Patriot/Hero of the Week

This week's hero is not an American, but a freedom fighter and hero just the same.

On September 2, an eighty-nine year old woman, by the name of Eileen Nearne, was discovered to have died alone in her Torquay, England apartment. What makes this story significant is that when the authorities, in the absence of any known, living relatives, entered her apartment. They were searching for any form of documentation that might identify, and lead to, next-of-kin to take charge of the funeral arrangements. What they found revealed that this aged, penniless, recluse was not your average little old lady. Ms. Nearne was in fact agent "Rose" during World War II.

Agent "Rose", a member of the British Special Operations Executive, who at the age of twenty-three, parachuted into France to fight the Nazis in 1944. She worked undercover coordinating the efforts of the resistance and spies with the Allied war effort and operating a wireless radio for the Wizard network. Four months after entering France, her transmitter was detected and she was arrested, and tortured, by the Nazi secret police, the Gestapo. She was released due to the inability of the Gestapo to ascertain her true identity. Her French was too good to be a foreigner, owing to a childhood spent in France.

Ms. Nearne was arrested several weeks later and imprisoned at the Ravensbrueck Concentration Camp. She was later transferred to a forced labor camp in Silesia. She escaped from the camp, was re-arrested and escaped again to continue her work with the resistance.

After the war, Ms. Nearne was awarded Croix de Guerre by France, and appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, in recognition of her services. She lived most of her post war life with her sister in London, and moved to Torquay, on the English coast, after her sister's death in 1982.

Ms. Nearne is survived by a niece, Odile Nearne, who lived in Italy and was, despite appearances, close to her secret agent aunt and visited often, including a visit not six months prior. Ms. Nearne's mortal remains were not treated to the ignominy of a pauper's funeral, instead she was honored at a service provided by the British Legion on September 21, 2010 at Our Lady Help of Christians and St Denis Roman Catholic Church, Torquay. Twenty-one standard bearers, two pipers and her niece formed the honor guard around her flag draped coffin, and her remains scattered at sea according to her last wishes.

Eileen Mary "Didi" Nearne is a true hero to the entire free world, and I am proud to tell her story and glad that she did not pass from this veil unlauded and unknown. She faced down the the worst that Nazis could deliver, and never gave up, never backed down and ensured that justice would be served to a cruel, unjust and tyrannical regime. Rest well agent "Rose", you are gone but not forgotten by a grateful world.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES

More on the Departure of the 3-116 CAB (CAV)

Here are some picture from the Mobilization Ceremony from the 3-116 CAB (CAV) that I first spoke of in this American Patriot/Hero of the Week post. For those who do not know, I was honored to be invited to attend this ceremony, and I am glad to finally be able to share some photos from the event.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This Tuesday past, I was honored to receive an invitation from my friend, and coworker, to attend the Mobilization Ceremony of the Oregon National Guards 3-116 CAB (CAV). Despite my knee injury, I drug my sorry rear the fifty-some-odd miles down the road to see my friend off as he leaves to defend our great nation and bring freedom to the Iraqis. There are many in this local battalion of heroes, some I have met, and one other I work with (Jeff). I told myself that they would have to screw me into a coffin before I missed the ceremony, and a little pain was worth it. This week I honor all the brave men and women of 3-116 CAB (CAV), but I single out my good friend Tyson Cross, who did me this great honor, as a model of the average American Soldier who has gone off to war. Tyson is a young man who works hard, well as hard as any of us do. He is helpful, truthful, a good friend and a good uncle to his sister's children. He understands the sacrifice that must be made if freedom is to florish in this festering, benighted world. Whether he has the words of not, he knows bone deep, "The noblest fate that a man can endure is to place his own mortal body between his loved home and the war's desolation." I ask you all to say a prayer for the safe return of every member of the 3-116 CAB (CAV). Below are some pictures that Tyson's wife, Jennifer, has sent me to include in this post.

I know he reads my blog, and so I offer him this personal message, do your duty to the best of your ability, be safe, take care of your buddies, your equipment and your feet and they will take care of you. When you get back the first beer is on me.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This week's hero is particularly special. He is the first recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War to not receive our nation's highest honor posthumously. Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, then a rifle team leader of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, risked his life to save two members of his squad who were injured during an ambush by the Taliban. In the finest traditions of a real hero, Staff Sergeant Giunta gives credit for the action to the whole unit saying, "My piece of the puzzle is what everyone is interested in right now, but it was not the only one." He goes on to say, "What I remember and what I would like to tell people is that it was not me doing everything." A real hero in my book. The ceremony for his award has yet to be scheduled so I can not post his citation, but here is the White House Action Report:

Then-Specialist Salvatore A. Giunta distinguished himself by acts of gallantry at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifle team leader with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan on October 25, 2007. When an insurgent force ambush split Specialist Giunta's squad into two groups, he exposed himself to enemy fire to pull a comrade back to cover. Later, while engaging the enemy and attempting to link up with the rest of his squad, Specialist Giunta noticed two insurgents carrying away a fellow soldier. He immediately engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other, and provided medical aid to his wounded comrade while the rest of his squad caught up and provided security. His courage and leadership while under extreme enemy fire were integral to his platoon's ability to defeat an enemy ambush and recover a fellow American paratrooper from enemy hands.

It is brave men and women such as Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta who ensure that this country will continue to have the freedoms we currently enjoy. With men like this, to stand between us and war's desolation and God willing, we always will.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This weeks American Patriot and Hero gave his life to save his fellow Marines in Iraq. For his heroic actions, Corporal Jason Lee Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. I have heard many unsubstantiated stories about men who dove onto live grenades to protect their brothers-in-arms during war. These stories are so pervasive that they have become part of the national mythos and the stuff of war movies. Despite this, I have never seen a confirmed instance of this story, not one, until now. Here is Cpl. Dunham's MOH citation:

Rank and Organization: Corporal, United States Marine Corps
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This post was delayed a week to honor another Medal of Honor recipient and the people who are attempting to aide his widow, and other surviving family. While I would not normally bump a post as near and dear to my heart as the Patriots/Heroes posts, the time constraints of the Baker family's need called out to me to publish their story as soon as possible, and I am sure that Corporal Stein would understand and approve.

This week I honor Marine Corporal Tony Stein. Cpl. Stein died two weeks after the events that earned him the Medal of Honor as a volunteer rooting out Japanese machine gun emplacements during the battle of Iwo Jima, and for aiding wounded comrades. Below is Cpl. Stein's Medal of Honor citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, Fifth Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, in the Volcano Island, February 19, 1945. The first man of his unit to be on station after hitting the beach in the initial assault, Corporal Stein, armed with a personally improvised aircraft-type weapon, provided rapid covering fire as the remainder of his platoon attempted to move into position and, when his comrades were stalled by a concentrated machine-gun and mortar barrage, gallantly stood upright and exposed himself to the enemy's view, thereby drawing the hostile fire to his own person and enabling him to observe the location of the furiously blazing hostile guns. Determined to neutralize the strategically placed weapons, he boldly charged the enemy pillboxes one by one and succeeded in killing twenty of the enemy during the furious single-handed assault. Cool and courageous under the merciless hail of exploding shells and bullets which fell on all sides, he continued to deliver the fire of his skillfully improvised weapon at a tremendous rate of speed which rapidly exhausted his ammunition. Undaunted, he removed his helmet and shoes to expedite his movements and ran back to the beach for additional ammunition, making a total of eight trips under intense fire and carrying or assisting a wounded man back each time. Despite the unrelenting savagery and confusion of battle, he rendered prompt assistance to his platoon whenever the unit was in position, directing the fire of a half-track against a stubborn pillbox until he had effected the ultimate destruction of the Japanese fortification. Later in the day, although his weapon was twice shot from his hands, he personally covered the withdrawal of his platoon to the company position. Stouthearted and indomitable, Corporal Stein, by his aggressive initiative, sound judgment and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of terrific odds, contributed materially to the fulfillment of his mission, and his outstanding valor throughout the bitter hours of conflict sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This week's American Patriot/Hero was going to be Medal of Honor recipient Tony Stein. While I still intend to honor Corporal Stein, I am pushing his story to next week because of the timely need of the family of a hero. This week's Heroes post is a double whammy. Not only will I profile a hero of the American Republic, but also the people who are attempting to help his family in true American fashion.

First Lieutenant Vernon Baker

First Lieutenant Vernon Baker, a black U.S. Army soldier in the 92nd Infantry Division, who fought in Europe during World War II. Lt. Baker was personally responsible for the destruction of three machine gun nests, two observation points, two bunkers and a German communications network for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. For a more detailed account of his actions, see this WaPo article. Later, after a review of the policies of the time, his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor, which was awarded by President Bill Clinton in 1997. Below is Lt. Baker's Medal of Honor citation:

For extraordinary heroism in action on 5 and 6 April 1945, near Viareggio, Italy. Then Second Lieutenant Baker demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company's attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain. When his company was stopped by the concentration of fire from several machine gun emplacements, he crawled to one position and destroyed it, killing three Germans. Continuing forward, he attacked an enemy observation post and killed two occupants. With the aid of one of his men, Lieutenant Baker attacked two more machine gun nests, killing or wounding the four enemy soldiers occupying these positions. He then covered the evacuation of the wounded personnel of his company by occupying an exposed position and drawing the enemy's fire. On the following night Lieutenant Baker voluntarily led a battalion advance through enemy mine fields and heavy fire toward the division objective. Second Lieutenant Baker's fighting spirit and daring leadership were an inspiration to his men and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

"I'm not a hero. I'm just a soldier that did a good job. I think the real heroes are the men I left behind on that hill that day." - Lt. Baker

I told you Lt. Baker's story so that I could then tell you this story:

After a long bout with brain cancer, Lt. Baker died on July 13, 2010. at his Saint Maries, Idaho home. He left behind a wife, three children, one step-child and a grand-child. Like many of us, the Baker family is suffering from the effects of the current recession. The family is suffering so much so, that they are can not afford to his interment in Arlington Nation Cemetery. The people of his community have refused to let this stand. Businesses, strangers, the local congressman and the Post Falls National Guard are all chipping in to make sure that a brave American Hero's family can attend his funeral. To me, this makes them all heroes. It is sad that this great nation can not or will not bring a hero's family to Arlington to witness his interment and to say their last goodbyes. It is very heartening however that the American people will not allow such a travesty to occur, and a giving, even in these hard times to make sure that a great injustice will not occur. I salute and thank you all. It is actions such as this that help sustain my faith in the American people.

If you would like to help, checks made out to Heidy Baker can be mailed to the following address:
AmericanWest Bank Saint Maries Idaho
1500 Main Ave
Saint Maries, ID 83861

Also money can be wired, fees still apply, to:
Bank Name: AmericanWest Bank
Routing Number: 125107037
Account Number: 100120
On the instructions be note; "To be credited to Heidy Baker account. Contact Saint Maries Branch located at 1500 Main Ave., Saint Maries, ID 83861."

Please help if, and how, you can.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This week I want to honor the many people who saved the life of Specialist Channing Moss who was shot with a rocket propelled grenade that lodged in his abdomen without detonating. These men disregarded the rules that would have consigned one of our brave soldiers to death and the risk to their own lives. Brave men one and all. If anyone has a list of these men and women, please send it to me so I can fill in the list below,as I could only found the name of a doctor and Moss' Sergeant. Tip O' the Hat to Christian Soldier at Carol's Blog.

Our BEST-Military Doctor-Pilots-Boots on the Ground-Act Against Regs - Saved One of their Own

This is what they are all about..

The story is about Channing Moss, who was impaled by a live RPG during a Taliban ambush while on patrol. Army protocol says that medivac choppers are never to carry anyone with a live round in him. Even though they feared it could explode, the flight crew said damn the protocol and flew him to the nearest aid station. Again, protocol said that in such a case the patient is to be put in a sandbagged area away from the surgical unit, given a shot of morphine and left to wait (and die) until others are treated. Again, the medical team ignored the protocol. Here's a short video put together by the Military Times, which includes actual footage of the surgery where Dr. John Oh, a Korean immigrant who became a naturalized citizen and went to West Point, removed the live round with the help of volunteers and a member of the EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) team. Moss has undergone six operations, but is doing well at home in Gainesville, GA. I think you'll find the video absolutely remarkable.

From Military Times

Do you see why I love these BEST!!

Heroes:
Major John Oh (Surgeon)
Staff Sergeant Eric Wynn
Medic (Name Unknown)
Surgical Team (Names Unknown)
EOD Technichian (Name Unknown)
MedEvac Crew & Pilots (Names Unknown)
Walter Reed Medical Center Staff (Names Unknown)

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

Sorry I could not publish any original work this last week like I had planned. My drywall project took a turn for the worse, and not only am I behind, but it appears that I may not be able to gain enough ground to meet my deadline. Enough of my problems though. Proof said that any of his MOH posts I wanted to use were up for grabs, so I am going to once again avail myself of this generous offer in the interests of time, as I need to save all the time I can.

The Medal of Honor

Specialist Fourth Class Gary George Wetzel

Citation:

Sp4c. Wetzel, 173d Assault Helicopter Company, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life. above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Wetzel was serving as door gunner aboard a helicopter which was part of an insertion force trapped in a landing zone by intense and deadly hostile fire. Sp4c. Wetzel was going to the aid of his aircraft commander when he was blown into a rice paddy and critically wounded by 2 enemy rockets that exploded just inches from his location. Although bleeding profusely due to the loss of his left arm and severe wounds in his right arm, chest, and left leg, Sp4c. Wetzel staggered back to his original position in his gun-well and took the enemy forces under fire. His machinegun was the only weapon placing effective fire on the enemy at that time. Through a resolve that overcame the shock and intolerable pain of his injuries, Sp4c. Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the automatic weapons emplacement that had been inflicting heavy casualties on the American troops and preventing them from moving against this strong enemy force. Refusing to attend his own extensive wounds, he attempted to return to the aid of his aircraft commander but passed out from loss of blood. Regaining consciousness, he persisted in his efforts to drag himself to the aid of his fellow crewman. After an agonizing effort, he came to the side of the crew chief who was attempting to drag the wounded aircraft commander to the safety of a nearby dike. Unswerving in his devotion to his fellow man, Sp4c. Wetzel assisted his crew chief even though he lost consciousness once again during this action. Sp4c. Wetzel displayed extraordinary heroism in his efforts to aid his fellow crewmen. His gallant 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.

Sp4c. Wetzel: We humbly salute you and thank you for your service.

Hat tip Home of Heroes

There are fewer than a hundred living MoH recipients today. Their names and their stories should not be forgotten. My mission is to honor one of those heroes here each week, and salute them for their courage and sacrifice. In the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy:

“A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors; the men it remembers.”

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week 2.0

Recently I received an e-mail from a coworker saying that the last Lakota Code Talker, Clarence Wolf Guts, has passed away at the age of eighty-six. He was laid to rest, just shy of a month ago, in the Black Hills National Cemetery. Many think that these men were strictly radio jockeys who never got near an enemy, this was not the case. Only a few were safe in a office, the rest worked in some of the heaviest fighting during the war. I attempted to locate a list of all the awards that the Code Talkers recieved from a grateful nation, but I was unable to do so. I do know that they received many, many awards for bravery and courage under fire, and that the Code Talkers from all the Indian nations recieved the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their efforts, without which, winning the the war would have been much harder. These are brave men are more than worthy of our highest praise.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This was supposed to be last week's hero post, but as I said, I fell behind. Often when the story of the birth of our great nation is told, we think of the leaders of The Revolution, our Founding Fathers (not "The Framers"). These were great men, one and all, but this week, I want to honor a different set of revolutionary heroes, the common soldiers who fought and died to bring forth the greatest nation this world has ever known. It is still close enough to Independence Day that I ask that everyone reading stop and take a minute to think on these great men, the sacrifices they made, our debt to them and the freedoms we enjoy. Without them we would still be subjects of the crown without many of the freedoms that are taken for granted all to often today. We owe them, and their memories, more than we can ever repay.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

This weeks patriot/hero was brought to my attention by Mustang of the Stacking Swivel and Social Sense blogs. Thank you Mustang for bringing this under appreciated American patriot and Hero to my attention. You can read his post here.

Colonel Wendell Fertig

Wendell Fertig was an American civil engineer, in the American-administered Commonwealth of the Philippines, who organized and commanded an American-Filipino guerrilla force on the Japanese-occupied, southern Philippine island of Mindanao during World War II.

Fertig, a civilian, had a reserve commission in the U.S. Army and was called back into the military before the war in the Pacific began. Ordered from Corregidor before its surrender to the Japanese, he was sent to Mindanao and assumed command of engineer activities there. Almost as soon as he arrived the U.S. Army forces on Mindanao surrendered, but Fertig refused to do so.

Lieutenant Colonel Fertig decided that if he was able to resist capture, then it made sense that other American military personnel did as well; they would need leadership. He also considered that hundreds of Philippine scouts could be used as guerrilla assets against the Japanese if they could be located and persuaded to follow him. However Fertig was also a realist; what chance would he have of commanding any force of men as a newly promoted lieutenant colonel, and a civil engineer? So Wendell Fertig promoted himself to the rank of Brigadier General, United States Army and formed one of the most fantastic guerrilla operations in America’s entire history.

After a long period of organization, Fertig led the fight against the Japanese in hit-and-run raids and vital intelligence gathering activities. He amassed over thirty thousand armed men, the equivalent of an Army Corps, which included American forces who had managed to escape as prisoners of war, and fighting men of the Philippine Islands. His command finally made contact with U.S. forces in the Pacific using a homemade radio. Fertig's forces then began to receive supplies (medicine, radios, ammo, etc.) by submarine, but never enough to stage large scale attacks. More than once the Japanese tried to destroy Fertig and his guerrilla army, committing large numbers of troops for this purpose. This continued until the American forces returned to the Philippines, landing first on the island of Leyte.

After the war, Fertig was promoted to Colonel and received the Distinguished Service Cross. Many felt that he should have received the Medal of Honor, as well as a bigger promotion, but he did not receive them due to politics and small mindedness on General MacArthur's part. Despite this he never complained about not receiving the honors others felt were his due. He returned to his civilian engineering career, but continued his service as a reserve officer. He spent four years as the commander of the ROTC detachment at the Colorado School of Mines and served in a U.S.-based psychological warfare unit during the Korean War.
Wendell Fertig died in 1975 at the age of 74. For many people in the Philippine Islands, and indeed among many regular Army personnel, he will always be regarded as General Fertig, a true American hero. He deserves to be remembered by us all.


Thank you again to Mustang. For me, Colonel Fertig's story was inspirational on the virtues of never giving up and to fight the bastards to my last breath, a lesson I really need now when I look at the near ruin my country is in.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

Apparently you have to select the "Publish Post" button instead of the "Save Now" button to publish a post. Who knew? Seriously though, user error is the reason why "Tuesday's" Patriot/Hero post is going up on Friday. You have to be smarter than the software, and this week I guess I just did not qualify. So without further ado, I give you this weeks Patriot/Hero.

First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing

The West Point graduate and his men of the Battery A, 4th U.S. Artillery were defending the Union position on Cemetery Ridge against Pickett's Charge, a major Confederate thrust that could have turned the tide in the war.

Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was planning an invasion of the North; both sides knew how important this engagement was.

Cushing commanded about 110 men and six cannons. His small force along with reinforcements stood their ground under artillery bombardment as nearly 13,000 Confederate infantrymen waited to advance.

The bombardment lasted two hours. Cushing was wounded in the shoulder and groin, and his battery was left with two guns and no long-range ammunition. His stricken battery should have been withdrawn and replaced with reserve forces, Hartwig said, but Cushing shouted that he would take his guns to the front lines.

Confederate soldiers advanced into the Union fire, but finally retreated with massive casualties. The South never recovered from the defeat.

The soldier's bravery so inspired one Civil War history buff that he took up Cushing's cause by launching a Facebook page titled "Give Alonzo Cushing the Medal of Honor." Phil Shapiro, a 27-year-old Air Force captain, said such heroism displayed in one of the nation's most pivotal battles deserved recognition, even at this late date.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh has approved the request, leaving a few formal steps before the award becomes official this summer. Cushing will become one of 3,447 recipients of the medal, and the second from the Civil War honored in the last 10 years.

Read the whole story here.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

American Patriot/Hero of the Week

Last night I was not feeling well, so I went to bed early. I had not had a chance to post a hero of the week, and now I am at work without my files. With that in mind I am going to steal borrow this week's hero from Proof's Medal of Honor Archive.

Captain James Allen Taylor

Citation:
Capt. Taylor, Armor, was serving as executive officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron. His troop was engaged in an attack on a fortified position west of Que Son when it came under intense enemy recoilless rifle, mortar, and automatic weapons fire from an enemy strong point located immediately to its front. One armored cavalry assault vehicle was hit immediately by recoilless rifle fire and all 5 crewmembers were wounded. Aware that the stricken vehicle was in grave danger of exploding, Capt. Taylor rushed forward and personally extracted the wounded to safety despite the hail of enemy fire and exploding ammunition. Within minutes a second armored cavalry assault vehicle was hit by multiple recoilless rifle rounds. Despite the continuing intense enemy fire, Capt. Taylor moved forward on foot to rescue the wounded men from the burning vehicle and personally removed all the crewmen to the safety of a nearby dike. Moments later the vehicle exploded. As he was returning to his vehicle, a bursting mortar round painfully wounded Capt. Taylor, yet he valiantly returned to his vehicle to relocate the medical evacuation landing zone to an area closer to the front lines. As he was moving his vehicle, it came under machinegun fire from an enemy position not 50 yards away. Capt. Taylor engaged the position with his machinegun, killing the 3-man crew. Upon arrival at the new evacuation site, still another vehicle was struck. Once again Capt. Taylor rushed forward and pulled the wounded from the vehicle, loaded them aboard his vehicle, and returned them safely to the evacuation site. His actions of unsurpassed valor were a source of inspiration to his entire troop, contributed significantly to the success of the overall assault on the enemy position, and were directly responsible for saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military profession and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.Capt. Taylor: We humbly salute you and thank you for your service.

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!

Via Proof Positive

Happy Flag Day

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!

Properly Display Our Flag

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

* The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
* In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
* The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
* The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
* After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land, and "half mast" on a ship.
* When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
* The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
* The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
* Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
* Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
* When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

The Colors

There is no official assignment of meaning or symbolism to the colors of the flag. However, Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, in describing the Great Seal, related its
colors to those of the flag.

According to Thomson, "White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue.... vigilance, perseverance & justice."

So the Red and White stripes of 13 represent the link to the original ground of 13 states on which the nation has been built up. The stars, representing the union of now 50 states, have been laid on the blue canton to bind all of them with the bond of vigilance, perseverance and justice.

The Star Spangled Banner Lyrics
By Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory 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!

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND DEATH TO HER ENEMIES!