For my Comrades in Arms

[DaSharkie]

While I know that I am a day early, I will be recovering from will likely be a helacious overnight shift tomorrow, I wanted to wish all the best to my fellow Veterans.

Between us we have fought and served in wars and skirmishes. We have served in peace and war.

Just wanted to say thank you to my fellow Vets as well.

Raise a glass of your favorite liquid tomorrow to our brothers and sisters, alive and dead, home and abroad. Toast our freedom, our sacrificie, their sacrifice, and to good times, and memories that are good and bad.

And, of course, to use one of my favorite quotes (emphasis added):


Once more into the breech, dear friends, once more
Or close the wall up with our English dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility;
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favor'd rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect

That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.

This day is call'd the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say, "Tomorrow is Saint Crispian":
Then will strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap while any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

King Henry
in William Shakespeare's
King Henry the Fifth (1599)

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

OOOOOOHRAH!

[MalahatTwo7]

I had a very similar thread in mind when I saw DaSharkie - G.M.T.A Canada is getting ready to celebrate Rememberance Day tomorrow (11 November) and the Embassy is hosting a small ceremony here on the Embassy grounds, followed by another one at Arlington Cemetary, at General Pershings grave site.

The PIO staff here presented a video in memory of some of our troops who have given the Ultimate in Afghanistan, its roughly a 7 minute video. The link to it is at www.canadianally.com/ca/news-en.asp and can be seen on the left side bar. Unfortunately I can't link it any better than this because of course those bleed'n firewalls. I can only say I hope it links in properly.

Take care 'n stay safe out there this Veterans Day, and Rememberance Day.

[pkfd7505]

Ooooohrah!! Awesome post Sharkie. To all of our Brothers and Sisters that have served in any branch, I offer my most heartfelt respect and thanks.


"TO OUR ABSENT BROTHERS"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They finished a fine noble monument in our town the other day.
It glistens bright on the village green, in prominent display.

It's a grand and noble structure raised by a grateful land.
Yet I recall a simpler one of steel and wood and sand.

I kept my eyes on our point man. He was the first to go down.
I saw how the bullets spun him and slammed him to the ground.

That night seemed to last forever, but it finally came to an end.
And no longer were some strangers, for each was the others best friend.

I looked over at the captain, and he silently answered me.
And he took my arm and nodded, then turned so I couldn't see.

So I walked back to our point man, to the place where I saw him fall.
For dawn had brought with it a quiet, with the peace of God and all.

And I covered him with a poncho, and then to be sure he'd be found,
I fixed bayonet to rifle, and shoved it in the ground.

There wasn't much more anyone could do. My tribute seemed a trifle.
So I picked a battered helmet up and placed it on the rifle.

Long years have passed since I saw him fall that cold and frightful night.
Now his name is carved in marble, but something didn't set right.

The helmet on the rifle seemed a far more fitting shrine.
For the rifle was my brother's, and the helmet, it was mine.

Author Unknown

[RoughRider]

Thank You and God bless you all.

[DaSharkie]

While reading a book last night on Corpsmen and medical personnel's actions in combat, I came across this Medal of Honor citation. Awarded posthumously. Freedom is not free, and the greatest of ANY generation - serve.


*SALOMON, BEN L.

Captain Ben L. Salomon was serving at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands on July 7, 1944, as the Surgeon for the 2d Battalion, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. The Regiment's 1st and 2d Battalions were attacked by an overwhelming force estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese soldiers. It was one of the largest attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Although both units fought furiously, the enemy soon penetrated the Battalions' combined perimeter and inflicted overwhelming casualties. In the first minutes of the attack, approximately 30 wounded soldiers walked, crawled, or were carried into Captain Salomon's aid station, and the small tent soon filled with wounded men. As the perimeter began to be overrun, it became increasingly difficult for Captain Salomon to work on the wounded. He then saw a Japanese soldier bayoneting one of the wounded soldiers lying near the tent. Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed the enemy soldier. Then, as he turned his attention back to the wounded, two more Japanese soldiers appeared in the front entrance of the tent. As these enemy soldiers were killed, four more crawled under the tent walls. Rushing them, Captain Salomon kicked the knife out of the hand of one, shot another, and bayoneted a third. Captain Salomon butted the fourth enemy soldier in the stomach and a wounded comrade then shot and killed the enemy soldier. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain Salomon ordered the wounded to make their way as best they could back to the regimental aid station, while he attempted to hold off the enemy until they were clear. Captain Salomon then grabbed a rifle from one of the wounded and rushed out of the tent. After four men were killed while manning a machine gun, Captain Salomon took control of it. When his body was later found, 98 dead enemy soldiers were piled in front of his position. Captain Salomon'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.

[VinnieB]

HAPPY 231st Birthday Sharkie........Semper Fi, ya' Big Ugly.

[DaSharkie]

HAPPY 231st Birthday Sharkie........Semper Fi, ya' Big Ugly.

Hey! I may be ugly, but at least I am not, and was not a knuckle dragging grunt!

Semper Fi brother.

[RoughRider]

While reading a book last night on Corpsmen and medical personnel's actions in combat, I came across this Medal of Honor citation. Awarded posthumously. Freedom is not free, and the greatest of ANY generation - serve.


*SALOMON, BEN L.

Captain Ben L. Salomon was serving at Saipan, in the Marianas Islands on July 7, 1944, as the Surgeon for the 2d Battalion, 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. The Regiment's 1st and 2d Battalions were attacked by an overwhelming force estimated between 3,000 and 5,000 Japanese soldiers. It was one of the largest attacks attempted in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Although both units fought furiously, the enemy soon penetrated the Battalions' combined perimeter and inflicted overwhelming casualties. In the first minutes of the attack, approximately 30 wounded soldiers walked, crawled, or were carried into Captain Salomon's aid station, and the small tent soon filled with wounded men. As the perimeter began to be overrun, it became increasingly difficult for Captain Salomon to work on the wounded. He then saw a Japanese soldier bayoneting one of the wounded soldiers lying near the tent. Firing from a squatting position, Captain Salomon quickly killed the enemy soldier. Then, as he turned his attention back to the wounded, two more Japanese soldiers appeared in the front entrance of the tent. As these enemy soldiers were killed, four more crawled under the tent walls. Rushing them, Captain Salomon kicked the knife out of the hand of one, shot another, and bayoneted a third. Captain Salomon butted the fourth enemy soldier in the stomach and a wounded comrade then shot and killed the enemy soldier. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain Salomon ordered the wounded to make their way as best they could back to the regimental aid station, while he attempted to hold off the enemy until they were clear. Captain Salomon then grabbed a rifle from one of the wounded and rushed out of the tent. After four men were killed while manning a machine gun, Captain Salomon took control of it. When his body was later found, 98 dead enemy soldiers were piled in front of his position. Captain Salomon'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.

I have read many MOH Citations. They make me proud to be an American.

Again, thanks to all that serve or served our country.

I have the honor to work with MOH recipient Ken Jacobs. He is a true hero and gentleman.

JACOBS, JACK H.

Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Element, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 March 1968. Entered service at: Trenton, N.J. Born: 2 August 1945, Brooklyn, N.Y. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machine gun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Not much else to say but...

Thank-you to all current and veteran members of our Armed Forces.

[FlyingKiwi]

Ake Ake, Kia Kaha.
(For ever and ever, Be Strong)

[DaSharkie]

These Medal of Honor recipients are the most humble of men. Getting one to talk about their actions is difficult. They do nothing but belittle their own actions and speak of how great the actions of the men and women around them was.

Most of us are not fit to carry their bags. Myself included.

[DaSharkie]

The link to it is at www.canadianally.com/ca/news-en.asp

Hey Malahat, last year you posted a link to the video on that same page "A Pittance of Time."

Still love watching that one. Have it saved on my hard drive.

Makes me livid when I see all of these damned ads about a "Veteran's Day Sale." ****es me off that so many think that this is all about saving money.

[pkfd7505]

These Medal of Honor recipients are the most humble of men. Getting one to talk about their actions is difficult. They do nothing but belittle their own actions and speak of how great the actions of the men and women around them was.

Most of us are not fit to carry their bags. Myself included.

Amen brother.

[Catch22]

These Medal of Honor recipients are the most humble of men. Getting one to talk about their actions is difficult. They do nothing but belittle their own actions and speak of how great the actions of the men and women around them was.

Most of us are not fit to carry their bags. Myself included.

I've found a lot of men who have served in combat are the same nature. My grandfather served in the 27th ID in WWII. He would never discuss the things he saw while in the service, no matter how much I asked. I heard only two stories; one in which a Japanese grenade hit his leg, allowing him enough time to throw it away from him before it went off (on Saipan) and one where an ammo dump blew up near him (on Okinawa), injuring him and causing him to lose hearing in one ear (like most men he fought with that were injured, he refused to be considered for the PH, I later found out).

My prayers and thanks are to those who have and still serve and their families, and to those who wish to serve in our military. I don't think enough can be said about these men who go where no one else wants to go, to do a job that no one else wants to do.