Topic: Meet Our Medal of Honor Recipents

[AlanS]

Great reads, Rusty. Thanks for sharing.

[rustybayonet]

Great reads, Rusty. Thanks for sharing.

My pleasure

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #9





CARTER, TY M.Rank: Specialist: U.S. Army Company B : Troop, 3d Squadron: 61st Cavalry Regiment Born: January 25, 1980, Spokane, WA: Entered Service At: Antioch,: Date of Issue: 08/26/2013Accredited To: Place / Date: Oct, 3, 2009, Outpost Keating, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Specialist Ty M. Carter distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Scout with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. On that morning, Specialist Carter and his comrades awakened to an attack of an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of Combat Outpost Keating, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Specialist Carter reinforced a forward battle position, ran twice through a 100 meter gauntlet of enemy fire to resupply ammunition and voluntarily remained there to defend the isolated position. Armed with only an M4 carbine rifle, Specialist Carter placed accurate, deadly fire on the enemy, beating back the assault force and preventing the position from being overrun, over the course of several hours. With complete disregard for his own safety and in spite of his own wounds, he ran through a hail of enemy rocket propelled grenade and machine gun fire to rescue a critically wounded comrade who had been pinned down in an exposed position. Specialist Carter rendered life extending first aid and carried the Soldier to cover. On his own initiative, Specialist Carter again maneuvered through enemy fire to check on a fallen Soldier and recovered the squad's radio, which allowed them to coordinate their evacuation with fellow Soldiers. With teammates providing covering fire, Specialist Carter assisted in moving the wounded Soldier 100 meters through withering enemy fire to the aid station and before returning to the fight. Specialist Carter's heroic actions and tactical skill were critical to the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing the enemy from capturing the position and saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers. Specialist Ty M. Carter's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army

[ChrstnHsbndFthr]

Not to denigrate ANY of these men, but it should be noted that these men were noticed and written up and submitted and received the recognition they deserved. There are thousands of others who also served and died bravely, not just random dead, but just as truly brave, who went unnoticed. My son, a true hero, was awarded the Bronze Star, with the combat V...for valor under fire, by the Marine Corps. And they do not give these out as easily as the Army. But, in one of my proud moments, bragging about my son, my son rebuked me. He said he was certain that many of this fellows deserved the medal just as much, and many were dead and unrecognized, it was just that what he did was witnessed, and it was written up and passed to the right people. That doesn't happen for all of these fine young men.

Truly we have great men in our military. It pains me to think what we have thrown away so easily as our country disintegrates. 

[rustybayonet]

Not to denigrate ANY of these men, but it should be noted that these men were noticed and written up and submitted and received the recognition they deserved. There are thousands of others who also served and died bravely, not just random dead, but just as truly brave, who went unnoticed. My son, a true hero, was awarded the Bronze Star, with the combat V...for valor under fire, by the Marine Corps. And they do not give these out as easily as the Army. But, in one of my proud moments, bragging about my son, my son rebuked me. He said he was certain that many of this fellows deserved the medal just as much, and many were dead and unrecognized, it was just that what he did was witnessed, and it was written up and passed to the right people. That doesn't happen for all of these fine young men.

Truly we have great men in our military. It pains me to think what we have thrown away so easily as our country disintegrates. 

You are absolutely right.  I too could name those I know that deserve more than what they recieved in the way of recognition, but there are those that performed and noone wrote it up.  One case will always cause disagreement in my mind - Major Richard Winters of WWII "Band of Brothers" fame - he was written up for the medal, but the powers that be in the army let it drop.

Winters at Marketgarden


The book by Stephen Ambrose "Band of Brothers" and "Beyond Band of Brothers" by Major Dick Winters are good sources for information, and reasons why the army passed him over, IMO.

[Libertas]

Well said CHF.   

       

[rustybayonet]

Recipient # 10





CAVAIANI, JON R.Rank: Staff Sergeant: U.S. Army: Division: Vietnam Training Advisory Group Born: 2 August 1943, Royston, England: Entered Service At: Fresno, Calif.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 12/12/1974Accredited To: California Place / Date: Republic of Vietnam, 4 and 5 June 1971 

  Citation: S/Sgt. Cavaiani distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 5 June 1971 while serving as a platoon leader to a security platoon providing security for an isolated radio relay site located within enemy-held territory. On the morning of 4 June 1971, the entire camp came under an intense barrage of enemy small arms, automatic weapons, rocket-propelled grenade and mortar fire from a superior size enemy force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani acted with complete disregard for his personal safety as he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to move about the camp's perimeter directing the platoon's fire and rallying the platoon in a desperate fight for survival. S/Sgt. Cavaiani also returned heavy suppressive fire upon the assaulting enemy force during this period with a variety of weapons. When the entire platoon was to be evacuated, S/Sgt. Cavaiani unhesitatingly volunteered to remain on the ground and direct the helicopters into the landing zone. S/Sgt. Cavaiani was able to direct the first 3 helicopters in evacuating a major portion of the platoon. Due to intense increase in enemy fire, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was forced to remain at the camp overnight where he calmly directed the remaining platoon members in strengthening their defenses. On the morning of 5 June, a heavy ground fog restricted visibility. The superior size enemy force launched a major ground attack in an attempt to completely annihilate the remaining small force. The enemy force advanced in 2 ranks, first firing a heavy volume of small arms automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire while the second rank continuously threw a steady barrage of hand grenades at the beleaguered force. S/Sgt. Cavaiani returned a heavy barrage of small arms and hand grenade fire on the assaulting enemy force but was unable to slow them down. He ordered the remaining platoon members to attempt to escape while he provided them with cover fire. With 1 last courageous exertion, S/Sgt. Cavaiani recovered a machine gun, stood up, completely exposing himself to the heavy enemy fire directed at him, and began firing the machine gun in a sweeping motion along the 2 ranks of advancing enemy soldiers. Through S/Sgt. Cavaiani's valiant efforts with complete disregard for his safety, the majority of the remaining platoon members were able to escape. While inflicting severe losses on the advancing enemy force, S/Sgt. Cavaiani was wounded numerous times. S/Sgt. Cavaiani's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #11





COOLIDGE, CHARLES H. Rank: Technical Sergeant: U.S. Army: Company MDivision: 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division Born: August 4, 1921, Signal Mountain, Tenn.Entered Service At: Signal Mountain, Tenn.G.O. Number: 53Date of Issue: 06/18/1945Accredited To: TennesseePlace / Date: East of Belmont sur Buttant, France, 24-27 October, 1944 

  Citation: Leading a section of heavy machineguns supported by 1 platoon of Company K, he took a position near Hill 623, east of Belmont sur Buttant, France, on 24 October 1944, with the mission of covering the right flank of the 3d Battalion and supporting its action. T/Sgt. Coolidge went forward with a sergeant of Company K to reconnoiter positions for coordinating the fires of the light and heavy machineguns. They ran into an enemy force in the woods estimated to be an infantry company. T/Sgt. Coolidge, attempting to bluff the Germans by a show of assurance and boldness called upon them to surrender, whereupon the enemy opened fire. With his carbine, T/Sgt. Coolidge wounded 2 of them. There being no officer present with the force, T/Sgt. Coolidge at once assumed command. Many of the men were replacements recently arrived; this was their first experience under fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge, unmindful of the enemy fire delivered at close range, walked along the position, calming and encouraging his men and directing their fire. The attack was thrown back. Through 25 and 26 October the enemy launched repeated attacks against the position of this combat group but each was repulsed due to T/Sgt. Coolidge's able leadership. On 27 October, German infantry, supported by 2 tanks, made a determined attack on the position. The area was swept by enemy small arms, machine gun, and tank fire. T/Sgt. Coolidge armed himself with a bazooka and advanced to within 25 yards of the tanks. His bazooka failed to function and he threw it aside. Securing all the hand grenades he could carry, he crawled forward and inflicted heavy casualties on the advancing enemy. Finally it became apparent that the enemy, in greatly superior force, supported by tanks, would overrun the position. T/Sgt. Coolidge, displaying great coolness and courage, directed and conducted an orderly withdrawal, being himself the last to leave the position. As a result of T/Sgt. Coolidge's heroic and superior leadership, the mission of this combat group was accomplished throughout 4 days of continuous fighting against numerically superior enemy troops in rain and cold and amid dense woods.

[Libertas]

All these stories are good, but this one is a book/movie never done!  Asking a superior force to surrender and then fending them off?  Heck, whats not to like?!

    

[rustybayonet]

Isn't that the truth - think a line similar to that was in the "Butch Cassidy"movie near the end when the two of them were surrounded by 'federal officers'.  But in real life it would take a brass pair IMO.

[Libertas]

Huge, ground-draggin' ones!

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #12





CRANDALL, BRUCE P.Rank: Major  U.S. Army Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion Division: 1st Cavalry Division Born: February 17, 1933, Olympia, Washington, 1933 Entered Service At: Olympia, WAG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 02/26/2007Accredited To: Olympia, WAPlace / Date: Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, 14 November 1965 

  Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 14 November 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters landed to discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter came under such intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the second flight of eight aircraft to abort their mission. As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry batallion desperately needed more ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical evacuation was not his mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray. Despite the fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and the will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening. That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. Major Crandall's daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Foot note:  Major Crandall was played by Greg Kinnear in the movie -"We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson, as ret. Gen. Hal Moore.  Two Huey pilot recieved the Medal of Honor during this battle; the other being Capt. Ed"to tall" Freeman, who passed away Aug 20, 2008.

[Libertas]

I'm glad you put that notation in Rusty, not everyone may be familiar with the link to Col. Moore, I thought the movie did a good job with the event as a whole.  Soon as I saw the name I knew, soon as I saw the date I had no doubt.

       

[rustybayonet]

Extra post for another recipient mentioned earlier that has deceased, Ed "to Tall" Freeman:





FREEMAN, ED W.Rank: Captain: U.S. Army: Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter BattalionDivision: 1st Cavalry Division Born: 20 November 1927, Hattiesburg, MS Departed: Yes (08/20/2008)Entered Service At: Hattiesburg, MSG.O. Number: Date of Issue: 07/16/2001Accredited To: Hattiesburg, MSPlace / Date:   

  Citation: Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Extra military background on Ed Freeman is available and recommended at;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Freeman

[Libertas]

       

[oldcoastie6468]

I wasn't aware that he was a Mustang. Mustangs were the best officers I knew.

(Mustang starts out as enlisted, then gets promoted or goes to school to become an officer.)

[Libertas]

I wasn't aware that he was a Mustang. Mustangs were the best officers I knew.

(Mustang starts out as enlisted, then gets promoted or goes to school to become an officer.)

Agreed.  Had a LTjg as my maintenance officer in my last fighter squadron, he started as enlisted and upon completion of his bachelors degree was promoted to officer.  Guys that know what an enlisted life is like are better overall, there were some college boys that were good guys, but some got the holier-than-thou attitude.  My LT knew I wasn't going to re-up but get out and go to college, he told me be sure that I do and not slack off, I didn't and that was that.  Good card player that guy too.  Others I knew back then could advance from like E-6 or so and into Warrant Officer with a couple years of college, but even back then they were starting to cycle down those ranks.  If any WO are around now likely they are long in the tooth!

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #13





CURREY, FRANCIS S. Rank: Private First Class: U.S. Army: Company KDivision: 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division Born: June 29, 1925, Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. Entered Service At: Hurleyville, N.Y.G.O. Number: 69Date of Issue: 07/27/1945Accredited To: New YorkPlace / Date: Malmedy, Belgium, 21 December 1944 

  Citation: He was an automatic rifleman with the 3d Platoon defending a strong point near Malmedy, Belgium, on 21 December 1944, when the enemy launched a powerful attack. Overrunning tank destroyers and antitank guns located near the strong point, German tanks advanced to the 3d Platoon's position, and, after prolonged fighting, forced the withdrawal of this group to a nearby factory. Sgt. Currey found a bazooka in the building and crossed the street to secure rockets meanwhile enduring intense fire from enemy tanks and hostile infantrymen who had taken up a position at a house a short distance away. In the face of small-arms, machinegun, and artillery fire, he, with a companion, knocked out a tank with 1 shot. Moving to another position, he observed 3 Germans in the doorway of an enemy-held house. He killed or wounded all 3 with his automatic rifle. He emerged from cover and advanced alone to within 50 yards of the house, intent on wrecking it with rockets. Covered by friendly fire, he stood erect, and fired a shot which knocked down half of 1 wall. While in this forward position, he observed 5 Americans who had been pinned down for hours by fire from the house and 3 tanks. Realizing that they could not escape until the enemy tank and infantry guns had been silenced, Sgt. Currey crossed the street to a vehicle, where he procured an armful of antitank grenades. These he launched while under heavy enemy fire, driving the tankmen from the vehicles into the house. He then climbed onto a half-track in full view of the Germans and fired a machinegun at the house. Once again changing his position, he manned another machinegun whose crew had been killed; under his covering fire the 5 soldiers were able to retire to safety. Deprived of tanks and with heavy infantry casualties, the enemy was forced to withdraw. Through his extensive knowledge of weapons and by his heroic and repeated braving of murderous enemy fire, Sgt. Currey was greatly responsible for inflicting heavy losses in men and material on the enemy, for rescuing 5 comrades, 2 of whom were wounded, and for stemming an attack which threatened to flank his battalion's position.

[Libertas]

One-man wrecking crew!   

       

[rustybayonet]

Recipient #14





DAVIS, SAMMY L.Rank: Private First Class: U.S. ArmyCompany: Battery C, 2d Battalion  4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division Born: 1 November 1946, Dayton, Ohio Entered Service At: Indianapolis, Ind.G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 11/19/1968Accredited To: IndianaPlace / Date: West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967 

  Citation:  For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then PFc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machinegun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warning to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injured him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled, Sgt. Davis? extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.