HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCAS!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Commander Herbert Emery Schonland (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 12-13, 1943, on board the U.S.S. San Francisco. His citation reads:

For extreme heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as damage control officer of the U.S.S. San Francisco in action against greatly superior enemy forces in the battle off Savo Island, 12-13 November 1942. In the same violent night engagement in which all of his superior officers were killed or wounded, Lt. Comdr. Schonland was fighting valiantly to free the San Francisco of large quantities of water flooding the second deck compartments through numerous shell holes caused by enemy fire. Upon being informed that he was commanding officer, he ascertained that the conning of the ship was being efficiently handled, then directed the officer who had taken over that task to continue while he himself resumed the vitally important work of maintaining the stability of the ship. In water waist deep, he carried on his efforts in darkness illuminated only by hand lanterns until water in flooded compartments had been drained or pumped off and watertight integrity had again been restored to the San Francisco. His great personal valor and gallant devotion to duty at great peril to his own life were instrumental in bringing his ship back to port under her own power, saved to fight again in the service of her country.

Colonel James M. Schoonmaker (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 19, 1864, at Winchester, Virginia. His citation reads:

At a critical period, gallantly led a cavalry charge against the left of the enemy's line of battle, drove the enemy out of his works, and captured many prisoners.

Corporal Dan D. Schoonover (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 8-10, 1953, near Sokkogae, Korea. His citation reads:

Cpl. Schoonover, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. He was in charge of an engineer demolition squad attached to an infantry company which was committed to dislodge the enemy from a vital hill. Realizing that the heavy fighting and intense enemy fire made it impossible to carry out his mission, he voluntarily employed his unit as a rifle squad and, forging up the steep barren slope, participated in the assault on hostile positions. When an artillery round exploded on the roof of an enemy bunker, he courageously ran forward and leaped into the position, killing 1 hostile infantryman and taking another prisoner. Later in the action, when friendly forces were pinned down by vicious fire from another enemy bunker, he dashed through the hail of fire, hurled grenades in the nearest aperture, then ran to the doorway and emptied his pistol, killing the remainder of the enemy. His brave action neutralized the position and enabled friendly troops to continue their advance to the crest of the hill. When the enemy counterattacked he constantly exposed himself to the heavy bombardment to direct the fire of his men and to call in an effective artillery barrage on hostile forces. Although the company was relieved early the following morning, he voluntarily remained in the area, manned a machine gun for several hours, and subsequently joined another assault on enemy emplacements. When last seen he was operating an automatic rifle with devastating effect until mortally wounded by artillery fire. Cpl. Schoonover's heroic leadership during 2 days of heavy fighting, superb personal bravery, and willing self-sacrifice inspired his comrades and saved many lives, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the honored traditions of the military service.


I just wanted to take a minute to wish my favorite little Godson a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! I can’t believe the little man is already 4 years old!

So, I think I’m going to try something a little different this year for my Sunday posts. In the past, I’ve posted Bible verses on here. This year, I think I’m going to post an I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week. I would like to post a little something about the hymn, but I don’t know how often that will happen. Still, I’ll give it a shot. Oh, and fyi… all of the lyrics are coming out of the Baptist Hymnal I have.


The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Because He Lives

The first hymn of the week is Because He Lives. This was MaMa’s favorite hymn and it is mine as well. This song was written by the dynamic duo of Bill and Gloria Gaither back in the late 1960s while they were expecting their third child (see more of the story at CBN.com).

The song was true in the ‘60s and is still true today (and will continue to be true until the end of time). No matter how bad things might be, I can face tomorrow because He lives.


God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!


How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus

And then one day, I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Chorus