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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Sacrifice Div (recognition subsection)

On my way home tonite from a day volunteering at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, I heard that DDT had accepted a Purple heart from a wounded veteran. He then proceeded to make a complete ass of himself (like he usually does).

I never got to obtain one during my service. I spent the Vietnam War 45 - 90 feet under the Montana prairie or at 30,000 feet in an EC-135 over the Central USA. Oh well. Very few people were awarded medals for heroism during the "Cold War" in Europe.
However, here's someone who really earned one:


My Dad at Guadalcanal with the 1st Marine Division in 1942 at age 25.
He carried Japanese steel in his body until the day he died at 93.

DDT knows absolutely nothing of sacrifice or just what "earning" a Purple Heart means. Perhaps some other veteran will offer him a Silver Star, a Navy, Army or Air Force Cross or, heaven forbid, their CMH because "they believe in him."

Give me strength.

Do not demean my Father's Silver Star or Purple heart with words like "I always wanted one of these."

No, you didn't. You did not serve. You were never in Harm's way. You did not sacrifice anything. You
never were in any position to "earn" any decoration for heroism or sacrifice from the Armed Forces. You have no idea what any military decoration or award (even those not earned in combat) mean to the recipient.
I'm sorry that the veteran who gave you his medal doesn't seem to know either, but maybe I'm being uncharitable and should thank him for his sacrifice and service  ........  Maybe  not.

4 comments:

  1. It was men like your father at Guadalcanal that demonstrated such courage that inspired me to enlist in the USMC in 1966. To your father Semper Fi, given with the utmost admiration.

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  3. Mike - - Thank you for the kind words about my Dad. Shortly after the picture was taken, he was wounded during the Battle of Alligator Creek (Tenaru River). When they carried him off, his dungarees hung in tatters from his knees down. Dad told me about 25 years ago that he never expected to see 26. We still have the sword he captured and used during the hand-to-hand fighting.
    Like me, I imagine you get uncomfortable when people say "Thank You for your service." I always say thank you but know that they will never understand the feeling of brotherhood that we who played You Bet Your Life feel for all who served.
    I'm glad you returned from your safely (I hope). Thank you
    Bear

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  4. Kind words are the least we can do. Yes, thank you for your service is also the least someone can do and it makes me uncomfortable. To me it seems like a way for many people to ease their conscience.

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