Thanks to all who have served

[San Diego Ute Fan]

Thanks to all who have served

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omd9_FJnerY

[UTEopia]

I have been watching Ken Burns 7 part series on WWII and have been reminded again of the courage and honor with which my father and many, many other men and women have displayed throughout the years. Unfortunately, I did not appreciate this as I was growing up and did not value their experiences and lives as much as I should have. The loss is mine. Thank you to those who serve and to those who have served. I don't know how to download "American Anthem" by Norah Jones, but it is very appropriate for today.

http://youtu.be/sdjnAFqapg4

[LA Ute]

Thanks, SDUF and UTEopia. Good posts.

I like to look at Medal of Honor citations now and then, especially on Memorial Day. This one struck me today:




CARSWELL, HORACE JR.

Citation


He piloted a B-24 bomber in a one-plane strike against a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea on the night of 26 October 1944. Taking the enemy force of 12 ships escorted by at least 2 destroyers by surprise, he made 1 bombing run at 600 feet, scoring a near miss on 1 warship and escaping without drawing fire. He circled. and fully realizing that the convoy was thoroughly alerted and would meet his next attack with a barrage of antiaircraft fire, began a second low-level run which culminated in 2 direct hits on a large tanker. A hail of steel from Japanese guns, riddled the bomber, knocking out 2 engines, damaging a third, crippling the hydraulic system, puncturing 1 gasoline tank, ripping uncounted holes in the aircraft, and wounding the copilot; but by magnificent display of flying skill, Maj. Carswell controlled the plane's plunge toward the sea and carefully forced it into a halting climb in the direction of the China shore. On reaching land, where it would have been possible to abandon the staggering bomber, one of the crew discovered that his parachute had been ripped by flak and rendered useless; the pilot, hoping to cross mountainous terrain and reach a base. continued onward until the third engine failed. He ordered the crew to bail out while he struggled to maintain altitude. and, refusing to save himself, chose to remain with his comrade and attempt a crash landing. He died when the airplane struck a mountainside and burned. With consummate gallantry and intrepidity, Maj. Carswell gave his life in a supreme effort to save all members of his crew. His sacrifice. far beyond that required of him, was in keeping with the traditional bravery of America's war heroes.

The entire archive of Medal of Honor citations is here (http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2671/carswell-horace-jr.php). I'm always impressed and moved when I browse through them. I never served, but those who have served tell me that in combat there are countless examples of such conduct that are never recognized, usually because no one saw the events in question. Today, as we sit around our barbecue, I'll be talking about Horace Carswell, who was 28 years old when he lost his life.

[Ma'ake]

My sincere gratitude who all those who have served and to those who are currently serving to protect our nation. The sacrifices made are so impressive, and appreciated.

I also hope that our announcement that we're "re-thinking" our policies on drone strikes will move things toward greater peace. Without a doubt other nations will be developing their own drone capabilities, and hopefully this will tend more toward the model of nuclear weapons, where we've been able to come to a mutual respect among nuclear powers, and less like introducing mass quantities of automatic weapons to an undeveloped region, which results in a lot of bloodshed and destabilization.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Wonderful thread. This is a special day for me. I reflect on the service that many have given so that I can live this wonderful life(for all of the good and bad that it brings). I think of the Purple Heart that my grandfather earned in Korea(but didn't get until my dad did the paperwork for him last year). It makes me realize how close I came to not existing. I bow humbly at the feet of all veterans, those currently serving, and those who will serve in the future.

[LA Ute]

My daughter made this little tribute. I didn't know she had done it until about 5 minutes ago, nor did I have any idea she even knew how to do this.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DvhYOnAFOiA