Medal of Honor

I went to a baseball banquet this past Sunday at the American Legion Post 147. Being at the post… along with reading a story last week about the Medal of Honor… along with a talk I had with Sonny about said story gave me an idea. Starting today, we at I’m just sayin… are going to add a segment to our blog. Starting with our post today, we are going to have a “Know Your Medal of Honor Recipient” section. Before I continue it is important that I let you know I’m getting my info from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website and if at any time they want me to remove something I will do so. Now for a little history (more history can be found at the website I just gave you). The Medal of Honor dates back to the Civil War (it could very well be the one good idea the yankees had). There are 3 variations of the Medal of Honor: 1 for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, 1 for the Army, and 1 for the Air Force. The Medal of Honor was designed to represent the valiant efforts of the Union Army, Navy, and Marines. Over the years it has become a historic symbol of the bravest of the brave. It ain’t just handed out like Halloween candy, if you know what I mean, so all who have one should be given the upmost respect. As of right now, there have been 3,446 recipients of the Medal of Honor (88 are still living).

So, for our first ever “Know your Medal of Honor Recipient”:
Corporal Charles G. Abrell, U.S. Marine Corps. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a fire team leader in Company E, in action against enemy aggressor forces. While advancing with his platoon in an attack against well-concealed and heavily fortified enemy hill positions, Cpl. Abrell voluntarily rushed forward through the assaulting squad which was pinned down by a hail of intense and accurate automatic-weapons fire from a hostile bunker situated on commanding ground. Although previously wounded by enemy hand grenade fragments, he proceeded to carry out a bold, single-handed attack against the bunker, exhorting his comrades to follow him. Sustaining 2 additional wounds as he stormed toward the emplacement, he resolutely pulled the pin from a grenade clutched in his hand and hurled himself bodily into the bunker with the live missile still in his grasp. Fatally wounded in the resulting explosion which killed the entire enemy guncrew within the stronghold, Cpl. Abrell, by his valiant spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of certain death, served to inspire all his comrades and contributed directly to the success of his platoon in attaining its objective. His superb courage and heroic initiative sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.