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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Top 10 Songs of All-Time

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Major Raymond H. Wilkins (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 2, 1943, near Rabaul, New Britain. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy near Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 November 1943. Leading his squadron in an attack on shipping in Simpson Harbor, during which intense antiaircraft fire was expected, Maj. Wilkins briefed his squadron so that his airplane would be in the position of greatest risk. His squadron was the last of 3 in the group to enter the target area. Smoke from bombs dropped by preceding aircraft necessitated a last-second revision of tactics on his part, which still enabled his squadron to strike vital shipping targets, but forced it to approach through concentrated fire, and increased the danger of Maj. Wilkins' left flank position. His airplane was hit almost immediately, the right wing damaged, and control rendered extremely difficult. Although he could have withdrawn, he held fast and led his squadron into the attack. He strafed a group of small harbor vessels, and then, at low level, attacked an enemy destroyer. His 1,000 pound bomb struck squarely amidships, causing the vessel to explode. Although antiaircraft fire from this vessel had seriously damaged his left vertical stabilizer, he refused to deviate from the course. From below-masthead height he attacked a transport of some 9,000 tons, scoring a hit which engulfed the ship in flames. Bombs expended, he began to withdraw his squadron. A heavy cruiser barred the path. Unhesitatingly, to neutralize the cruiser s guns and attract its fire, he went in for a strafing run. His damaged stabilizer was completely shot off. To avoid swerving into his wing planes he had to turn so as to expose the belly and full wing surfaces of his plane to the enemy fire; it caught and crumpled his left wing. Now past control, the bomber crashed into the sea. In the fierce engagement Maj. Wilkins destroyed 2 enemy vessels, and his heroic self-sacrifice made possible the safe withdrawal of the remaining planes of his squadron.

Ensign Theodore Stark Wilkinson, Jr. (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21-22, 1914, during the engagements of Vera Cruz. His citation reads:

For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. Ens. Wilkinson was in both days' fighting at the head of his company and was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.

First Lieutenant Walter J. Will (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 30, 1945, near Eisern, Germany. His citation reads:

He displayed conspicuous gallantry during an attack on powerful enemy positions. He courageously exposed himself to withering hostile fire to rescue 2 wounded men and then, although painfully wounded himself, made a third trip to carry another soldier to safety from an open area. Ignoring the profuse bleeding of his wound, he gallantly led men of his platoon forward until they were pinned down by murderous flanking fire from 2 enemy machineguns. He fearlessly crawled alone to within 30 feet of the first enemy position, killed the crew of 4 and silenced the gun with accurate grenade fire. He continued to crawl through intense enemy fire to within 20 feet of the second position where he leaped to his feet, made a lone, ferocious charge and captured the gun and its 9-man crew. Observing another platoon pinned down by 2 more German machineguns, he led a squad on a flanking approach and, rising to his knees in the face of direct fire, coolly and deliberately lobbed 3 grenades at the Germans, silencing 1 gun and killing its crew. With tenacious aggressiveness, he ran toward the other gun and knocked it out with grenade fire. He then returned to his platoon and led it in a fierce, inspired charge, forcing the enemy to fall back in confusion. 1st Lt. Will was mortally wounded in this last action, but his heroic leadership, indomitable courage, and unflinching devotion to duty live on as a perpetual inspiration to all those who witnessed his deeds.


This is it... We've made it to the Top 10 songs of All-Time.  So, why wait?  Let's get to them...


The I'm just sayin… Top 1,453 Songs of All-Time

Rank Song Artist/Group

10 While My Guitar Gently Weeps by: The Beatles - The greatest Beatles song not written by John and Paul.  If I'm not mistaken (and I'm usually not), this George Harrison song was originally recorded with the great Eric Clapton on lead guitar.

9 Mama Tried by: Merle Haggard - You want to hear a great country song?  You need to hear this song.

8 Livin' on a Prayer by: Bon Jovi - It tells a story and makes you feel it.  Listen to this song and then try to tell me you can't do something?

7 Back In Black by: AC/DC - Put on some dark glasses, play the beginning of this song, and then walk around like the baddest s.o.b. on the block.

6 Johnny B. Goode by: Chuck Berry - Chuck Berry is one of the greatest ever.  And this song proves it.

5 Good Vibrations by: The Beach Boys - The Top 5 includes songs by two different groups from California... two very different groups and two very different songs.  This one, you can listen to with your family.  The next one, not so much.

4 Straight Outta Compton by: N.W.A. - While I wouldn't expect everyone to listen to this song, there is no doubt of it's influence.  This is a great song by a hall of fame group.  It's also the title of a pretty good movie about this group.

3 Free Bird (Live) by: Lynyrd Skynyrd - There is no way you can listen to this song completely and not play the air guitar.  The last part of this song is like an explosion of music that is almost enough to blow your mind.

2 Let It Be by: The Beatles - From a musical explosion at #3 to a soft, peaceful song at #2.  As one of the greatest groups of all-time was breaking up, this song was came to be,  Only one song could be better than this one...

1 Because He Lives by: Various - This was MaMa's favorite hymn and it is mine, as well.  The lyrics say it all.  Because of Jesus, we don't have to be afraid.  "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow... because He lives, all fear is gone" and, my favorite part, "Life is worth the living just because He lives".

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