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While We Wait - History of War


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1901884_10152217951978270_1328902551_n.j

 

'To Those Who Served Tuesday'.

Meet Nainoa Hoe. Nainoa was a talented athlete and surfer in Hawaii, as well as a MBA graduate. In March of 2004, Nainoa earned his US Army Ranger Badge and looked forward to a promising career ahead. Nainoa was born on a full moon, and in January 2005 when the moon was full he had a mission in Mosul Iraq. While leading his solders from the front, a sniper took his life. Nainoa was a part of a Legacy of Service. His father also volunteered for combat, and saw plenty of it - in Vietnam. And just as The Wall helped the process of healing, so will the Education Center. There, you will see the faces of those who gave their lives in service in Vietnam. Among the photos in the Center will be Nainoa Hoe, and the other Americans who gave their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Until they get their own Memorial they will be honored at this special place.

 

VVMF: Healing Wounds, Honoring Warriors :www.vvmf.org

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Albert H. Rooks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
Albert Rooks 220px-Albert_Rooks%3Bh93157.jpg

;90px-Moh_right.gif Captain Albert H. Rooks, USN, Commanding Officer, USS Houston (CA-30), circa 1940–1941.
Born December 29, 1891

Colton, Washington Died March 1, 1942 (aged 50)

Sunda StraitNetherlands East Indies Place of burial At sea Allegiance 23px-US_flag_48_stars.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States_Navy.png United States Navy Years of service 1914 - 1942 Rank Captain Commands held USS Houston Battles/wars World War II

*Battle of Makassar Strait

*Battle of the Java Sea

*Battle of Sunda Strait Awards Medal of Honor

Albert Harold Rooks (December 29, 1891 – March 1, 1942) was a captain in the United States Navy who posthumously received the Medal of Honor duringWorld War II.

 

 

Biography[edit]

Albert Harold Rooks was born in Colton, Washington, on December 29, 1891. He entered the United States Naval Academy as a midshipman July 13, 1910, and was commissioned in the rank of ensign upon graduation on June 6, 1914. During the next seven years, among them the First World War years of 1917–18, he served in several ships, including USS West Virginia (ACR-5),USS St. Louis (C-20). He commanded the submarines USS Pike (SS-6),USS B-2 (SS-11)USS F-2 (SS-21), and USS H-4 (SS-147).

In 1921, Lieutenant Rooks joined the staff of the Twelfth Naval District, at San Francisco, California, remaining there until 1925, the year he was promoted to lieutenant commander. He next spent three years on board the battleshipUSS New Mexico (BB-40), followed by duty at the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1930, he helped commission the new cruiser USS Northampton (CA-26) and served on her until 1933, when he returned to the Naval Academy for a second tour.

In February 1936 Commander Rooks placed the new destroyerUSS Phelps (DD-360) in commission and remained as her commanding officer until 1938. His next assignment was as a student at the Naval War College, and, upon completion of his studies, he served on that institution's staff. He was promoted to the rank of captain on July 1, 1940, while still at the War College. In 1941 Rooks took command of the heavy cruiserUSS Houston (CA-30)flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. He took his ship through the painfully difficult first three months of the Pacific War, when the Asiatic Fleet and its British and Dutch counterparts fought desperately against an overwhelming Japanese onslaught into Southeast Asia, the Philippines and the East Indies. Both Houston and her commanding officer were lost in theBattle of Sunda Strait, on March 1, 1942.

Captain Rooks posthumously received the Medal of Honor for "extraordinary heroism, outstanding courage, gallantry in action and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the USS Houston during the period of 4 to February 27, 1942, while in action with superior Japanese enemy aerial and surface forces." During this period Houston survived six air attacks and one major naval engagement, doing considerable damage to the enemy while being heavily damaged herself in one air attack and in the naval engagement. Captain Rooks died on the bridge as a result of enemy-inflicted wounds and went down with his ship after her courageous fight against overwhelming odds.     :salute:

Daniel Fernandez

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
For other people named Daniel Fernandez, see Daniel Fernandez (disambiguation).
Daniel D. Fernandez 100px-Daniel_Fernandez.jpg  100px-Army_Medal_of_Honor.jpg

Daniel Fernandez, Medal of Honor
Born June 30, 1944

Albuquerque, New Mexico Died February 18, 1966 (aged 21)

KIA in Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam Place of burial Santa Fe National Cemetery Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Army Years of service 1962 - 1966 Rank Specialist Four Unit 5th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized),25th Infantry Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart

Daniel D. Fernandez (June 30, 1944 – February 18, 1966) was a United States Army soldier in the Vietnam War who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. Fernandez was awarded the medal for his actions in Hậu Nghĩa province, Republic of Vietnam, in February 1966 — throwing himself on a live grenade, he sacrificed his life to save lives of the soldiers around him.

 

 

Biography[edit]

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 30, 1944, Fernandez grew up in nearby Los Lunas.[1][2] He had two younger brothers, Peter and James.[2]

Fernandez joined the Army from Albuquerque in 1962[3] and by 1966 was on his second tour of duty in Vietnam. During that deployment, he served as aspecialist four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized)25th Infantry Division. On February 18, 1966, in Củ Chi, Hậu Nghĩa province, his 16-man patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and forced to fall back. Fernandez and two others volunteered to follow a sergeant back to the ambush site and rescue a wounded soldier who had been left behind. After reaching the injured man, the sergeant was shot in the knee and Fernandez took over command of the patrol. All five men were pinned down by heavy fire when a rifle grenade landed in their midst. In the scramble to get away from the device, Fernandez accidentally kicked it closer to the rest of the group. He then shouted "move out", jumped over the immobile sergeant, and threw himself on the grenade. He was killed in the resulting explosion, but successfully saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.[1][2]

For this action, Fernandez was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in November 1966.[2] He was the first of nine Mexican Americans to receive the medal in Vietnam.[4]

Requiem Mass was held for Fernandez at Los Lunas High School prior to his burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery.[2] His name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 05E, Row 046.[5]

Honors[edit]

In Fernandez's hometown of Los Lunas, a number of structures have been named in his honor. In March 1966, the newly opened Los Lunas Junior High School was renamed Daniel Fernandez Junior High School in his honor. It has since been reorganized as Daniel Fernandez Intermediate School. A park and recreation facility, Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park, was dedicated in 1972. The localVeterans of Foreign Wars post bears his name, as does a road, Fernandez Street.[2]

Students at Daniel Fernandez Intermediate School wrote of biography of him, titled Man of Honor: The Story of Daniel Fernandez, which was published in 2009 by Author House Publishing.[2]

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

His official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Fernandez demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. Sp4c. Fernandez, a sergeant and 2 other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching their fallen comrade the sergeant was struck in the knee by machine gun fire and immobilized. Sp4c. Fernandez took charge, rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, Sp4c. Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his 4 comrades at the sacrifice of his life. Sp4c. Fernandez' profound concern for his fellow soldiers, 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.
     
:salute:
 

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William H. Appleton

Birth:  Mar. 24, 1843 Death:  Sep. 9, 1912 trans.gif

Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He began his Civil War service at age 19 when he enlisted at Manchester, New Hampshire on May 18, 1861. Mustered in as a Private in Company I, 2nd New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, he would spend the next two years with the regiment, receiving a promotion to Corporal on November 2, 1862. On August 3, 1863 he accepted a commission of 1st Lieutenant in Company H, 4th United States Colored Troops, and would go on to be awarded the CMOH for his bravery at Petersburg, Virginia on June 15, 1864. His citation reads "The first man of the Eighteenth Corps to enter the enemy's works at Petersburg, VA. Valiant service in a desperate assault at New Market Heights, VA., inspiring the Union troops by his example of steady courage". He would be promoted to Captain and commander of Company H on November 24, 1864, and served through the end of the war, and in post-War occupation duty. Brevetted Major, US Volunteers on March 15, 1865, he was finally honorably mustered out on May 8, 1866. His Medal was awarded to him on February 18, 1891, almost twenty-seven years after his brave act. (bio by: Russ Dodge)   Burial:

Evergreen Cemetery 

Pembroke

Merrimack County

New Hampshire, USA  

Maintained by: Find A Grave

Originally Created by: Don Morfe

Record added: Feb 04, 2003 

Find A Grave Memorial# 7146657 7146657_1044400706.jpg

Added by: Don Morfe   7146657_109585993003.jpg

Added by: William Sweeney   CEM47241104_127586120703.jpg

Cemetery Photo

Added by: Lauren Marie Westgate Hargrave   :salute:

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Today we honor Charles Anderson, Jr. of Wheeling, West Virginia, who fell on this day in 1967. He is remembered by his sister, Mary Ellen:

"Our Brother served in the Marine Corps with the First Marine Division, First Battalion, Charlie Company. He always wanted to become a Marine as a kid growing up. We miss him dearly. His spirit is still living on through his family with his sisters, brother in laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends from Wheeling High School."

See Charles' Virtual Wall of Faces page:http://bit.ly/MvWxXH
 

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Today we honor Curtis Burkett of England, Arkansas, who fell on this day in 1971. He is remembered by his son, Mike :

"I wish we had been given the opportunity to really know each other. You have been gone for over 40 years, but I still think of you each & everyday."

Thank you for serving! 

Read more about Curtis: http://bit.ly/1oRLCGs

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February 1965 - Operation Flaming Dart takes place.
After a series of attacks on U.S. bases in South Vietnam, particularly at the base at Pleiku, Johnson makes the decision to undertake the bombing of North Vietnam bases. The Operation is called Flaming Dart, which launched sustained, retaliatory air raids on North Vietnamese bases to warn off and put pressure on the government in Hanoi. During this operation the Vietcong attack a hotel accommodating U.S. personnel, which in turn prompts a second air strike. Its less than desirable effect is later followed by Operation Rolling Thunder.

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Tony Stein

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
Tony Stein 180px-Stein_T.jpg  90px-Moh_right.gif

Tony Stein, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient
Born September 30, 1921

Dayton, Ohio Died March 1, 1945 (aged 23)

KIA on Iwo Jima Place of burial Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio Allegiance United States Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1942–1945 Rank Corporal Unit 3rd Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Regiment, 3rd Marine Division

1st Battalion, 28th Marines5th Marine Division Battles/wars World War II

 • Land Battle of Vella Lavella

 • Bougainville Campaign

 • Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart

Tony Stein (September 30, 1921 – March 1, 1945) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the U.S. military's highest decoration, theMedal of Honor, for his actions in World War II. He received the award for repeatedly making single-handed assaults against the enemy and for aiding wounded Marines during the initial assault on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He was killed in action ten days later.

 

 

Biography[edit]

Stein was born in Dayton, Ohio, on September 30, 1921, and attended Kiser High School there. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 22, 1942.[1]

Stein was a member of the elite Paramarines from the end of his recruit training until the Paramarines were disbanded in 1944. Assigned to Headquarters Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Regiment,3rd Marine Division, Stein fought in the Vella Lavella and Bougainville Campaigns, shooting five snipers in a single day during the latter operation.[2]A toolmaker prior to the war, Stein customized a .30 caliber M1919 Browning machine gun from a wrecked Navy fighter plane into a highly effective personal machine gun he nicknamed the "Stinger".[3] After the Paramarines were disbanded, Stein returned to Camp Pendleton, California, where he was promoted to corporal and assigned as an assistant squad leader to Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Marines in the newly formed the 5th Marine Division[4]

On February 19, 1945, he took part in the amphibious landings which began the Battle of Iwo Jima. As his unit moved inland, he stormed a series of hostile pillboxes using his ubiquitous "stinger" and made eight trips back to the beach to retrieve ammunition, each time taking a wounded Marine with him. It was for his actions on this day that he was later awarded the Medal of Honor.[5]

The 28th Marines next helped capture Mount Suribachi itself, culminating in the raising of the U.S. flag on the mountain's peak on February 23. Stein was wounded during the fight for Suribachi and evacuated to a hospital ship. Meanwhile, his regiment advanced up the west side of the island until reaching the strongly defended Hill 362A, where they took heavy casualties. When Stein heard of this, he left the hospital ship and returned to his unit. On March 1, he was killed by a sniper while leading a 19-man patrol to reconnoiter a machine gun emplacement which had Company A pinned down.[4]

Stein's Medal of Honor was presented to his widow on February 19, 1946, during a ceremony in the office of Ohio Governor Frank Lausche.[1]

Stein was initially buried in the 5th Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima. Following the war, his remains were returned to the U.S. for reinterment in his native Dayton. Stein, Dayton's only World War II recipient of the Medal of Honor, was buried with full military honors on December 17, 1948, in Calvary Cemetery following funeral services at Our Lady of the Rosary Church.[1]

The USS Stein (FF-1065), a U.S. Navy Knox class frigate commissioned in 1972, was named in his honor.[4]

Medal of Honor citation[edit]          :salute:      SEMPER FI 
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1658697_10151850001785194_766730713_o.jp

 

On this day in 1945, Marines and American forces began the Battle for Iwo Jima. The seizure of Iwo Jima was deemed necessary, but would not come easy. At 0859, the first of an eventual 30,000 Marines landed on the beach. After five weeks of some of the fiercest and bloodiest fighting of World War II, American forces achieved victory on Iwo Jima island. 

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1621851_10152209593538270_1480997835_n.j

 

Today we honor Ronald Gaffney of Groveland, Florida, who fell on this day in 1965. He is remembered by his sister, Elaine:

"He would always let little sister go with him even if he was on a date. He was an excellent student and I even remember when he was youth pastor at church. Although he has been gone almost 50 years he is always in the hearts of me and all the family."

See Ronald's Virtual Wall of Faces page here:http://bit.ly/1gAWrIH

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Jacklyn H. Lucas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Jacklyn Harrell Lucas)
 
Jacklyn Harold Lucas 150px-Lucas_JH.jpg   90px-Moh_right.gif

Medal of Honor recipient
Nickname Jack Born February 14, 1928

Plymouth, North Carolina Died June 5, 2008 (aged 80)

Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps

United States Army Years of service 1942 – 1945 (Marine Corps)

1961 – 1965 (Army) Rank Private First Class (Marine Corps)

Captain (Army) Unit 1st Battalion 26th Marine Regiment5th Marine Division

82nd Airborne Division Battles/wars World War II

*Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor (1945)

Purple Heart          :salute:

 

Robert Hugo Dunlap 180px-Dunlap_RobertHugo.jpg 90px-Moh_right.gif

Medal of Honor recipient
Born October 19, 1920

Abingdon, Illinois Died March 24, 2000 (aged 79) Place of burial Warren County Memorial Park Monmouth, Illinois Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1942-1946 Rank Major Unit 1st Battalion 26th Marines Battles/wars World War II

-Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor (1945)

Purple Heart        :salute:

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1658622_10152222929253270_1113648256_o.j

 

American troops in Cambodia pose with some of the enemy's supplies they captured, 1970. The North Vietnamese used Cambodian territory for logistics and resupply which the Cambodians either agreed with, ignored, or were powerless to prevent from happening. In 1969, Nixon violated Cambodia's neutrality by secretly bombing North Vietnamese supply lines there. And in 1970, Nixon invaded Cambodia with American troops to destroy such supplies.

Credit: National Archives / Not At Ease, Photographs of America's Continuing Engagement with the Vietnam War, 2002.

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1689482_10152224579778270_1726655962_n.j

 

Today we honor Francis John Mayer of West Long Beach, New Jersey, who fell in 1968. He is remembered by his squad leader, Robert:

"John was a great marine he joined my Squad December 1967. I made him a fire team Leader. He was Kia at Troui River. [At the] start of the TeT an enemy popped up from a spider trap with a AK 47. We had Been throwing Granades at each other for about 10 minutes. John got up and was hit. To this day I still see it happen and nothing i could do to stop it. May he rest in peace."

See Francis' Virtual Wall of Faces page:http://bit.ly/1cxApph

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Joe Ronnie Hooper Jrhooper_USArmy.gif Born August 8, 1938
Piedmont, South Carolina Died May 6, 1979 (aged 40)
Louisville, Kentucky Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 20px-United_States_Department_of_the_Nav United States Navy
20px-United_States_Department_of_the_Arm United States Army Years of service 1956 - 1959 (US Navy)
1960 - 1978 (US Army) Rank 25px-PO3_NOGC.png Petty Officer 3rd Class (Navy)
25px-US-O3_insignia.svg.png Captain (Army) Unit 2nd Battalion,     :salute: 
25px-501-Parachute-Infantry-Regiment.svg 501st Airborne Infantry,
25px-US_101st_Airborne_Division_patch.sv 101st Airborne Division Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards      This Medal of Honor recipient was one of the most decorated men in the Vietnam War 

Edited by vietnam1969
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Today we honor Tommy Wyatt of Natchitoches, Louisiana, who fell on this day in 1969. He is remembered by his close friend, Charlotte: 

"Tommy was a close family friend. He and my brother were always together. I remember the day I learned of his death. I was devastated to know that such a kind-hearted spirit was gone. I will always remember Tommy and the sacrifice he made for our country."

See Tommy's Virtual Wall of Faces page:http://bit.ly/1mhz6xK
 — with Charlotte Parks.

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Wesley Lee Fox 180px-Col_Wesley_L_Fox.jpg     90px-Moh_right.gif

Colonel Wesley L. Fox, U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

Medal of Honor

Born September 30, 1931 (age 82)

Herndon, Virginia Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 25px-USMC_logo.svg.png United States Marine Corps Years of service 1950 to 1993 Rank 30px-US-O6_insignia.svg.png Colonel Service number 096702 Unit 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines

1st Battalion, 9th Marines

MAG-11

MCRD San Diego

2nd Force Reconnaissance Company

Marine Air Detachment

SHAPE

Basic School, Quantico Commands held Company A, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines

Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines,

Commanding officer, U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia Battles/wars Korean War

Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Legion of Merit (2)

Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V"

Purple Heart Medal (4)

Meritorious Service Medal

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) with Combat "V"

Combat Action Ribbon (2)

Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with silver star (3)

Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class Other work Deputy Commandant of Cadets atVirginia Tech

Marine Corps Recruiter     :salute:

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Hershel W. Williams

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
Hershel Woodrow Williams 150px-Williams_HW.jpg   90px-Moh_right.gif

Hershel W. Williams, Medal of Honor recipient
Nickname "Woody" Born October 2, 1923 (age 90)

Fairmont, West Virginia Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 23px-USMC_logo.svg.png United States Marine Corps Years of service 1943-1945, 1948-1949, 1954-1969 Rank Chief Warrant Officer 4 Unit 1st Battalion21st Marines Battles/wars World War II

 • Battle of Iwo Jima Awards Medal of Honor (1945)

Purple Heart Other work Veterans Administration

Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams (born October 2, 1923) is a retired United States Marine who received theMedal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II. He is also the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle.

 

 

Early years[edit]

Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on October 2, 1923, Williams grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Quiet Dell. He worked a series of odd jobs in the area, including as a truck driver for W.S. Harr Construction Company of Fairmont and as a taxi driver. After being turned away once from the U.S. military for being too short, he successfully enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 26, 1943.[1][2]

World War II service[edit]

Williams received his recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Upon completion, he was sent to the Camp Elliott training center in San Diego, where he joined the tank training battalion on August 21, 1943. The following month he was transferred to the training center's infantry battalion for instruction as a demolition man and in the use of flamethrowers.[1]

Williams joined the 32nd Replacement Battalion on October 30, 1943, and left for New Caledonia in the southwest Pacific on December 3 aboard the M.S. Weltey Reden. In January 1944, he joined the 3rd Marine Division at Guadalcanal. He was attached to the 1st Battalion, 21st Marines, first to Company C and then to Headquarters Company.[1]

During July and August 1944, he participated in action against the Japanese at Guam, and in October he rejoined Company C.[1]

Medal of Honor action[edit]

His next campaign was at Iwo Jima where he distinguished himself with actions "above and beyond the call of duty" — for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor. Landing on February 21, 1945, Williams, by then a corporal, distinguished himself two days later when American tanks, trying to open a lane for infantry, encountered a network of reinforced concrete pillboxesburied mines, and black volcanic sands.[1] Williams went forward alone with his 70-pound (32 kg) flamethrower to attempt the reduction of devastating machine gun fire from the unyielding positions.[1][2]

Covered by only four riflemen, he fought for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flame throwers. He returned to the front, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one position after another.[1] At one point, a wisp of smoke alerted him to the air vent of a Japanese bunker, and he approached close enough to put the nozzle of his flamethrower through the hole, killing the occupants.[2] On another occasion, he was charged by enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and he killed them with a burst of flame from his weapon.[1]

These actions occurred on the same day as the raising of the U.S. flag on the island's Mount Suribachi, although Williams was not able to witness the event.[2] He fought through the remainder of the five-week-long battle and was wounded on March 6, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.[1]

In September 1945, he returned to the United States, and on October 1 he joined Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He was presented the Medal of Honor byPresident Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945, at the White House.[1]        :salute: 

Oscar Palmer Austin Austin_OP_USMC.jpg  90px-Moh_right.gif

Oscar P. Austin, Medal of Honor recipient
Born January 15, 1949

NacogdochesTexas, U.S. Died February 23, 1969 (aged 20)

Vietnam Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States_Marine_Co United States Marine Corps Years of service 1968-1969 Rank Private First Class Unit 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards 22px-Medal_of_Honor_ribbon.svg.png Medal of Honor

22px-Purple_Heart_BAR.svg.png Purple Heart      :salute:

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1656239_10152225416438270_923988542_n.jp

 

Today we honor Arlen Duckett, Jr. of Lake Worth, Florida, who fell on this day in 1966 and served in the Marine Corps. He is remembered by his section chief A btry 1-12 Vietnam, Charles who describes Arlen as a "Well liked Marine on our gun crew." 

Join us in thanking all of our veterans by clicking here ---> http://wefb.it/_kZyxg

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Florida man shocked to learn of Medal of Honor

image.jpgimage.jpg

 

MIAMI — Melvin Morris was commanding a strike force on a mission near Chi Lang, South Vietnam, when his special forces group came under attack and a fellow commander was killed near an enemy bunker.

 

Despite massive enemy fire directed at him and his men, hitting him three times, the 72-year-old Morris said Friday that he was able to get to his fallen comrade and recover the body. He also retrieved a map that included strategic information that would have been trouble if it fell into enemy hands.

 

More than four decades later, as a way to try to correct potential acts of bias spanning three wars, President Barack Obama will bestow the Medal of Honor on the Florida man and 23 other veterans. They come after a decade-long congressionally mandated review of minorities who may have been passed over for the U.S. military's highest honor because of long-held prejudices.

 

Morris became one of the first soldiers to don a "green beret" in 1961 and volunteered twice for deployments to Vietnam during the war. After his Sept 17, 1969, ordeal, the then-Staff Sgt. Morris received a Distinguished Service Cross in 1970. He said he never realized that being black might have kept the higher honor from him.

 

"I never really did worry about decorations," Morris said.

 

He got a huge surprise when the Army contacted him in May and arranged for Obama to call him at his Cocoa, Fla., home.

"I fell to my knees, I was shocked," Morris said. "President Obama said he was sorry this didn't happen before. He said this should have been done 44 years ago."

 

The unusual mass ceremony, scheduled for March 18, will honor veterans, most of Hispanic or Jewish heritage, who already had been recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation's second-highest military award.

 

Morris is one of only three of the recipients still living. The others are Spc. 4 Santiago J. Erevia of San Antonio, cited for courage during a search and clear mission near Tam Ky, South Vietnam, on May 21, 1969; and Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rodela of San Antonio, cited for courage during combat operations in Phuoc Long province, South Vietnam, on Sept. 1, 1969.

 

The Army conducted the review under a directive from Congress in the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act. The law required that the record of each Jewish American and Hispanic American veteran who received a Service Cross during or after World War II be reviewed for possible upgrade to the Medal of Honor.

 

The Pentagon said the Army reviewed the cases of the 6,505 recipients of the Distinguished Service Cross from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars and found an eligible pool of 600 soldiers who may have been Jewish or Hispanic.

 

Of the 24, eight fought in the Vietnam War, nine in the Korean War and seven in World War II.

 

"From the beginning of the encounter, until he was medically evacuated, Morris reacted to each situation with a professionalism, and single-minded determination possessed by few men," according to the information released by the Army about Morris.

 

He had to keep the medal a secret since Obama's call and said he's happy to be honored, but that it's even more important to recognize his friends that never returned home.

 

"Those that aren't even here to receive their medals, those are my heroes," said Morris, who retired from the Army in 1986 as a sergeant first class. "They gave their whole life. They gave everything. They gave it all."

 

The posthumous recipients are:

  • Sgt. Candelario Garcia, born in Corsicana, Texas, for courageous actions during combat operations in Lai Khe, South Vietnam, on Dec. 8, 1968.
  • Spc. 4 Leonard L. Alvarado, born in Bakersfield, Calif., died during combat operations in Phuoc Long province, South Vietnam, on Aug. 12, 1969.
  • Staff Sgt. Felix M. Conde-Falcon, born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, killed during combat operations in Ap Tan Hoa, South Vietnam, on April 4, 1969.
  • Spc. 4 Ardie R. Copas of Fort Pierce, Fla. killed during combat operations near Ph Romeas Hek, Cambodia, on May 12, 1970.
  • Spc. 4 Jesus S. Duran of San Bernardino, Calif., for courageous actions during combat operations in South Vietnam on April 10, 1969.
  • Cpl. Joe R. Baldonado, born in Colorado, killed during combat operations in Kangdong, North Korea, on Nov. 25, 1950.
  • Cpl. Victor H. Espinoza of El Paso, Texas, for courageous actions during combat operations in Chorwon, North Korea, on Aug. 1, 1952.
  • Sgt. Eduardo C. Gomez, born in Los Angeles, for courageous actions during combat operations in Tabu-dong, South Korea, on Sept. 3, 1950.
  • Pfc. Leonard M. Kravitz, born in New York City, killed during combat operations in Yangpyong, South Korea, on March 6-7, 1951.
  • Master Sgt. Juan E. Negron of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, for courageous actions during combat operations in Kalma-Eri, North Korea, on April 28, 1951.
  • Master Sgt. Mike C. Pena, born in Newgulf, Texas, killed in action during combat operations in Waegwan, South Korea, on Sept. 4, 1950.
  • Pvt. Demensio Rivera, born in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, for courageous actions during combat operations in Changyong-ni, South Korea, on May 23, 1951.
  • Pvt. Miguel A. Vera, born in Puerto Rico, killed during combat operations in Chorwon, North Korea, on Sept. 21, 1952.
  • Sgt. Jack Weinstein of Saint Francis, Kan. for courageous actions during combat operations in Kumsong, South Korea, on Oct. 19, 1951.
  • Pvt. Pedro Cano, born in La Morita, Mexico, for courageous actions during combat operations in Schevenhutte, Germany, on Dec. 3, 1944.
  • Pvt. Joe Gandara, born in Santa Monica, Calif., for courageous actions during combat operations in Amfreville, France, on June 9, 1944.
  • Pfc. Salvador J. Lara, of Riverside, Calif., for courageous actions during combat operations in Aprilia, Italy, May 27-28, 1944.
  • Sgt. William F. Leonard, of Lockport, N.J., for courageous actions during combat operations near St. Die, France, on Nov. 7, 1944.
  • Staff Sgt. Manuel V. Mendoza, born in Miami, Ariz., for courageous actions during combat operations on Mount Battaglia, Italy, on Oct. 4, 1944.
  • Sgt. Alfred B. Nietzel, born in New York City, for courageous actions during combat operations in Heistern, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1944.
  • 1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab, born Hooper, Neb., for courageous actions during combat operations near Lure, France, on Sept. 17, 1944.

 

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/florida-man-shocked-to-learn-of-medal-of-honor-1.269399

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Here are the three that were with me at the end of the Vietnam conflict, I was one of two lucky ones that were able to bail out. I think about them everyday, four of us were going to Eglin AFB in Florida and had a reunion party planned for when I arrived at Eglin. Needless to say that reunion didn't take place. I find myself still a little gun shy with load noises.

Glibert A. Rovito

CAPT - O3 - Air Force - Regular

His tour began on Jun 21, 1972

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - PILOT

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 119

 

 

FRANCIS ELMORE MEADOR

 

1LT - O2 - Air Force - Reserve

His tour began on Feb 10, 1973

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 118

 

 

DAVID VANCE MC LEOD JR

 

MSGT - E7 - Air Force - Regular

His tour began on Jun 14, 1973

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was not recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 118

 

 

Edited by AKVET
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East Texas World War II Veteran finally receives medals after 69 years

 

LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -

Posted: Feb 23, 2014 7:11 PM CST Updated: Feb 23, 2014 7:11 PM CST

By Leigha Hughes
 
 

69 years ago today in 1945 would have been the fourth day of fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.

 

Lufkin's Ben Weber was there on the Japanese island fighting for his country.

 

Sunday, Weber stood in front of his church, family and friends and finally received the medals he earned as soldier.

 

The almost 90-year-old Ben Weber put on the exact uniform he wore in the Army nearly 70 years to receive the medals he earned while serving the United States during World War II.

 

"It's really been a blessing for me because my family always said you never got what you deserved," said Weber. 

 

Congressman Louie Gohmert said, "Now people now understand that what someone like Ben gave is just priceless. It is immeasurable."

 

"It was so special you know things that you think is lost and when you get ‘em just think about it," said Weber.

 

Weber was shot in the eye and in the leg during the battle for Iwo Jima but as he stood on the stage today to receive the honors he earned for his sacrifice his mind was on his fallen comrades.

"I lost several men," said Weber. "I was a leader and I didn't know how to handle that at first and I think a lot of men don't. These are the things that I think about and I don't deserve. These men died and I'm here. I did lose and eye and part of a leg but hey I do anything I want to do and I'm happy."

 

Gohmert presented Weber with a flag that flew over the Capitol, his Honorable Service pin, a medal for expert level marksmanship, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal.

 

Weber already has a Silver Star Medal which is the third highest honor in the nation.

 

"It's people like Ben standing up that has made a difference," said Gohmert.

 

Weber said he didn't join the Army for the medals but because he loves the service.

 

A fire destroyed most Weber's service and injury records thus playing a role in his medals arriving late but Congressman Gohmert says he will not stop until Weber receives his Purple Heart.

Weber is a native of New York but calls Lufkin his home. He joined the service at just 17-years-old on Long Island. He owns a courier service with First Bank and Trust and is in good shape and good health.

 

Weber teaches Sunday school every week at Southside Baptist Church in Lufkin and thanked the church for the blessings they have bestowed upon him after he received his medals.

 

Weber was excited to have three full rows of his family present while he received his medals.

 

Weber's family says he has also adopted several of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 

He says he hopes to and wants to meet all the people in the area who are going to serve in the military or who have already.

 

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:cowboy2:

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1618487_10152231258788270_501253231_n.jp

 

On this day in 1968, The Imperial Palace in Hue is recaptured by South Vietnamese and American troops during the Tet Offensive. The battle lasted for approximately 3 weeks. The city had come under attack by two North Vietnamese regiments on January 31, which led to exchanges of mortar and artillery fire. It took 10 days to advance the last 1,000 yards inside the walled city. The intensity of the battle later called for American Skyhawk helicopters to drop bombs and napalm on an already battered city, and the NVA completely evacuated the city by early March. Overall, it was a costly battle for both sides.

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Here are the three that were with me at the end of the Vietnam conflict, I was one of two lucky ones that were able to bail out. I think about them everyday, four of us were going to Eglin AFB in Florida and had a reunion party planned for when I arrived at Eglin. Needless to say that reunion didn't take place. I find myself still a little gun shy with load noises.

Glibert A. Rovito

CAPT - O3 - Air Force - Regular

His tour began on Jun 21, 1972

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - PILOT

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 119

 

 

FRANCIS ELMORE MEADOR

 

1LT - O2 - Air Force - Reserve

His tour began on Feb 10, 1973

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 118

 

 

DAVID VANCE MC LEOD JR

 

MSGT - E7 - Air Force - Regular

His tour began on Jun 14, 1973

Casualty was on Jun 14, 1973

In , CAMBODIA

Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW

AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND

Body was not recovered

 

Panel 01W - Line 118

 

 

 

  AKVET--------IT JUST WASN'T YOUR TIME THEN AND FOR THE OTHER ONES WHO DIDN'T MAKE IT        I  :salute: YOU

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John Levitow

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
 
40px-Text_document_with_red_question_mar
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations.Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (January 2013) Sgt. John L. Levitow 150px-John_Levitow.jpg  100px-Airforce_moh.jpg

John Levitow
Born November 1, 1945

Hartford, Connecticut Died November 8, 2000 (aged 55)

Connecticut Place of burial Arlington National Cemetery Allegiance 23px-Flag_of_the_United_States.svg.png United States of America Service/branch 22px-Flag_of_the_United_States_Air_Force United States Air Force Years of service 1966–1970 Rank Sergeant Unit 3d Special Operations Squadron Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart

Air Medal

John Lee Levitow (November 1, 1945 – November 8, 2000) was a United States Air Force (USAF) loadmasterwho received the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during wartime. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for an incident on February 24, 1969, while he was serving on board a Douglas AC-47 Spooky gunship of the 3d Special Operations Squadron USAF. He became the lowest ranked serviceman in the Air Force to receive the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest honor.

 

 

Biography[edit]

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, He originally intended to join the United States Navy, but changed his mind and joined the USAF in June 1966. His first job was civil engineering, then he cross-trained into the loadmaster career field.

On February 24, 1969, Levitow was asked to fill in for the regular loadmaster on an armed AC-47 call sign Spooky 71. It was Airman Levitow's job to set the ejection and ignition timer controls on Mark 24 magnesium flares and pass them to the gunner for deployment. These flares were 27-pound (12 kg) metal canisters 3 feet (0.91 m) long that would burn at 4000 degrees, illuminate with the intensity of two million candlepower and burn for two and a half to three minutes.[1] Spooky 71 was flying night missions near the Tan Son Nhut Air base area when Long Binhcame under attack.

As the crew of Spooky 71 manned their aircraft patrolling the area, the pilot Major Kenneth Carpenter had seen muzzle flashes outside Long Binh Army Base. The pilot threw the AC-47 and its eight-man crew into a banked turnto engage the Viet Cong in the Tan Son Nhut Air Base area.

On the pilot's command, Levitow and the gunner began deploying flares through the open cargo door. Levitow set the timers and handed a flare to the gunner, who held it with his finger through the pull ring attached to the safety pin. Suddenly, Spooky 71 was jarred by a tremendous explosion. A North Vietnamese Army's 82-millimeter mortar shell hit the right wing and exploded inside the structure, raking the fuselage with flying shrapnel. Everyone in the back of Spooky 71 was wounded, including Levitow who was hit by shrapnel and concussion that he was quoted as saying "felt like being hit by a two-by-four." The blast also jarred the flare from the gunner's hands, pulling the safety pin from the canister as it did so and arming the fuse.

Despite 40 wounds in his back and legs, Levitow saw the loose flare, its fuse burning with clouds of smoke, rolling amid ammunition cans that contained 19,000 rounds of live ammunition. When the flare exploded it would detonate the ammunition and burn a hole through the floor to the aircraft's control cables below. Through a haze of pain and shock, unable to stand up, and fighting the aircraft's 30-degree bank angle, Levitow crawled to the flare and threw himself upon it. Hugging it to his body, he dragged himself back to the rear of the cabin and pushed it through the open cargo door an instant before it ignited, saving the aircraft and its crew. When the aircraft finally returned to the base, the extent of the damage became apparent. The AC-47 had more than 3,500 holes in the wings and fuselage, one measuring more than three feet long.

Levitow received the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon on, May 14, 1970, on Armed Forces Day. Levitow died of cancer on November 8, 2000. He is buried atArlington National Cemetery in Virginia. His grave can be found in section 66, site 7107, map grid DD/17.

The John Levitow Award is the highest honor presented to a graduate of Air Force Enlisted Professional Military Education (PME), including Airman Leadership School, NCO Academy, and the Senior NCO Academy.

Medal of Honor citation[edit]

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 3d Special Operations Squadron. place and date: Long Binh Army post, Republic of Vietnam, 24 February 1969. Entered service at: New Haven, Conn. Born: 1 November 1945, Hartford, Conn.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Levitow (then A1c.), U.S. Air Force, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism while assigned as a loadmaster aboard an AC-47 aircraft flying a night mission in support of Long Binh Army post. Sgt. Levitow's aircraft was struck by a hostile mortar round. The resulting explosion ripped a hole 2 feet in diameter through the wing and fragments made over 3,500 holes in the fuselage. All occupants of the cargo compartment were wounded and helplessly slammed against the floor and fuselage. The explosion tore an activated flare from the grasp of a crewmember who had been launching flares to provide illumination for Army ground troops engaged in combat. Sgt. Levitow, though stunned by the concussion of the blast and suffering from over 40 fragment wounds in the back and legs, staggered to his feet and turned to assist the man nearest to him who had been knocked down and was bleeding heavily. As he was moving his wounded comrade forward and away from the opened cargo compartment door, he saw the smoking flare ahead of him in the aisle. Realizing the danger involved and completely disregarding his own wounds, Sgt. Levitow started toward the burning flare. The aircraft was partially out of control and the flare was rolling wildly from side to side. Sgt. Levitow struggled forward despite the loss of blood from his many wounds and the partial loss of feeling in his right leg. Unable to grasp the rolling flare with his hands, he threw himself bodily upon the burning flare. Hugging the deadly device to his body, he dragged himself back to the rear of the aircraft and hurled the flare through the open cargo door. At that instant the flare separated and ignited in the air, but clear of the aircraft. Sgt. Levitow, by his selfless and heroic actions, saved the aircraft and its entire crew from certain death and destruction. Sgt. Levitow's gallantry, his profound concern for his fellowmen, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.    
:salute:
   

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Lester William Weber 180px-Weber_LW.jpg 90px-Moh_right.gif Born July 30, 1948

Aurora, Illinois Died February 23, 1969 (aged 20)

KIA in Quang Nam Province,Republic of Vietnam Allegiance United States of America Service/branch United States Marine Corps Years of service 1966-1969 Rank Lance Corporal Unit 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines Battles/wars Vietnam War Awards Medal of Honor

Purple Heart        :salute:

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