Ever meet a real hero?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:53:12 -0400

I have had the privilege of meeting a few over the years.

COL Glenn Fraizer (Bataan Death March POW)
Mr. Joe Galloway (War Correspondent made famous in We Were Soldiers.
Maj Gen Ed Mechenbier (Hanoi Hilton POW)
COL Danny McKnight (Blackhawk down)

Each of them has given back more then we could ever say thank you enough for.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 14 at 2014 4:11 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:11:53 -0400

I met Joe Galloway and Col Crandall at a book signing at JBLM and they autographed their book for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 3:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:04:46 -0500

I met R. Lee Ermy at the Armed Forces Bowl last year. My Marine Bro-in-law thought it appropriate to tell him that I was an ACTUAL E7 and not just an honorary one.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Dec 1 at 2014 3:25 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:25:06 -0500

There are those on RP whom with a sense of humor will respond, yes I have, "SEE em every day when I look in the mirror"...................smiling aren't you?

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 1 at 2014 4:58 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:58:55 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland, my list:

1. COL Ola Lee Mize, USA, Medal of Honor recepient (Korea)
2. MAJ Ralph "Pappy" Shelton, USA, (trained the Bolivian Rangers that captured and killed Che Guevara)
3. Col. George "Bud" Day, USAF, Medal of Honor recepient (Vietnam)
4. COL Aaron Bank, USA, Father/Founder of Special Forces

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 1 at 2014 8:01 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:01:13 -0500

The most interesting (not necessarily famous-although I recognized him from bio) was BGen Gary Harrell. He was the Colonel in the famous movie Blackhawk down who authorized the Delta Heroes MSgt Gordon and SFC Shughart (and they were heroes) to go in and try and rescue Chief Durant. They went in knowing that they would likely not return, to save an American. Those were tough decisions. They are HEROES.

I met him while down at CentComm in 2001 and was able to talk with him briefly-he was a little busy, and I was just a Security Forces SSgt on a post.

He signed my copy of Blackhawk Down, which I had just finished reading and recognized his name. It is one of my prized possessions.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Dec 1 at 2014 9:06 PM

CPL Rick Stasny — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 21:06:50 -0500

I had the honor to meet Neal Armstrong in 1993. I had a million questions running through my head, but I could only say that it was a pleasure to meet you. I also had the pleasure of meeting a World War I veteran at the VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. I just couldn't imagine surviving trench warfare.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 2:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 02:27:42 -0500

I had the pleasure to met COL Puckett. I have read the Ranger handbook many times since I was a private but never realized his actions are mentioned in it. He stood up the 8th Ranger Company in Korea. It was the first Ranger unit in the Korean War. I didn't realize he was selected to train and fight with them. He also stood up the Lancero in Columbia. I got to to have his sign his book. I was humbled by such a great man.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 5 at 2014 7:09 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 07:09:48 -0500

Joe Bauer Neighbor, Korean War Railroadman and Vietnam War MEDEVAC Helo Pilot. Capt Carl Lewis OIC Refueler for Nuclear Rockets on the old KS/MO Nuclear Missile Zipper Line.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 9 at 2014 6:26 PM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:26:29 -0500

I had the pleasure of meeting 3 people that really wowed me.

General David Petraeus. He came to the first Iraqi Regional Police Academy where I was the NCOIC. He just wowed me. He is a leader in every since of the word.

LTG Richard P. Formica. For me he was the one of the biggest kick starters to getting the police trained in Iraq. We were giving him a tour of the police academy in Al Kut. My BN-XO kept giving him politically correct answers to direct questions he was asking. He finally blew up on him and dressed him down right in front of me. Then he gave me a coin for "making things happen". I carry that coin every day. I used to see the XO and I would ask him where his coin was. I met him again in Afghanistan as a contractor. I showed him that coin. He said he remembered giving it to me. It was better than any medal I ever received. He just retired as Commanding General, US Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

The last hero I don't even know his name. He was Marine Master Gunnery Sargent in a wheelchair. We were at the USO fundraising dinner in Cincinnati. He had his dress blues on. He had unit patches on his uniform (so that tells you how old that uniform was). He was so old that he could barely speak, but we talked for a few minutes. He had served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam. Some people want to be a super hero, sports star, or musician. I wanted to be that guy. Heroes like that are hard to find.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 9 at 2014 6:34 PM

SrA Andrea West — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 18:34:58 -0500

I met MOH recipient Desmond T. Doss in Missoula in 97-98 timeframe. I was overwhelmed and forgot to salute him, which he graciously overlooked.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 9 at 2014 7:11 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:11:36 -0500

Yes i cant remember his name he was my friends dad's neighbor he was a survivor of the Bataan Death March. He was a very humble man.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 11:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 23:17:36 -0500

Marcus Luttrell twice. I have his book, autographed too. Also met a couple of guys from ST6 and I know or have met quite a few folks on other STs. I'm the personal friend of an SF SFC who was severely injured in the early days of Afghanistan (the USAF dropped a GPS Guided Bomb on our own SF Team on 5 Dec 2001) and have been for years prior to that - so when that. He recovered and continued to serve with multiple SF teams up until his retirement a year ago, getting blown up at least two or three more times. He's one of my better friends. I also knew SSG Brian Prosser, who was on the same team and was killed that day. May he rest in peace.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 11:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:36:16 -0500

Jack C. Montgomery
Earnest Childers

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 10 at 2014 11:39 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 11:39:13 -0500

MSgt Copeland, Yes; COL Mitch Paige, USMC, 2nd CMH awardee on Guadalcanal. He told me that at the memorial gatherings he attended, our former foes were contrite and apologetic for WW II and their actions in that war.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 2:57 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 14:57:41 -0500

My real hero is my Dad, TSgt (USAF ret.; 1958-1977) Herbert D. Richards, a Vietnam vet who flew missions on the C-141 Starlifter (over 5,000 hrs) and made it back from two tours alive and in one piece so he could take care of his family. If God did not keep him, I'd be fatherless today.

Response by SN Sean Willson made Dec 10 at 2014 7:31 PM

SN Sean Willson — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:31:55 -0500

Robert Gibeson, a marine who fought in WWII. He sadly made his final PCS last year. We miss him very much.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 11 at 2014 5:44 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 05:44:42 -0500

I've had the honor of serving with 2 of them. SGM(R) Jim Russell & MSG(R) Don Iafrate These gentlemen both served as my senior Commo NCO and have been long time mentors, counselors and best of all friends. I can't say enough about either of them. They were great people who always went above and beyond for me and the mission. Their technical expertise would blow away anyone in the field. I was successful in my career because these 2 NCOs were successful in theirs. We had our moments of disagreement along the way, but we always overcame them by talking things through, never by me giving an order or pulling rank. I salute you both!!

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 11 at 2014 11:50 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:50:19 -0500

I had the privledge in my life of meeting many of them, due to my parents wide circle of friends. One of the most memorable, was meeting Chesty Puller as a very young child. All I recall is this bullhorn of a voice, and warm choclate chip cookies his wife made.
As a Marine, I had the distinct privledge of meeting Gregory Boyington, the real "Black Sheep" commander of WWII. While on Vella La Vella, my father's unit were given an area at the far end of the runway, and when the 214th (the Black Sheep) were coming back in from an unsuccessful hunt, they'd drop their 'drop tanks' just before landing... usually right into my father's unit, where they would go off like bombs, scattering metal all over the place.
When four of them were being treated for injuries, several of them hunted down the 214th command and the end result was one of them cold-cocked Boyington, who hushed it up, having said that the "Grunts have every right to be pissed."
I mentioned this to Gregory Boyington when I met him at El Toro, he thought for a moment then grinned, "That Marine had one fine left hook..."
The hero I met thru my mother was another sort of hero... Bob Hope. When she was in the Navy during WWII, my mother met him half a dozen times as he flew in and out on Tours he did for the military, and each time he would greet her, and ask her name again. He did however recall that she could cook a great steak each time as well. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was in San Antonio way back in the 70's He stared at my mother for several seconds, then he grinned, "You cooking today?" He never seemed to remember her name, but he remembered her ability to grill a steak.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Dec 12 at 2014 1:13 PM

COL Ted Mc — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:13:22 -0500

Many - 99+% of them were people who went on doing their jobs to the best of their abilities long after any "reasonable" person would have chucked it in.

I was personal friends with a holder of the Victoria Cross and the only thing he would say about the incident was "Well, it all started out when I tripped and fell on my head in the river. It sort of went downhill from there but I didn't have time to realize it then.".

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 1:30 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:30:48 -0500

Everyday...on RP, all of you guys are Real Heroes to me. I am a Lion, I run with lions, my place is not among the sheep...actually, I eat sheep.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Dec 12 at 2014 2:55 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:55:04 -0500

Yes, I've met a couple.
I feel the word HERO is vastly overused. The majority of real heroes are buried in military cemeteries, the rest of us were only doing our jobs.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 2:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 14:13:57 -0500

I have met COL Danny McKnight and have had the honor to know COL Ralph Puckett for many years.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Dec 14 at 2014 5:17 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:17:23 -0500

I met CPT Alfred Rascon, MOH,in my last duty station, Ft Meade, Maryland

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 5:37 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 17:37:54 -0500

Served with CPT Harold Fritz, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR in Fulda Germany in the early 70s.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor in Viet Nam as a LT assigned to A Trp 1st Squadron, 11th ACR.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 9:24 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:24:15 -0500

TSgt Joshua Copeland. I have met many heros . . . men . . . women . . . children . . . some in uniform . . . some in western attire . . . some dressed to blend in with the indigenous population . . . far too many with severe wounds, amputations, burns, and/or other life threatening injuries. They share the common thread they took huge risks with their lives and personal well being . . . in defense of lives, territorial integrity, freedom, and rule of law . . . for the sake of their country, their troops, their civilians . . . allied countries, allied troops, allied civilians . . . paramilitary resistance fighters . . . and otherwise helpless, needy, and defenseless people. Some were heavily armed, armored, and moved in large groups . . . others moved quietly in small teams through the jungle, forest, mountains, rain and/or snow . . . yet others walked in silent isolation alone at night down dangerous foreign streets, paths, parkways, and alleys. They all share the common thread of acting entirely selflessly . . . consistent with the principles of loyalty, humanity, and compassion . . . very very few sought or even thought about any award and/or public acknowledgement of their actions . . . they only sought to do the right thing at the right time . . . without regard for what their actions would cost them and their families in the end. These are my heros . . . and there are far too many dead over far too many decades. Warmest Regards, Sandy

p.s. I have a special place in my heart for POWs who were faithful while enduring most inhumane treatment . . .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irMa2eO41Z4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj88Wspkn1s

Vietnam War- POWs Return

On January 27th, 1973, the United States' long nightmare in Vietnam came to an end. The following month, American POWs were on their way home.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Dec 14 at 2014 9:52 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 21:52:06 -0500

I had the honor of knowing SGT Scott Edward Glenn for just a blink of time in my life. He was a combat engineer assigned to the 20th Combat Engineer Bn during Viet Nam. Did 4 tours and came home each time with breathtaking slides of the air strip being bombed as he was on the tarmac in a bird coming home. after 4 tours of Nam he decided to come home and be a father to 4 children and a husband to his wife. He quickly found employment as a diesel mechanic in Wash State for a logging firm . Two months after his discharge he was setting in the forest carving a wooden animal to give to one of his children, someone fell a tree on him ending his life ( I was 7 years old) he was 27. I miss my father and followed in his footsteps, I hope he is proud of me. He is my ultimate hero.... I also had the pleasure to meet one of the Tuskegee Airmen while at the VA in Richman Virginia.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Dec 14 at 2014 10:39 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 22:39:56 -0500

First off, I consider all of my brothers and sisters (regardless of branch...yes, even you Marines) hero's. Not because you may or may not have done some heroic stuff, but because you knew that you might have to pay that price and you still signed on the dotted line.

Lastly, if I have to name names. I will name the name that I always do Ernest W. Jordan, SSG, original member of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional), more commonly referred to as Merrill's Marauders.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 15 at 2014 9:21 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 09:21:58 -0500

Sgt Chris R. Hrbek.
"Doc" Latham.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-do-you-remember-fallen-and-deceased

Who do you remember? Fallen and Deceased | RallyPoint

It is really hard to imagine your friends passing but as you reconnect with your fellow military members you find out things that are heartbreaking. Right now, I am dealing with an imminent loss and an unexpected death of one of my friends while in Germany. Last year it was SMSgt Floyd Parton (Lou Gehrigs Disease -ALS). What a decent man!!! The other day I found out that TSgt Kimberly Reeb has also passed away to Cancer and she was probably in...

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 1:42 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 13:42:00 -0500

Every service member, past, present and future, who signed a blank check with their life when they joined their respective service.

Every family member who stood behind and supported that service member while they served.

Individually, Billy Waugh, Special Forces SGM (R). Between the Army and CIA, over 50 years operational service kicking ass. Hands down the biggest hero I've had the honor of not only meeting but also getting to know some.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Dec 15 at 2014 7:25 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 19:25:17 -0500

I have met a few over the years myself:

1. One comes to mind immediately even though he never talked about it. My dad was a survivor of the Battle of the Bulge.

2. I met one of the survivors of the Tuskegee Airmen at our last Anzio Reunion. If you do not know who they were, shame on you, look it up.

3. Loren W. Hoercher, Sr. U.S. Army Retired. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery November 3, 2014 at 3:00pm. Who, you might ask? Well let me tell you a little about "Woody." He was one of the many heroes at Anzio, Italy, during WWII (USS Anzio (CG-68) was named after this battle). This was one of the major turning points of the War in Europe. 22 Medals of Honor were awarded to members of the Armed Forces during this Battle. Not only did I meet "Woody," I also met many more of his fellow survivors of the Battle of Anzio, many of whom still meet once a year to commemorate their service and remember fallen comrades. Men and women who served on the beaches of Anzio, I still salute you.

4. Navy Chiefs are a tough lot. Senior and Master Chiefs even tougher, but no so bad ass when we were being addressed by VADM Jeremiah A. Denton Jr. during one of our courses at the Senior Enlisted Academy. He spoke to us about honor and courage during an Ethics class. By the time he finished there was not a dry eye in the room. When he passed away this year the Navy, the United States, and the world lost a hero.

There are many, many more and most of them have to go unnamed, they are in uniform, have served, and retired. They go about their jobs with professionalism on a daily basis. We all know who they are and look up to them.

Response by CMC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2014 7:45 PM

CMC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 19:45:23 -0500

Gen. Mark Clark
Gen. Westmoreland

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Dec 15 at 2014 9:40 PM

SGT Edward Thomas — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:40:04 -0500

I have known Glenn Frazier for several years. He just spoke at my church for Veterans Day. I have also met a survivor from the USS Indianapolis from WWII. Very interesting gentleman. I don't remember his first name but his last name is Crane and he lives in Gulfport, MS

Response by CPT Bill McNeely made Dec 15 at 2014 10:19 PM

CPT Bill McNeely — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 22:19:02 -0500

I was commissioned by Col Robert Nett the Army OCS name sake and Medal of Honor Recipent

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Dec 16 at 2014 2:35 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:35:39 -0500

Haven't met him but this guy is a hero. I like his no nonsense leadership style:

Lazy Iraqi Police get motivational speech

Lazy Iraqi police get motivational speech by Army solider.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 9:35 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 09:35:37 -0500

I meet heroes every day. Those who serve on my left and right and continue to do those. I respect and admire vets. I have met POWs and MOH recipients; I listen to their stories of honor and valor and their coming home with honor like a child on story time. I think everyone listens and always come to the old "If that were me..." What would I do in the scenario. I pray I would or could do what they did if put in that position, where training and experience may take over and deny fear the chance to present itself. Heores are around us and among us. I am honored to be surrounded by them.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 22 at 2014 5:33 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:33:10 -0500

Too many to count -- anyone who ever served honourably is my hero. If we're dropping names, the one that stands out to me the most is Roy Benavidez. I stood in the presence of a demigod and I was humbled.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Dec 22 at 2014 5:39 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 17:39:31 -0500

What SSG Tim Everett said.

I do especially remember a recently departed friend who was a CPL when captured but found that he was a Gunny after he got back. He always claimed there was nothing heroic about surviving the POW thing, but you always got hints that he wasn't really telling us everything.

Response by A1C Chris Luddeni made Dec 22 at 2014 6:49 PM

A1C Chris Luddeni — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:49:25 -0500

That is a loaded question. One answer I saw above is "Every member of the United States Military- and that is true, but one Gentleman does stand out in my mind. My buddy and I were in line at the base theater one night at Homestead AFB, Florida. The theater was out near the visitors quarters (BAQ) Standing behind us was one of the Airmen (Army Air Corps during his time) from the Hiroshima flight of the Enola Gay. For the life of me- younger me can not recall his name. But we had a a short discussion and as we entered the theater, I did shake his hand and thank him. This was the first time I ever thanked a member of the United States Military. Of course I do it all the time now.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 9:08 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:08:25 -0500

Off the top of my head....

Col. Ben Skardon: http://alumni-web.clemson.edu/ring/2013/10/02/personal-sacrifice-colonel-ben-skardon-38/ The video will tell his story, I've heard it several times firsthand. I couldn't do it justice.

He was in the Senior Platoon in '38. I was a member of it's successor Tiger Platoon from '00 - '02.

Capt. Philip Piazza (Merrill's Marauders / Ranger Hall of Fame) was a mentor to me when I was a cadet. Some of his stories are in the Library of Congress, I believe.

BG Phillip Bolte (Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster)

Col. William Austin (Vietnam POW)

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Dec 22 at 2014 9:29 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:29:01 -0500

My high school physics teacher was Col. John S. Loisel, USAF (ret.), who was a double-ace in P-38s, earned a Silver Star, and spent more time in combat in the Pacific than any other pilot. I also met LTC Charles C. Rogers (later MG Rogers), MOH, once.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:51:21 -0500

I meet heros everyday the spouses of service members

Response by SCPO Larry Knight Sr. made Dec 26 at 2014 9:19 AM

SCPO Larry Knight Sr. — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 09:19:30 -0500

incredible video and I have met several hero's in my daily travels , not "MOH" winners just your everyday (Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airman). I'm extremely proud to walk up and shake their hand and let them know how proud we are for their sacrifice. Regardless of your military affiliation you have honorably served this "Great Nation", as have many of us former or retired members of the "Armed Forces" and hell yes oorah and Semper Fi...................

Response by SFC (CA) Roland Dell made Dec 27 at 2014 5:48 AM

SFC (CA) Roland Dell — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 05:48:32 -0500

God bless the USA was collective; I say God bless those guys, each and everyone of them, and their families!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 9:43 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 21:43:41 -0500

the late CPL Rodolfo Hernandez, this guy is one crazy SOB if and when you read what he did in Korea

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 4 at 2015 11:33 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 11:33:59 -0500

I create heroes. I'm a storyteller, a writer. But, that's not the kind of hero you're talking about, is it?

I've met people who have acted heroically in real life, but I don't refer to them as heroes. I prefer to celebrate the act rather than the person. Why? All heroes fall. Funny coincidence. I wrote about that very topic and posted it in my blog yesterday (before seeing this on RallyPoint). http://www.jackdurish.com/4/post/2015/01/heroes1.html

In Vietnam, I had the honor of investigating and writing about heroic acts. Four were awarded the Medal of Honor. I was delighted to find one on the Internet talking about his experience. Of all the people whose acts of valor I found in Vietnam, he is the only one I would be tempted to celebrate as a hero in the sense you probably mean it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOWBw7muH9M

Because of my experience, I was well prepared to help my son and his fellow Cub Scouts prepare to become Boy Scouts as they learned the meaning of "A Scout is brave". Like most, they thought that "brave" meant being without fear. I was able to tell them stories until they decided that "brave" meant doing what needed to be done in spite of the fear.

Indeed, I have often considered the possibility that without fear, a person isn't brave. They're merely a fool or, as I discovered in some cases, they acted in a fugue state. Basically, that means that they're running on autopilot. Their minds have gone somewhere else, to a happy place, while their bodies rush into harm's way.

That being said, I won't quibble with the popular trend these days to name anyone as a hero who is willing to don a uniform of any kind and serve. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, firemen, policemen, you name it. No one who serves in any of these capacities will grow rich, but they will gain a wealth of respect and admiration from people whose opinions matter.

Why do you suppose all heroes fall sooner or later?

Everyone is a hero to someone. No one is a hero to everyone. How many in this gallery of heroes are yours?

Response by BG Robert Enzenauer made Jan 4 at 2015 12:26 PM

BG Robert Enzenauer — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:26:11 -0500

I lived and worked for over a decade in Chattanooga. At the time in the 1990s there were several Medal of Honor recipients living in the area - COL Ola Lee Mize, Sergeant Charles Coolidge and CPL Desmond Doss. Doss was a devout Christian and conscientious objector - he became a medic/corpsman, and performed heroically in the Pacific Theater during WWII:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doss

His MOH citation will leave you speechless:

He was a company aid man when the 1st Battalion assaulted a jagged escarpment 400 feet (120 m) high. As our troops gained the summit, a heavy concentration of artillery, mortar and machinegun fire crashed into them, inflicting approximately 75 casualties and driving the others back. Pfc. Doss refused to seek cover and remained in the fire-swept area with the many stricken, carrying all 75 casualties one-by-one to the edge of the escarpment and there lowering them on a rope-supported litter down the face of a cliff to friendly hands. On May 2, he exposed himself to heavy rifle and mortar fire in rescuing a wounded man 200 yards (180 m) forward of the lines on the same escarpment; and 2 days later he treated 4 men who had been cut down while assaulting a strongly defended cave, advancing through a shower of grenades to within 8 yards (7.3 m) of enemy forces in a cave's mouth, where he dressed his comrades' wounds before making 4 separate trips under fire to evacuate them to safety. On May 5, he unhesitatingly braved enemy shelling and small arms fire to assist an artillery officer. He applied bandages, moved his patient to a spot that offered protection from small arms fire and, while artillery and mortar shells fell close by, painstakingly administered plasma. Later that day, when an American was severely wounded by fire from a cave, Pfc. Doss crawled to him where he had fallen 25 feet (7.6 m) from the enemy position, rendered aid, and carried him 100 yards (91 m) to safety while continually exposed to enemy fire. On May 21, in a night attack on high ground near Shuri, he remained in exposed territory while the rest of his company took cover, fearlessly risking the chance that he would be mistaken for an infiltrating Japanese and giving aid to the injured until he was himself seriously wounded in the legs by the explosion of a grenade. Rather than call another aid man from cover, he cared for his own injuries and waited 5 hours before litter bearers reached him and started carrying him to cover. The trio was caught in an enemy tank attack and Pfc. Doss, seeing a more critically wounded man nearby, crawled off the litter; and directed the bearers to give their first attention to the other man. Awaiting the litter bearers' return, he was again struck, by a sniper bullet while being carried off the field by a comrade, this time suffering a compound fracture of 1 arm. With magnificent fortitude he bound a rifle stock to his shattered arm as a splint and then crawled 300 yards (270 m) over rough terrain to the aid station. Through his outstanding bravery and unflinching determination in the face of desperately dangerous conditions Pfc. Doss saved the lives of many soldiers. His name became a symbol throughout the 77th Infantry Division for outstanding gallantry far above and beyond the call of duty.

DOC Enzenauer

Desmond Doss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Desmond Thomas Doss (February 7, 1919– March 23, 2006) was the first conscientious objector to receive the Medal of Honor and one of only three so honored (the others are Thomas W. Bennett and Joseph G. LaPointe, Jr.). He was a Corporal (Private First Class at the time of his Medal of Honor heroics) in the U.S. Army assigned to the Medical Detachment, 307th Infantry, 77th Infantry Division.

Response by SMSgt Raymond Hindle made Jan 5 at 2015 12:26 PM

SMSgt Raymond Hindle — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:26:06 -0500

When then, Lt Col Bernard Fischer(MOH) returned from Vietnam to CONUS, he was assigned as the Executive Officer with the 87FIS in Duluth, MN, flying F106A/B aircraft as part of the nuclear deterrent to the Soviet threat. I was his crew chief for 18 months before moving with the squadron to K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI. Great guy, very down to earth.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Jan 5 at 2015 3:41 PM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 15:41:26 -0500

It occurs to me that I did meet and spend an hour or so with the late COL David H. Hackworth.

Until I read his book "About Face" and noticed one critical paragraph, I thought there was no chance that I would be able to identify, meet and thank that faceless Pentagon somebody who made a tremendous positive difference in my life both AD and after. It was he that was the primary designer of the Skill Development Base course. I'm still using (and selling) the principles I was taught, with my own additions over the years, usually to good effect.

I ambushed Hack one evening when he was doing a book signing in Dallas. Memorable, easy to talk to. Really cheesed a lot of people off over time.

Response by Col Christopher Miller made Jan 6 at 2015 1:15 PM

Col Christopher Miller — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 13:15:46 -0500

I have met several.
While assigned to Pope AFB in NC, I became friends with a member of the XVIII ABN Corps who had been a Marine in Viet Nam. He received a Silver Star, Bronze Star with V device, and three Purple Hearts during his multiple tours. He later become Godfather to my eldest daughter.
While attending Squadron Officer School, I was fortunate enough to have as my Dean of Students Lt Col Jim Fleming - a Medal of Honor recipient from a helicopter special operation in Viet Nam. During one of our seminars, he told the story of his mission, during which he was shot down once and had his flight helmet split by a round coming through the cockpit. His efforts saved the lives of a 6-man team.
Also during that same course of study, I was privileged to have had lunch with a shuttle astronaut who had flown two shuttle missions by that point in time.
Not long afterwards, I was privileged to have worked for Bill "Buddha" Caldwell at HQ MAC. Buddha's cargo on this date was 27,000 pounds of ammunition, which caught fire and began burning as a result of the damage to his cargo plane. Caldwell's Load Master, Staff Sergeant Charles Shaub, managed to jettison the burning ammunition before it could explode and destroy the aircraft. Both received the Air Force Cross.
Later in my career, I was a member of the staff for an international tactics symposium for which we had secured Joe Jackson as the keynote speaker. Col Jackson received a Medal of Honor for an extraction mission in Viet Nam from a hot LZ.
There have been many others over the years - some of whom have been recognized by the Awards & Decs system and others who have not. Many of them have never had their stories published or otherwise made available to the public. The common thread with all of them is that they did not consider their actions heroic at the time.

Response by MSgt Jason S. made Jan 16 at 2015 11:02 AM

MSgt Jason S. — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 11:02:54 -0500

"Hero" is a relative term...my Dad served proudly in 3/4 branches...first Army during the last two years of WWII...European Theater (Germany)...then crossed over to the "Blue" when they split off in 1947 to finish out his second tour. Re-enlisted again and earned the Globe and Anchor just prior to participating in the Inchon Landing of 1950...I really have to look no further...but here is my own Top 2 while serving in uniform...

I met Col George "Bud" Day USAF Medal of Honor recipient during a visit to our Squadron (Hurlburt Field FL) a few years ago...this guys was a "no shitter" and told us all that this country was going to "Hell in a Handbasket" under the current administration....had just finished a round of Chemo on Monday but STILL kept his appointment with us that same Friday....great words...I shook his hand and told him that if I didn't thank him I'd be dishonoring my entire bloodline....#1!

In 2004 I met Army Maj General Pat Brady, Medal of Honor recipient on a planeride from San Antonio to Japan...he was speaking in Korea and I was returning to Osan after my own mid-tour...as an active duty Airman, I'd actually bumped his wife out of her seat and we discussed that just before takeoff...all he told me was that he was a "Retired Soldier" in conversation. When I gladly switched seats with his wife explaining that "they'd already been there done that and deserved all the luxury that life could bestow" I didn't think too much more about it....until he coined me during the planeride between Osaka and Seoul and I realized EXACTLY who he was...definitely my #2 of all time....SALUTE to all who have met their own "heroes"

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made May 19 at 2016 9:20 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Thu, 19 May 2016 09:20:58 -0400

My English wife's grandfather, Edward "Ted" Norris was the last man off of the beach at Dunkirk. They were a Bren gun unit and were providing covering fire. At the last moment they evacuated towards the ships. He turned around to encourage his loader to keep up and noticed his loader was gone. He had his gun held above his head and was pulled up by sailors on the ship. His unit was chopped up so badly they weren't a coherent force anymore so they were all sent to other units. After a few month's rest, and following guard duty during the Battle of Britain, he was put on a ship and sent to the desert where he would eventually join the 8th Army and take part in El Alamein.

He would end up at Normandy and his unit would get chewed up in the hedgegrow battles. Sent back to England to recover, his unit was again sent off piecemeal to reinforce other units. He was lucky enough to get sent to Burma to be with Field Marshall Slim's 14th Army and he took part in the last British offensive of WW2, the liberation of Rangoon.

Response by Sgt Matt Dean made Mar 18 at 2017 4:15 AM

Sgt Matt Dean — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 04:15:43 -0400

Chris shranko

Response by Sgt Matt Dean made Mar 18 at 2017 4:47 AM

Sgt Matt Dean — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 04:47:52 -0400

True respect to the brave men who did not choose to be captive but to honor the great country of the United States