Mark 3:35

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Henry Jeremiah Parks (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

While alone and in advance of his unit and attempting to cut off the retreat of a supply wagon, he fought and sent to flight a Confederate color bearer. After capturing the color bearer and leaving him in the rear, he returned to the front and captured 3 more wagons and drivers.

Corporal James W. Parks (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 16, 1864, at Nashville, Tennessee. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.

Ensign John Joseph Parle (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 9-10, 1943, in the USS LST 375. His citation reads:

For valor and courage above and beyond the call of duty as Officer-in-Charge of Small Boats in the U.S.S. LST 375 during the amphibious assault on the island of Sicily, 9-10 July 1943. Realizing that a detonation of explosives would prematurely disclose to the enemy the assault about to be carried out, and with full knowledge of the peril involved, Ens. Parle unhesitatingly risked his life to extinguish a smoke pot accidentally ignited in a boat carrying charges of high explosives, detonating fuses and ammunition. Undaunted by fire and blinding smoke, he entered the craft, quickly snuffed out a burning fuse, and after failing in his desperate efforts to extinguish the fire pot, finally seized it with both hands and threw it over the side. Although he succumbed a week later from smoke and fumes inhaled, Ens. Parle's heroic self-sacrifice prevented grave damage to the ship and personnel and insured the security of a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Mark 3:35

Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.

Happy Retirement Aunt Yvonne!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Thomas Parker (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 2, 1865 at Petersburg, Virginia and on April 6, 1865 at Sailors Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

Planted the first color on the enemy's works. Carried the regimental colors over the creek after the regiment had broken and been repulsed.

Captain of the Afterguard William Parker (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 24-25, 1862, on board the U.S.S. Cayuga. His citation reads:

At the wheel on board the U.S.S. Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson, and New Orleans, 24 and 25 April 1862. As his ship led the advance column toward the barrier and both forts opened fire simultaneously, striking the vessel from stem to stern, Parker conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action in which attempts by 3 rebel steamers to butt and board were thwarted, and the ships driven off. Eleven gunboats were successfully engaged and the enemy garrisons forced to surrender during this battle in which the Cayuga sustained 46 hits.

Captain of the Forecastle George Parks (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the USS Richmond. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Richmond during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked her decks, Parks performed his duties with skill and courage throughout a furious 2_hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan.


Today we’d like to take a minute to wish my Aunt Yvonne a VERY HAPPY RETIREMENT!!!!!!!! Tomorrow is her last day, so we’re taking a pretty big leap of faith that she won’t get fired before she actually retires… Still, we think she’ll make it. We trust that her retirement years will be filled happy weekends feeding me and watching my children and… perhaps… making me more blankets.


Picture Thursday

Daniel and Susie teaming up against me... and The Wife says I watch too much wrestling with them. HA! Like there's such a thing as too much wrestling

What you don't see in these pictures is that The Dogs usually come over and start licking my face... I'm not sure if they're trying to help me or The Kids...

Mary Ruth helping Daniel at the park

He's ready for the Olympics now

Ready to fly

Susie told Daniel to watch her baby for her

Daniel giving Mary Ruth a push on the swing

Daniel on his birthday...

He liked it! He really liked it!



HAPPY 3rd BIG SISTER DAY SUSIE!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Lieutenant Colonel James Parker (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 4, 1899, at Vigan, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

While in command of a small garrison repulsed a savage night attack by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, fighting at close quarters in the dark for several hours.

Private Pomeroy Parker (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898, on board the USS Nashville. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Parker displayed extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Second Lieutenant Samuel I. Parker (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 18-19, 1918, near Soissons, France. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. During the attack the 2d and 3d Battalions of the 28th Infantry were merged, and after several hours of severe fighting, successfully established a frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left between the right flank of the French 153d Division on their left and the left flank of the 28th Infantry, exposing the left flank to a terrific enfilade fire from several enemy machineguns located in a rock quarry on high ground. 2d Lt. Parker, observing this serious situation, ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group of French Colonials wandering leaderlessly about, he persuaded them to join his platoon. This consolidated group followed 2d Lt. Parker through direct enemy rifle and machinegun fire to the crest of the hill, and rushing forward, took the quarry by storm, capturing 6 machineguns and about 40 prisoners. The next day when the assault was continued, 2d Lt. Parker in command of the merged 2d and 3d Battalions was in support of the 1st Battalion. Although painfully wounded in the foot, he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his command until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and the French on its left, 2d Lt. Parker led his battalion through this heavy fire up on the line to the left of the 1st Battalion and thereby closed the gap, remaining in command of his battalion until the newly established lines of the 28th Infantry were thoroughly consolidated. In supervising the consolidation of the new position, 2d Lt. Parker was compelled to crawl about on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. His conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.


The Wife has decided that Daniel will not turn 3 this year because she isn’t ready for him to grow up. Therefore, today we are celebrating Susie’s 3rd Big Sister Day!!!! It was on this day in 2011 that Susie was promoted to Big Sister status. So if you would like to wish Daniel a Happy Birthday, do so at your own risk. The Wife is crazy about this right now, so we at I’m just sayin… are here today to wish Susie a VERY Happy 3rd Big Sister Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hope she has a great one!!!!!!

RIP Mr. Freeman

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal John G. Palmer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

First of 6 men who volunteered to assist gunner of a battery upon which the enemy was concentrating its fire, and fought with the battery until the close of the engagement. His commanding officer felt he would never see this man alive again.

Colonel William J. Palmer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 14, 1865, at Red Hill, Alabama. His citation reads:

With less than 200 men, attacked and defeated a superior force of the enemy, capturing their fieldpiece and about 100 prisoners without losing a man.

Boatswain’s Mate Alexander Parker (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 25, 1876, at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, California. His citation reads:

For gallant conduct in attempting to save a shipmate from drowning at the Navy Yard, Mare Island, Calif., on 25 July 1876.


I usually just post the Medal of Honor section and a Bible verse on Sunday’s, but today is a little different. You see, the world lost a great man last week and today he is being laid to rest. Mr. Melvin Leroy Freeman passed away on March 20th after a long fight with cancer. Some will tell you he lost his battle with cancer… but based on my firm belief that Mr. Freeman is now in Heaven, I’d say he won. While I know it’s not easy for a family who loved him very much, I hope they are able to take comfort in the knowledge that he truly fought the good fight and finished the race. He and his wife (conveniently named Mrs. Freeman) raised three sons who have been lifelong friends to me, Teresa Lynn and Sonny. Based on my limited experience as a father, I must say I’m extremely impressed at the amount of love and respect all three sons (now grown men) have for their dad. That’s not something that just happens. I said this on Facebook, but it’s worth repeating here… While I am sad for the friends and family, I am also sad for the people who never got to meet Mr. Freeman. He was a great man and my life is better for having known him.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 18:14

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Go Shockers!!!! Let the Madness Begin!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Platoon Sergeant Mitchell Paige (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 26, 1942, on the Solomon Islands. His citation reads:

For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a company of marines in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 26 October 1942. When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, P/Sgt. Paige, commanding a machinegun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he fought with his gun and when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Private Adam Paine (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 26-27, 1874, at Canyon Blanco tributary of the Red River, Texas. His citation reads:

Rendered invaluable service to Col. R. S. Mackenzie, 4th U.S. Cavalry, during this engagement.

Musician George H. Palmer (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 20, 1861, at Lexington, Missouri. His citation reads:

Volunteered to fight in the trenches and also led a charge which resulted in the recapture of a Union hospital, together with Confederate sharpshooters then occupying the same.


Below is the Second Annual I’m just sayin… Brackett Challenge (between me, The Wife and The Kids). I won last year, but The Kids were looking pretty good after the first round if my memory is correct. I don’t want to jump the gun here, but I’m picking my good friend (my words, not his) Coach Gregg Marshall and his Wichita State Shockers to win it all. Will it happen? I don’t know. There are a lot of good teams in the tournament and anything could happen… but I don’t see a team out there that I’d pick to beat the Shockers.

I’m just sayin… Brackett Challenge

Up first we have Daniel... like most young men, he has way too much faith in the underdog.  If Wofford wins it all, let it be known that there was someone in this world who believed in them.  Before I forget, while I wrote the picks down, each person made their own picks.  I would call out the match-up and they would tell me who they thought would win.  The only game I picked for The Kids was the UVA/Coastal game.  I didn't want to risk having one (or more) of The Kids picking Coastal (thus causing me to love them less). I let The Wife pick that game on her own because I figured she would make the right pick (which she did).

Susie had her share of upsets, yet has Florida winning it all (not a bad pick on her part).

Mary Ruth was very stressed while making her picks, so I didn't have the heart to tell her that there's no way Pitt would be able to beat American in the championship game.  Who knows, though, maybe she'll get the last laugh.

I didn't make fun of The Kids for their picks because they are children who don't know any better... and while The Wife isn't a die-hard basketball fan, she should know better than to pick the #16 and #15 seeds in the West region to win their first round games.  Still, her final picks aren't all that bad (though I think she only picked Florida because she heard me tell Susie what a good pick that was)

Here we have mine.  I must be getting old because I find myself picking fewer and fewer upsets.  I admit I have seen very few of these teams play this year (which might be a good thing).  I was asked this past Sunday morning (before the brackets were announced) who I thought would make the Final Four.  I said Wichita State, Louisville, Duke and Michigan State... Well, 3 of those teams are in the same region.  If Wichita State wins it all (as I think they will), they are going to have to earn it.  I don't think Coach Marshall would want it any other way.

Picture Thursday

Today we are going to take a look at some of the things one might see when walking around our church...

 

Hey look!  Bottom right corner is a picture of ME!

The top of the little head you see belongs to Mom

Granny's class is in room 128

Here is one brick outside the front of the church in honor of Granny

Here is the other



Matthew 16:21

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Joseph William Ozbourn (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 30, 1944, on Tinian Island, Marianas Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a Browning Automatic Rifleman serving with the 1st Battalion, 23d Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the battle for enemy Japanese-held Tinian Island, Marianas Islands, 30 July 1944. As a member of a platoon assigned the mission of clearing the remaining Japanese troops from dugouts and pillboxes along a tree line, Pvt. Ozbourn, flanked by 2 men on either side, was moving forward to throw an armed handgrenade into a dugout when a terrific blast from the entrance severely wounded the 4 men and himself. Unable to throw the grenade into the dugout and with no place to hurl it without endangering the other men, Pvt. Ozbourn unhesitatingly grasped it close to his body and fell upon it, sacrificing his own life to absorb the full impact of the explosion, but saving his comrades. His great personal valor and unwavering loyalty reflect the highest credit upon Pvt. Ozbourn and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private Loron F. Packard (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 27, 1863, at Raccoon Ford, Virginia. His citation reads:

After his command had retreated, this soldier, voluntarily and alone, returned to the assistance of a comrade and rescued him from the hands of 3 armed Confederates.

Lieutenant Colonel John U. D. Page (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions from November 29 to December 10, 1950, near Chosin Reservoir, Korea. His citation reads:

Lt. Col. Page, a member of X Corps Artillery, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in a series of exploits. On 29 November, Lt. Col. Page left X Corps Headquarters at Hamhung with the mission of establishing traffic control on the main supply route to 1st Marine Division positions and those of some Army elements on the Chosin Reservoir plateau. Having completed his mission Lt. Col. Page was free to return to the safety of Hamhung but chose to remain on the plateau to aid an isolated signal station, thus being cut off with elements of the marine division. After rescuing his jeep driver by breaking up an ambush near a destroyed bridge Lt. Col. Page reached the lines of a surrounded marine garrison at Koto-ri. He then voluntarily developed and trained a reserve force of assorted army troops trapped with the marines. By exemplary leadership and tireless devotion he made an effective tactical unit available. In order that casualties might be evacuated, an airstrip was improvised on frozen ground partly outside of the Koto-ri defense perimeter which was continually under enemy attack. During 2 such attacks, Lt. Col. Page exposed himself on the airstrip to direct fire on the enemy, and twice mounted the rear deck of a tank, manning the machine gun on the turret to drive the enemy back into a no man's land. On 3 December while being flown low over enemy lines in a light observation plane, Lt. Col. Page dropped handgrenades on Chinese positions and sprayed foxholes with automatic fire from his carbine. After 10 days of constant fighting the marine and army units in the vicinity of the Chosin Reservoir had succeeded in gathering at the edge of the plateau and Lt. Col. Page was flown to Hamhung to arrange for artillery support of the beleaguered troops attempting to break out. Again Lt. Col. Page refused an opportunity to remain in safety and returned to give every assistance to his comrades. As the column slowly moved south Lt. Col. Page joined the rear guard. When it neared the entrance to a narrow pass it came under frequent attacks on both flanks. Mounting an abandoned tank Lt. Col. Page manned the machine gun, braved heavy return fire, and covered the passing vehicles until the danger diminished. Later when another attack threatened his section of the convoy, then in the middle of the pass, Lt. Col. Page took a machine gun to the hillside and delivered effective counterfire, remaining exposed while men and vehicles passed through the ambuscade. On the night of 10 December the convoy reached the bottom of the pass but was halted by a strong enemy force at the front and on both flanks. Deadly small-arms fire poured into the column. Realizing the danger to the column as it lay motionless, Lt. Col. Page fought his way to the head of the column and plunged forward into the heart of the hostile position. His intrepid action so surprised the enemy that their ranks became disordered and suffered heavy casualties. Heedless of his safety, as he had been throughout the preceding 10 days, Lt. Col. Page remained forward, fiercely engaging the enemy single-handed until mortally wounded. By his valiant and aggressive spirit Lt. Col. Page enabled friendly forces to stand off the enemy. His outstanding courage, unswerving devotion to duty, and supreme self-sacrifice reflect great credit upon Lt. Col. Page and are in the highest tradition of the military service.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Matthew 16:21

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Great Book

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Corporal Miles M. Oviatt (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the USS Brooklyn. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during action against rebel forts and gunboats and with the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Despite severe damage to his ship and the loss of several men on board as enemy fire raked the deck, Cpl. Oviatt fought his gun with skill and courage throughout the furious 2_hour battle which resulted in the surrender of the rebel ram Tennessee.

Private Michael Owens (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 11, 1871, on board the USS Colorado. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Colorado during the capture of Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Fighting courageously in hand-tohand combat, Owens was badly wounded by the enemy during this action.

Sergeant Robert Allen Owens (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 1, 1943, at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with a marine division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during extremely hazardous landing operations at Cape Torokina, Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 1 November 1943. Forced to pass within disastrous range of a strongly protected, well-camouflaged Japanese 75-mm. regimental gun strategically located on the beach, our landing units were suffering heavy losses in casualties and boats while attempting to approach the beach, and the success of the operations was seriously threatened. Observing the ineffectiveness of marine rifle and grenade attacks against the incessant, devastating fire of the enemy weapon and aware of the urgent need for prompt action, Sgt. Owens unhesitatingly determined to charge the gun bunker from the front and, calling on 4 of his comrades to assist him, carefully placed them to cover the fire of the 2 adjacent hostile bunkers. Choosing a moment that provided a fair opportunity for passing these bunkers, he immediately charged into the mouth of the steadily firing cannon and entered the emplacement through the fire port, driving the guncrew out of the rear door and insuring their destruction before he himself was wounded. Indomitable and aggressive in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Owens silenced a powerful gun which was of inestimable value to the Japanese defense and, by his brilliant initiative and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, contributed immeasurably to the success of the vital landing operations. His valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.


At first glance I’d know there would be no second glance when it comes to a book about an eight-oar crew from the 1930’s… but my good friend (and Labor Day Uncle) DG told me I should read it and I have a policy that when DG tells me to read a book, I read it. I finally had a chance to read this book (The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown) and boy was it good! It was part sports book, part history book and total easy to read greatness. I found my pulse pick up reading this thing. I won’t go into too much detail because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Just get the book and read it. You won’t be sorry.


Picture Thursday

Nap time for Susie

And Daniel

Mary Ruth with another award (for something she wrote about The Wife)

Daniel wearing the hat his sisters told him to wear

Daniel with his Nana and Susie

More napping from Daniel

 

Daniel at a basketball game

This is how we camp out in the den (I sleep on the sofa)



Matthew 15:10-11

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Seaman David G. Ouellet (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 6, 1967, on the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. As the forward machine gunner on River Patrol Boat (PBR) 124, which was on patrol during the early evening hours, Seaman Ouellet observed suspicious activity near the river bank, alerted his boat captain, and recommended movement of the boat to the area to investigate. While the PBR was making a high-speed run along the river bank, Seaman Ouellet spotted an incoming enemy grenade falling toward the boat. He immediately left the protected position of his gun mount and ran aft for the full length of the speeding boat, shouting to his fellow crewmembers to take cover. Observing the boat captain standing unprotected on the boat, Seaman Ouellet bounded on to the engine compartment cover, and pushed the boat captain down to safety. In the split second that followed the grenade's landing, and in the face of certain death, Seaman Ouellet fearlessly placed himself between the deadly missile and his shipmates, courageously absorbing most of the blast fragments with his body in order to protect his shipmates from injury and death. His extraordinary heroism and his selfless and courageous actions on behalf of his comrades at the expense of his life were in the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Private First Class Joseph R. Ouellette (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 31 – September 3, 1950, near Yongsan, Korea. His citation reads:

Pfc. Ouellette distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy in the Makioug-Chang River salient. When an enemy assault cut off and surrounded his unit he voluntarily made a reconnaissance of a nearby hill under intense enemy fire to locate friendly troop positions and obtain information of the enemy's strength and location. Finding that friendly troops were not on the hill, he worked his way back to his unit under heavy fire. Later, when an airdrop of water was made outside the perimeter, he again braved enemy fire in an attempt to retrieve water for his unit. Finding the dropped cans broken and devoid of water, he returned to his unit. His heroic attempt greatly increased his comrades' morale. When ammunition and grenades ran low, Pfc. Ouellette again slipped out of the perimeter to collect these from the enemy dead. After collecting grenades he was attacked by an enemy soldier. He killed this enemy in hand-to-hand combat, gathered up the ammunition, and returned to his unit. When the enemy attacked on 3 September, they assaulted his position with grenades. On 6 occasions Pfc. Ouellette leaped from his foxhole to escape exploding grenades. In doing so, he had to face enemy small-arms fire. He continued his resistance, despite a severe wound, until he lost his life. The extraordinary heroism and intrepidity displayed by Pfc. Ouellette reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the military service.

Private Jacob H. Overturf (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Gallantry in the charge of the "volunteer storming party."


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Matthew 15:10-11

10 Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. 11 What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Better late than never…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Albert Oss (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 3, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Virginia. His citation reads:

Remained in the rifle pits after the others had retreated, firing constantly, and contesting the ground step by step.

First Lieutenant Edward Albert Ostermann (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 24, 1915, at in the vicinity of Fort Liberte, Haiti. His citation reads:

In company with members of the 15th Company of Marines, all mounted, 1st Lt. Ostermann left Fort Liberte, Haiti, for a 6-day reconnaissance. After dark on the evening of 24 October 1915, while crossing the river in a deep ravine, the detachment was suddenly fired upon from 3 sides by about 400 Cacos concealed in bushes about 100 yards from the fort. The marine detachment fought its way forward to a good position, which it maintained during the night, although subjected to a continuous fire from the Cacos. At daybreak, 1st Lt. Ostermann, in command of 1 of the 3 squads which advanced in 3 different directions, led his men forward, surprising and scattering the Cacos, and aiding in the capture of Fort Dipitie.

Staff Sergeant Kazuo Otani (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 15, 1944, near Pieve Di S. Luce, Italy. His citation reads:

Staff Sergeant Kazuo Otani distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action on 15 July 1944, near Pieve Di S. Luce, Italy. Advancing to attack a hill objective, Staff Sergeant Otani's platoon became pinned down in a wheat field by concentrated fire from enemy machine gun and sniper positions. Realizing the danger confronting his platoon, Staff Sergeant Otani left his cover and shot and killed a sniper who was firing with deadly effect upon the platoon. Followed by a steady stream of machine gun bullets, Staff Sergeant Otani then dashed across the open wheat field toward the foot of a cliff, and directed his men to crawl to the cover of the cliff. When the movement of the platoon drew heavy enemy fire, he dashed along the cliff toward the left flank, exposing himself to enemy fire. By attracting the attention of the enemy, he enabled the men closest to the cliff to reach cover. Organizing these men to guard against possible enemy counterattack, Staff Sergeant Otani again made his way across the open field, shouting instructions to the stranded men while continuing to draw enemy fire. Reaching the rear of the platoon position, he took partial cover in a shallow ditch and directed covering fire for the men who had begun to move forward. At this point, one of his men became seriously wounded. Ordering his men to remain under cover, Staff Sergeant Otani crawled to the wounded soldier who was lying on open ground in full view of the enemy. Dragging the wounded soldier to a shallow ditch, Staff Sergeant Otani proceeded to render first aid treatment, but was mortally wounded by machine gun fire. Staff Sergeant Otani's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.


Sorry for the delay, but things are a little off around here right now… Mary Ruth was sick last week with a (very) bad allergic reaction to medicine and now she has a (very) bad stomach virus. With any luck, she’ll give me the stomach virus and I can knock off a few pounds (you know me… Mr. Brightside). Say a prayer she gets better soon.


Picture Thursday



John 3:17

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private William H. Osborne (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Virginia. His citation reads:

Although wounded and carried to the rear, he secured a rifle and voluntarily returned to the front, where, failing to find his own regiment, he joined another and fought with it until again severely wounded and taken prisoner.

Sergeant William Osborne (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Winter of 1872-1873. His citation reads:

Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches.

Seaman Christian Osepins (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 7, 1882, on board the U.S. Tug Fortune. His citation reads:

For jumping overboard from the U.S. Tug Fortune, 7 May 1882, at Hampton Roads, Va., and rescuing from drowning James Walters, gunner's mate.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
John 3:17

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.