Medal of Honor Citations
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Mike Irwin
Staff
My hero...
CHAMBERLAIN, JOSHUA L.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 20th Maine Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 2 July 1863. Entered service at: Brunswick, Maine. Born: 8 September 1828, Brewer Maine. Date of issue: 11 August 1893. Citation: Daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top.
That says only the half of it, too. His life was nothing short of pretty damned incredible.
CHAMBERLAIN, JOSHUA L.
Rank and organization: Colonel, 20th Maine Infantry. Place and date: At Gettysburg, Pa., 2 July 1863. Entered service at: Brunswick, Maine. Born: 8 September 1828, Brewer Maine. Date of issue: 11 August 1893. Citation: Daring heroism and great tenacity in holding his position on the Little Round Top against repeated assaults, and carrying the advance position on the Great Round Top.
That says only the half of it, too. His life was nothing short of pretty damned incredible.
Mike, that one is one of the most understated bios of all time. Even the movie Gettysburg didn't even begin to do him justice.
One that I found interesting was that Teddy Rosevelt was awarded the MOH within the last year. We went from men like him to klinton. He couldn't even take care of his own dog, let alone a country.
One that I found interesting was that Teddy Rosevelt was awarded the MOH within the last year. We went from men like him to klinton. He couldn't even take care of his own dog, let alone a country.
Destructo6
New member
Two of the places I was stationed in Okinawa:
The NTA base camp, Camp H Gonzalves:
Bush Clinic at Camp Courtney:
The NTA base camp, Camp H Gonzalves:
Bush Clinic at Camp Courtney:
Mike Irwin
Staff
One of the absolute highlights of my working at NRA was meeting and speaking with this man...
What this bio doesn't say is that during his time on Guadalcanal, Foss was flying with a case of malaria that would have incapacitated most other men.
FOSS, JOSEPH JACOB
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Over Guadalcanal, 9 October to 19 November 1942, 15 and 23 January 1943. Entered service at: South Dakota. Born: 17 April 1915, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. Citation: For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.
What this bio doesn't say is that during his time on Guadalcanal, Foss was flying with a case of malaria that would have incapacitated most other men.
FOSS, JOSEPH JACOB
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Over Guadalcanal, 9 October to 19 November 1942, 15 and 23 January 1943. Entered service at: South Dakota. Born: 17 April 1915, Sioux Falls, S. Dak. Citation: For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38's into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Uh, 444?
DUH!
Why do you think I picked those two particular bios?
Because I didn't know anything about them?
DUH!
Why do you think I picked those two particular bios?
Because I didn't know anything about them?
Be sure to read all of the Viet-Nam citation's,
and notice know many person's died from the heroic
act of diving on live grenade's to protect other's.
Then ask yourself, would I have done the exact
same thing? Many brave soul's did; and I guess
the rest of us might not ever know. I would like
to think I would have been courageous, and done
the same thing; even at the cost of my own life?
May GOD bless these fine hero's and shall they
forever rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
and notice know many person's died from the heroic
act of diving on live grenade's to protect other's.
Then ask yourself, would I have done the exact
same thing? Many brave soul's did; and I guess
the rest of us might not ever know. I would like
to think I would have been courageous, and done
the same thing; even at the cost of my own life?
May GOD bless these fine hero's and shall they
forever rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
Ed Brunner
New member
Here is another man who wouldn't quit.
DAVIS, SAMMY L.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967. Entered service at: Indianapolis, Ind. Born: 1 November 1946, Dayton, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machine gun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
DAVIS, SAMMY L.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Battery C, 2d Battalion, 4th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division. Place and date: West of Cai Lay, Republic of Vietnam, 18 November 1967. Entered service at: Indianapolis, Ind. Born: 1 November 1946, Dayton, Ohio. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machine gun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
Larry Wright
New member
Make of this what you will!!
(Wall St. Journal, Friday, December 21, 2001 12:01 a.m. EST ) “DUTY, HONOR, UNIVERSITY:” Each year Rutgers recognizes alumni whose "superlative achievements . . . have brought honor to themselves and to the university." While an actor from "The Sopranos" is among those voted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni this year, for at least the second time the committee has passed over Jack Jacobs, '66 -- a Vietnam War Medal of Honor winner. As one of only 149 living Americans with that medal (and only one of three in New Jersey), Mr. Jacobs seems to be in pretty distinguished company. But apparently not distinguished enough for Rutgers.
Here’s Captain Jacobs’ citation:
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to JACOBS, JACK H.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Element, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 March 1968. Entered service at: Trenton, N.J. Born: 2 August 1945, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machinegun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
(Wall St. Journal, Friday, December 21, 2001 12:01 a.m. EST ) “DUTY, HONOR, UNIVERSITY:” Each year Rutgers recognizes alumni whose "superlative achievements . . . have brought honor to themselves and to the university." While an actor from "The Sopranos" is among those voted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni this year, for at least the second time the committee has passed over Jack Jacobs, '66 -- a Vietnam War Medal of Honor winner. As one of only 149 living Americans with that medal (and only one of three in New Jersey), Mr. Jacobs seems to be in pretty distinguished company. But apparently not distinguished enough for Rutgers.
Here’s Captain Jacobs’ citation:
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to JACOBS, JACK H.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Element, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 March 1968. Entered service at: Trenton, N.J. Born: 2 August 1945, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion advisor, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2d Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machinegun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2d Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded advisor to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, single-handedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. advisor and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
CMH
Larry,
Enjoyed your post. You stated:
"for at least the second time the committee has passed over Jack Jacobs, '66 -- a Vietnam War Medal of Honor winner. As one of only 149 living Americans with that medal (and only one of three in New Jersey), Mr. Jacobs seems to be in pretty distinguished company. But apparently not distinguished enough for Rutgers. "
However, since 9/11 this present administration, and the media's, insistance on calling every one and his brother a "hero" if he/she has a uniform of any kind on has made a mockerly of real heros.
Sorry, but this has been bugging me, and I just had to get it out. Not I, nor any of the jarheads I came back from Korea with, ever thought of ourselves as heros.
Larry,
Enjoyed your post. You stated:
"for at least the second time the committee has passed over Jack Jacobs, '66 -- a Vietnam War Medal of Honor winner. As one of only 149 living Americans with that medal (and only one of three in New Jersey), Mr. Jacobs seems to be in pretty distinguished company. But apparently not distinguished enough for Rutgers. "
However, since 9/11 this present administration, and the media's, insistance on calling every one and his brother a "hero" if he/she has a uniform of any kind on has made a mockerly of real heros.
Sorry, but this has been bugging me, and I just had to get it out. Not I, nor any of the jarheads I came back from Korea with, ever thought of ourselves as heros.
Well Mike, what I was basically saying is that I don't think you could have picked two better men: I was complimenting you on your choices. I was was also kind of implying that if anyone was interested these two guy's lives make very inspirational reading. As you know, the Medal of Honor was only one aspect of their very full lives and I highly recommend that anyone who is not familiar with them should check them out. I was also agreeing with your statement that Chamberlin's citation doesn't even begin to tell the story of what he did that day. Three times I have stood on Little Round Top and imagined what took place there and what would have happened if Colonel Chamberlin and the 20th Maine hadn't been there. He is also one of my heros.
Larry Wright
New member
Amen to that, badriver! I don't won't to diminish the contribution all the servicemen (gender non-specific) and other uniformed personnel are making but we have a tendency to toss terms around a lot in the good ol' USA. My father was an infantry light machinegunner in New Guinea and the Phillipines in WWII and I never thought of him as anything but my personal hero. Most of my uncles were either in the Pacific or the European theater, again, these were just the hard-working men that I grew up around (God Bless them, they're all passed now!). And please don't get me wrong, there are some genuine heros out there doing heroic deeds, but that's the key term--deeds. The sad part is that's the type of feel-good marketing it takes to execute this war in the country today and maintain the popular support.
Back in the 19th Century, the Medal of Honor was the only medal awarded for bravery. The Silver Star and Bronze Star did not exist. So, here's a trivia question for you history fans: name the regiment which was promised the Medal of Honor if they reenlisted? Huh? You betcha. The soldiers were promised medals if they reenlisted for the duration of the war. They re-upped, then the promise was breached and the soldiers stormed the barn to get their medals.
Mike Irwin
Staff
Gary,
3rd Wisconsin?
Name the only woman to ever get the Medal of Honor.
3rd Wisconsin?
Name the only woman to ever get the Medal of Honor.
MOH
Let us not forget one of the most frequent recipients of the Medal of Honor, United Staes Navy Hospital Corpsmen
www.americasvoices.org/archives/BowenM/BowenM_100401.htm
Let us not forget one of the most frequent recipients of the Medal of Honor, United Staes Navy Hospital Corpsmen
www.americasvoices.org/archives/BowenM/BowenM_100401.htm