge forward. That man was Bernard J. Ray.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

*RAY, BERNARD J.

Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company F, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Place and date: Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, 17 November 1944. Entered service at: Baldwin, N.Y. Birth: Brooklyn, N.Y. G.O. No.: 115, 8 December 1945. Citation: He was platoon leader with Company F, 8th Infantry, on 17 November 1944, during the drive through the Hurtgen Forest near Schevenhutte, Germany. The American forces attacked in wet, bitterly cold weather over rough, wooded terrain, meeting brutal resistance from positions spaced throughout the forest behind minefields and wire obstacles. Small arms, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire caused heavy casualties in the ranks when Company F was halted by a concertina-type wire barrier. Under heavy fire, 1st Lt. Ray reorganized his men and prepared to blow a path through the entanglement, a task which appeared impossible of accomplishment and from which others tried to dissuade him. With implacable determination to clear the way, he placed explosive caps in his pockets, obtained several bangalore torpedoes, and then wrapped a length of highly explosive primer cord about his body. He dashed forward under direct fire, reached the barbed wire and prepared his demolition charge as mortar shells, which were being aimed at him alone, came steadily nearer his completely exposed position. He had placed a torpedo under the wire and was connecting it to a charge he carried when he was severely wounded by a bursting mortar shell. Apparently realizing that he would fail in his self-imposed mission unless he completed it in a few moments he made a supremely gallant decision. With the primer cord still wound about his body and the explosive caps in his pocket, he completed a hasty wiring system and unhesitatingly thrust down on the handle of the charger, destroying himself with the wire barricade in the resulting blast. By the deliberate sacrifice of his life, 1st Lt. Ray enabled his company to continue its attack, resumption of which was of positive significance in gaining the approaches to the Cologne Plain.

First Lieutenant Bernard Ray, age 23 at his death, rests in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, NY.

Lieutenant Ray's legacy persists today. The 8th Infantry Regiment continues to defend our liberty still as part of the 4th Infantry Division, home based at Fort Carson, CO. 1st Battalion/8th Infantry is part of the division's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team; 2/8 is part of the 2nd HBCT. The 4th ID has sent warriors to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

To all our brave fighting men and women who have lived the principles of Steadfast and Loyal and Loyalty to Country we give our eternal thanks.

TFH 11/16: Major Freeman V. Horner, USA

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

The fourth verse of our national anthem starts with these words:

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation.

Freeman Victor Horner was born on June 7, 1922 in Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania. He served with the 119th Infantry Regiment, part of the 30th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II. The 30th Division landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy on June 11, 1944 as a follow-on reinforcement to the invasion. By November, the division was driving into Germany. The motto of the 119th Regiment was "Undaunted". On November 16, 1944, then Staff Sergeant Freeman Horner demonstrated without any doubt what it means to live up to that motto.

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

HORNER, FREEMAN V.

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company K, 119th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. Place and date: Wurselen, Germany, 16 November 1944. Entered service at: Shamokin, Pa. Birth: Mount Carmel, Pa. G.O. No.: 95, 30 October 1945. Citation: S/Sgt. Horner and other members of his company were attacking Wurselen, Germany, against stubborn resistance on 16 November 1944, when machinegun fire from houses on the edge of the town pinned the attackers in flat, open terrain 100 yards from their objective. As they lay in the field, enemy artillery observers directed fire upon them, causing serious casualties. Realizing that the machineguns must be eliminated in order to permit the company to advance from its precarious position, S/Sgt. Horner voluntarily stood up with his submachine gun and rushed into the teeth of concentrated fire, burdened by a heavy load of ammunition and hand grenades. Just as he reached a position of seeming safety, he was fired on by a machinegun which had remained silent up until that time. He coolly wheeled in his fully exposed position while bullets barely missed him and killed 2 hostile gunners with a single, devastating burst. He turned to face the fire of the other 2 machineguns, and dodging fire as he ran, charged the 2 positions 50 yards away. Demoralized by their inability to hit the intrepid infantryman, the enemy abandoned their guns and took cover in the cellar of the house they occupied. S/Sgt. Horner burst into the building, hurled 2 grenades down the cellar stairs, and called for the Germans to surrender. Four men gave up to him. By his extraordinary courage, S/Sgt. Horner destroyed 3 enemy machinegun positions, killed or captured 7 enemy, and cleared the path for his company's successful assault on Wurselen.

Horner later received an officer's commission and continued to serve in our Army. He went to war again for the defense of liberty in Korea. He passed away at age 83 in Columbus, GA on December 1, 2005. He rests with so many of our Nation's honored dead in Arlington National Cemetery.

The remaining words of our anthem's fourth verse are:

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust;"

And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

The 119th Infantry Regiment was disbanded around the year 2000. The 30th Infantry Division, nicknamed "Old Hickory" in honor of Andrew Jackson, became a unit of the North Carolina Army National Guard until its deactivation on January 4, 1974. The "Old Hickory" lineage lives on in the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, part of the National Guard from both North Carolina and West Virginia. The 30th HBCT has deployed twice to Iraq, first in 2004 and again in 2009. Thanks to the brave citizen-soldiers of today, and great heroes of yesterday like Freeman Horner, we are assured that the Star-Spangled Banner will continue to wave in triumph.

Occupy Pittsburgh - Yurting for Winter

2011-11-15T21:30:00.000-05:00

The economic miscreants at Occupy Pittsburgh are trying to settle in for the long haul over winter, assuming they don't meet the same fate as the original occupiers in NYC. They apparently have realized that tents just won't cut it for the long haul. Winter is going to hurt if they can't have some heat to sleep with. To avoid the hurt, they're going to yurt.

Yes, yurt. What is a yurt, you ask? According to a website linked by Occupy Pittsburgh, a yurt is "a circular portable shelter used by Central Asian nomads for over 2000 years, recently adapted for Western use." Our local occupiers are asking for assistance building what they're calling "hexayurts". The occupiers want them because they are "wind proof, water proof, and safe for a heater installation." They are also looking for "creative floor ideas." Somebody evidently suggested that wooden pallets would be good, except that if they used pallets with spaces - i.e. most such items - "We may help the rats make a nest for winter." Glad they're worried about that. Plague and other rat-borne diseases can be a real bitch, particularly if you only have a tent and not a yurt to convalesce in. So then, what do our occupiers need to construct their yurts?

Before we get into materials, let's take a look at the occupiers' principles. The Occupy Pittsburgh General Assembly adopted the original Occupy Wall Street statement of purpose on October 12, 2011, no doubt with very fervent "up twinkles". Here's some of the things they stand against:

They have taken bailouts from taxpayers with impunity...
They have poisoned the food supply through negligence...
They have spent millions of dollars...[to] look for ways to get them out of contracts in regards to health insurance...
They continue to block alternate forms of energy to keep us dependent on oil...
They continue to block generic forms of medicine...
They continue to create weapons of mass destruction...

You get the drift. I excerpted the above because they speak to hypocrisy of the occupiers, for, what does it take to build a yurt?

The first material they link on their page is "JVCC 762-BD Bi-Directional Filament Strapping Tape" (suggested for pre-order, about $21 a roll); heavy-duty polypropylene reinforced with fiberglass threads. Each yurt will require a minimum of 1-to-1 1/2 rolls of 4-inch wide tape. For the structure, they list 4x8-foot "Tuff-R" insulation boards; I'm assuming ones that are 1-inch or more thick. They then suggest "Go to home depot [sic]...and find the materials."

So, off to Home Depot we go. According to the company's annual report for their fiscal year ended January 30, 2011 the home improvement store king yanked nearly $68 billion out of the pockets of their customers, and showed a net profit when all was said and done of $3.338 billion - after they paid $1.935 billion in taxes to our government. Oh, and between their 2,248 stores, they also employ 321,000 people - around 142 jobs per store.

I'm a regular shopper at Home Depot; fact of life of being a homeowner. (Full disclosure: I actually pay my mortgage, and I actually read all the documents before I signed on the dotted line so I knew exactly what I was getting into.) Funny, it seems like every time I go there - at least once a week - they're looking for new employees. Occupiers, take note: when you go to get your yurt materials, how about applying for a job?

Let's say this week on my trip to HD, I'm going to buy materials so I can build the yurt of my heart's content in my back yard, just in case I ever have to occupy somewhere. If I didn't pre-order my tape as Occupy Pittsburgh suggested, I'll probably find that the right tape at HD will be made by 3M. For 2010, 3M had revenues of $26.6 billion and a profit of almost $4.1 billion - after paying $1.59 billion in taxes.True, they employ 32,955 people in the United States - and 80,057 world-wide - but really, how can Occupy Pittsburgh justify helping this company gain revenue and make profits? Who really is 3M? Let's look at their Board of Directors!

How about Edward M. Liddy? Mr. Liddy is a former Chairman of the Board and CEO of Allstate, an insurance company! The last year he was with Allstate (2008), the company lost money, but when you total up the preceding four years, they still came out almost $12.9 billion in the black. There's more to Mr. Liddy though! He's also on the board of Abbott Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company! In 2010, Abbott profited to the tune of $4.63 billion. And, to hit on the occupiers concerns about weapons manufacturers, he also sits on the board of Boeing! Boeing, maker of warplanes and weapons large and small, made 2010 profits of $3.3 billion on revenues of $64.3 billion - and they have the audacity to try and open a factory in a right-to-work state! The real kicker for Liddy's credentials? He was appointed to be the interim CEO of AIG to oversee the bailout and dismantling of the company. A real OWS hero!!!

Mr. Liddy is a great example, but what of W. James Farrell? He sits on Abbott's board with Liddy! He's also connected to Allstate! Robert S. Morrison sits on the board of Aon, another insurance company. Vance D. Coffman sits on the board of Amgen (biotechnology/pharmaceuticals, 2010 income $4.627 billion), and is the retired (2005) Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, another large defense contractor (2005 profit: $1.825 billion). Michael E. Eskew, retired Chairman/CEO of United Parcel Service, is a board member for pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Company (2010 profits: $5.07 billion).

Gosh! If I'm an occupier and want to be intellectually honest (doubtful!) there's simply no way I can buy that 3M tape. I can't just keep lining the pockets of those evil, corporate types! Ok, the tape is out, but what of the aforementioned "Tuff-R" insulation boards I'd use for my yurt's structure?

It turns out that "Tuff-R" is a name-brand of Dow Building Solutions, a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company! In 2010, Dow pulled in $53.67 billion in revenues and turned a profit of $2.3 billion. They also paid $481 million in taxes. Worldwide, Dow employs 45,905 people. They paid those people a total of $5.711 billion in wages and $1.653 billion in benefits; $7.364 billion in total. That works out to an average of $148,767.67 per employee. I think they probably pay fairly. In benefits alone, they are paying $36,009 per employee - I bet they have pretty good health coverage and educational reimbursement for that kind of amount.

Now, Dow Chemical is a favorite target of environmentalists - just Google it. If that isn't enough to dissuade a faithful occupier from buying Tuff-R panels for yurt construction, we could do the whole Board of Directors exercise again. I'm not going to go through all the details, but Dow's directors are connected to Hess Corporation (oil, energy), H.J. Heinz (big food), Marathon Oil (oil, energy), Boeing (defense), Aetna (health insurance), Unilever (food & personal care products), and others.

No occupier who actually believes in the movement's principles could build and live in a yurt constructed with the materials specified. Unless of course, they're perfectly comfortable with the rank hypocrisy of continuing to enable the very corporate, capitalist system they so despise. Given the voluntary squalor they have chosen to live in they're okay with rank smells...maybe it's a sign of consistency after all!

In closing, let me make something abundantly clear. I am in no way disparaging or "calling out" the companies and individuals listed here. I love capitalism. The individuals listed are all hard working men and women of very high achievement and ability. Each and every one of them is solely entitled to all their own wealth and I reject the notion that anyone has a claim to their riches. I am glad that each and every one of the companies used as examples has been able to employ people, create and deliver high-quality products to customers - and accumulate as much profit as possible. Their profits would be higher were it not for the confiscatory taxation imposed by our government, as well as the crushing burden of regulatory compliance. I hope they all make greater profits each and every year. I hope all the executives and board members make the largest wages they can. I hope all these companies grow, and grow, and grow - and therefore employ more, enriching more.

You want to live in a yurt? Fine. Go do it. I'll enjoy my mega-builder constructed house, with my global-megacorp produced roof shingles to keep me dry and furnace to keep me warm. When you break it down though, your yurt is every bit as corporate.

Now occupiers, please return to your alternate reality and the delusion that you are in the right.

TFH 11/15: Ace of Aces

2011-11-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

Richard Ira Bong was born September 24, 1920 in Superior, WI. When he entered the US Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program in 1941, one of his flight instructors was Barry Goldwater, later a distinguished US Senator and conservative icon. Bong received his wings and a commission as a Second Lieutenant on January 9, 1942 as America's direct involvement in World War II began.

Bong flew all of his missions in the Lockheed P-38 Lightning against Japan in the Pacific campaigns. While serving as a gunnery instructor from October 10-November 15, 1944, he repeatedly volunteered for combat missions and shot down eight enemy aircraft over both Borneo and Leyte in the Philippines. For his courage and tenacity in the air, he received our Nation's highest honor:

From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:

BONG, RICHARD I. (Air Mission)

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps. Place and date: Over Borneo and Leyte, 10 October to 15 November 1944. Entered service at: Poplar, Wis. Birth: Poplar, Wis. G.O. No.: 90, 8 December 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in the Southwest Pacific area from 10 October to 15 November 1944. Though assigned to duty as gunnery instructor and neither required nor expected to perform combat duty, Maj. Bong voluntarily and at his own urgent request engaged in repeated combat missions, including unusually hazardous sorties over Balikpapan, Borneo, and in the Leyte area of the Philippines. His aggressiveness and daring resulted in his shooting down 8 enemy airplanes during this period.

It's a rare occurrence indeed, but Richard Bong's Medal of Honor citation doesn't even come close to recognizing the amazing ability of this courageous airman. He was first recognized for his flying skills in late 1942 when he shot down his first two planes in December 1942, earning the first of his two Silver Star Medals

In July 1943, he shot down four Japanese fighers over Lae in New Guinea, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross, one notch below the Medal of Honor.

By April 1944, Bong was credited with 27 aerial victories making him the greatest air ace in US history, surpassing the 26 kills of fellow Medal of Honor recipient Eddie Rickenbacker in World War I. By January 1945, Richard Bong's victory total stood at no less than 40 enemy planes destroyed. In addition to the decorations already listed, he also earned seven Distinguished Flying Crosses and fourteen Air Medals for his incredible exploits in the skies. Now, a well-known national hero, he returned home Stateside and participated in numerous PR appearances to help the war effort on the home front.

Eager to get back into the air, he became a test pilot later in 1945. He was assigned to work with Lockheed on the United States' first jet fighter, the P-80 Shooting Star. On August 6, 1945 - the same day the final act of World War II began with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima - Bong was killed in his P-80 when the fuel pump malfunctioned. His death received co-top billing with the atom bomb in many newspapers.

The two units that Bong flew with for most of his time in the Pacific, the 35th Fighter Group and the 49th Fighter Group, still are active with the United States Air Force today. The 35th Operations Group is now the flying arm of the 35th Fighter Wing. They fly General Dynamics F-16CJ Fighting Falcons tasked for enemy air defense suppression out of Misawa Air Base in Japan. The 49th Operations Group flies America's newest fighter, the F-22A Raptor, with the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

I'm sure that today's airmen in those units carry on the tradition of excellence in the skies that Richard Bong so most definitely embodied. Major Richard Bong rests today near the place of his birth in Poplar, WI.