Portraits Of Valor

[fintstone]

The bravest guys you have never heard of:


San Diego Union-Tribune
April 16, 2006

Portraits Of Valor

From Iraq and Afghanistan, a few American heroes you've never heard of

By Robert J. Caldwell

On any given day, American soldiers and Marines fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan perform extraordinary feats of courage and sacrifice in the service of their country. Hundreds of these unsung heroes have been awarded this country's highest decorations for valor in combat, often given posthumously: Navy Crosses, Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses and, in one case so far, the Medal of Honor.

Yet, with rare exceptions – Army Sgt. First Class Paul R. Smith's Medal of Honor among them, fortunately – these acts of valor go mostly unreported and unknown outside the brotherhood of arms that is the United States military.

The Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog group that monitors television news, complained last fall, for example, that the major television networks (ABC, NBC and CBS) devoted only eight stories from Jan. 1 through Sept. 30, 2005, reporting on the heroism of American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. By contrast, the networks devoted 79 stories during this same period to instances of alleged mistakes or misconduct by U.S. military forces.

This imbalance – more precisely, bias – can only be called shameful. The bravery and devotion to duty demonstrated on a daily basis by tens of thousands of U.S. servicemen and women, volunteers all, who put their lives on the line get short shrift, eclipsed by a drumbeat of negative coverage.

No single column or commentary can right that grievous wrong, but consider this one a start. What follows are capsule accounts, based on official U.S. Army and Marine Corps records, of just a few of the heroes (though none wants to be called that) whose valor in combat merits the gratitude and respect of every American.

Army Sgt. First Class Paul R. Smith, B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Iraq – Medal of Honor, posthumous:

On April 3, 2003, Smith and his task force were at Baghdad International Airport when they were suddenly attacked by hundreds of enemy troops from Saddam Hussein's elite Republican Guard. Smith quickly organized a defense and personally engaged the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons. He then rescued three wounded Americans from an armored personnel carrier wrecked by a rocket-propelled grenade.

Realizing that the enemy attack was threatening to overrun more than 100 American soldiers, Smith climbed atop an armored vehicle under a hail of Iraqi fire and manned its .50-caliber machine gun. Firing constantly from his exposed position, he covered the evacuation of more wounded Americans, killed at least 50 of the attackers and broke the enemy assault. He was mortally wounded by a bullet to the throat. Smith's Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor, was the first and to date only one given in the Iraq war.

Marine Staff Sgt. Anthony Viggiani, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, Afghanistan – Navy Cross:

On June 3, 2004, Viggiani and members of his unit were conducting a cordon-and-search operation for Taliban insurgents in a remote village. About 20 armed enemy combatants were spotted fleeing the village. While Viggiani led the pursuit, two of his Marines were wounded by enemy machine-gun fire. In the face of continued hostile fire, Viggiani ran 100 yards to rescue the two downed Marines. On the way, he killed several insurgents firing on his men from a concealed cave. Wounded in the leg, Viggiani refused evacuation, continued to lead his troops and routed the insurgents, killing several more in the process. His Navy Cross is the Department of the Navy's highest decoration for valor short of the Medal of Honor.

Army Sgt. James Witkowski, 729th Transportation Command (a California-based Army Reserve unit), Iraq – Silver Star, posthumous:

Witkowski was killed in action on Oct. 26, 2005, during a combat logistics convoy battle near Ashraf, Iraq. Witkowski's convoy was ambushed and came under fierce, sustained attack; first from small-arms fire and roadside bombs, then by more small-arms fire, onrushing insurgents throwing hand grenades and by rocket-propelled grenades throughout a mile-long kill zone. Witkowski manned a .50-caliber machine gun on his armored truck and held the attackers at bay with sustained suppressive fire. An enemy grenade landed in his gun turret. Had he jumped aside, the grenade explosion would have killed three fellow soldiers. Witkowski stayed at his post, continued firing, and took the full blast of the grenade.

Witkowski's Silver Star was only the second awarded to an Army Reserve soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Capt. Joshua L. Glover, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Iraq – Silver Star:

Glover was a Marine lieutenant and mortar platoon/quick reaction force platoon leader in his battalion's weapons company on April 13, 2004. During this second of his three deployments to date in Iraq, Glover and his platoon were recovering classified material from a downed CH-53 helicopter in the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. Insurgents attacked the platoon with machine-gun fire and a shower of rocket-propelled grenades. Glover skillfully maneuvered his men and led a successful counterattack, inflicting numerous enemy casualties. That evening, Glover and his unit were sent to assist in rescuing a besieged Marine rifle platoon deep behind enemy lines. Glover's platoon engaged a much larger company-sized insurgent force. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire, Glover fought insurgents at point-blank range while successfully directing the trapped platoon's relief and coordinating recovery operations.

Army Sgt. Leigh A. Hester, 617th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion (Airborne), Iraq – Silver Star:

A team leader in her MP company, Hester led her soldiers on a devastatingly effective counterattack against Iraqi insurgents who had ambushed an Army convoy with machine guns, assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Maneuvering her fire team through the ambush kill zone, she assaulted an enemy trench line with grenades and rifle fire. With her squad leader, Hester cleared two additional trench lines and eliminated three Iraqi insurgents with her M4 rifle. The counterattack she led saved the lives of numerous American soldiers pinned down by enemy fire in the ambushed convoy.

Three years of war in Iraq and four years of fighting in Afghanistan have produced hundreds of examples of such heroics. By any measure, America's armed forces have performed with exemplary skill, courage and professionalism. More than 2,600 young Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and more than 7,000 others have been wounded seriously enough to require evacuation from the war zones. Many of these wounded have been maimed for life.

The least we owe these warriors is proper recognition of their valor and sacrifice.

[Victor]

Originally posted by fintstone
More than 2,600 young Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and more than 7,000 others have been wounded seriously enough to require evacuation from the war zones. Many of these wounded have been maimed for life.

The least we owe these warriors is proper recognition of their valor and sacrifice.

Damn right.

Pitty the towel heads ~10,000 lives have been thrown away for don't seem to agree.

[Jim Richards]

Victor, you must let Fint have his daily flag waving moment. He gets cranky if he doesn't get to do this.

[stuartj]

"The least we owe these warriors is proper recognition of their valor and sacrifice."

Can you post Pat Tillman's citation, Fintstone?

[Nathans_Dad]

How telling that the libs on the board say not one word of tribute to honor these soldiers but immediately dismiss the article as "flag waving". What's wrong with waving the flag?? And Stuart, Pat Tillman gave his life for his country. How he died has no effect on that sacrifice. News flash Stuart, when you are in a battle and bullets are flying, sometimes your own guy gets hurt.

[Jim Richards]

I think you'll find that we (moderates and liberals) support the troops. We all hope they return unharmed. But please, don't confuse our lack of belief in the advertourous mission B2 sent them on with a lack of support for the troops themselves. I hope this isn't too complicated for the militarists here to understand.

The coverup of Pat Tillman's death by friendly fire showed an incredible lack of valor or honor by the military.

[1967 R50/2]

Actually, the story of Army Sgt. First Class Paul R. Smith, was in MAXIM of all places a few months back...as a cartoon...but, hey...It's MAXIM, so it's suprising that this kind of story is in there at all.

It's not as amusing as it may sound. The cartoon detailed what various soldiers from different wars had to do in order to win the Medal of Honor.

Almost all of them died except for an airman who was burned over 90% of his body. Bottom line: the Medal is awarded for great personal sacrifice and bravery.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by Jim Richards
Victor, you must let Fint have his daily flag waving moment. He gets cranky if he doesn't get to do this.

F' him.

In any case, ask the participants of these events and most say they did "it' to save a buddy, they're deep into Maslow's hieracrchy of needs when they do their so-called heroics. Valor has nothing to do with it.

In fact, calling their actions valorous is what people that want a militaristic society do to convince the gullible that these acts are greatness, instead of the bloody acts they truly are.

[Moneyguy1]

Individual members of the armed forces do their job and do it well. Even if you are totally against the current foofram, the fact they are there and performing, some say to preserve our wayof life and others disagree, they are making the best of a very bad situation.

Most who have experienced war first hand, despise it. Most who advocate war have never experienced it.

And I agree with Jim. One can differentiate between those who support the troops no matter their feelings about the war itself and those who simply do not appreciate the individual with boots on the ground.

[stuartj]

Originally posted by Nathans_Dad
How telling that the libs on the board say not one word of tribute to honor these soldiers but immediately dismiss the article as "flag waving". What's wrong with waving the flag?? And Stuart, Pat Tillman gave his life for his country. How he died has no effect on that sacrifice. News flash Stuart, when you are in a battle and bullets are flying, sometimes your own guy gets hurt.

The US military lied about Pat Tillman'd death for its own cynical and manipilative purposes. Nothing eminating from the US military should be taken as the truth.

Whats wrong with waving the flag? Its the last refuge of scoundrels and it is always used to dupe people like you. In this case, the flags are being waved from countries the US has invaded and occupied for its own militaristic purposes. Nothing more, nothing less. I dont see much heroic about that at all. In fact, in another time, the heroes were the Czechs, French and Poles who resisted their occupying invader using sabotage, assasination and IEDs, no?

[DavidI]

Originally posted by fastpat
F' him.

In any case, ask the participants of these events and most say they did "it' to save a buddy, they're deep into Maslow's hieracrchy of needs when they do their so-called heroics. Valor has nothing to do with it.

In fact, calling their actions valorous is what people that want a militaristic society do to convince the gullible that these acts are greatness, instead of the bloody acts they truly are.

Fastpat, I am going to make this as personal as can be. I read your intellectual comments and think you are a coward. Valor has everything to do with a person who willingly puts their life at risk to save another. In all of the cases, these brave men put themselves in the direct line of fire and saved others! Regardless of your position on the war, these soldiers are in direct peril on a daily basis. To defame them and say they are gullible is an insult to the very fabric of this nation. This country was founded on bloodshed and unfortunately it is a necessary evil in the world. I do not want a militaristic society, I simply want to protect the essence of America. Having served in my Beloved Marine Corps, I ask you, what have you done other than berate America's finest and demean the memory of their sacrifices? I usually try to be as respectful as possible, but this is one of those rare instances where your statements are inflammatory and naive.

Fire away genious with your awesome vocabulary and no experience, David

[rcecale]

Originally posted by stuartj
Whats wrong with waving the flag? Its the last refuge of scoundrels and it is always used to dupe people like you.

Why wave it when you can draw much more attention burning it, eh stu?








Randy

[rcecale]

Originally posted by DavidI
Fire away genious with your awesome vocabulary and no experience, David

David,

Don't worry too much about ol' Patsy. He's already been outed for the hypocritical pr!ck that he truly is. He's a retired Army Reservist who has no problem drawing his retirement check with one hand while stabbing our servicemen and women on the back with the other. His cowardly and treasonous remarks make him somehow feel like a man. All I can do is feel sorry for him. He's truly pathetic.

Randy

[stuartj]

Correct Randy. When one wants to instill or inflame nationalistic/tribal fervour, burn/wave flag as required.

Flags have been the device of rogues for some time now.

[fastpat]

Originally posted by DavidI
Fastpat, I am going to make this as personal as can be. I read your intellectual comments and think you are a coward. (flag waving snipped) Fire away genious with your awesome vocabulary and no experience, David

Really?


These men volunteered for duty, and more have arrived freshly volunteered, already knowing or should have known that the invasion was illegal, based on lies, and defending no one in America.

It is every soldiers duty to know these things, and every American should demand they do so.

[DavidI]

Burning a flag does not upset me because the American Flag is not what America is about. It is about the freedom to do such acts. At work, we got into a discussion about a rally some time ago when we had to keep the peace for some individuals who burnt the flag. As the debate heated, I told the crowd of cops that I would protect the individuals who burnt the flag. I told them that I would go toe to toe with any of them willing to take me on....for the following reason: America is based upon the freedom of expression (verbal, press, assembly, etc.). To stop someone from these freedoms is the same as being the exact opposite of the "soul of America." As much as I dislike and have contempt for individuals who do not support America, I would voluntarily fight for their right, as written in our Bill of Rights, to exercise them.

As far a Fastpat, I have lost all respect for him. He is a coward and nothing more. To say that he was in the Army adds insult to injury. He was probably one of those weak ones that got picked on, demoted, and eventually medically retired......so be it

Semper Fi, David

[fastpat]

Originally posted by DavidI
As far a Fastpat, I have lost all respect for him. He is a coward and nothing more. To say that he was in the Army adds insult to injury. He was probably one of those weak ones that got picked on, demoted, and eventually medically retired......so be it

Semper Fi, David

You are wrong, on just about everything you've written about me, that includes these personal attacks above, which to me denote cowardice on your part, not mine. I'd suggest you take a harder look at that photograph. You're intensely militarized yourself, it'd be hard for you to accept that the real heroes in America are those that have stayed out of the military to start and take care of their families through being good citizens rather that invade and destroy a foreign country in an attempt to occupy it for dishonorable reasons.

There's no honor in killing others in aggressive war, and there never will be.

[rcecale]

Originally posted by fastpat
There's no honor in killing others in aggressive war, and there never will be.

Well, Patsy, you're certainly an expert in the "no honor" category, that's for sure!

David,

I know how you feel about watching and actually protecting the rights of an individual to burn the flag. As much as I may loathe those who do the burning, you're correct in that this IS a part of the freedomyou and I and many, many others have served to preserve.

Semper fi, Leatherneck!

Randy

[stuartj]

Originally posted by rcecale
David,

I know how you feel about watching and actually protecting the rights of an individual to burn the flag. As much as I may loathe those who do the burning, you're correct in that this IS a part of the freedomyou and I and many, many others have served to preserve.

Semper fi, Leatherneck!

Randy

That, and a free dental plan.

[rcecale]

Originally posted by stuartj
That, and a free dental plan.

Sorry, Stu, dental isn't covered in my retirement benefits.

Randy