On Monday, the 30th of May, 2005, we honor those Soldiers, Saliors, Airmen and Marines who have served the cause of Liberty, who have heeded the call of their country.

God bless them all - past, present, and future.


Were it not for the Brave, there would be no Land of the Free.

Amen.  God rest our fallen heroes, and God protect those who serve today.  

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.




"They gave away all of their tomorrows, for your today."__Wally Parr, Normandy veteran, 6th British Airborne Div

www.clermontyellow.accountsupport.com/flash/UntilThen.swf

Normandy


Adanac British Cemetary

Medal of Honor winners, World War I


Taps for 317th Arty, 101st - A Shau Valley


Taps - Korea








Chosin - 1950
















U.S. cemetery, Omaha Beach

My heartfelt thanks to those who have served and those who still do:

You are the greatest.

Local WWII Vet who won he MOH, this is in a park named after him

tag

8th Air Force B24 Crews and their aircraft, circa 1943

The man they named my gradeschool after:



Medal of Honor Citation, Sgt. Alfredo "Freddy" Gonzalez, Jr., U.S.M.C.

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.

Place and date: Near Thua Thien, Republic of Vietnam, 4 February 1968.

Entered service at: San Antonio, Tex.

Born: 23 May 1946, Edinburg Tex.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall USA

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.     Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.     And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind." Major Michael Davis O'Donnell 1 January 1970 Dak To, Vietnam Listed as KIA February 7, 1978

There are more images at:
photo gallery

thewall-usa.com/buttons/namwall.jpg

Friends of mine:


Army Spc. Joshua J. Henry, KIA 2004-09-20 21, of Avonmore, Pa.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Sept. 20 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his convoy was attacked by small-arms fire in Sharqat, Iraq.



Army Staff Sgt. Raymond E. Jones Jr., KIA 2004-04-09, 31, of Gainesville, Fla.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; killed April 9 when a rocket-propelled grenade struck him while on patrol in Bayji, Iraq.




Army Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara, 21, of Philadelphia; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; killed July 24 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle in Tikrit, Iraq.





Army Spc. Peter G. Enos, KIA 2004-04-09, 24, of South Dartmouth, Mass.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany; killed April 9 when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his patrol vehicle in Bayji, Iraq.

there aren't words for what i want to say.

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf”
George Orwell

On behalf of a grateful nation - our profound gratitude to those veterans that gave the Last Full Measure of Devotion for our freedoms.  We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice.




CWO

Army Spc. Joshua J. Henry, KIA 2004-09-20 21, of Avonmore, Pa.; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; died Sept. 20 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his convoy was attacked by small-arms fire in Sharqat, Iraq. Army Staff Sgt. Raymond E. Jones Jr., KIA 2004-04-09, 31, of Gainesville, Fla.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; killed April 9 when a rocket-propelled grenade struck him while on patrol in Bayji, Iraq. Army Spc. Nicholas J. Zangara, 21, of Philadelphia; assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt, Germany; killed July 24 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle in Tikrit, Iraq. Army Spc. Peter G. Enos, KIA 2004-04-09, 24, of South Dartmouth, Mass.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in Schweinfurt, Germany; killed April 9 when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his patrol vehicle in Bayji, Iraq.

Thank you everyone for your service.  

Very moving thread about those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Glockluvin, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your friends.

A soldier comforts a grief-stricken American infantryman whose buddy was killed in action near Haktong-ni, Korea, in 1950. In the background, a corpsman methodically fills out casualty tags.

To all those who have served...both overseas and at Home.
Your Sacrifice Transcends Generations.

In your Memory: Thank You




Cub Scouts
1968-1970

Bataan Death march veterans

BTT


Never Forget.

Just read a short article/bio about Carlos "White Feather" Hathcock in the latest issue of 1st Freedom. Coll read.. I'll probably buy a full sized book to learn more about him.



Did he receive the Medal of Honor? If not why not?

The commanding Officers of VMFA-112 from the last 14 years.

 

Colt_SBR  

Quoted: www.bataanmarch.com/b.logo.jpg www.massapequapost.com/News/2004/0701/Front_Page/013p1_lg.jpg Bataan Death march veterans

I was NCOIC for the rifle detail for a Bataan veteran's funeral. That is beyond doubt the proudest I ever was to wear my class A's.

50, of Los Angeles, California. Killed in action in Iraq. Marshall was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade during an enemy ambush in Baghdad. Marshall was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 8, 2003.

my platoon sergeant

btt

My two name-sake Uncles from WWII.

Cpl. Gordon Ray Langston, KIA, Jan. 1945, WWII Pacific Theater.  864th Bomb Squadron 494th Bomb Group 7th Air Force.
Radioman/Gunner in B-24 Liberator,  "Horrible Monster"



Flight Officer Andrew Jackson Langston, KIA Mar. 7, 1945, Po Valley Italy  350th Fighter Group, 347th Fighter Squadron (The Screaming Red Ass Squadron) P-47 Thunderbolt

My sincerest thanks for the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation

86th Airwing, U.S.A.F., retiring the colors after arrival of remains from U.S.S. Cole (DDG-67) at Ramstien , AFB, Germany


Seaman Recruit Likiba N. Plamer, U.S.S. Cole, laid to rest, Mt. Hope cemetery, San Diego.


A disabled veteran places a flag upon the wreath, honoring the fallen from U.S.S. Cole.




Presentation of the flag for a United States Airforce Pararescueman, Senior Airman Jason Cunningham,  KIA - O.E.F.,  to his wife and daughters.


Ethan Andrews, 9, at his father's casket, Master Sgt. Evander Andrews, U.S.A.F.,  O.I.F.

It constantly amazes me how lucky we all are to live in this country, and be guarded by these great men.  

btt

( Hand Salute )Real motovating photos, OORAH GENTLEMAN!( Ready Two )

Tim Price, 25
Army, first lieutenant
Killed Sept. 7, 2004, by small arms fire

A 2001 graduate of Virginia Tech from Midlothian, Price was a company commander of Tech's Corps of Cadets.

Last year, he and several other Corps alumni returned to Tech while he was on leave from Iraq to share their stories with current Tech cadets.

"In a few months or a few years, it's going to be you," Price told them. "Take it seriously. Have your game face on."

Six month later, Price was honored at a memorial service at the Virginia Tech War Memorial, where he was described as a natural leader by his classmates and superior officers.

"He was always a can-do person, with infectious enthusiasm," said retired U.S. Army Col. Dennis Cochrane, who was Price's Army ROTC commander.

Outstanding photos everyone. The men that are in those photos would be proud to know that they are still honored today.

Ben

This reminds me of the words echoed by my high school civics teacher

They gave up their tomorrows, so we can have our todays...

tag

Quoted: www.roanoke.com/photography/daily/va/wardead/price.jpg Tim Price, 25 Army, first lieutenant Killed Sept. 7, 2004, by small arms fire A 2001 graduate of Virginia Tech from Midlothian, Price was a company commander of Tech's Corps of Cadets. Last year, he and several other Corps alumni returned to Tech while he was on leave from Iraq to share their stories with current Tech cadets. "In a few months or a few years, it's going to be you," Price told them. "Take it seriously. Have your game face on." Six month later, Price was honored at a memorial service at the Virginia Tech War Memorial, where he was described as a natural leader by his classmates and superior officers. "He was always a can-do person, with infectious enthusiasm," said retired U.S. Army Col. Dennis Cochrane, who was Price's Army ROTC commander.

PFC. Jerod R. Dennis
Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano
Sgt. Kevin Feliciano

As a gunbattle raged around him, Pfc. Jerod Dennis ran a mile up a road in Afghanistan to get help for a wounded American soldier.

Although he was later killed in the fight, Dennis single-handedly provided cover for soldiers caught in an ambush.

Dennis, Sgt. Kevin Feliciano and Airman 1st Class Raymond Losano were remembered Thursday in a ceremony at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum downtown.

The 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, dedicated a stone in honor of the paratroopers who died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The stone will be placed in the garden area in front of the museum.


Lt. Col. Richard Clarke, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said the memorial is a tribute to the paratroopers.

"It will serve to remind us of the sacrifice made by them," he said. "Paratroopers will never forget paratroopers."

Feliciano died June 28, when his truck overturned while traveling to Orgun-E, a firebase in southeastern Afghanistan.

Losano, an Air Force combat controller attached to the 504th, died in the ambush.

Dennis died April 25. He was 19. He was awarded the Silver Star in August, the third-highest honor for soldiers.

Dennis was part of a quick reaction force trying to help American soldiers under attack along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Helping the wounded

It was the paratroopers' first firefight in Afghanistan, and it lasted almost an hour.

Sgt. Eddie Camacho and Sgt. 1st Class John Setzer were with Dennis during the battle. "I lost my brother in that fight," Camacho said.

Dennis was trying to evacuate a wounded soldier who was bleeding to death when enemy fire struck his vehicle. Setzer said Dennis volunteered to run back for help. He ran a mile before he found an Afghan Military Forces unit. He escorted them through the firefight to the wounded soldier, who survived.

The fighting continued, and Dennis climbed into the back of a civilian pickup with Camacho and Setzer to continue to ferry wounded soldiers to a casualty collection point. The truck was ambushed by anti-coalition forces, which bombarded Dennis and the other soldiers with rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire. The truck spun out of control and was damaged, the paratroopers said.

Setzer was shot three times in the chest. His body armor stopped the bullets, but one of the rounds skipped off the chest plate in his vest and hit him in the face. "If it was not for the (body armor), I would be dead," he said.

Dennis stood in the back of the truck and began firing at the guerrillas, allowing Camacho and Setzer to escape and find cover.

Dennis was shot in the leg. He ignored the wound and continued to attack the enemy. He was shot several times in the legs.

What wasnt mentioned in the article was Dennis was found out of ammo clutching a grenade.

"He fought so we could pull back. If it wasn't for Dennis, we would not have been able to break contact," Camacho said. "He shot for us so that we could live."

And let us never forget our service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice that we can be free Americans.
     
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