23 May 2012
Wednesday Hero
16 May 2012
Wednesday Hero
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael
PhM2 William David Halyburton, Jr.
20 years old from Wilimington, North Carolina
2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
August 2, 1924 - May 10, 1945
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William Halyburton lost his life in Okinawa, Japan when his unit was under heavy fire and he ran, without thought of his own safety, to help a fallen Marine. As he was shielding the Marines body with his own, while administering aid, PhM2 Halyburton was mortally wounded. For his actions on that day he was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Rifle Company in the SECOND Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, on 10 May 1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit pushed the attack through a strategically important draw, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton unhesitatingly dashed across the draw and up the hill into an open fire-swept field where the company advance squad was suddenly pinned down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machinegun and sniper fire with resultant severe casualties. Moving steadily forward despite the enemy's merciless barrage, he reached the wounded Marine who lay farthest away and was rendering first aid when his patient was struck for the second time by a Japanese bullet. Instantly placing himself in the direct line of fire, he shielded the fallen fighter with his own body and staunchly continued his ministrations although constantly menaced by the slashing fury of shrapnel and bullets falling on all sides. Alert, determined and completely unselfish in his concern for the helpless Marine, he persevered in his efforts until he himself sustained mortal wounds and collapsed, heroically sacrificing himself that his comrade might live. By his outstanding valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
He was also honored by with a guided missile frigate, the USS Halyburton, being named after him.
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.
Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William Halyburton lost his life in Okinawa, Japan when his unit was under heavy fire and he ran, without thought of his own safety, to help a fallen Marine. As he was shielding the Marines body with his own, while administering aid, PhM2 Halyburton was mortally wounded. For his actions on that day he was posthumously awarded the Medal Of Honor:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William David Halyburton, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Medical Corpsman with a Marine Rifle Company in the SECOND Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, on 10 May 1945. Undaunted by the deadly accuracy of Japanese counterfire as his unit pushed the attack through a strategically important draw, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton unhesitatingly dashed across the draw and up the hill into an open fire-swept field where the company advance squad was suddenly pinned down under a terrific concentration of mortar, machinegun and sniper fire with resultant severe casualties. Moving steadily forward despite the enemy's merciless barrage, he reached the wounded Marine who lay farthest away and was rendering first aid when his patient was struck for the second time by a Japanese bullet. Instantly placing himself in the direct line of fire, he shielded the fallen fighter with his own body and staunchly continued his ministrations although constantly menaced by the slashing fury of shrapnel and bullets falling on all sides. Alert, determined and completely unselfish in his concern for the helpless Marine, he persevered in his efforts until he himself sustained mortal wounds and collapsed, heroically sacrificing himself that his comrade might live. By his outstanding valor and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds, Pharmacist's Mate Second Class Halyburton sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
He was also honored by with a guided missile frigate, the USS Halyburton, being named after him.09 May 2012
Wednesday Hero
17 April 2012
A Different View: Travels With Team Easy, Iraq 2007
A Different View: Travels With Team Easy , Iraq 2007 is a wonderful book.
During the current Global War on Terror, a whole new genre of writing - books and blogs - has emerged. Unlike previous wars where only official media organisations would - perhaps - send reporters along (think Ernie Pyle,) in today's theatres it is often the Troops themselves who share their experiences, either through blogs or as books written after they have returned from the sandbox. Think Bellavia, think Luttrell for just two examples. I believe that it is these books/blogs, these retellings, that will stand the test of time and form the true historical narrative of all that our Troops accomplished in the wars fought since 9/11.
A Different View is an important addition to the war archives. C. Blake Powers ('civilian in residence' at BlackFive) took his camera and embedded in Iraq, and the photos in this book add a context that is usually missing from the msm coverage. Powers' photo collection shows the day to day life of troops in Iraq. The images fairly jump off the page: A brilliant sunset beautifully captured; an incongruous, unexpected item in the middle of the action, and Powers' clear-eyed focus shows us a view of a combat zone most of the public will never see.
Yes, there are pictures of sand, alongside pictures of canals, and yes, there are pictures of our Troops at checkpoints, but the texture, the clarity is so stunning, the viewer feels the heat, is IN the middle of a negotiation captured with a sharp lens. From vigilant Troops on guard watch, to down-time as the Troops watch a sporting event (I don't think it was the Olympic Gold Medal Hockey game) this book is an important - unique - record of what our troops do day in, day out, while most of America is at the mall.
(c) C. Blake Powers
A Different View is a great tribute to the Soldiers of Team Easy, and every picture is worth far more than a thousand words. Matt Burden of BlackFive writes the Foreword, and JD Johannes writes an introduction to this must-have book. A part of the proceeds is going to Cooking With the Troops - a 501(c)(3) organisation founded by Powers. All very good reasons to buy and read the book.
Go now, and order your copy - and go read Blake on B5 for more about this terrific book, that does our Troops proud. As a determinedly unobtrusive chronicler of our Troops in the Iraqi combat zone, Powers has shaped a book about our Troops, for our Troops and the civilians who love and support them. I hope to see more volumes of these embed photographs from C. Blake Powers.
[Be sure to tune into YouServed BTR tonight for an interview about A Different View]
04 April 2012
Month of the Military Child
From the DoD:Official: Take Time to Honor Military Kids’ Service
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press ServiceWASHINGTON, March 30, 2012 – Children of U.S. service members around the world will be honored throughout April for their contributions to their families’ well-being and sacrifices on behalf of the nation, a Defense Department official said.
Each April, Americans pause to recognize the nation’s 1.8 million military children during the Month of the Military Child.
“It’s really important to recognize that military children also serve,” Barbara Thompson, director of military community and family policy, children and youth, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
It’s also important, Thompson said, to take time to let military children “know how proud we are as Americans that they … are supporting mom or dad in uniform, who is making great sacrifices for this country.”
While frequent moves and school transitions can be challenging, Thompson said she believes the most challenging endeavor a military child has to endure is a parental separation due to deployment.
“While we’ve made great strides with technology and Skype … it’s not the same as having your mom or dad at your baseball game or high school graduation or one of your birthday parties,” she said.
These separations can have a “serious impact” on military families’ well-being, Thompson noted, particularly on the children. Younger children may experience separation and attachment issues, while older children may engage in risky behaviors, she explained....
Much more here, and go check out the series from the DoD here.
The children ALSO serve.
25 March 2012
Medal of Honor Day
The first formal system for rewarding acts of individual gallantry by the nation's fighting men was established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782. Designed to recognize "any singularly meritorious action," the award consisted of a purple cloth heart. Records show that only three persons received the ward: Sergeant Elijah Churchill, Sergeant William Brown, and Sergeant Daniel Bissel Jr.
The Badge of Military Merit, as it was called, fell into oblivion until 1932, when General Douglas MacArthur, then Army Chief of Staff, pressed for its revival. Officially reinstituted on February 22, 1932, the now familiar Purple Heart was at first an Army award, given to those who had been wounded in World War I or who possessed a Meritorious Service Citation Certificate. In 1943, the order was amended to include personnel of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Coverage was eventually extended to include all services and "any civilian national" wounded while serving with the Armed Forces.
Although the Badge of Military Merit fell into disuse after the Revolutionary War, the idea of a decoration for individual gallantry remained through the early 1800s. In 1847, after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War, a "certificate of merit" was established for any soldier who distinguished himself in action. No medal went with the honor. After the Mexican-American War, the award was discontinued, which meant there was no military award with which to recognize the nation's fighting men.
Early in the Civil War, a medal for individual valor was proposed to General-in-Chief of the Army Winfield Scott. But Scott felt medals smacked of European affectation and killed the idea.
The medal found support in the Navy, however, where it was felt recognition of courage in strife was needed. Public Resolution 82, containing a provision for a Navy medal of valor, was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on December 21, 1861. The medal was "to be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen, and Marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry and other seamanlike qualities during the present war."
Shortly after this, a resolution similar in wording was introduced on behalf of the Army. Signed into law July 12, 1862, the measure provided for awarding a medal of honor "to such noncommissioned officers and privates as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and other soldierlike qualities, during the present insurrection."
Although it was created for the Civil War, Congress made the Medal of Honor a permanent decoration in 1863.
Almost 3,400 men and one woman have received the award for heroic actions in the nation's battles since that time.
(Courtesy of DoD)
From 2009: Remember these Names(GO read)
Fort Campbell’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team Honors the Valorous on National Medal of Honor Day
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abram Pinnington | March 25, 2012
3rd BCT Public Affairs, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT)
Fort Campbell, KY – While facing insurmountable odds with their backs against a wall and their comrades’ lives at stake; brave men and women, without hesitation, place the well-being of others before their own. Today we remember these brave and courageous warriors.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill creating the Medal of Honor. The distinguished award was designed to recognize those whom displayed valorous actions while serving on the battlefield, “The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, presents this unique award.
Today, March 25th, marks the 149th anniversary of the first presentation of the medal in 1863.
On that day back in 1863, six soldiers were given the award for their bravery during the Great Locomotive Chase in 1862.
Since the medal’s inception, there have been 3,458 recipients, 19 of whom were double awardees.
Some of the most recognizable and distinguished recipients include:
- President Theodore Roosevelt, for his actions during the Spanish-American War
- Gen. Douglas MacArthur was recognized for his selfless service in the Philippines during World War II
- Sgt. Audie Murphy, World War II’s most decorated US soldier, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous gallantry
Yep - another MUST READ here.
Always remember. ALWAYS HONOUR.
21 March 2012
Wednesday Hero
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael
Capt. Joseph McConnell
32 years old from Dover, New Hampshire
39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing
January 30 1922 – August 25 1954
At the age of 28, Joseph McConnell was considered too old be a jet
pilot in Korea, but he wouldn't let that stop him. He persisted and
was assigned to 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st
Fighter-Interceptor Wing in 1952 and was credited with shooting down
16 enemy planes in a four month period and became America's first
Triple Jet Ace when he shot down three of those planes in a single
day.
You Can Read More About Capt. Joseph McConnell 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about
Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can
go here.
32 years old from Dover, New Hampshire
39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing
January 30 1922 – August 25 1954
At the age of 28, Joseph McConnell was considered too old be a jet
pilot in Korea, but he wouldn't let that stop him. He persisted and
was assigned to 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st
Fighter-Interceptor Wing in 1952 and was credited with shooting down
16 enemy planes in a four month period and became America's first
Triple Jet Ace when he shot down three of those planes in a single
day.
You Can Read More About Capt. Joseph McConnell 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about
Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can
go here.
14 March 2012
Wednesday Hero
Maj. Britt Reed reads a Dr. Seuss book to children during a celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday at Fort Rucker Primary School March 2.
Photo Courtesy U.S. Army Taken By Angela Williams
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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
07 March 2012
Wednesday Hero
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael
Capt.
Albert H. Rooks
50 years old from Colton, Washington
December 29, 1891 - March 1, 1942
On March 1, 1942, Captain Albert Harold Rooks, along with the majority
of the crew of the USS Houston perished in the line of duty. The mere
368 survivors of the crew of more than 1,000 would be taken into
captivity by the Japanese for the duration of the war and subjected to
hard labor. Rooks was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his
actions aboard the Houston.
You Can Read More About Capt. Rooks 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about
Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can
go here.
Albert H. Rooks
50 years old from Colton, Washington
December 29, 1891 - March 1, 1942
On March 1, 1942, Captain Albert Harold Rooks, along with the majority
of the crew of the USS Houston perished in the line of duty. The mere
368 survivors of the crew of more than 1,000 would be taken into
captivity by the Japanese for the duration of the war and subjected to
hard labor. Rooks was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his
actions aboard the Houston.
You Can Read More About Capt. Rooks 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about
Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can
go here.
29 February 2012
Wednesday Hero
This Weeks Post Was Suggested By Michael
1st Battalion, 9th Marines
This weeks post is a little different. Rather than an individual service member, or a group, Wednesday Hero is profiling an entire battalion. 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9) aka "The Walking Dead". Activated on March 1, 1942, 1/9 has had a long and distinguished service history. Seeing deployments in WWII, Vietnam, Somalia and Iraq. During the Vietnam War they earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" because of their extremely high casualty rate. 1/9 was deactivated in September 1994 but were once again called back into service in 2005. There has also been four Medal Of Honor recipients from 1/9; Pfc. Frank Witek, 2nd Lt. John Leims, Sgt. Walter Singleton & Cpt. Wesley Fox.
You can read more about 1st Battalion, 9th Marines 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 Wednesday Hero. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.
This weeks post is a little different. Rather than an individual service member, or a group, Wednesday Hero is profiling an entire battalion. 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9) aka "The Walking Dead". Activated on March 1, 1942, 1/9 has had a long and distinguished service history. Seeing deployments in WWII, Vietnam, Somalia and Iraq. During the Vietnam War they earned the nickname "The Walking Dead" because of their extremely high casualty rate. 1/9 was deactivated in September 1994 but were once again called back into service in 2005. There has also been four Medal Of Honor recipients from 1/9; Pfc. Frank Witek, 2nd Lt. John Leims, Sgt. Walter Singleton & Cpt. Wesley Fox.
You can read more about 1st Battalion, 9th Marines 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 Wednesday Hero. 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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