Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:
Private First Class Frank Peter Witek (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 3, 1944, at Guam, Marianas. His citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3d Marine Division, during the Battle of Finegayen at Guam, Marianas, on 3 August 1944. When his rifle platoon was halted by heavy surprise fire from well-camouflaged enemy positions, Pfc. Witek daringly remained standing to fire a full magazine from his automatic at point-blank range into a depression housing Japanese troops, killing 8 of the enemy and enabling the greater part of his platoon to take cover. During his platoon's withdrawal for consolidation of lines, he remained to safeguard a severely wounded comrade, courageously returning the enemy's fire until the arrival of stretcher bearers, and then covering the evacuation by sustained fire as he moved backward toward his own lines. With his platoon again pinned down by a hostile machinegun, Pfc. Witek, on his own initiative, moved forward boldly to the reinforcing tanks and infantry, alternately throwing handgrenades and firing as he advanced to within 5 to 10 yards of the enemy position, and destroying the hostile machinegun emplacement and an additional 8 Japanese before he himself was struck down by an enemy rifleman. His valiant and inspiring action effectively reduced the enemy's firepower, thereby enabling his platoon to attain its objective, and reflects the highest credit upon Pfc. Witek and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Captain William H. Withington (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 21, 1861, at Bull Run, Virginia. His citation reads:
Remained on the field under heavy fire to succor his superior officer.
Private Nels Wold (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 26, 1918, near Cheppy, France. His citation reads:
He rendered most gallant service in aiding the advance of his company, which had been held up by machinegun nests, advancing, with 1 other soldier, and silencing the guns, bringing with him, upon his return, 11 prisoners. Later the same day he jumped from a trench and rescued a comrade who was about to be shot by a German officer, killing the officer during the exploit. His actions were entirely voluntary, and it was while attempting to rush a 5th machinegun nest that he was killed. The advance of his company was mainly due to his great courage and devotion to duty.
Today’s Pic
 |
| Cutest baby ever (he took the title from me) |
About a week ago, a kitten started sleeping under my car. I was happy to live and let live (or, truth be told, live and let die). I told The Wife to leave it alone and let the mother come back to take care of it. She wanted to keep the kitten, but I told her (very clearly) that under no circumstances would we be keeping that cat. Sure, we plan on having an outside cat when we move to our new house… but we aren’t there yet. Anyway, she wanted to keep it and I said “no”, so we compromised and decided we would keep it until it runs away or dies. We also named it after my paternal grandfather’s oldest sister, Gertrude. Below are videos and pictures of the newest member of our family… (who, I hope, will one day take over for Maverick in the “outside warrior” department). Speaking of… Maverick doesn’t seem to mind Gertrude. I wouldn’t say he’s a huge fan, but I think he knows this is best chance at training someone to protect us when he’s gone (since, sadly, we know it won’t be Scooby). Scooby, for his part, is scared of Gertrude. It might be that he thinks she is the ugliest puppy ever… but he’s whatever the reason he’s scared.
 |
| Maverick inspecting Gertrude |
 |
| Scooby, checking to see if Gertrude is ok. |
 |
| He's also making sure she isn't about to come in the house and beat him up |
 |
| Susie holding Gertrude like a baby |
 |
| Gertrude and The Wife |
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment