October 10, 1993: Operation Gothic Serpent, otherwise known as the Battle of Mogadishu, took place. During the battle, a MH-60 Nighthawk helicopter of the U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment was downed by enemy action. Several members of the crew were killed or injured; the pilot, CWO Clifton "Elvis" Wolcott was pothumsously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery and flying skill. Four Silver Star Medals - all awarded pothumously - were also earned that day in the defense of Freedom.
The crashed helicopter was beyond support. A relief convoy was having difficulty getting to them. In this fog of war and sting of battle, two great Americans - Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart of the Army's 1st Special Forces Operational Detatchment-Delta ("Delta Force") - asked commanders for permission to go to their aid.
Permission was denied.
They asked again; denied again.
They asked a third time - these brave soldiers would not let their comrades go - and permission was granted.
Sergeants Gordon and Shugart were inserted into the combat zone by helicopter. The odds were long. The opposition fierce. The danger severe. They both gave their lives in the defense of our Nation and Freedom, and they saved those on board the helicopter still alive through their indomitable courage. They fought until they ran out of ammunition, found other weapons, and continued to fight until both were cut down. Both were awarded the Medal of Honor for their valor and sacrifice. I'll let their citations speak for themselves:
*GORDON, GARY I.
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant, U.S. Army. Place and date: 3 October 1993, Mogadishu, Somalia. Entered service at: ----- Born: Lincoln, Maine. Citation: Master Sergeant Gordon, United States Army, distinguished himself by actions above and beyond the call of duty on 3 October 1993, while serving as Sniper Team Leader, United States Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia. Master Sergeant Gordon's sniper team provided precision fires from the lead helicopter during an assault and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fires. When Master Sergeant Gordon learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure the second crash site, he and another sniper unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite being well aware of the growing number of enemy personnel closing in on the site. After his third request to be inserted, Master Sergeant Gordon received permission to perform his volunteer mission. When debris and enemy ground fires at the site caused them to abort the first attempt, Master Sergeant Gordon was inserted one hundred meters south of the crash site. Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Master Sergeant Gordon and his fellow sniper, while under intense small arms fire from the enemy, fought their way through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew members. Master Sergeant Gordon immediately pulled the pilot and the other crew members from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow sniper in the most vulnerable position. Master Sergeant Gordon used his long range rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers until he depleted his ammunition. Master Sergeant Gordon then went back to the wreckage, recovering some of the crew's weapons and ammunition. Despite the fact that he was critically low on ammunition, he provided some of it to the dazed pilot and then radioed for help. Master Sergeant Gordon continued to travel the perimeter, protecting the downed crew. After his team member was fatally wounded and his own rifle ammunition exhausted, Master Sergeant Gordon returned to the wreckage, recovering a rifle with the last five rounds of ammunition and gave it to the pilot with the words, "good luck." Then, armed only with his pistol, Master Sergeant Gordon continued to fight until he was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot's life. Master Sergeant Gordon's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit and the United States Army.
*SHUGHART, RANDALL D.
Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army. Place and date: 3 October 1993, Mogadishu, Somalia. Entered service at: ----- Born: Newville, Pennsylvania. Citation: Sergeant First Class Shughart, United States Army, distinguished himself by actions above and beyond the call of duty on 3 October 1993, while serving as a Sniper Team Member, United States Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia. Sergeant First Class Shughart provided precision sniper fires from the lead helicopter during an assault on a building and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fires. While providing critical suppressive fires at the second crash site, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure the site. Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite being well aware of the growing number of enemy personnel closing in on the site. After their third request to be inserted, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader received permission to perform this volunteer mission. When debris and enemy ground fires at the site caused them to abort the first attempt, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader were inserted one hundred meters south of the crash site. Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader, while under intense small arms fire from the enemy, fought their way through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew members. Sergeant First Class Shughart pulled the pilot and the other crew members from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow sniper in the most vulnerable position. Sergeant First Class Shughart used his long range rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers while traveling the perimeter, protecting the downed crew. Sergeant First Class Shughart continued his protective fire until he depleted his ammunition and was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot's life. Sergeant First Class Shughart's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit and the United States Army.
Thanks to the United States' withdrawal from Somalia under the cowardly pseudo-leadership of President Bill Clinton, their sacrifice was ultimately in vain. Somalia today is still tormented by tyranny. President Clinton's cut and run from Somalia led directly to Al Qaeda thinking that the US was soft and the attacks on the USS Cole and 9/11.
However, on October 3, 1993 we saw the best of America. We saw the bravery of Americans who would not leave their comrades behind, and who would not give up the fight when the likely outcome was their own deaths.
On October 3, 1993 we saw the finest hour of Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart. I thank them both for their sacrifices and service. Our Nation, and the cause of Freedom, will forever be greatful for the valor and courage of such men.
ATTENTION:
Friday, October 03, 2008
Pray today for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
Today is the first day of the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Tomorrow should bring the vote that will extract us from the heresy and apostasy of the Episcopal Church USA and into faithful association with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone.
Convention should also restore the Rt. Rev. Bob Duncan to his calling as the Bishop of Pittsburgh.
Lord Jesus, please protect, defend, and guide the leaders both lay and ordained of our diocese as they meet and determine the future of Anglicanism in Pittsburgh. Let their hearts not be swayed or troubled by those who oppose. I pray especially for Fathers Paul, Terry, and Ethan, Deacon Marybeth, and our lay representatives Gene and Chad. May He be with you all. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen!
Convention should also restore the Rt. Rev. Bob Duncan to his calling as the Bishop of Pittsburgh.
Lord Jesus, please protect, defend, and guide the leaders both lay and ordained of our diocese as they meet and determine the future of Anglicanism in Pittsburgh. Let their hearts not be swayed or troubled by those who oppose. I pray especially for Fathers Paul, Terry, and Ethan, Deacon Marybeth, and our lay representatives Gene and Chad. May He be with you all. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Sarah ROCKS!
Yes, I'm biased in her favor. Yes, I think she'd make a great Vice President - and for that matter, a great President. My dream ticket for the future is Palin/Jindal or Jindal/Palin; I really couldn't care who's at the top, so long as they're both on the ticket. I'm happy with McCain/Palin for now...
All that aside, Sarah cleaned the floor with tired, old Joe Biden tonight.
This is conservatism. This is the future. And most importantly:
This is one of us!
I loved it when Sarah basically said that she didn't care about the premise of the questions and what was expected as an answer - she was going to talk to the American people.
God Bless you Sarah and your wonderful, beautiful family. Keep being yourself. You'll never go wrong doing that.
Finally, an apology: I did think Gwen Ifill, Obama-gushing-book-being-authored and all, did a fair, balanced, probing, skillful, and impartial moderation of the debate. Ms. Ifill, should you ever see this, I am sorry that my initial reaction to hearing about the book and its non-disclosure to the parties concerned was one of disrespect for you as a journalist. You did a great job tonight.
All that aside, Sarah cleaned the floor with tired, old Joe Biden tonight.
This is conservatism. This is the future. And most importantly:
This is one of us!
I loved it when Sarah basically said that she didn't care about the premise of the questions and what was expected as an answer - she was going to talk to the American people.
God Bless you Sarah and your wonderful, beautiful family. Keep being yourself. You'll never go wrong doing that.
Finally, an apology: I did think Gwen Ifill, Obama-gushing-book-being-authored and all, did a fair, balanced, probing, skillful, and impartial moderation of the debate. Ms. Ifill, should you ever see this, I am sorry that my initial reaction to hearing about the book and its non-disclosure to the parties concerned was one of disrespect for you as a journalist. You did a great job tonight.
Just once...
Sarah missed an opportunity in the debate - a minor one (she's doing great by the way) - to state clear and loud what the exit strategy for the War on Terror is. Once, just once, I'd like to hear someone say at the top of their lungs that the only exit strategy acceptable to Americans in war is:
America's doctrine in war should have only two possible outcomes for the enemies of Freedom:
1) You may surrender unconditionally and immediately.
2) If you choose to not accept option one, you will be completely and totally annihilated.
End. Of. Discussion.
VICTORY!!!!!
America's doctrine in war should have only two possible outcomes for the enemies of Freedom:
1) You may surrender unconditionally and immediately.
2) If you choose to not accept option one, you will be completely and totally annihilated.
End. Of. Discussion.
Welcome Home, USS Intrepid!
The USS Intrepid has returned to her museum berth at Pier 86 in Manhattan. I can't wait to go back and tour the renovated "Fighting I" soon.
Read all about this storied warship at Wikipedia, and visit the museum's web site too!
Read all about this storied warship at Wikipedia, and visit the museum's web site too!
TFH 10/2: CWO Michael J. Novosel, USA
Unarmed and unprotected, the valiant members of our Armed Forces in medical units who put their lives on the line to rescue and save the lives their comrades deserve special recognition. Here is the story of one of them, from Medal of Honor citations:
NOVOSEL, MICHAEL J.
Rank and organization: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group. Place and date: Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 October 1969. Entered service at: Kenner, La. Born: 3 September 1922, Etna, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Novosel, 82d Medical Detachment, distinguished himself while serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter. He unhesitatingly maneuvered his helicopter into a heavily fortified and defended enemy training area where a group of wounded Vietnamese soldiers were pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without gunship or other cover and exposed to intense machinegun fire, CWO Novosel was able to locate and rescue a wounded soldier. Since all communications with the beleaguered troops had been lost, he repeatedly circled the battle area, flying at low level under continuous heavy fire, to attract the attention of the scattered friendly troops. This display of courage visibly raised their morale, as they recognized this as a signal to assemble for evacuation. On 6 occasions he and his crew were forced out of the battle area by the intense enemy fire, only to circle and return from another direction to land and extract additional troops. Near the end of the mission, a wounded soldier was spotted close to an enemy bunker. Fully realizing that he would attract a hail of enemy fire, CWO Novosel nevertheless attempted the extraction by hovering the helicopter backward. As the man was pulled on aboard, enemy automatic weapons opened fire at close range, damaged the aircraft and wounded CWO Novosel. He momentarily lost control of the aircraft, but quickly recovered and departed under the withering enemy fire. In all, 15 extremely hazardous extractions were performed in order to remove wounded personnel. As a direct result of his selfless conduct, the lives of 29 soldiers were saved. The extraordinary heroism displayed by CWO Novosel was an inspiration to his comrades in arms and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Michael Novosel, thank you for your service and courage to save the lives of others so that they may fight another day in the defense of Freedom and our Nation. October 2nd, 1969 was your finest hour!
Read the Wikipedia article on this great American!
CWO Novosel passed away on April 2, 2006 at age 83. A native of Etna, PA (just down the road from me), he was memorialized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in this obituary.
NOVOSEL, MICHAEL J.
Rank and organization: Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, 82d Medical Detachment, 45th Medical Company, 68th Medical Group. Place and date: Kien Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 2 October 1969. Entered service at: Kenner, La. Born: 3 September 1922, Etna, Pa. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. CWO Novosel, 82d Medical Detachment, distinguished himself while serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter. He unhesitatingly maneuvered his helicopter into a heavily fortified and defended enemy training area where a group of wounded Vietnamese soldiers were pinned down by a large enemy force. Flying without gunship or other cover and exposed to intense machinegun fire, CWO Novosel was able to locate and rescue a wounded soldier. Since all communications with the beleaguered troops had been lost, he repeatedly circled the battle area, flying at low level under continuous heavy fire, to attract the attention of the scattered friendly troops. This display of courage visibly raised their morale, as they recognized this as a signal to assemble for evacuation. On 6 occasions he and his crew were forced out of the battle area by the intense enemy fire, only to circle and return from another direction to land and extract additional troops. Near the end of the mission, a wounded soldier was spotted close to an enemy bunker. Fully realizing that he would attract a hail of enemy fire, CWO Novosel nevertheless attempted the extraction by hovering the helicopter backward. As the man was pulled on aboard, enemy automatic weapons opened fire at close range, damaged the aircraft and wounded CWO Novosel. He momentarily lost control of the aircraft, but quickly recovered and departed under the withering enemy fire. In all, 15 extremely hazardous extractions were performed in order to remove wounded personnel. As a direct result of his selfless conduct, the lives of 29 soldiers were saved. The extraordinary heroism displayed by CWO Novosel was an inspiration to his comrades in arms and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Michael Novosel, thank you for your service and courage to save the lives of others so that they may fight another day in the defense of Freedom and our Nation. October 2nd, 1969 was your finest hour!
Read the Wikipedia article on this great American!
CWO Novosel passed away on April 2, 2006 at age 83. A native of Etna, PA (just down the road from me), he was memorialized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in this obituary.
Be yourself, Sarah!
Here's to hoping that in tonight's debate, our Sarah forgets how her handlers have dumbed her down and remembers why we all love her:
She is one of us.
I support Sarah Palin because her story is an American one - one that doesn't revolve around being in government.
It will be nice to have somebody in Washington who isn't of Washington.
Please, oh Please!
She is one of us.
I support Sarah Palin because her story is an American one - one that doesn't revolve around being in government.
It will be nice to have somebody in Washington who isn't of Washington.
Please, oh Please!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Fraud, what fraud?
The guys at PowerLine have a great post about donations to the campaign for the New Soviet Man - and how they've circumvented, disregarded, or outright broken the campaign finance laws.
Most sigfinicantly, it looks like over $33 million has been donated by foreigners!
No corruption here, none to see.
UPDATE: Allahpundit @ HotAir chimes in also.
Most sigfinicantly, it looks like over $33 million has been donated by foreigners!
No corruption here, none to see.
UPDATE: Allahpundit @ HotAir chimes in also.
Pelosi: Democratic Ethics
Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could funnel political donations to our spouses for their personal financial gain?
No corruption here, none at all.
Hat tip: Drudge
No corruption here, none at all.
Hat tip: Drudge
Yeah, Sarah will be treated fairly...
The "moderator" of the Veep debate tomorrow has a book in the works about the New Soviet Man that is scheduled to be released on Inauguration Day.
No bias, none at all.
Hat tip: Drudge
UPDATE @ 2:57 PM - Call the Commission on Presidential Debates to protest:
(202) 872-1020
No bias, none at all.
Hat tip: Drudge
UPDATE @ 2:57 PM - Call the Commission on Presidential Debates to protest:
(202) 872-1020
TFH 10/1: 61 in '61 - Roger Maris
On October 1, 1961 at Yankee Stadium Roger Maris hit his 61st home run of the season to break Babe Ruth's single season record! A great moment in both Yankees and baseball history!
Roger Maris, this day was your finest hour!
Roger Maris, this day was your finest hour!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Pearls of Wisdom from Mark Levin
The great Mark Levin has weighed in on the bailout being voted down at NRO's "The Corner". He hits every nail right on the head.
A Money Quote
Heard moments ago on the Rush Limbaugh Program, from the master himself:
"Bipartisanship is like Liberalism: gutless."
Amen!
"Bipartisanship is like Liberalism: gutless."
Amen!
The Failure of Liberalism on Display
Watch this, pay attention to how the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac collapse has led to the current economic crisis, and never forget who asked for more oversight and regulation, and who defended the criminals who have trashed our country.
Remember also, it isn't "Democrats" and "Republicans" - it's Liberals and Americans.
Remember when you enter that voting booth on November 4th also...
Remember also, it isn't "Democrats" and "Republicans" - it's Liberals and Americans.
Remember when you enter that voting booth on November 4th also...
If the Left had their way...
Zach Wincent would probably have been aborted, because folks with Down's Syndrome are such a burden on families and society.
But he wasn't, and our world is better for it.
Choose Life, always.
But he wasn't, and our world is better for it.
Choose Life, always.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Stay calm, folks
October 19, 1987: DJIA closed at 1739, down 508 - 22.6 percent
Today's losses were just under 7 percent (6.98%). Don't panic. Let's let the free market fix itself!
Today's losses were just under 7 percent (6.98%). Don't panic. Let's let the free market fix itself!
Is it a cold day, Satan?
I disagree with every one of his premises, but Jabba the Hut-esqe film maker Michael Moore (an "enemy domestic") is right on one thing - the bailout stinks.
All is reasons are wrong for thinking so, but who knows? When one gets one point right, perhaps they can still be shown the truth on how they got to the right position...NOT!
All is reasons are wrong for thinking so, but who knows? When one gets one point right, perhaps they can still be shown the truth on how they got to the right position...NOT!
Kudos to Congress
Today, 228 of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives honored their oaths to the Constitution of the United States and voted against the evil specter of socialism. To both the Republicans and Democrats who stood today for keeping government out of free enterprise and our financial markets, THANK YOU.
Two of the local Pittsburgh-area reps, Jason Altmire (D) and Tim Murphy (R), both voted against. I am glad that Mr. Altmire listened to his constituents; I was one of the many who contacted his office urging a "NO" vote.
It still won't make me vote for him though...
Two of the local Pittsburgh-area reps, Jason Altmire (D) and Tim Murphy (R), both voted against. I am glad that Mr. Altmire listened to his constituents; I was one of the many who contacted his office urging a "NO" vote.
It still won't make me vote for him though...
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