March 25: National Medal of Honor Day

I had the honor of meeting CPT Roger Donlon, US Army, Navy recipients, Rear Admiral James Stockdale and LTjg Clyde Lassen (rank indicates when award was presented). Unless it has changed, Bancroft Hall has engraved name tags outside the room where MOH recipients once lived. One will know of a Navy MOH awardee if you stop at O’Hare International in Chicago - LT Edwin “Butch” O’Hare, USNA ’37. What struck me about the individuals I met was their humility and no putting on airs whatsoever. They seemed like ordinary people. The difference is they did something extraordinary when duty called.
 
And considering that so much of the fighting can be done in the dark, away from others, out of site, or seen by people none of whom survive to tell the tale,

let’s remember the dozens the 100s maybe the 1000s who might have been recognized with this award but no one ever heard their story.
 
Todays ceremony was awesome to watch and very moving. My allergies were in full force.

I believe they have the replay up on their FB page.
 
Every recipient of the MOH that I have met has been exactly as previously described: humble, down to earth, just regular guys. Each has a very deep appreciation of life and will share with anyone. I've asked each one the same question: how hard is it to wear that medal.

They have each said: "It's VERY heavy...but I wear it for others. Those that easily should have this but don't because nobody saw their valor."

My MOAA chapter has a recipient in it; Major Fred Ferguson. He has a cute little business card: "Just a good-old-Texas boy with the Yankee medal." You will be hard pressed to find a finer gentleman anywhere. He'd give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Ask him about his medal and he'll tell you all about the soldiers that did far more than he.
 
WOW. Congress did something useful and worthy for a change. I fly the Flag every day.
 
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