Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Pet

Sgt. Maj. Charles Morris
Sgt. Maj. Charles Morris
 64 years old from Fancy Gap, Virginia
 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade
 December 29, 1931 - August 22, 1996
  U.S.
Army 
 From then S/Sgt. Morris's Medal Of Honor citation:

 For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Seeing indications of the enemy's presence in the area, S/Sgt. Morris deployed his squad and continued forward alone to make a reconnaissance. He unknowingly crawled within 20 meters of an enemy machinegun, whereupon the gunner fired, wounding him in the chest. S/Sgt. Morris instantly returned the fire and killed the gunner. Continuing to crawl within a few feet of the gun, he hurled a grenade and killed the remainder of the enemy crew. Although in pain and bleeding profusely, S/Sgt. Morris continued his reconnaissance. Returning to the platoon area, he reported the results of his reconnaissance to the platoon leader. As he spoke, the platoon came under heavy fire. Refusing medical attention for himself, he deployed his men in better firing positions confronting the entrenched enemy to his front. Then for 8 hours the platoon engaged the numerically superior enemy force. Withdrawal was impossible without abandoning many wounded and dead. Finding the platoon medic dead, S/Sgt. Morris administered first aid to himself and was returning to treat the wounded members of his squad with the medic's first aid kit when he was again wounded. Knocked down and stunned, he regained consciousness and continued to treat the wounded, reposition his men, and inspire and encourage their efforts. Wounded again when an enemy grenade shattered his left hand, nonetheless he personally took up the fight and armed and threw several grenades which killed a number of enemy soldiers. Seeing that an enemy machinegun had maneuvered behind his platoon and was delivering the fire upon his men, S/Sgt. Morris and another man crawled toward the gun to knock it out. His comrade was killed and S/Sgt. Morris sustained another wound, but, firing his rifle with 1 hand, he silenced the enemy machinegun. Returning to the platoon, he courageously exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to drag the wounded to a protected area, and with utter disregard for his personal safety and the pain he suffered, he continued to lead and direct the efforts of his men until relief arrived. Upon termination of the battle, important documents were found among the enemy dead revealing a planned ambush of a Republic of Vietnam battalion. Use of this information prevented the ambush and saved many lives. S/Sgt. Morris' gallantry was instrumental in the successful defeat of the enemy, saved many lives, and was in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
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.


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Sunday, April 27, 2014

World TEAM Sports photostream

If you'd like to check out World Team Sports photostream on Flickr, there are pictures from the 2014 Face of America bicycle ride  here


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Lt. Col. Jerry Coleman
Lt. Col. Jerry Coleman
 89 years old from San Diego, California
 VMSB-341, VMA-323
 September 14, 1924 - January 5, 2014
  U.S. Marines
Not only was Jerry Coleman a pro-baseball player, playing for the Yankees from 1949 to 1957, but he was also a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marines. Coleman postponed his entry in to the MLB to join the Marines. He flew 120 missions in WWII and Korea and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and thirteen Air Medals.
You can read more about Lt. Col. Coleman 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.


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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by SJ

2nd Lt. Walter Ehlers
2nd Lt. Walter Ehlers
 92 years old from Long Beach, California
 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division
 May 7, 1921 - February 20, 2014
  U.S. Army 

 On February 20 2nd Lt. Walter Ehlers passed away. 2nd Lt. Ehlers was the last surviving Medal Of Honor recipient from D-Day.

 From his MoH citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.
You can read more about 2nd Lt. Ehlers  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.


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Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Wednesday Hero

This post was suggested by Steve

Rear Admiral Eugene Fluckey
Rear Admiral Eugene Fluckey
93 years old from Annapolis, Maryland
October 5, 1913 - June 28, 2007
U.S. Navy

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Barb during her 11th war patrol along the east coast of China from 19 December 1944 to 15 February 1945. After sinking a large enemy ammunition ship and damaging additional tonnage during a running 2-hour night battle on 8 January, Comdr. Fluckey, in an exceptional feat of brilliant deduction and bold tracking on 25 January, located a concentration of more than 30 enemy ships in the lower reaches of Nankuan Chiang (Mamkwan Harbor). Fully aware that a safe retirement would necessitate an hour's run at full speed through the uncharted, mined, and rock-obstructed waters, he bravely ordered, "Battle station — torpedoes!" In a daring penetration of the heavy enemy screen, and riding in 5 fathoms [9 m] of water, he launched the Barb's last forward torpedoes at 3,000 yard [2.7 km] range. Quickly bringing the ship's stern tubes to bear, he turned loose 4 more torpedoes into the enemy, obtaining 8 direct hits on 6 of the main targets to explode a large ammunition ship and cause inestimable damage by the resultant flying shells and other pyrotechnics. Clearing the treacherous area at high speed, he brought the Barb through to safety and 4 days later sank a large Japanese freighter to complete a record of heroic combat achievement, reflecting the highest credit upon Comdr. Fluckey, his gallant officers and men, and the U.S. Naval Service.


You can ready more about Rear Admiral Fluckey 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.

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Monday, April 07, 2014

2014 Face of America bike ride and Banners and Friend Riding this year :)

It's that time of year again! April 25-27 will be the 2014 World TEAM Sports Face of America bike ride

Once again this year, my family and I will be collecting banners to hang along the route to cheer the riders on!! We've already received several banners from Madison County primary school !! Thank you!!



Also this year, friend Greta from Hooh Wife & Friends will be riding again !
She and I first met in person at the Face of America bike ride :) So looking forward to cheering her on again as a rider!

Regarding banners..we do have some left from last year's ride and I am Very Late in posting this, but we'll be accepting banners from anyone who can get them here by April 23,2014. 
Instructions for how to make the banners can be found HERE

(you can email me at kasee60 (at) gmail (dot) com for mailing address to send them)




World TEAM Sports Face of America bicycle ride~Instructions for Banner Making




 
Making a banner can be very simple or very elaborate. we will describe the simplest and most inexpensive versions and you can go from there.
 
Materials needed:
ONE light-colored pillow case (e.g., white, yellow, powder blue)
OR

ONE light colored cotton T-shirt (M-XL)

OR
ONE Light colored twin sheet

ONE package of multicolored Sharpie (or any type of) permanent markers (maybe two pkgs if you’re doing a sheet!)

OR

Tubs of tempera paints(a couple bright colors) and paint brushes/sponges, plus permanent markers for folks to sign their names

NOTE: Many fluorescent colors and yellow do not show up well on light colored fabric; select paint/marker colors that have a high contrast with banner fabric.

Optional: Stencils from a craft store to help sketch out the letters in pencil before using the permanent markers or paints (or use stencils to trace and cut out fabric letters)

NO, NOs (please!):

No poles or sticks (hard to transport; all banners will be hung from clothesline or fences, etc)

No paper (gets soggy and tears in rain and morning dew)

No glossy photos (get soggy and tear in rain and morning dew)

Fabric banners are best because they are easiest transport and to secure to ropes and fences with clothes pins or safety pins.
 
With your pens or whatever, decorate your banner with a simple wish, orcheer, or message of thanks or encouragement and then anyone and everyone can sign their name. J 
If your banner will be from a group, I recommend writing the group name along one edge, left or right (across the bottom is less good as that part may drag the ground). Signatures can go all over!

Email me at kasee60 (at) gamil (dot) com if you're interested in donating a banner to cheer the riders along!

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by  SJ

SSgt. William
Guarnere
SSgt. William Guarnere
 90 years old from Philadelphia, Penn.
 Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division
 April 28, 1923 - March 8, 2014

  U.S.
Army

SSgt. William "Wild Bill" Guarnere passed away three weeks ago at the age of 90. SSgt. Guarnere was part of Easy Company, made famous by the HBO mini-series "Band Of Brothers". 

 During his three years of service, SSgt. Guarnere saw action throughout Europe, including being part of the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He was awarded the Silver and Bronze stars, the Purple Heart and the French LiberationMedal.

You can read more about SSgt. Guarnere  here and  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.

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Sunday, March 30, 2014

Anysoldier.com Fundraiser

Maj.Pain at One Marine's View passes on the word about the Anysoldier.com Fundraiser

If you've never checked out Anysoldier.com , they are a wonderful support for the troops..they've been around since 2003. and they hook up folks who want to support the troops with deployed troops who want to be supported (to put it most simply :)

You can find out more about the fundraiser here


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Lt. Milton Ricketts
Lt. Milton Ricketts
 28 years old from Baltimore, Maryland 
 USS Yorktown (CV-5)
 August 5, 1913 - May 8, 1942

  U.S.
Navy

For extraordinary and distinguished gallantry above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of the Engineering Repair Party of the U.S.S. Yorktown in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. During the severe bombarding of the Yorktown by enemy Japanese forces, an aerial bomb passed through and exploded directly beneath the compartment in which Lt. Ricketts' battle station was located, killing, wounding or stunning all of his men and mortally wounding him. Despite his ebbing strength, Lt. Ricketts promptly opened the valve of a near-by fireplug, partially led out the fire hose and directed a heavy stream of water into the fire before dropping dead beside the hose. His courageous action, which undoubtedly prevented the rapid spread of fire to serious proportions, and his unflinching devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
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.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by  Sarah

U.S.
Army


Yesterday marked the end of a 12-year review by the Pentagon when 24 soldiers from WWII to Vietnam, who were denied the award they earned, finally received their Medals Of Honor.

 Spc. 4 Santiago J. Erevia
 Staff Sgt. Melvin Morris
 Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela
 Sgt. Candelario Garcia
 Spc. 4 Leonard L. Alvarado 
 Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon
 Spc. 4 Ardie R. Copas 
 Spc. 4 Jesus S. Duran
 Cpl. Joe R. Baldonado
 Cpl. Victor H. Espinoza
 Sgt. Eduardo C. Gomez
 Pfc. Leonard M. Kravitz
 Master Sgt. Juan E. Negron
 Master Sgt. Mike C. Pena
 Pvt. Demensio Rivera
 Pvt. Miguel A. Vera 
 Sgt. Jack Weinstein
 Private Pedro Cano 
 Pvt. Joe Gandara
 Pfc. Salvador J. Lara
 Sgt. William F. Leonard
 Staff Sgt. Manuel V. Mendoza
 Sgt. Alfred B. Nietzel
 1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab

You can find more information 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.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Cmdr. Ernest Edwin
Evans
Cmdr. Ernest Edwin Evans
 36 years old from Pawnee, Oklahoma 
 Commanding Officer USS Johnson (DD 557) August 13, 1908 - October 25, 1944 
  U.S.
Navy 
 For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Johnston in action against major units of the enemy Japanese fleet during the battle off Samar on 25 October 1944. The first to lay a smokescreen and to open fire as an enemy task force, vastly superior in number, firepower and armor, rapidly approached. Comdr. Evans gallantly diverted the powerful blasts of hostile guns from the lightly armed and armored carriers under his protection, launching the first torpedo attack when the Johnston came under straddling Japanese shellfire. Undaunted by damage sustained under the terrific volume of fire, he unhesitatingly joined others of his group to provide fire support during subsequent torpedo attacks against the Japanese and, outshooting and outmaneuvering the enemy as he consistently interposed his vessel between the hostile fleet units and our carriers despite the crippling loss of engine power and communications with steering aft, shifted command to the fantail, shouted steering orders through an open hatch to men turning the rudder by hand and battled furiously until the Johnston, burning and shuddering from a mortal blow, lay dead in the water after 3 hours of fierce combat. Seriously wounded early in the engagement, Comdr. Evans, by his indomitable courage and brilliant professional skill, aided materially in turning back the enemy during a critical phase of the action. His valiant fighting spirit throughout this historic battle will venture as an inspiration to all who served with him.

You can read more about Commander Evans   here and  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.


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Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by  Sarah

Sir Nicholas George
Winton

Sir Nicholas George Winton
 104 years old from Hampstead, London 

 Wednesday Hero was started to honor the men and women of the United States military, but this week we're doing something a little different. Sir Nicholas George Winton is a British humanitarian who will turn 105 this May. On the eve of WWII, Winston was instrumental in the rescue of 669 children, mostly Jewish, from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Sadly, many of the children he saved lost their parents in concentration camps.
You can read more about Sir Nicholas Winston 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.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Lt. Col. Iceal
Hambleton
Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton
 85 years old from Tucson, Arizona
 42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron
 November 16, 1918 - September 19, 2004
  U.S. Air Force

Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton was a navigator who was shot down over Vietnam in April of 1972. He was the only one of six crewmen to survive and was behind enemy lines for 11 days before being rescued.
You can read more about Lt. Col. Hambleton  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.

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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Lt.Col. Jerry
Coleman
Lt. Col. Jerry Coleman
 89 years old from San Diego, Calif.
 VMTB-341, VMA-323
 September 14, 1924 - January 5, 2014
  U.S. Marines 
 Jerry Coleman, a decorated war hero, Yankee World Series MVP and Hall of Fame San Diego Padres broadcaster, died January 5 at age 89 after a career of more than 70 years in baseball. Coleman signed with the Yankees out of the San Francisco sandlots in 1942 only to spend the next three years as a Marine bomber pilot in the Pacific theater of World War II, flying 57 combat missions over the Solomon Islands. Upon his return from the war he rejoined the Yankees only to be called back to duty in '51. He flew another 120 missions in Korea and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
You can read more about Lt. Col. Coleman   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.

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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Maj. Edward Cragg
Maj. Edward Cragg
 24 years old from Greenwich, Connecticut
 80th Fighter Squadron
 September 8, 1919 - December 26, 1943
  U.S.
Army Air Forces
Maj. Edward "Porky" Cragg was a triple Ace in WWII with 15 confirmed kills who was shot down over Papua New Guinea and listed as MIA.
You can read more about Maj. Cragg  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.

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Thursday, February 06, 2014

Nate Update: 1 February 2014

Nate Update: 1 February 2014: Only 1 month until Nate's release! We don't even know how to describe the feeling now that we're so close to the end. Today ...



---------------------------



I have been following Nate's mother's postings about his story ever since seeing the story in an HBO special years ago. So happy for all of them, and praying for happiness and healing for them in the future.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

Capt. Edwin A. Shuman
III
Capt. Edwin A. Shuman III
 82 years old from Annapolis, Maryland
 Attack Squadron 35 Oct. 7, 1931 - Dec. 3, 2013

  U.S.
Navy

Edwin Shuman, III, a retired Navy pilot, and former POW who was held for five years in Vietnam, passed away two months ago. He had flown 18 missions over Vietnam when plane was shot down north of Hanoi. He and his navigator were both captured.
You can read more about Capt. Shuman  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.

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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Wednesday Hero


This post was suggested by Michael

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

  U.S.
Army


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.

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