Reminiscing on Veterans' Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Warren Booker
  • 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) --  I've been in Security Police and a security forces member for a little over 24 years. I've been around the world a few times. I'm on my eighth deployment overall, and the fourth to this base. More recently, back home I've become involved with The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. You know, they're the guys with the funny looking flight caps marching in parades.

Through that association I've been able to meet and become friends with quite a number of fellow veterans from many eras: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Grenada, Somalia, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as others who have "been there and done that." And most of the older Vets I know, including myself, have a story or two.

Recently, I became interested in the Medal of Honor and began conducting research into some of the Medal of Honor recipients, an activity that has been quite rewarding. Not only did I learn about the Medal of Honor, but I learned about a few of the men who had earned it.

The roots of the Medal of Honor stretch back to the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill authorizing the medal. In its beginnings there were some documented misuses, some revocations and some corrective issuances of the medal which had been withheld for racially motivated reasons.

The history of the Medal of Honor is compelling. But that information was only gee-whiz for me. What really grabbed my attention were the acts of valor performed by the recipients in actions against the enemy.

I had many moments of silent introspection, trying to place myself in their boots. Many times, it was emotionally trying to read these citations; a lump formed in my throat and tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to visualize these men putting the lives of their comrades before their own.

If you ever get the chance, I recommend you go to one of the Web sites on the Internet I used and read a few of the citations describing the actions of the Medal of Honor recipients: www.defenselink.mil, http://www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil, www.history.navy.mil, www.history.army.mil or www.cmohs.org (Congressional Medal of Honor Society).

Originally, those citations were short and not very descriptive as to the actual events which occurred. Some examples include "Capture of state flag of 14th Virginia Cavalry (C.S.A.)" or "Gallantry in placing the colors of his regiment on the fort."

As time progressed, they became more detailed: "For displaying heroic courage and skill as a navigator, at the risk of his life, by his nonstop flight in his airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis, from New York City to Paris, France, 20-21 May 1927, by which Capt. Lindbergh not only achieved the greatest individual triumph of any American citizen but demonstrated that travel across the ocean by aircraft was possible."

The more common citation format we're all accustomed to didn't really evolve until World War II. With the details provided in these citations, a better understanding of the events that occurred can be had. The following citation is from one of our Native American honorees:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Master Sgt. Woodrow W. Keeble distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Sangsan-ni, Korea, on Oct. 20, 1951.

"On that day, Sergeant Keeble was an acting platoon leader for the support platoon in Company G, 19th Infantry, in the attack on Hill 765, a steep and rugged position that was well defended by the enemy. Leading the support platoon, Sergeant Keeble saw that the attacking elements had become pinned down on the slope by heavy enemy fire from three well-fortified and strategically placed enemy positions.

"With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Keeble dashed forward and joined the pinned-down platoon. Then, hugging the ground, Sergeant Keeble crawled forward alone until he was in close proximity to one of the hostile machine gun emplacements. Ignoring the heavy fire that the crew trained on him, Sergeant Keeble activated a grenade and threw it with great accuracy, successfully destroying the position.

"Continuing his one-man assault, he moved to the second enemy position and destroyed it with another grenade. Despite the fact that the enemy troops were now directing their firepower against him and unleashing a shower of grenades in a frantic attempt to stop his advance, he moved forward against the third hostile emplacement and skillfully neutralized the remaining enemy position.

"As his comrades moved forward to join him, Sergeant Keeble continued to direct accurate fire against nearby trenches, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Inspired by his courage, Company G successfully moved forward and seized its important objective. The extraordinary courage, selfless service, and devotion to duty displayed that day by Sergeant Keeble was an inspiration to all around him and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Now, if you're feeling a little down about yourself, or about being away from family and friends, stop and take a moment to reflect on the actions and sacrifices made by those who have gone before you. Not everyone has the same opportunity to "bask in glory," but everyone has the opportunity to make their contributions to the mission, as a whole.

Do the best you can with whatever you've been given to perform. And then go beyond that. 

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