From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*SAYERS, FOSTER J.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 357th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Thionville, France, 12 November 1944. Entered service at: Howard, Pa. Birth: Marsh Creek, Pa. G.O. No.: 89, 19 October 1945. Citation: He displayed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty in combat on 12 November 1944, near Thionville, France. During an attack on strong hostile forces entrenched on a hill he fearlessly ran up the steep approach toward his objective and set up his machinegun 20 yards from the enemy. Realizing it would be necessary to attract full attention of the dug-in Germans while his company crossed an open area and flanked the enemy, he picked up his gun, charged through withering machinegun and rifle fire to the very edge of the emplacement, and there killed 12 German soldiers with devastating close-range fire. He took up a position behind a log and engaged the hostile infantry from the flank in an heroic attempt to distract their attention while his comrades attained their objective at the crest of the hill. He was killed by the very heavy concentration of return fire; but his fearless assault enabled his company to sweep the hill with minimum of casualties, killing or capturing every enemy soldier on it. Pfc. Sayers' indomitable fighting spirit, aggressiveness, and supreme devotion to duty live on as an example of the highest traditions of the military service.
Foster Sayers, we are forever in awe and thanks for your courage, determination, and sacrifice for the cause of Freedom. November 12, 1944 was your finest hour!
ATTENTION:
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veterans' Day
It goes without saying that THEIR FINEST HOUR salutes and thanks all veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States in both peace and war.
This is the Land of the Free, because of the Brave!
Thanks to all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen!
This is the Land of the Free, because of the Brave!
Thanks to all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Airmen!
TFH 11/11: PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*LINDSTROM, FLOYD K.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mignano, Italy, 11 November 1943. Entered service at: Colorado Springs, Colo. Birth: Holdredge, Nebr. G.O. No.: 32, 20 April 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 11 November 1943, this soldier's platoon was furnishing machinegun support for a rifle company attacking a hill near Mignano, Italy, when the enemy counterattacked, forcing the riflemen and half the machinegun platoon to retire to a defensive position. Pfc. Lindstrom saw that his small section was alone and outnumbered 5 to 1, yet he immediately deployed the few remaining men into position and opened fire with his single gun. The enemy centered fire on him with machinegun, machine pistols, and grenades. Unable to knock out the enemy nest from his original position, Pfc. Lindstrom picked up his own heavy machinegun and staggered 15 yards up the barren, rocky hillside to a new position, completely ignoring enemy small arms fire which was striking all around him. From this new site, only 10 yards from the enemy machinegun, he engaged it in an intense duel. Realizing that he could not hit the hostile gunners because they were behind a large rock, he charged uphill under a steady stream of fire, killed both gunners with his pistol and dragged their gun down to his own men, directing them to employ it against the enemy. Disregarding heavy rifle fire, he returned to the enemy machinegun nest for 2 boxes of ammunition, came back and resumed withering fire from his own gun. His spectacular performance completely broke up the German counterattack. Pfc. Lindstrom demonstrated aggressive spirit and complete fearlessness in the face of almost certain death.
Floyd K. Lindstrom lost his life in the service of our great Nation on February 3, 1944.
November 11, 1943 was his finest hour!
*LINDSTROM, FLOYD K.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Mignano, Italy, 11 November 1943. Entered service at: Colorado Springs, Colo. Birth: Holdredge, Nebr. G.O. No.: 32, 20 April 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On 11 November 1943, this soldier's platoon was furnishing machinegun support for a rifle company attacking a hill near Mignano, Italy, when the enemy counterattacked, forcing the riflemen and half the machinegun platoon to retire to a defensive position. Pfc. Lindstrom saw that his small section was alone and outnumbered 5 to 1, yet he immediately deployed the few remaining men into position and opened fire with his single gun. The enemy centered fire on him with machinegun, machine pistols, and grenades. Unable to knock out the enemy nest from his original position, Pfc. Lindstrom picked up his own heavy machinegun and staggered 15 yards up the barren, rocky hillside to a new position, completely ignoring enemy small arms fire which was striking all around him. From this new site, only 10 yards from the enemy machinegun, he engaged it in an intense duel. Realizing that he could not hit the hostile gunners because they were behind a large rock, he charged uphill under a steady stream of fire, killed both gunners with his pistol and dragged their gun down to his own men, directing them to employ it against the enemy. Disregarding heavy rifle fire, he returned to the enemy machinegun nest for 2 boxes of ammunition, came back and resumed withering fire from his own gun. His spectacular performance completely broke up the German counterattack. Pfc. Lindstrom demonstrated aggressive spirit and complete fearlessness in the face of almost certain death.
Floyd K. Lindstrom lost his life in the service of our great Nation on February 3, 1944.
November 11, 1943 was his finest hour!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Happy 235th Birthday, United States Marine Corps!
Since November 10, 1775...
One of the best recruiting commercials ever. Produced in the wake of 9/11 and around the time that Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched, it's the best because it's what our Armed Forces are really about: honing our Warrior class to prepare for, wage, and win wars. Period.
One of the best recruiting commercials ever. Produced in the wake of 9/11 and around the time that Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched, it's the best because it's what our Armed Forces are really about: honing our Warrior class to prepare for, wage, and win wars. Period.
TFH 11/10: Captain Maurice L. Britt, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
BRITT, MAURICE L.
Rank and organization: Captain (then Lieutenant), U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: North of Mignano, Italy, 10 November 1943. Entered service at: Lonoke, Ark. Born: 29 June 1919, Carlisle, Ark. G.O. No.: 23, 24 March 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Disdaining enemy hand grenades and close-range machine pistol, machinegun, and rifle, Lt. Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling a bitter counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company positions north of Mignano, Italy, the morning of 10 November 1943. During the intense fire fight, Lt. Britt's canteen and field glasses were shattered; a bullet pierced his side; his chest, face, and hands were covered with grenade wounds. Despite his wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally killed 5 and wounded an unknown number of Germans, wiped out one enemy machinegun crew, fired 5 clips of carbine and an undetermined amount of M1 rifle ammunition, and threw 32 fragmentation grenades. His bold, aggressive actions, utterly disregarding superior enemy numbers, resulted in capture of 4 Germans, 2 of them wounded, and enabled several captured Americans to escape. Lt. Britt's undaunted courage and prowess in arms were largely responsible for repulsing a German counterattack which, if successful, would have isolated his battalion and destroyed his company.
More on this great American at Wikipedia. Prior to his military service, Maurice Britt played professional football in the NFL. World War II cost him his right arm, but it did not stop his service to his Nation. He later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.
He passed away on November 26, 1995 and rests in Little Rock National Cemetery.
November 10, 1943 was his finest hour!
BRITT, MAURICE L.
Rank and organization: Captain (then Lieutenant), U.S. Army, 3d Infantry Division. Place and date: North of Mignano, Italy, 10 November 1943. Entered service at: Lonoke, Ark. Born: 29 June 1919, Carlisle, Ark. G.O. No.: 23, 24 March 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Disdaining enemy hand grenades and close-range machine pistol, machinegun, and rifle, Lt. Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling a bitter counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company positions north of Mignano, Italy, the morning of 10 November 1943. During the intense fire fight, Lt. Britt's canteen and field glasses were shattered; a bullet pierced his side; his chest, face, and hands were covered with grenade wounds. Despite his wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally killed 5 and wounded an unknown number of Germans, wiped out one enemy machinegun crew, fired 5 clips of carbine and an undetermined amount of M1 rifle ammunition, and threw 32 fragmentation grenades. His bold, aggressive actions, utterly disregarding superior enemy numbers, resulted in capture of 4 Germans, 2 of them wounded, and enabled several captured Americans to escape. Lt. Britt's undaunted courage and prowess in arms were largely responsible for repulsing a German counterattack which, if successful, would have isolated his battalion and destroyed his company.
More on this great American at Wikipedia. Prior to his military service, Maurice Britt played professional football in the NFL. World War II cost him his right arm, but it did not stop his service to his Nation. He later served as the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.
He passed away on November 26, 1995 and rests in Little Rock National Cemetery.
November 10, 1943 was his finest hour!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
TFH 11/9: Captain Lance P. Sijan, USAF
Shot down. Evaded capture for six weeks or more. Captured. Escaped. Captured. Tortured. Died as a result of capture and torture. Hero.
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
*SIJAN, LANCE P.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force, 4th Allied POW Wing, Pilot of an F-4C aircraft. Place and date: North Vietnam, 9 November 1967. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 13 April 1942, Milwaukee, Wis. Citation: While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered 1 of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Read more about this great American at Wikipedia, including the story of his final mission and more details about his capture and captivity.
Lance Sijan, our Nation and the causes of Liberty and Freedom are bettered from your life, service, courage, and sacrifice. We are forever grateful. This was your finest hour.
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
*SIJAN, LANCE P.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Air Force, 4th Allied POW Wing, Pilot of an F-4C aircraft. Place and date: North Vietnam, 9 November 1967. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 13 April 1942, Milwaukee, Wis. Citation: While on a flight over North Vietnam, Capt. Sijan ejected from his disabled aircraft and successfully evaded capture for more than 6 weeks. During this time, he was seriously injured and suffered from shock and extreme weight loss due to lack of food. After being captured by North Vietnamese soldiers, Capt. Sijan was taken to a holding point for subsequent transfer to a prisoner of war camp. In his emaciated and crippled condition, he overpowered 1 of his guards and crawled into the jungle, only to be recaptured after several hours. He was then transferred to another prison camp where he was kept in solitary confinement and interrogated at length. During interrogation, he was severely tortured; however, he did not divulge any information to his captors. Capt. Sijan lapsed into delirium and was placed in the care of another prisoner. During his intermittent periods of consciousness until his death, he never complained of his physical condition and, on several occasions, spoke of future escape attempts. Capt. Sijan's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the cost of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Read more about this great American at Wikipedia, including the story of his final mission and more details about his capture and captivity.
Lance Sijan, our Nation and the causes of Liberty and Freedom are bettered from your life, service, courage, and sacrifice. We are forever grateful. This was your finest hour.
Monday, November 08, 2010
TFH 11/8: Technician 5th Grade Alfred L. Wilson, USA
Battlefield medics...unarmed and under fire.
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*WILSON, ALFRED L.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Bezange la Petite, France, 8 November 1944. Entered service at: Fairchance, Pa. Birth: Fairchance, Pa. G.O. No.: 47, 18 June 1945. Citation: He volunteered to assist as an aid man a company other than his own, which was suffering casualties from constant artillery fire. He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shellburst injured a number of its men. While treating his comrades he was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated by litter bearers sent to relieve him. In spite of great pain and loss of blood, he continued to administer first aid until he was too weak to stand. Crawling from 1 patient to another, he continued his work until excessive loss of blood prevented him from moving. He then verbally directed unskilled enlisted men in continuing the first aid for the wounded. Still refusing assistance himself, he remained to instruct others in dressing the wounds of his comrades until he was unable to speak above a whisper and finally lapsed into unconsciousness. The effects of his injury later caused his death. By steadfastly remaining at the scene without regard for his own safety, Cpl. Wilson through distinguished devotion to duty and personal sacrifice helped to save the lives of at least 10 wounded men.
Alfred Wilson, American Hero, rests in the Maple Grove Cemetery in his home town of Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service. November 8, 1944 was your finest hour!
From Medal of Honor Citations for World War II:
*WILSON, ALFRED L.
Rank and organization: Technician Fifth Grade, U.S. Army, Medical Detachment, 328th Infantry, 26th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Bezange la Petite, France, 8 November 1944. Entered service at: Fairchance, Pa. Birth: Fairchance, Pa. G.O. No.: 47, 18 June 1945. Citation: He volunteered to assist as an aid man a company other than his own, which was suffering casualties from constant artillery fire. He administered to the wounded and returned to his own company when a shellburst injured a number of its men. While treating his comrades he was seriously wounded, but refused to be evacuated by litter bearers sent to relieve him. In spite of great pain and loss of blood, he continued to administer first aid until he was too weak to stand. Crawling from 1 patient to another, he continued his work until excessive loss of blood prevented him from moving. He then verbally directed unskilled enlisted men in continuing the first aid for the wounded. Still refusing assistance himself, he remained to instruct others in dressing the wounds of his comrades until he was unable to speak above a whisper and finally lapsed into unconsciousness. The effects of his injury later caused his death. By steadfastly remaining at the scene without regard for his own safety, Cpl. Wilson through distinguished devotion to duty and personal sacrifice helped to save the lives of at least 10 wounded men.
Alfred Wilson, American Hero, rests in the Maple Grove Cemetery in his home town of Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service. November 8, 1944 was your finest hour!
The W. Mark Felt of the 21st Century
Anybody who follows political news will understand the Felt reference.
I first got pointed at the "White House Insider" (WHI, henceforth) blog series on a link from Mark Levin.
Check out the history of the material provided by this intriguing source. Then, read the latest report - the first since the election last Tuesday.
Couple the WHI with this report found on Politico dated today, and a rather bleak - no, make that frightening - picture of the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is produced.
Some of it almost makes one start thinking about Amendment XXV....almost.
I first got pointed at the "White House Insider" (WHI, henceforth) blog series on a link from Mark Levin.
Check out the history of the material provided by this intriguing source. Then, read the latest report - the first since the election last Tuesday.
Couple the WHI with this report found on Politico dated today, and a rather bleak - no, make that frightening - picture of the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is produced.
Some of it almost makes one start thinking about Amendment XXV....almost.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Friday, November 05, 2010
Mr. Boehner, Please Read the Constitution
Presumptive Speaker of the House John Boehner has suggested that the first thing Congress should do to save the taxpayers' money is to cut the salaries of the Congress.
Admirable thought.
Too bad it's unconstitutional. To quote the 27th Amendment:
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
In plain language, that means that for the remainder of the 111th Congress and the entirety of the 112th to come, our Congress can only vary the salaries of the 113th Congress, who won't be elected until 2012 and take office in January, 2013.
It says "varying" - not "raising" or "lowering".
The 27th Amendment is one of my favorites - certainly for its content - but also for its ratification history. The amendment was one of the original twelve proposed by the First Congress, ten of which became what we know as the Bill of Rights.
It was adopted by the Congress on September 25, 1789. It became part of the supreme law of the land on May 18, 1992. 202+ years to get the requisite three-fourths of the states to ratify!
I'll have more to say about the 27th Amendment after I do some research on the case where it was adjudicated. The case happens to be...Boehner v. Anderson!
Admirable thought.
Too bad it's unconstitutional. To quote the 27th Amendment:
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
In plain language, that means that for the remainder of the 111th Congress and the entirety of the 112th to come, our Congress can only vary the salaries of the 113th Congress, who won't be elected until 2012 and take office in January, 2013.
It says "varying" - not "raising" or "lowering".
The 27th Amendment is one of my favorites - certainly for its content - but also for its ratification history. The amendment was one of the original twelve proposed by the First Congress, ten of which became what we know as the Bill of Rights.
It was adopted by the Congress on September 25, 1789. It became part of the supreme law of the land on May 18, 1992. 202+ years to get the requisite three-fourths of the states to ratify!
I'll have more to say about the 27th Amendment after I do some research on the case where it was adjudicated. The case happens to be...Boehner v. Anderson!
In defense of Keith Olbermann
Yes, you read the title right.
It's as ludicrous as NPR firing Juan Williams that MSNBC has suspended - which some accounts are characterizing as permanently - Keith Olbermann.
The myth that MSNBC would like to perpetuate is that they are an impartial news organization, when the truth is there is opinion interlaced with their entire lineup. They're the de facto standard bearer for the liberal Statist in the media, why not embrace it?
They can't, because (a) they have no audience and (b) with no audience, they can't sell advertising.
Fox News, at least, does not try to hide the fact that Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity are on the network to put forward their opinions, which is why they hired Juan Williams for an expanded three-year role for a reported $2 million, surely a significant raise from his NPR gig.
Something tells me though that Mr. Olbermann won't be getting a phone call from Roger Ailes anytime soon...
It's as ludicrous as NPR firing Juan Williams that MSNBC has suspended - which some accounts are characterizing as permanently - Keith Olbermann.
The myth that MSNBC would like to perpetuate is that they are an impartial news organization, when the truth is there is opinion interlaced with their entire lineup. They're the de facto standard bearer for the liberal Statist in the media, why not embrace it?
They can't, because (a) they have no audience and (b) with no audience, they can't sell advertising.
Fox News, at least, does not try to hide the fact that Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, and Sean Hannity are on the network to put forward their opinions, which is why they hired Juan Williams for an expanded three-year role for a reported $2 million, surely a significant raise from his NPR gig.
Something tells me though that Mr. Olbermann won't be getting a phone call from Roger Ailes anytime soon...
TFH 11/5: Captain Robert F. Foley, USA
From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
FOLEY, ROBERT F.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966. Entered service at: Newton, Mass. Born: 30 May 1941, Newton, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well concealed, defensive positions, and the company's leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Capt. Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying 1 platoon on the flank, he led the other 2 platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again 1 of his machine gun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine gun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Capt. Foley continued to advance firing the machine gun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy's fanatical defense, Capt. Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed 3 such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Capt. Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Robert F. Foley continued in the service of the United States until the year 2000, retiring from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant General.
General Foley, thank you for your lifetime of service to our Nation. November 5, 1966 though was your finest hour!
FOLEY, ROBERT F.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, 5 November 1966. Entered service at: Newton, Mass. Born: 30 May 1941, Newton, Mass. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well concealed, defensive positions, and the company's leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Capt. Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying 1 platoon on the flank, he led the other 2 platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again 1 of his machine gun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machine gun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Capt. Foley continued to advance firing the machine gun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy's fanatical defense, Capt. Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed 3 such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Capt. Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Robert F. Foley continued in the service of the United States until the year 2000, retiring from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant General.
General Foley, thank you for your lifetime of service to our Nation. November 5, 1966 though was your finest hour!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
TFH 11/4: Corporal Lee H. Phillips, USMC
From Medal of Honor Citiations for the Korean War, a story of heroism that happened 60 years ago today:
*PHILLIPS, LEE H.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7 Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born: 3 February 1930, Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl. Phillips was killed in action 27 November 1950. 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 of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy. With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position. Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position. Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
More on this great American at Wikipedia.
Corporal Phillips, I salute and thank you for your courage and sacrifice. All freedom-loving people are forever in your debt. November 4, 1950 was your finest hour!
*PHILLIPS, LEE H.
Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7 Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.). Place and date: Korea, 4 November 1950. Entered service at: Ben Hill, Ga. Born: 3 February 1930, Stockbridge, Ga. Cpl. Phillips was killed in action 27 November 1950. 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 of Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Assuming the point position in the attack against a strongly defended and well-entrenched numerically superior enemy force occupying a vital hill position which had been unsuccessfully assaulted on 5 separate occasions by units of the Marine Corps and other friendly forces, Cpl. Phillips fearlessly led his men in a bayonet charge up the precipitous slope under a deadly hail of hostile mortar, small-arms, and machine gun fire. Quickly rallying his squad when it was pinned down by a heavy and accurate mortar barrage, he continued to lead his men through the bombarded area and, although only 5 members were left in the casualty ridden unit, gained the military crest of the hill where he was immediately subjected to an enemy counterattack. Although greatly outnumbered by an estimated enemy squad, Cpl. Phillips boldly engaged the hostile force with handgrenades and rifle fire and, exhorting his gallant group of marines to follow him, stormed forward to completely overwhelm the enemy. With only 3 men now left in his squad, he proceeded to spearhead an assault on the last remaining strongpoint which was defended by 4 of the enemy on a rocky and almost inaccessible portion of the hill position. Using 1 hand to climb up the extremely hazardous precipice, he hurled grenades with the other and, with 2 remaining comrades, succeeded in annihilating the pocket of resistance and in consolidating the position. Immediately subjected to a sharp counterattack by an estimated enemy squad, he skillfully directed the fire of his men and employed his own weapon with deadly effectiveness to repulse the numerically superior hostile force. By his valiant leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and resolute determination in the face of heavy odds, Cpl. Phillips served to inspire all who observed him and was directly responsible for the destruction of the enemy stronghold. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances and sustains the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
More on this great American at Wikipedia.
Corporal Phillips, I salute and thank you for your courage and sacrifice. All freedom-loving people are forever in your debt. November 4, 1950 was your finest hour!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
My Letter to Senator Robert Casey (D-PA)
Dear Senator Casey,
I am writing to express my supreme disgust and extreme displeasure at your vote yesterday to uphold federal funding for ACORN and its affiliates by voting "NO" on the Johanns Amendment.
ACORN representatives in multiple states are either under investigation or already subject to criminal prosecution for incidents of voter fraud.
ACORN representatives were recently recorded by intrepid, independent investigative journalists conspiring to promote tax fraud, mortgage and bank fraud, child exploitation, illegal immigration, and the facilitation of prostitution.
Your vote yesterday is a disgrace to the good name of your father, a slap in the face of every Pennsylvania resident, a stab in the back to every American taxpayer and voter, and shows blatant disregard for the oath you took to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same."
Thank you for your attention.
I am writing to express my supreme disgust and extreme displeasure at your vote yesterday to uphold federal funding for ACORN and its affiliates by voting "NO" on the Johanns Amendment.
ACORN representatives in multiple states are either under investigation or already subject to criminal prosecution for incidents of voter fraud.
ACORN representatives were recently recorded by intrepid, independent investigative journalists conspiring to promote tax fraud, mortgage and bank fraud, child exploitation, illegal immigration, and the facilitation of prostitution.
Your vote yesterday is a disgrace to the good name of your father, a slap in the face of every Pennsylvania resident, a stab in the back to every American taxpayer and voter, and shows blatant disregard for the oath you took to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic; to bear true faith and allegiance to the same."
Thank you for your attention.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Senate Adopts the Johanns Amendment to HR3288!
The United States Senate has adopted the amendment proposed by Mike Johanns (R-NE) that prevents ACORN from receiving ANY federal funds under current appropriations.
The vote was 83-7.
Every American tax payer owes a debt of gratitude to James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles.
The vote was 83-7.
Every American tax payer owes a debt of gratitude to James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles.
Wisdom of the Day
And yet however just these sentiments will be allowed to be, we have
already sufficient indications that it will happen in this as in all former
cases of great national discussion. A torrent of angry and malignant passions
will be let loose. To judge from the conduct of the opposite parties, we shall
be led to conclude that they will mutually hope to evince the justness of their
opinions, and to increase the number of their converts by the loudness of their
declamations and the bitterness of their invectives. An enlightened zeal for the
energy and efficiency of government will be stigmatized as the offspring of a
temper fond of despotic power and hostile to the principles of liberty. An over
scrupulous jealousy of danger to the rights of the people, which is more
commonly the fault of the head than of the heart, will be represented as mere
pretense and artifice; the stale bait for popularity at the expense of the
public good. It will be forgotten, on the one hand, that jealousy is the usual
concomitant of love, and that the noble enthusiasm of liberty is apt to be
infected with a spirit of narrow and illiberal distrust. On the other hand, it
will be equally forgotten that the vigor of government is essential to the
security of liberty; that, in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed
judgment, their interest can never be separated; and that a dangerous ambition
more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people
than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of
government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more
certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those
men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have
begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing
demagogues, and ending Tyrants.
Alexander Hamilton, Federalist #1
Getting Exactly What You've Asked For
I happened to be at my parents' house in New Jersey this weekend, and I decided to risk assured infuriation by reading their copy of The New York Times. I wasn't disappointed. One article in particular jumped off the page at me, and it's a wonderful demonstration of how the willingness of "We the People" to cede our liberty and sovereignty to government makes all of our lives worse.
The piece is entitled "Turning to Windmills, but Resistance Lingers" and it is dated September 13, 2009.
It's the story of Wendie Howland of Bourne, MA. Based on the introductory paragraph, "Wendie Howland grows her own food and heats her water with rooftop solar panels. She drives a Prius with a bumper sticker that boasts 'One less S.U.V.'," I'm going to go out on a strong limb and assume that:
1) She's a good, caring liberal.
2) She voted for President Obama.
3) She has enthusiastically supported environmental groups and regulations.
Well, Mrs. Howland and her husband have been prevented by government regulation from erecting a wind turbine on their own private property so they can generate some or all of their own electricity. It's a disgrace, but it's exactly what liberals have asked for time and time again by placing in the hands of government what we can and cannot do with our liberty and private property.
Ms. Howland's neighbors "overwhelmingly approved" a bylaw regulating windmills in 2007. This is "collectivism" at its worst, especially since "To Mrs. Howland, the town's claim that a windmill would hurt the character of her neighborhood was especially galling. None of her closest neighbors objected, she said."
Now, the usual liberal response to an anti-regulatory comment by a conservative usually descends into rhetorical slams like "you don't believe in a clean environment" or "you only care about big business' interests and not that of the people", or worse.
I support Mr. & Mrs. Howland's desire for a wind turbine because it is the conservative thing to do! It is their private property. How they want to use their property, and their wealth to improve upon it, is their business and no one else's.
Here's how a scenario like this should play out, taking both self and community interest into consideration:
1) I want to erect a wind turbine to generate electricity for myself. It is worth the cost to me because I believe that I'm going to get more value out of the transaction than what I'm spending. That value could be in lowering my electricity bill, believing that I'm being better to the environment, whatever - the value is what is important; I'm acting in my own self-interest.
2) Since it is in my own self-interest to care about my neighbors, I inform them that I'd like to build the turbine. This gives them the option to object, raise concerns, or otherwise act on their own self-interests.
3) Now, I'm putting my "neighbor" hat on. What am I worried about? How is this going to affect me? If the thing falls over, where's it going to land? Perhaps I don't want them to erect their turbine, but what can I do to mitigate the situation? I can ask for financial consideration. I can ask them if they have an insurance rider covering the turbine and its effects. I can ask if I can share in the electricity generated - either for my consent or for contribution of my own wealth -since it can't practically be stored. I can ask for a trade or concession as simple as, "Hey, whenever I need to cut my grass can I use your tractor?"
4) Back to being the turbine erector. Now that I've talked to the neighbors, I can decide if the costs of my project - including that of satisfying my neighbors and community - still provide the value I'm looking for. Maybe I go ahead, maybe I don't. Perhaps my neighbors still aren't happy and seek other recourse if we can't come to a mutually agreeable, beneficial, and profitable solution.
That is liberty. That is freedom. That is caring about one's neighbors out of one's own self-interest.
And that, by the way, is capitalism. Trading wealth for value in one's own self-interest to generate more wealth, be it material or otherwise, is the essence of economics.
It's also the essence of our unalienable right, as Jefferson wrote, to "the pursuit of Happiness."
I hope the Howlands eventually get their freedom to use their wealth and property as they want to, even though by what I'm assuming their political and regulatory stances have been, they got exactly what they asked for time and time again in being denied their freedom.
The piece is entitled "Turning to Windmills, but Resistance Lingers" and it is dated September 13, 2009.
It's the story of Wendie Howland of Bourne, MA. Based on the introductory paragraph, "Wendie Howland grows her own food and heats her water with rooftop solar panels. She drives a Prius with a bumper sticker that boasts 'One less S.U.V.'," I'm going to go out on a strong limb and assume that:
1) She's a good, caring liberal.
2) She voted for President Obama.
3) She has enthusiastically supported environmental groups and regulations.
Well, Mrs. Howland and her husband have been prevented by government regulation from erecting a wind turbine on their own private property so they can generate some or all of their own electricity. It's a disgrace, but it's exactly what liberals have asked for time and time again by placing in the hands of government what we can and cannot do with our liberty and private property.
Ms. Howland's neighbors "overwhelmingly approved" a bylaw regulating windmills in 2007. This is "collectivism" at its worst, especially since "To Mrs. Howland, the town's claim that a windmill would hurt the character of her neighborhood was especially galling. None of her closest neighbors objected, she said."
Now, the usual liberal response to an anti-regulatory comment by a conservative usually descends into rhetorical slams like "you don't believe in a clean environment" or "you only care about big business' interests and not that of the people", or worse.
I support Mr. & Mrs. Howland's desire for a wind turbine because it is the conservative thing to do! It is their private property. How they want to use their property, and their wealth to improve upon it, is their business and no one else's.
Here's how a scenario like this should play out, taking both self and community interest into consideration:
1) I want to erect a wind turbine to generate electricity for myself. It is worth the cost to me because I believe that I'm going to get more value out of the transaction than what I'm spending. That value could be in lowering my electricity bill, believing that I'm being better to the environment, whatever - the value is what is important; I'm acting in my own self-interest.
2) Since it is in my own self-interest to care about my neighbors, I inform them that I'd like to build the turbine. This gives them the option to object, raise concerns, or otherwise act on their own self-interests.
3) Now, I'm putting my "neighbor" hat on. What am I worried about? How is this going to affect me? If the thing falls over, where's it going to land? Perhaps I don't want them to erect their turbine, but what can I do to mitigate the situation? I can ask for financial consideration. I can ask them if they have an insurance rider covering the turbine and its effects. I can ask if I can share in the electricity generated - either for my consent or for contribution of my own wealth -since it can't practically be stored. I can ask for a trade or concession as simple as, "Hey, whenever I need to cut my grass can I use your tractor?"
4) Back to being the turbine erector. Now that I've talked to the neighbors, I can decide if the costs of my project - including that of satisfying my neighbors and community - still provide the value I'm looking for. Maybe I go ahead, maybe I don't. Perhaps my neighbors still aren't happy and seek other recourse if we can't come to a mutually agreeable, beneficial, and profitable solution.
That is liberty. That is freedom. That is caring about one's neighbors out of one's own self-interest.
And that, by the way, is capitalism. Trading wealth for value in one's own self-interest to generate more wealth, be it material or otherwise, is the essence of economics.
It's also the essence of our unalienable right, as Jefferson wrote, to "the pursuit of Happiness."
I hope the Howlands eventually get their freedom to use their wealth and property as they want to, even though by what I'm assuming their political and regulatory stances have been, they got exactly what they asked for time and time again in being denied their freedom.
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