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George Washington, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E . Lee, George Custer, Pickett, Sherman, Alvin York, Blackjack Pershing, Audie Murphy, Creighton Abrams, George Patton, Chester Nimitz, Pappy Boyington, Chesty Puller, just to name a few.
Where are our modern day heroes? Pat Tillman obviously in the news but for the wrong reason of late. Jessica Lynch?
Are there any famous for heroic deeds or other noble notoriety?
Randall Shughart and Gary Gordon from Blackhawk Down in Somalia
Jason Dunham and Pual Smith in Iraq
There are sevearl from Veitnam if we would just take the time to learn of their actions and deeds.
Carlos Hathcock has allways been one of mine. http://www.marinescoutsniper.com/sni...es/Carlos.html.
This Marine attacked and defeated an entire trench full of Iraqis. He was the first one to catch my eye in the current fight:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/chontosh.asp
Glenn Beck had a SeAL named Marcus Luttrell, who has written Lone Survivor, on his show. I don't know what award he received as far as medals, but he was amazing to listen to as the only survivor of a 4-man team that killed a BUNCH of Taliban before they were taken out.
The two modern military heroes that strike me the hardest right now are Gary Gordon and Randy Shugart, the two (SF? Delta?) men that volunteered (and were once or twice denied their request as it was a suicide mission) to go to one of the the downed Blackhawks in Mogadishu and save the pilot's life-at the cost of their own.
I am in awe of men like this. I don't know what makes them-and that includes Tillman-but I'm thankful to their parents for them and to them for being extraordinary. I worry that we won't have enough of them as national pride wears away and self-absorption overwhelms sense of duty.
Certainly none that are generally known by most folks. I know of few, myself.
John Douglas, perhaps, with the FBI's serial crime group, focusing on forensic psychology and profiling. He worked on some of the worst cases in modern times, helping to break them when little else helped.
Brad Kasal,
USMC
Shot seven times, and through his own body over a Private's to protect him from the brunt of a grenade. Survived the blast and fought for consciousness as well as his life and the life of his Marines. When he and his Private were rescued, he hobbled out still holding his sidearm.
The guy should have gotten the medal of honor.
They feared he'd never walk right again due to all of his surgeries he needed.
He stood and walked to receive his Navy Cross.
I can't list names of those "Heros" that make national news, but in my mind every young American that has stepped foot into country and has served their tour is a Hero in my book. Thank you to all those who have served our Nation and all those who will.
Just saw a story on this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr_JH...elated&search=Quote:
Originally Posted by limatunes
This guy has been put in for the Medal of Honor, but from what I understand, this war has become "too" political, and therefore he may never see it.Quote:
Originally Posted by limatunes
I remember reading an article in the Air Force Times about previous wars and how many MOHs were awarded compared to the stinginess we see now as far as recognizing valor and heroism. It went as far as to suggest that our current "everybody wins- everybody is the same-participation trophies for all" PC climate is preventing commanders from giving medals such as the DSC, AF/Navy Cross and MOH.
Paul Smith has got to be the bravest SOB I have heard of.
This joker faced down a charge of 150 screaming Iraqi's wile he covered his squads retreat, dieing only after running out of ammo and he men where safe.
You know, any man that will jump on a grande, or lead a charge, or stand on the line under fire is a hero. Hell any man that just says "I'll go" is a hero. But when you look up and have 150+ guys running towards you firing AK-47's, and you look at your squad and say "I got this, you guys bug out" hell... that takes something special.
The Ones that never make the News, and do there Jobs and Die.
Id just like to take a minute to thank all of you. I by no means claim to be a hero, but on behalf of all of those that are, and the rest of us that support them, thank you. You guys are the heroes. You see, A man will fight long and hard for a tiny piece of colored ribbon, and he does it for no other reason than the love for his brothers, his family, and his country. It's all of you out there that thank us, that put up a thread like this, even those who just don't say anything negative, you are the ones that make it all worth it. I told my boys before we got home to thank everyone that thanked them. Because they are Americas heroes. Because they have the fortitude to stand by what they believe in, and without them, America would fall apart at the seams.
First Sergeant Kasal was in the Marine force that replaced our unit in Iraq, and Lt. Chontosh's attack took place while I was there. Both of these Marines embrace everything that is a Marine. Everything that is an American. I hope that First Sergeant Kasal gets to return to active duty, we could sure use him.
Thanks again everyone. You make America worth fighting for.
+1. Once upon a time in this country, the media reported the stories of these men and women. The media do not do so today, in my opinion. Such stories do not fit their (the media's) worldview--i.e., "Hate America first." JMHO, YMMV. :frown:Quote:
Originally Posted by enigmaone
No, he never got the MOH. My husband and I followed the story very closely. We both wished he would receive one. He did not. He was, instead, awarded the Navy Cross. Still an honor, for sure, but his actions warranted the MOH, in my humble opinion.Quote:
Originally Posted by EW3
Speaking of Navy Crosses (5) - Chesty Puller
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...er20Gazing.jpg
and Col. John Ripley (The Bridge at Dong Ha) and the Marines first "Quad Body".
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...r/8351_web.jpg
Always admired the Mustang leadership style of Col. Wesley Fox
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...sley_L_Fox.jpg
A Marine I have met several times and who has autographed some cool stuff for me. He has done a lot for the positive image of the Corps.
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...LEE_ERMY-1.jpg
and Semper Fi, my friend
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p...oto-082005.jpg