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During the
First World War Alvin York became synonymous with heroism throughout America. A U.S. Army corporal serving in
France, he assumed command of his platoon after three other noncommissioned officers had become casualties.
Leading seven men, "he charged a German machinegun nest under withering fire and captured 132 men, including four officers."
In
World War II Marine Gunnery Sergeant William Walsh was in action against Japanese forces at Iwo
Jima. With the advance of his company disrupted by vicious machinegun fire, he "fearlessly charged at the head of his platoon
against the Japanese entrenched on the ridge above him, utterly oblivious to the unrelenting fury of hostile automatic weapons and
hand grenades employed with fanatic desperation to smash his daring assault. … When one of the grenades fell in the midst of his
surviving men, huddled together in a small trench, Walsh – in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice – instantly threw
himself upon the deadly bomb, absorbing with his own body the full and terrific force of the explosion."
The
Korean War had a sterling example of heroism through the actions of Air Force Major George Davis, Jr., when two of his flight of four F-86 Saber jets had to
withdraw while on a combat aerial patrol. Continuing the mission, he sighted a formation of approximately 12 enemy MiG-15 aircraft and attacked.
"While speeding through the formation from the rear he singled out a MiG-15 and destroyed it with a concentrated burst of fire. Although he was now under continuous fire from the enemy fighters to his rear, Major Davis sustained his attack. He fired at another MiG-15 which, bursting into smoke and flames, went into a vertical dive. Rather than maintain his superior speed and evade the enemy fire being concentrated on him, he elected to reduce his speed and sought out still a third MiG-15. During this latest attack his aircraft sustained a direct hit, went out of control, then crashed into a mountain 30 miles south of the Yalu River."
In
Vietnam Army Major William E. Adams distinguished himself while flying "a lightly armed helicopter in an attempt to
evacuate three seriously wounded soldiers from a small fire base which was under attack by a large enemy force. … As he approached
the base, the enemy gunners opened fire with heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms. Undaunted by the
fusillade, he continued his approach determined to accomplish the mission. Displaying tremendous courage under fire, he calmly
directed the attacks of supporting gunships while maintaining absolute control of the helicopter he was flying. He landed the
aircraft at the fire base despite the ever-increasing enemy fire and calmly waited until the wounded soldiers were placed on board."
Since
the tragic events of September 11, 2001 the wars in Middle East have been at the top of our national consciousness. In
Afghanistan the name of Navy Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy will forever be remembered for bravery and self-sacrifice.
When between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team while on a mission in rugged terrain, "Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, [he] continued to lead and encourage his men.
"When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, [he] repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while providing his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded."
And in
Iraq Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor, a Navy SEAL, made history as a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army Sniper Overwatch
Element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
"As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off [his] chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates … gallantly giving his life for his country."
To them and their comrades we say "Thank you" … we owe you so much.
