Memorial Day 2021

Started by winchester73, May 31, 2021, 11:27:45 AM

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winchester73

Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) is a day of remembrance for those who have died in the service of the United States. Freedom is not free.  All gave some, some gave all.  Honor and remember those who paid the ultimate price, and be grateful for their sacrifice.

For mitch, the Phantom Phixer, who kept the F4s flying ... for Ghost, we remember, always.  "Hit my smoke".

"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
Letters from Pleiku
1 January 1970
170th Assault Helicopter Company
Dak To, Vietnam

Shot down 24 March 1970
Panel 12W Line 040


In memory of Pfc Milton L Olive III, the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor in Vietnam ...

"I would be the first cat in line if there was a film about a real hero, you know, one of our blood. Somebody like Milton Olive."
"That man jumped on that grenade and saved his Bloods' lives."
Da 5 Bloods (2020)

Olive was only 18 years old when he joined the United States Army, serving in Company B, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.

On 22 October 1965, Olive and four other soldiers were moving through the Phu Cuong jungle pursuing a group of Viet Cong when a grenade landed in their midst.  Olive ran forward, yelled "I've got it!", tucked the grenade into his waist, moved away from the others, and fell on the grenade, absorbing the full blast. He sacrificed his life to save four soldiers he hardly knew.

For his bravery, selflessness and ultimate sacrifice, Olive was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on 21 April 1966.  President Johnson presented the medal to his father and stepmother in a Rose Garden ceremony attended by two of the saved men, one black, one white.

Speak softly, but carry a big Winchester ... Winchester Arms Collectors Association member

Corrine

Because the era was a major part of my life, once again I've repeated my annual post.

From last year*:

QuoteI would like to thank my dad
-----------------
Lorimer Hay-Chapman DFC BSM AM
Col. (Army of U.S. & RSV.; AF-RSV.) & Reg. AF. Retired
ID #'s-39042878, A0836983, 42417A, & 533180003FR

-WWII ('42-,46) Pvt. to Lt. - Participated in the defeat of
Nazi Germany & the Empire of Japan.
-KW ('51 & '52) Capt.-Fought Communist Forces in Korea.
-VN ('64 & "65) Maj.-Fought Communist Forces in Vietnam.
-CW (45 yrs.+) L/Col.-Contributed to the end of the Cold War, and the total collapse of the Communist Soviet Union.

Command Pilot & Instructor in fighter, helicopter, cargo and special (Agent Orange) aircraft, Flew 175 Combat Mission

*For G, where ever he may be.


Take a walk through the "Security Garden" -- Where Everything is Coming up Roses!

Remember - A day without laughter is a day wasted.
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart.

plodr

Chugging coffee and computing!