Amazing Grace

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Coxswain George Schutt (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 5-6, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Hendrick Hudson. His citation reads:

As coxswain on board the U.S.S. Hendrick Hudson, St. Marks, Fla., 5 and 6 March 1865. Serving with the army in charge of Navy howitzers during the attack on St. Marks and throughout the fierce engagement, Schutt made remarkable efforts in assisting transport of the gun, and his coolness and determination in courageously remaining by his gun while under the heavy fire of the enemy were a credit to the service to which he belonged.

Private First Class Albert Earnest Schwab (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 7, 1945, on Okinawa Shima in the Rykuyu Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a flamethrower operator in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Rykuyu Islands, 7 May 1945. Quick to take action when his company was pinned down in a valley and suffered resultant heavy casualties under blanketing machinegun fire emanating from a high ridge to the front, Pfc. Schwab, unable to flank the enemy emplacement because of steep cliffs on either side, advanced up the face of the ridge in bold defiance of the intense barrage and, skillfully directing the fire of his flamethrower, quickly demolished the hostile gun position, thereby enabling his company to occupy the ridge. Suddenly a second enemy machinegun opened fire, killing and wounding several marines with its initial bursts. Estimating with split-second decision the tactical difficulties confronting his comrades, Pfc. Schwab elected to continue his l-man assault despite a diminished supply of fuel for his flamethrower. Cool and indomitable, he moved forward in the face of a direct concentration of hostile fire, relentlessly closed the enemy position and attacked. Although severely wounded by a final vicious blast from the enemy weapon, Pfc. Schwab had succeeded in destroying 2 highly strategic Japanese gun positions during a critical stage of the operation and, by his dauntless, single-handed efforts, had materially furthered the advance of his company. His aggressive initiative, outstanding valor and professional skill throughout the bitter conflict sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

First Lieutenant Donald K. Schwab (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 17, 1944, at Lure, France. His citation reads:

Schwab distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on Sept. 17, 1944. His courage and determination resulted in the dismantling of a strong German position and he would take one prisoner of war.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! The thing I love most about this song is that it sounds great, even if you don’t. You don’t have to have a great voice to sing this song and have it be great. In fact, there are times when a bad singer actually makes this song sound better. Having said that, I could listen to this song all day being played by bagpipes and no one singing. Now that I think about it, this is also a song that sounds great with no music at all. So I guess what I’m saying is this song sounds great no matter what.

The song was written by John Newton back in the 1770s. It was published in 1779 and is probably one of the most famous hymns around. My favorite research site (Wikipedia) has some good stuff about the song, so feel free to click here to learn a little more.


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.