Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Col. Roger Donlon   79 years old from Saugerties, New York   7th Special Forces Group
 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while defending a U.S. military installation against a fierce attack by hostile forces. Capt. Donlon was serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Army Special Forces Detachment A-726 at Camp Nam Dong when a reinforced Viet Cong battalion suddenly launched a full-scale, predawn attack on the camp. During the violent battle that ensued, lasting 5 hours and resulting in heavy casualties on both sides, Capt. Donlon directed the defense operations in the midst of an enemy barrage of mortar shells, falling grenades, and extremely heavy gunfire. Upon the initial onslaught, he swiftly marshaled his forces and ordered the removal of the needed ammunition from a blazing building. He then dashed through a hail of small arms and exploding hand grenades to abort a breach of the main gate. En route to this position he detected an enemy demolition team of 3 in the proximity of the main gate and quickly annihilated them. Although exposed to the intense grenade attack, he then succeeded in reaching a 60mm mortar position despite sustaining a severe stomach wound as he was within 5 yards of the gun pit. When he discovered that most of the men in this gunpit were also wounded, he completely disregarded his own injury, directed their withdrawal to a location 30 meters away, and again risked his life by remaining behind and covering the movement with the utmost effectiveness. Noticing that his team sergeant was unable to evacuate the gun pit he crawled toward him and, while dragging the fallen soldier out of the gunpit, an enemy mortar exploded and inflicted a wound in Capt. Donlon's left shoulder. Although suffering from multiple wounds, he carried the abandoned 60mm mortar weapon to a new location 30 meters away where he found 3 wounded defenders. After administering first aid and encouragement to these men, he left the weapon with them, headed toward another position, and retrieved a 57mm recoilless rifle. Then with great courage and coolness under fire, he returned to the abandoned gun pit, evacuated ammunition for the 2 weapons, and while crawling and dragging the urgently needed ammunition, received a third wound on his leg by an enemy hand grenade. Despite his critical physical condition, he again crawled 175 meters to an 81mm mortar position and directed firing operations which protected the seriously threatened east sector of the camp. He then moved to an eastern 60mm mortar position and upon determining that the vicious enemy assault had weakened, crawled back to the gun pit with the 60mm mortar, set it up for defensive operations, and turned it over to 2 defenders with minor wounds. Without hesitation, he left this sheltered position, and moved from position to position around the beleaguered perimeter while hurling hand grenades at the enemy and inspiring his men to superhuman effort. As he bravely continued to move around the perimeter, a mortar shell exploded, wounding him in the face and body. As the long awaited daylight brought defeat to the enemy forces and their retreat back to the jungle leaving behind 54 of their dead, many weapons, and grenades, Capt. Donlon immediately reorganized his defenses and administered first aid to the wounded. His dynamic leadership, fortitude, and valiant efforts inspired not only the American personnel but the friendly Vietnamese defenders as well and resulted in the successful defense of the camp. Capt. Donlon's extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country. You can read more about Col. Donlon here 

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael


Tech Sgt. Charles Coolidge  92 years old from Chattanooga, Tennessee   3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division
   
 Tech Sgt. Charles Coolidge was born in 1921 in Tennessee, where he still lives and works in the family business. In 2006 he was awarded the Légion d'honneur by officials of the French consulate.
 From his Medal Of Honor citation: Leading a section of heavy machine guns supported by 1 platoon of Company K, he took a position near Hill 623, east of Belmont sur Buttant, France, on October 24, 1944, with the mission of covering the right flank of the 3d Battalion and supporting its action. T/Sgt. Coolidge went forward with a Sergeant of Company K to reconnoiter positions for coordinating the fires of the light and heavy machine guns. They ran into an enemy force in the woods estimated to be an infantry company. T/Sgt. Coolidge, attempting to bluff the Germans by a show of assurance and boldness called upon them to surrender, whereupon the enemy opened fire. With his carbine, T/Sgt. Coolidge wounded 2 of them. There being no officer present with the force, T/Sgt. Coolidge at once assumed command. Many of the men were replacements recently arrived; this was their first experience under fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge, unmindful of the enemy fire delivered at close range, walked along the position, calming and encouraging his men and directing their fire. The attack was thrown back. Through 25 and October 26, the enemy launched repeated attacks against the position of this combat group but each was repulsed due to T/Sgt. Coolidge's able leadership. On October 27, German infantry, supported by 2 tanks, made a determined attack on the position. The area was swept by enemy small arms, machine gun, and tank fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge armed himself with a bazooka and advanced to within 25 yards of the tanks. His bazooka failed to function and he threw it aside. Securing all the hand grenades he could carry, he crawled forward and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Finally it became apparent that the enemy, in greatly superior force, supported by tanks, would overrun the position. T/Sgt. Coolidge, displaying great coolness and courage, directed and conducted an orderly withdrawal, being himself the last to leave the position. As a result of T/Sgt. Coolidge's heroic and superior leadership, the mission of this combat group was accomplished throughout 4 days of continuous fighting against numerically superior enemy troops in rain and cold and amid dense woods.

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

@USArmy announces 2013 photo of the year

posted at  Milblogging.com

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Maj. Richard Bong  24 years old from Poplar, Wisconsin  49th Fighter Group, V Fighter Command  September 25, 1920 - August 6, 1945    
 Maj. Richard Bong is the United States' highest-scoring air ace, having shot down at least 40 Japanese aircraft during World War II. He was a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) and a recipient of the Medal of Honor. All of his aerial victories were in the P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft. You can read more on Maj. Bong  here 


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Help @USArmy choose photo of the year 2013

Via Milblogging.com

Help @US Army  choose photo of the year 2013

The United States Army plans to announce the best photo of the year (2013), based on votes by Facebook users this Monday, January 6, 2014.

To vote, simply visit the 2013 Army Year in Photos website and click the Facebook "share" button located directly under your favorite image.

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And Congratulations! to JP of Milblogging.com and his wife on the birth of their daughter :)

Operation Warrior Watch

Wanted to pass on the word that  Operation Warrior Watch (which was formerly Toys for Troops) is a great way to support our deployed troops!  They helped support our own soldier while he was deployed, and every single time I have passed on to them the name and address of a servicemember who needs support.....they have responded with fantastic love, support and care(packages:) !

So, check them out  here  , great bunch of folks! :)

The Granite Men of Henri-Chapelle

I was privileged to receive 

 The Granite Men of Henri-Chapelle: Stories of New Hampshire's WW II Soldiers by Aimee Gagnon Fogg

for my birthday back in October (thanks,Mom! :)

This book featured the stories of 38 New Hampshire World War II soldiers buried in Belgium,one of those being her own uncle,  and it was a fascinating read about each soldiers life, both before the war and during their service in the military.

It meant a great deal to me because my own uncle is also buried in Belgium , and so the stories that Aimee was able to find out about the men could have so easily been about my uncle and the men who were buried with him,also. So I highly recommend this book!

Another reason I felt very privileged to receive this book was that it's written by someone I've 'known' online from way back to 2006, when I first 'met' Aimee while she was blogging, and began following her writing. She's an excellent author!

A Vietnam Veteran begins to find peace

Awhile back, I was contacted by a Vietnam veteran because of a post I had written back in 2006 on the original version of this blog about my aunt's service in Vietnam
For My Aunt...a Thank You to an Army Nurse Corps Vietnam veteran

The veteran who contacted me was looking to see if my aunt could help him find a particular nurse, from when he had been cared for at the 91rst Evac.  Although she wasn't able to help him with his search, the veteran and I had exchanged a number of emails, and so I was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from him after Thanksgiving, that he'd been featured in an article in his hometown newspaper.

With Mr. Baker's permission, I'm passing on the link to that article at codyenterprise.com
Finding Peace 45 years later by Corey Morris

as I think it's an important article to pass on. Until I saw this interview with Mr. Baker, it had never occurred to me that retirement for some Vietnam veterans could lead to them having to deal with lingering memories that they'd been able to suppress prior to their retirement.

(If the link above doesn't work, please try copying and pasting this
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/people/article_aea6c6d6-4731-11e3-80a2-001a4bcf887a.html  to your browser)

Although my aunt and I were unable to help Mr. Baker with the original reason he contacted us, as so often happens on the Internet, his contacting me led to my being privileged to converse with him and to have him share this article with me.

Thank you, Larry Baker, for contacting me...and thank you, always, for your service to our country!

Happy New Year 2014!

To all my readers, wishing you each the best in the coming year!
Continuing a tradition on this blog I started several years ago, here is a New Year's poem I came across and would like to share with you.

Life I Am the New Year
~ Author Unknown

Life I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.
I am your opportunity to practice what you have learned about life during the last twelve months.
All that you sought and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out with more determination.
All the good that you tried for and didn't achieve
is mine to grant when you have fewer conflicting desires.
All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do, all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have --
these slumber lightly, waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.
I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said, "behold, I make all things new."
I am the new year.

Wednesday Hero

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. And to all those who are serving and are unable to be home, be safe and thank you.

Josh Groben - I'll Be Home For Christmas These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

Sgt. Greg N. Riewer  30 years old from Frazee, Minnesota  2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division  March 23, 2007    
 Sgt. Greg N. Riewer, 28, of Frazee, was killed while on patrol March 23, 2007 in Fallujah with soldiers from the Bemidji-based Company A, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, the Guard said. "The loss of Sgt. Riewer is a tragedy," Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, the adjutant general of Minnesota, said in a statement. "He was proudly serving his state and nation in a combat zone when he was taken from us." You can read more about Sgt. Riewer here


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero. 

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Maj. Thomas McGuire Jr.  24 years old from Sebring, Florida  475th Fighter Group  August 1, 1920 - January 7, 1945
   
 On January 7, 1945, McGuire was leading a group of four P-38s - himself, Major Jack Rittmayer (four victories), Captain Edwin Weaver (two victories) and Lieutenant Douglas Thropp (one victory) - on a fighter sweep over northern Negros Island in the central Philippines. Their aim was to gain victories. McGuire desperately wanted to pass Major Richard Bong's score of 40 kills. Descending through cloud cover, McGuire’s flight circled a Japanese airfield at Fabrica and then proceeded to a second airstrip at Manapla (also referred to as Carolina). As they approached Manapla, they were confronted by a lone Ki-43 “Oscar”, which immediately engaged McGuire's flight.
You can read more about Maj. McGuire  here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here. 

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael
Maj. Don Beerbower  22 years old from Hill City, Minnesota   353d Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force  August 26, 1921 - August 9, 1944  
A fighter pilot who has brought down five or more enemy aircraft was called a flying ace. From December 1943 to Aug. 9, 1944, Beerbower became a triple ace, shooting down more than 15 German planes, making him the second highest ace in the 9th Air Force. Due to pilot losses and Beerbower’s own advancements based on flying and leadership skills, Beerbower was promoted to major and made squadron commander in June 1944 — less than nine months after his arrival in Europe. At only 22 years old, he already was a great fighter pilot, respected and liked by the men in his squadron. You can read more about Maj. Beerbower  here 


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Kathi

Tlingit Code Talkers
 We all know about the Navajo Code Talkers, but chances are you've never heard of the Tlingit Code Talkers from Alaska. During a ceremony on November 20, they were finally recognized for the contribution in the war with Congressional Gold Medals.
You can read more about the Tlingit Code Talkers  here

These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Interview with a 2013 Prudential Spirit of Community State Honoree

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Since 1995, the program has honored more than 100,000 youth volunteers on the local, state and national level. Each year, the program’s judges select 102 State Honorees to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where 10 of them are named National Honorees.
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Once again this year, this blog was invited to interview a state honoree who is  a young military supporter and an inspiring volunteer!

 Michael-Logan Jordan of  Kailua, Hawaii, an 8th grader at Kailua Middle School.

Here is an essay Michael sent:

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ehlers Danlos Syndrom at the age of 3. My disease decreases my mobility while increasing my pain. My medications include oral meds (about 13 pills a day), infusions (biologics and chemo)and injections. I might walk with a cane at times or become quite ill, but I don't let it get me down. In fact, I found that spreading aloha, volunteering and giving back is the best medicine...ever!

My volunteering started at the age of 5 at a local Toys for Tots warehouse. My parents explained to me that some parents could not afford Christmas for their kids if not for the generosity of others. I couldn't imagine anyone going without at Christmas and at that point, I vowed to help by donating all of my birthday gifts/money to Toys for Tots. My Birthday Bash is in it's 10th year and has put smiles on the faces of over 10,000 kids!

When my Dad was deployed to Fallujah, I enlisted the help of my classmates to make, fill and personalize over 400 Christmas stockings for his unit. For 9 years I have been sending care packages to our troops over seas. I also work with Wounded Warriors. On Dec 24, 2006 my Dad was critically wounded by an IED. As we rehabbed together, we had a better understanding of each other and a better understanding of how "spreading aloha" can change one's life. I hold a special place in my heart for our military. There is no greater sacrifice than to defend our great nation. That is why I work tirelessly to help our military. I know I will never be able to wear the uniform of my Father because of my disease, but I CAN help those who do. I volunteer,  collect clothing/books/toys/food/cards/notes/hygiene items for the Veteran's Homeless Shelter, Wounded Warriors, Lokahi Giving Project, Fisher and Ronald McDonald House. I volunteer, fundraise, donate and support the Gary Sinise Foundation, USO, Operation Homefront and Blue Star Families. I also collect quilting material/supplies for Armed Services YMCA Quilt/Pillow Project for kids of deployed service members.

This year I have added many projects and continue all the ones I started years ago. "Logan's Heroes" started as my Arthritis Walk Team 6 years ago. It has now evolved into the "Logan's Heroes Foundation" where I support, empower inspire and encourage today's youth to volunteer for our many causes. My "Heroes" volunteer right along side me and I have made a "How To" guide and video to start their own projects. I also present "Logan's Heroes Service Awards" to outstanding community leaders. To date, 20 youth and 3 adults in my community have received this award. The prestigious "Logan's Heroes Honu Award" has been received by Gary Sinise (Gary Sinise Foundation) and Dr. Jack Klippel (President/CEO of the Arthritis Foundation) for their Outstanding Service and Leadership to their Community, Country and America's Youth.

I have continued my Ambassadorship with the Arthritis Foundation and this year had the honor to attend the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference. While there, I mentored kids with arthritis by teaching them how to be an advocate, addressed the National Board of Directors and President of the Arthritis Foundation and participated in a flash mob at Disneyland where we promoted Arthritis Awareness. I work closely with my Representatives and Senators about Arthritis and addressed Congress about these needs. My motto is to Educate, Advocate and Donate so that 1 day we may Eliminate Arthritis. I organized an Arthritis Awareness Week at my High School and have raised and donated over $550,000  to many foundations.

I have held 6 beach and park clean-ups, held multiple book drives donating/distributing over 3,000 books, collected/made/donated 75 "Logan's Heroes Care Packages" to critically ill youth and have collected/donated clothing/backpacks/luggage/gift cards to foster youth. I've volunteered with the Hawaii Meth Project, Hawaii Food Bank, Humane Society and Color Vibe. I helped my brother organize food drives and collect 25,000 pounds of food. I also speak publicly about my disease, healthy eating and bullying. I stocked the "Art Cart" at 2 local schools. I facilitated a leadership camp and am a national voice for youth/disabled youth with YACT. I'm a member of Student Council, Peer Education/Leadership, Freshman Class President and Honor Roll. For all of my community service, I received 2 "Michael-Logan Jordan Days" (May 4, 2012 and October 1, 2013) from Mayors Carlisle and Caldwell!

I love being a volunteer and inspiring others to have a heart for service.

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And here is the interview with this extraordinary young man

1. What made you decide to start donating your birthday gifts?

 When I was 5, my parents took me to a local Toys For Tots warehouse to volunteer. I could not imagine not having Christmas if not for the generosity of others. I vowed to donate all of my birthday/gifts and money to Toys for Tots and my annual Birthday Bash has been going strong (now in it's 10th year) putting smiles on over 10,000 kids!

2. What was the most rewarding volunteering that you've done so far?

 All of my volunteering is rewarding!  I am passionate about each and everything that I do. All of the work that I do with our Military holds a special place in my heart. My Father has been in the United States Marine Corps for over 20 years and is a Wounded Warrior. My Mother is the 2013 Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Spouse of the Year. I might not ever be able to wear the uniform of my Father due to my disease, but I can honor my military by volunteering/giving back to them!

3. How has being a military child enhanced your volunteer experience?

My siblings and I get our "hearts for service" from our parents. They give back everyday. There is no greater honor than to serve your country. There are many ways to serve your country and military spouses and kids give back too!  I am honored to be a military child!

4. How has volunteering helped you to grow as a person?

Volunteering has helped me grow as a person in so many ways. When I first started volunteering, it helped me not to focus on my pain and illness but to focus on others. It was the best medicine...ever!  However, while that still rings true, I have gained more insight as a young adult.  With each person I have encountered on my journey, I've learned something new...about them and myself. They have inspired me and I have had the opportunity to inspire others.  Volunteering-giving back-spreading aloha....these random acts of kindness have a ripple effect.  Once you start, you can't stop.  It makes my heart soar when I help someone....and then that person helps someone...and then that someone helps someone...and so on.  It takes a community to help a community. I am so blessed that my community has joined me on my journey.

5. What are your plans for the future?

 I have so many plans for the future. I want to go to college, then to medical school and become a Pediatric Rheumatologist.  I want to help kids that have the same disease that I do. I want to be part of the team that finds a cure for Arthritis.  I want to continue my advocacy and be the "voice" for all who have challenges. I want to be  the President of the Arthritis Foundation. Most of all, I want to continue my philanthropy. I might not be a professional basketball player (even though my name is Michael Jordan), but I am Michael-Logan Jordan, Philanthropist...and that's a pretty good person to be!

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Indeed it is, Michael ! 

I'm always proud to support The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards  and always amazed, humbled and inspired by the young volunteers they honor.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

MSgt. Woodrow Keeble  64 years old from Waubay, South Dakota  May 16, 1917 - January 28, 1982   
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Master Sergeant Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on October 20, 1951. On that day, Master Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Master Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Master Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Master Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine-gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Master Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully destroying the position. Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement, and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position. As his comrades moved forward to join him, Master Sergeant Keeble continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by Master Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army
You can read more about MSgt. Keeble here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael

Leland Diamond   61 years old from Toledo, Ohio  May 30, 1890 – September 20, 1951  
Master Gunnery Sergeant Leland "Lou" Diamond is famous within the U.S. Marine Corps as the classic example of the "Old Breed" — tough, hard-fighting career marines who served in the corps in the years between World War I and World War II. You can read more about Gunny Diamond here 
 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.
 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look
This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go   here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Cat

Capt. Glenn Black From Idana, Kansas    
 From his Silver Star citation: For gallantry in action while participating in aerial flight in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as pilot and flight leader of a B-25 type aircraft. On 22 June 1944, Lieutenant Black led a flight on a mission against shipping and harbor installations at Leghorn, Italy. On the bomb run intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered by the formation, holing many aircraft, as a result of the heavy defenses, Lieutenant Black sustained a shattered right arm, his co-pilot was painfully injured in the hip, one engine and the hydraulic lines were shot out and gasoline flooded the ship due to a direct hit on the gas tank. Despite his severe and painful wounds, Lieutenant Black, with the aid of his co-pilot, held the plane on course in to the target, enabling his bombardier to drop his bombs on their objective. By the time a friendly field was reached, the effects of the co-pilots hip wound seriously compromised the strength of his legs and, although almost at the point of complete exhaustion from the loss of blood, Lieutenant Black manipulated the rudders while his co-pilot handled the other controls, still at Lieutenant Black's directions. In spite of the feathered propeller, and without flaps or wheels down, a successful crash-landing was completed. By his great determination and outstanding heroism, Lieutenant Black has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. You can read more about Capt. Black  here


 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

 This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Michael


Cmdr. George S. Rentz  59 years old from Lebanon, Pennsylvania   Commander USS Houston (CA-30)  July 25, 1882 - March 1, 1942
  A Navy chaplain who served during World War I and World War II, Cmdr. George Rentz was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for selfless heroism following the loss of the USS Houston (CA-30) in the Battle of Sunda Strait becoming the only Navy Chaplain to be so honored during the war. You can read more here 

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go  here.

Wednesday Hero

Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis  24 years old from Staten Island, New York  2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment,  1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light)  August 28, 2013
  The heroic actions of Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis saved the life of a Polish officer during a "complex, three-pronged attack" on their base in eastern Afghanistan, according to Combined Joint Task Force-101. Ollis, a 10th Mountain Division Soldier, was killed while defending Forward Operating Base Ghazni, Aug. 28, 2013. As a result of his actions that day, he will be honored with the Silver Star, and by Poland with the Polish Armed Forces Gold Medal. His parents, Linda and Robert Ollis, are to receive the Silver Star at Fort Drum, Oct. 24. The Polish Ministry of Defense will tentatively present its medal in a ceremony in New York City, Nov. 8.
You can read more about SSgt. Ollis  here

 These brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives just so others may get to enjoy freedom. For that I am proud to call them Hero.

 Those Who Say That We're In A Time When There Are No Heroes, They Just Don't Know Where To Look

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.