Who is your branch "Hero"?

2014-01-22T08:31:13-05:00

As we have all branches represented here, I was interested to learn each view on who their major icon/hero is and why. I am hoping to learn something interesting and hopefully spread a little knowledge from my sister services on the forum as well.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 22 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-01-22T10:05:40-05:00

CDR Quentin Walsh earned the Navy Cross following the D Day invasion for liberating the port of Cherborg; liberating a group of American paratroopers who were captured during the their drop, and bluffing the German commander into believing that the German garrison was surrounded and in imminent danger of being over run if he didn't surrender. It's a really cool story to read.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 11:01 AM

2014-01-23T11:01:42-05:00

SFC, Major Richard "Dick" Winters of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division. He exemplified what combat leadership was and gave his men an example to follow by leading from the front. Truly an incredible individual

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 11:04 AM

2014-01-23T11:04:11-05:00

CSM Basil L. Plumley, incredible leader with an incredible military background. Man is a hero.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 11:17 PM

2014-03-23T23:17:58-04:00

Audie Murphy earned every combat ribbon the Army had, made a number of movies and yet because of his PTSD also had money problems and died broke, in a plane crash.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 8:25 PM

2014-05-10T20:25:54-04:00

If I had to guess on the major icons of the Air Force, three come to mind.

A1C John Levitow, an AC-47 Loadmaster during Vietnam and the youngest Airman in the Air Force to have been awarded the Medal of Honor. He threw an about-to-ignite Magnesium flare from his aircraft after it was struck by anti-aircraft fire.

Gen James Doolittle, planned and executed the Doolittle raid, launching 16 B-25 bombers from the deck of the USS Hornet and striking Tokyo.

Maj Gen Billy Mitchell, considered the father of modern Air Power.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 24 at 2014 3:28 PM

2014-06-24T15:28:08-04:00

WOW, well there are so many and then I have to consider whether it is the Aviation Branch, barely 30 years old or the Warrant Officer branch which is now defunct or even the Army. See it changes things because it can be an E-1 through O-10 if it is the Aviation branch, otherwise as a warrant officer it has to be a WO1 through CW5. Should it be a mentor who made an impression beyond all others or someone whose been bestowed the MoH? Tough decision, going to have to think on this a while.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2014 5:22 PM

2014-06-24T17:22:26-04:00

RADM Dick O'Kane, one of the most badass Sub skippers ever! MoH winner and for some good Navy trivia for you, his personal cribbage board is kept aboard the oldest active U.S. Navy Submarine and transferred to the next oldest upon said boat's decommissioning. Here is his MoH citation

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of this life above and beyond the call of duty as Commanding Officer of the USS TANG operating against two enemy Japanese convoys on October 23 and 24, 1944, during her Fifth and last War Patrol. Boldly maneuvering on the surface into the midst of a heavily escorted convoy, Commander O'Kane stood in a fusillade of bullets and shells from all directions to launch smashing hits on three tankers, coolly swung his ship to fire at a freighter and, in a split decision, shot out of the path of an onrushing transport, missing it by inches. Boxed in by blazing tankers, freighter, transport and several destroyers, he blasted two of the targets with his remaining torpedoes and, with pyrotechnics bursting on all sides, cleared the torpedoes and, with a heavily escorted convoy steaming to support the Leyte campaign with reinforcements and supplies and with crated planes piled high on each unit. In defiance of the enemy's relentless fire, he closed the concentration of ships and in quick succession sent two torpedoes each into the first and second transports and an adjacent tanker, finding his mark with each torpedo in a series of violent explosions at less than a thousand-yard range. With ships bearing down from all sides, he charged the enemy at high speed, exploding the tanker in a burst of flame, smashing the transport dead in the water and blasting the destroyer with a mighty roar which rocked the TANG from stem to stern. Expending his last two torpedoes into the remnants of a once powerful convoy before his own ship went down, Commander O'Kane aided by his gallant command, achieved an illustrious record of heroism in combat, enhancing the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 16 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-07-16T18:38:36-04:00

For the Army? An obvious one is Audie Murhpy. They named a club after him after all.....

Response by Capt Richard Desmond made Jul 16 at 2014 10:45 PM

2014-07-16T22:45:44-04:00

He would kill me if he knew I put this on but TSgt Ismael Villegas. He is one of our unspoken special operators in the Air Force known as Combat Controllers AKA CCTs. They are highly trained combat airmen who are specialized in a traditional pathfinder role while having a heavy emphasis on simultaneous air traffic control, fire support and command, control, and communications in covert or austere environments. They are commonly attached to and call in air support for other special operation teams such as Navy Seals, Green Berets, and Tier 1 Operators. Their motto is "First In" reaffirms the Combat Controller's commitment to undertaking the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines by leading the way for other forces to follow.
Ish is a two time Silver Star Award winner, one of two airmen to receive multiple high valor awards in the global war on terror and joins the elite list of 11 troops across all services to be awarded multiple high valor awards. Ish personifies the "Silent Professional" of our Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). He is the most humble, passionate, caring, and astute operator I have had the pleasure to know. I was honored to work with him when he was a Special Operations Liaison at Air Force Recruiting. Below is an article on his acts of heroism which he would just blow off as "just doing my job."

http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20130721/NEWS/307210004/Combat-controller-among-most-decorated-troops-since-2001

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 4 at 2014 5:50 PM

2014-09-04T17:50:05-04:00

I get to cheat since I am a civilian now SFC Robert Trodahl I never turn down an opportunity to share my love of the Four Chaplains. They have a memorial chapel at Fort Lewis, WA (JBLM ). Lord, I pray to at least be adequate when my time comes. RESPECT!!!

http://www.army.mil/article/34090/Chaplain_Corps_History__The_Four_Chaplains/

Chaplain Corps History: The Four Chaplains

When the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was struck by a German submarine, Feb. 3, 1943, four Army chaplains spread out among the Soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2014 6:15 PM

2014-09-04T18:15:15-04:00

There are so many, for now I will go with Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John Finn, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Pearl Harbor.

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/pers-us/uspers-f/j-finn.htm

Lieutenant John William Finn, USN, (1909-2010)

John William Finn was born in Los Angeles, California, on 23 July 1909. He enlisted in the Navy in July 1926 and was a Chief Petty Officer serving at Naval Air Station Kanoehe Bay, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii on 7 December 1941, during the Japanese air raid that struck that facility and others on Oahu. Chief Finn manned a machine gun and effectively fired on the enemy planes despite the receipt of several painful wounds. For his heroism at that time, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
In June 1942, Finn was temporarily commissioned as an Ensign, rising in rank to Lieutenant two years later. During his service as an officer, he served with Bombing Squadron 102, at several stateside training facilities and on board the aircraft carrier Hancock (CV-19). Following transfer to the Fleet Reserve in March 1947, he reverted to the enlisted rate of Chief Aviation Ordnanceman. In September 1956, he was placed on the Retired List in the rank of Lieutenant. John W. Finn died on 27 May 2010.

Medal of Honor citation of Lieutenant John William Finn (as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 183):

"For extraordinary heroism, distinguished service, and devotion above and beyond the call of duty. During the first attack by Japanese airplanes on the Naval Air Station, Kanoehe Bay, on 7 December 1941, Lieutenant Finn promptly secured and manned a 50-caliber machine gun mounted on an instruction stand in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, which was under heavy enemy machine-gun strafing fire. Although painfully wounded many times, he continued to man this gun and to return the enemy's fire vigorously and with telling effect throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks and with complete disregard for his own personal safety. It was only by specific orders that he was persuaded to leave his post to seek medical attention. Following first-aid treatment, although obviously suffering much pain and moving with great difficulty, he returned to the squadron area and actively supervised the rearming of returning planes. His extraordinary heroism and conduct in this action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 14 at 2014 4:34 PM

2014-09-14T16:34:05-04:00

I am an Airman, but as a Communicator/Cyber guy...RADM Grace Hopper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-09-21T17:33:03-04:00

sergeant major bradley kasal

Response by SPC(P) Nick Bondgien made Oct 11 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-10-11T19:58:05-04:00

I was a PV1. FSGA was my first duty assignment. HHC2/34th Inf RECON Plt. A cpl weeks after I got there...having just turned 17 a cpl weeks before I enlisted, I was in awe and just havin a time learning my chain of command and by God they went and changed it...Our New CG Was BG Stormin Norman.

I was also deeply moved by Gen Patton's stance on anything military oriented any Man who coined,"May God have mercy on my enemies,because I won't" is a Bad Ass

But at a grass roots level, I have to honestly admit Our Sqn Commander in 3/8 Cav Lt.Col. Joseph (smokin joe) Sutton (Sutton Impact). Cool,collected,and overtly confident.
Col Sutton was by definition,Spot On. He held himself to high standards,and by God,held us there too.
He was a Robert Redford lookin mofo w/ the aire of immortality that just left You feeling like ..."Bring it on You Commie Pinko's" We're the Cav,and We are bulletproof.
I'd follow him thru Hell and back,knowing all we'd do is kick ass and not stop long enough to take names,until We held it then we'd be bbqing and turnin it into a Cav Ballroom

Honor and Courage Lt.Col Sutton~ Mustangs!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 11 at 2014 8:32 PM

2014-10-11T20:32:37-04:00

My friend and mentor MSG(ret) Don Iafrate. A one of a kind, self-made, highly-opinionated old time NCO who made me look good by teaching me ALMOST everything he knew. I say "almost" because he had to keep a few tricks up his sleeve to look better than me and keep his miracle worker reputation. :-)

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-10-11T20:46:53-04:00

Marine Corps Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller (June 26, 1898 – October 11, 1971) one of the most decorated members of the Marine Corps. He is one of two servicemen (and the only Marine) to ever be awarded five Navy Crosses. He fought guerrillas in Haiti and Nicaragua, and participated in battles of World War II and the Korean War. Puller retired from the Marine Corps in 1955 and spent the remainder of his life living in Virginia.

"Good night Chesty wherever you are"

Response by PO3 Dr. Todd Marquez, PT, DPT, MA made Oct 12 at 2014 1:17 AM

2014-10-12T01:17:22-04:00

Every WWII veteran I've ever treated. The most recent one bombed bridges in Germany. These guys went to war and only wanted a job when they came back. They wanted no additional services, no praise....nothing. They wanted to kiss their wives and return to work. They were then and are now the truest form of an American. And while the country they defended slowly crumbles around them, they continue to have an unmatched work ethic, and a genuine desire to let the younger generation of veterans reap the benefits of their labor decades ago.

Response by SGT Donald Howard made Oct 12 at 2014 4:37 AM

2014-10-12T04:37:31-04:00

Gen.George S. Patton,Audie Murphy and My father SSG.Donld L.Howard who fought with distinction in the Korean war as a Ranger with the 38th Regimental Combat Team.I have added him because there were things he taught me that on more than one occasion saved my life during my military service.

Response by CW4 Keith Dolliver made Jan 11 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-01-11T07:55:53-05:00

As far as the Aviation branch goes (and the old Warrant Officer branch) , I have to say CW4 (Ret) Michael J. Novosel Sr. He originally enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941, then went to flight training and progressed to Captain by the end of the war. After the war ended and the Army Air Corps separated into the Air Force, he left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserves. He was recalled for service during the Korean war as a Major in the Air Force, again returning to the reserves after his Korean service was over. When the Vietnam conflict kicked off he volunteered to serve again but by that time was the rank of Lt. Col and the Air Force was over strength for that rank so they wouldn't take him. He decided to resign his Air Force commission and joined the Army as a CWO2 so he could serve.

It was during his second Vietnam tour that he conducted a total of 15 hazardous extractions to remove 29 injured troops that had been surrounded by the enemy with no means to escape and cutoff from their unit. He was able to locate all the troops that had been cutoff from their unit without any means of communication with those troops and made a total of 15 different extractions from the "hot" LZ without any aerial gun support/cover fire. It was for this action that he later received the Medal of Honor.

A few other interesting facts, during his second tour he served and flew with his son in the same MEDEVAC unit. He rescued his son once after his son was shot down, and a week later his son returned the favor after he was shot down. He was credited with evacuating 5,589 wounded soldiers during his 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. Following his service in Vietnam he remained on active duty in the army until his retirement in 1985 at the rank of CW4 (the highest Warrant Officer rank at that time). At the time of his retirement he was the only WWII aviator in the military that was still flying on active duty. His notable decorations include: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross (2 OLC), Bronze Star (2 OLC), the Air Medal w/ V device and numeral 60 (no, not a typo... sixty awards of the Air Medal) and the Purple Heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cx7KKETbko

Michael Novosel, Medal of Honor, Vietnam War

On October 2, 1969, dustoff helicopter pilot Michael Novosel made repeated trips without air cover or fire support to save 29 wounded soldiers under constant...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-01-12T23:02:10-05:00

MG Robert McClure.

http://www.psywarrior.com/mcclure.html

Major General Robert McClure

Where is the monument to honor the man who provided the vision and impetus for establishing US Army special warfare? More than 52 years after his death, visitors to Smoke Bomb Hill still find no evidence of his place in special operations history. In fact, most SOF soldiers are unfamiliar with his name. Major General Robert Alexis McClure is the forgotten father of Army special warfare.

Response by SPC Benjamin Smith made Feb 16 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-02-16T12:47:06-05:00

I'm going to go with Lieutenant Dan Taylor. Amazing leader and American hero. He's the one who convinced me to enlist.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-02-16T13:11:02-05:00

Adolphus Washington Greely. Signal Corps, polar explorer, Medal of Honor recipient.

1LT Greely was given command of a polar expedition in 1881 to establish a series of meteorological observation stations and to collect astronomical and polar magnetic data.

His crew of 21 officers and men initially accorded him the usual respect given to a newly arrived 1LT, but he proved himself through his responses to a series of adversities.

Two consecutive supply parties failed to reach Greely's position in 1882 and 1883. The ship, Proteus, in which they had arrived was crushed by ice. In Summer 1883, Greely ordered an abandonment of their position and the expedition headed south on foot, expecting to find relief supplies that were supposed to have been prepositioned as a contingency, along the way. Only one small 40 day cache had been placed and that was not reached until October. Winter was coming and they could not trust their small boats in Baffin bay at that time of year, so he decided to winter on the spot.

A rescue effort of four ships was sent out in 1884, and they found Greely's camp on 22 June--only seven men had survived. One man, Private Henry, had been shot on Greely's order for repeated theft of food rations. The rest had died of starvation, hypothermia, or drowning. One more died on the way home.

On homecoming, the Army awarded a promotion to each survivor, Greely refused. There were accusations of cannibalism, and some forensic evidence suggests its so, though Greely always denied knowing of it.

In 1887, President Cleveland appointed him Chief of Signal with the rank of Brigadier General. He was military commander over the relief of San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake, was promoted to major General the next month and retired two years later. In 1911 he represented the US Army at the coronation of King George V.

His is the only person to have received the Medal of Honor (special act of Congress in March 1935) for "lifetime achievement." Also the second and last to receive the award for non-combat actions (Charles Lindbergh being first). He died October 20, 1935 in Washington, D.C. and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Response by SGT John Beardsley made Apr 7 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-04-07T00:42:55-04:00

Sgt. Alvin York, as far as branch goes. A simple country guy who did what he had to when the time came. I rate him along side of John Paul Jones for my top United States military heroes.

Take the "branch" qualifier out of the equation and my most revered military hero, though he never wanted that role, was Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce (more properly Nimíipuu) Native American tribe.

I don't really have a reason for my choices, other than each did as his heart compelled him to do under the circumstances he found himself in and did so honorably.

Response by SSgt Brad Ball made Apr 8 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-04-08T14:45:27-04:00

Charles Elwood Yeager first comes to my mind. I like the fact that General Yeager was a small town farm boy that is dedicated to his country still today. I like to read his biography to get inspiration to go above and beyond.Aircraft Mechanic,Fighter pilot,test pilot,ect http://www.chuckyeager.com/

General Chuck Yeager | The Official Website

URGENT: If you live in West Virginia, Alabama, or Georgia and have purchased anything from “aviationautographs.com”, or if you attended Maxwell AFB Air Command & Staff College between 1982 and 2000, the General Yeager Foundation needs your help. Please contact editor@chuckyeager.com immediately. Thank you!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-04-17T23:52:16-04:00

My cousins Maj Russell H Kline (Unadilla Killa WW2) Distinguished Flying Cross, 11 Air Medals and more.. and LTC Stanley D. Kline, Commander of the same unit Russell was at.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 10:05 AM

2015-04-18T10:05:27-04:00

SPC Jordan M. Byrd. He was an amazing soldier. Then one day 2 weeks after the birth of his son he put his life on the line to save his buddy getting fatally wounded just as he applied life saving interventions to his friend. One of the greatest medics I had the privilege to train and work with.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-04-18T14:03:03-04:00

LTC Bruce Crandall, put himself in harms way several times to evacuate wounded grunts in the IA Drang valley, even when told to stay away.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-04-19T11:33:14-04:00

Gen colen Powell. He was in charge when i started my career years ago. In my humble opinion, the unattainable goal of every leader should be emulation of this man. Highly intelligent, and an unswavering loyalty to the military. Resigned in protest when a directive was issued by the president he felt would cause harm to the military. As sec, he laid out 13 points to the president as to why we should not invade iraq. When we did it anyway, he made it happen. And all that stuff he said would happen? Yup, ot happened.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 19 at 2015 12:13 PM

2015-04-19T12:13:15-04:00

AF Gen's. Billy Mitchel and Jimmy Doolittle. Not even so much branch specific as they changed the face of the world with their accomplishments... Hard to not vote for AF Gen. Chuck Yeager as well!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-04-19T13:12:57-04:00

As an Infantry Officer, I'd have to go with LTG Hal Moore.

His dedication to the Soldier, knowledge, and adaptability were inspiring.

There are obviously many I could list, but stands out to me.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 19 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-04-19T21:47:50-04:00

Gen Walt Kross. 100 missions over North Vietnam. Commander Air Mobility Command and U.S. Transportation Command.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 19 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-04-19T22:35:09-04:00

For my time, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf. I knew of him prior to Desert Storm as he was I Corp Commander in Ft. Lewis before CentCom. He really cared about the Army as a whole. He was not your normal ring knocker from West Point. (no offense, different time...) He pushed for so many improvements that were about quality of life issues for soldiers.

The Desert Storm thing? Just icing on his cake.

Response by SSgt Chris Frey made Apr 24 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-04-24T14:59:15-04:00

Jerry mad dog shriver. Hands down.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-04-24T17:06:30-04:00

One of Maj Russell's Kline's kills and being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His brother was Commander of the 13th. Stanley D. Kline.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 24 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-04-24T17:13:56-04:00

Mine is General Paul X. Kelley, 28th Commandant of the Marine Corps (1983-1987).

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-04-24T17:14:55-04:00

Aki Ra.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aki_Ra
http://www.badassoftheweek.com/aki-ra.html

/thread

Aki Ra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aki Ra (sometimes written Akira) is a former Khmer Rouge conscripted child soldier who works as a deminer and museum curator in Siem Reap, Cambodia. He has devoted his life to removing landmines in Cambodia and to caring for young landmine victims. Aki Ra states that since 1992 he has personally removed and destroyed as many as 50,000 landmines.[1]

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-04-24T17:19:20-04:00

My Air Force hero would have to be Brigadier General Robin Olds.

Air Force Cross
Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2)
Silver Star (4)
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
Air Medal (40)
British Distinguished Flying Cross
Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=1125

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jul 23 at 2015 9:01 PM

2015-07-23T21:01:08-04:00

I was ARMY but went through Basic with Charles "Spud" James, son of Chappie James, the first black General in the AIR FORCE to reach the rank of 4-star General. I met Chappie at our Commencement Exercise and was bowled over by this incredible man and just a few of his stories. He gets my AF vote!

Response by Maj Mike Sciales made Aug 5 at 2015 11:47 AM

2015-08-05T11:47:14-04:00

BG Billy Mitchell. He was the father of air power. He had the courage of his beliefs and his audacious belief that airplanes could sink Navy ships was so shocking that when proved, senior officers went looking for his scalp. He was court-martialed for insubordination after accusing Army and Navy leaders of an "almost treasonable administration of the national defense" for investing in battleships instead of aircraft carriers. His willingness to stand up and take the punishment and end of his career showed tremendous resolve and character. WW II proved Mitchell correct. It also showed most senior officers always want to fight the next war with the last war's mentality. Without him there is no telling how things might have turned out.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 12:32 AM

2015-08-09T00:32:54-04:00

A1C John Levitow

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 17 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-08-17T15:04:16-04:00

Here is 10 of them. http://ahoy.tk-jk.net/macslog/TopTenUSNavySubmarineCapt.html

Response by Matthew Wiest made Jul 24 at 2017 6:17 PM

2017-07-24T18:17:31-04:00

I figured at least one person, a Marine at least, would mention Daniel Daly.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 6:19 PM

2017-07-24T18:19:27-04:00

This guy right here. He was a SSG back in '93. He was one of my Drill Sergeants. He wouldn't let me quit.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jul 24 at 2017 8:16 PM

2017-07-24T20:16:21-04:00

You will find my Heroes on a black granite wall in Washington D.C.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 9:45 PM

2017-07-24T21:45:29-04:00

Although typically deck and engineering on a ship dont get along too well I would have loved to meet BM1 James E. Williams one if the most decorated enlisted Sailors and MoH recipient.
Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate First Class (PO1c.), United States Navy, River Section 531, My Tho, RVN, Place and date: Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam, October 31, 1966. Entered service at: Columbia, S.C. Born: June 13, 1930, Rock Hill, S.C.

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. BM1 Williams was serving as Boat Captain and Patrol Officer aboard River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 accompanied by another patrol boat when the patrol was suddenly taken under fire by 2 enemy sampans. BM1 Williams immediately ordered the fire returned, killing the crew of 1 enemy boat and causing the other sampan to take refuge in a nearby river inlet. Pursuing the fleeing sampan, the U.S. patrol encountered a heavy volume of small-arms fire from enemy forces, at close range, occupying well-concealed positions along the river bank. Maneuvering through this fire, the patrol confronted a numerically superior enemy force aboard 2 enemy junks and 8 sampans augmented by heavy automatic weapons fire from ashore. In the savage battle that ensued, BM1 Williams, with utter disregard for his safety exposed himself to the withering hail of enemy fire to direct counter-fire and inspire the actions of his patrol. Recognizing the overwhelming strength of the enemy force, BM1 Williams deployed his patrol to await the arrival of armed helicopters. In the course of his movement he discovered an even larger concentration of enemy boats. Not waiting for the arrival of the armed helicopters, he displayed great initiative and boldly led the patrol through the intense enemy fire and damaged or destroyed 50 enemy sampans and 7 junks. This phase of the action completed, and with the arrival of the armed helicopters, BM1 Williams directed the attack on the remaining enemy force. Now virtually dark, and although BM1 Williams was aware that his boats would become even better targets, he ordered the patrol boats' search lights turned on to better illuminate the area and moved the patrol perilously close to shore to press the attack. Despite a waning supply of ammunition the patrol successfully engaged the enemy ashore and completed the rout of the enemy force. Under the leadership of BM1 Williams, who demonstrated unusual professional skill and indomitable courage throughout the 3 hour battle, the patrol accounted for the destruction or loss of 65 enemy boats and inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy personnel. His extraordinary heroism and exemplary fighting spirit in the face of grave risks inspired the efforts of his men to defeat a larger enemy force, and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 2:44 PM

2017-07-25T14:44:50-04:00

BG Macauliffe, 101st DIVARTY CDR Bastogne

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Oct 24 at 2017 2:26 PM

2017-10-24T14:26:59-04:00

Mine is, without a doubt, Tibor Rubin. He was a Hungarian holocaust survivor who came to the US, joined the Army and served in Korea. Among other heroic actions, he single-handedly held a hill from capture by a North Korean regiment for over 24 hours until relief came. He was later captured and put in a NK POW camp. Since he was still a Hungarian citizen, and Hungary was under control of the USSR, he was offered repatriation to Hungary, but refused it, staying with his fellow soldiers. Almost every night, he escaped from the POW camp, stole supplies from the NK buildings and returned to the camp to share what he'd found. See, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/us/tibor-rubin-is-dead-at-86-award-of-medal-of-honor-was-delayed-by-anti-semitism.html

Tibor Rubin Is Dead at 86; Medal of Honor Was Delayed by Anti-Semitism

Corporal Rubin was a Hungarian-born American hero, who joined the United States Army to thank the nation and the troops that rescued him from a Nazi concentration camp.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Oct 26 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-10-26T14:27:02-04:00

FA MOLLY PICTURE

Response by Cpl Andrew Vadnais made Oct 27 at 2017 1:36 AM

2017-10-27T01:36:46-04:00

I could give you the more common answers that Marines give like Chesty, or Mad Dog Mattis. But my true heroes are the ones I still look up to every night while I struggle with my demons. Those men are the 22 Marines that I knew and called brothers who gave their lives in Afghanistan, and the 12 more who have taken their own lives the past few years. All though they couldn't save themselves, each of them was here for me during my late nights. Sorry if I brought down the motivation some of you were looking for, but I figured I'd give my true answer. Semper Fi gents.

Response by Cpl Andrew Vadnais made Oct 27 at 2017 1:43 AM

2017-10-27T01:43:18-04:00

This man wasn't in the military, but he had the honor of getting to be it's Commander in Chief. President Reagan loved the military, and every time I need some motivation I just listen to the speech in this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/EuQ-3wxPCtM

President Reagan - We Must Fight

This is one of the best speeches given by the best President we've ever had. It rings just as true today as it did in 1964 (A Time For Choosing).

Response by SSG Billie Dalton made Nov 4 at 2017 11:07 AM

2017-11-04T11:07:35-04:00

Aldrie Murphy

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 4 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-11-04T11:29:40-04:00

I don't think I could fairly name just one, but here is my list. Col. Joshua Chamberlain (Gettysburg), William T Sherman, George Patton, Dick Winters, Audie Murphy, Bob Howard, Daniel Morgan (Revolutionary War), and I would even throw in Teddy Roosevelt. And for having the largest testicles, I think that would need to go to George Rogers Clark, who took the Illinois Territory from the British with 150 hillbillies.

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made Jan 19 at 2019 1:59 AM

2019-01-19T01:59:01-05:00

In the Marine Corp it is a no brainer. General Louis B Puller AKA. Chesty Puller A Pre WWll veteran WWll and Korean War veteran. He always said officers are only as good as their NCO,s He liked to be among the enlisted Marines. At the Chosin Reservoir in Korea, When surrounded by The Chinese, he said ( The chinese got us surrounded, They wont get away this time) Semper Fi.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Apr 28 at 2019 9:22 PM

2019-04-28T21:22:14-04:00

U.S. Marine here,
General James "Mad Dog" Mattis!

Response by LTC Gene Moser made Apr 29 at 2019 7:03 PM

2019-04-29T19:03:53-04:00

I have two. First is 1LT Alonzo Cushing who continued to fight his battery during "Pickett's Charge" even to the extent of serving the piece with his "chief of smoke" while holding his own guts in his hand before he finally died, very close to General Armistead who got over the stone wall and into the Union lines. Chushing's A Battery is still known as "Cushing's Battery."
The second is Major John Pelham who began his artillery career as General Stonewall Jackson's chief of artillery as a captain. He was considered to be - and history bares him out - as the best artilleryman in the CSA. Unfortunately, he died joining an actual mounted cavalry charge. Almost everywhere American artillery is sent, you will find a Camp Pelham.

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 23 at 2020 12:20 PM

2020-05-23T12:20:29-04:00

CPT Harry Truman an Artillery Officer in France in WWI - there's a wonderful story I found on his actions in France with the Horse drawn artillery - things like double teaming the guns to get them through the mud. When he became Vice-President he retired as a Res COL. When he left the White House, his only pension was his military pension (there was no Pres. retirement then)

And an ancestor of mine Ernst Gottlieb Keller, a German immigrant and a Union Cavalryman, he came to this country after the '48.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2020 3:32 PM

2020-05-23T15:32:15-04:00

Omar Bradley

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2020 7:46 PM

2020-05-26T19:46:24-04:00

All branches is my heroes, no one left behind. In my views they all equal as we all support the common causes to support and defend our great Republuc.

Response by PO3 Kevin Stephen made May 27 at 2020 3:14 PM

2020-05-27T15:14:04-04:00

i vote for this shipmate for my hero.

Response by SSG Harry Herres made May 23 at 2021 8:31 PM

2021-05-23T20:31:09-04:00

LtC. Harry Herres, enlisted 1939, OCS he was asked to join OSS and did. Jumped into souther France twice before D-day to set up commo then brought Team William in. After D-day sent to China to set up commo behind Japanese lines. 1955 with 100 advisors sent to Vietnam. 1960, 10 Special Forces Germany! Raised a Vietnam Vet and an MP in Germany. Never met a better man an American Army family!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2022 11:13 AM

2022-05-14T11:13:38-04:00

I’m thinking Omar Bradley.