RIP Buddy Ryan

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Quartermaster Edward Wright (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:

On board the U.S.S. Cayuga during the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson and the taking of 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 Wright conscientiously performed his duties throughout the action in which attempts by 3 rebel steamers to butt and board were repelled, and the ships driven off or forced to surrender. Eleven gunboats were successfully engaged and the enemy garrisons captured during this battle in which the Cayuga sustained 46 hits.

Specialist Fourth Class Raymond R. Wright (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1967, at Ap Bac Zone, Republic of Vietnam. 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 rifleman with Company A, Sp4c. Wright distinguished himself during a combat patrol in an area where an enemy ambush had occurred earlier. Sp4c. Wright's unit suddenly came under intense automatic weapons and small-arms fire from an enemy bunker system protected by numerous snipers in nearby trees. Despite the heavy enemy fire, Sp4c. Wright and another soldier leaped to the top of a dike to assault the position. Armed with a rifle and several grenades, he and his comrade exposed themselves to intense fire from the bunkers as they charged the nearest one. Sp4c. Wright raced to the bunker, threw in a grenade, killing its occupant. The 2 soldiers then ran through a hail of fire to the second bunker. While his comrade covered him with his machinegun, Sp4c. Wright charged the bunker and succeeded in killing its occupant with a grenade. A third bunker contained an automatic rifleman who had pinned down much of the friendly platoon. While his comrade again covered him with machinegun fire, Sp4c. Wright charged in and killed the enemy rifleman with a grenade. The 2 soldiers worked their way through the remaining bunkers, knocking out 4 of them. Throughout their furious assault, Sp4c. Wright and his comrade had been almost continuously exposed to intense sniper fire from the treeline as the enemy desperately sought to stop their attack. Overcoming stubborn resistance from the bunker system, the men advanced into the treeline forcing the snipers to retreat, giving immediate chase, and driving the enemy away from the friendly unit so that it advanced across the open area without further casualty. When his ammunition was exhausted, Sp4c. Wright returned to his unit to assist in the evacuation of the wounded. This 2-man assault had driven an enemy platoon from a well prepared position, accounted for numerous enemy casualties, and averted further friendly casualties. Sp4c. Wright's extraordinary heroism, courage, and indomitable fighting spirit saved the lives of many of his comrades and inflicted serious damage on the enemy. His acts were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Private Robert Wright (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 1, 1864, at Chapel House, Farm, Virginia. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action.


Shortly after going to press yesterday, we at I’m just sayin… were alerted to reports that former NFL coach Buddy Ryan had passed away. He had a long coaching career as an NFL assistant (as well as a number of years as a head coach), but he is most well-known (by me, at least) as the Defensive Coordinator for the ’85 Bears (he was the Bears DC from 1978-1985). That '85 Bears defense was one of the greatest of all time. If you have not seen ESPN films 30 for 30 about the ’85 Bears (called, if you can believe it, The ’85 Bears), you need to find it and watch it (as soon as you get done reading this post). I don’t mind telling you I got choked up at points watching it.

During that show, you will see (pardon my language) grown-ass men who played many years of NFL football (back before they had rules designed to keep the players safe) tear up at points when talking about Buddy Ryan. Men like that don’t go throwing around the word “love”, but they had no problem saying they loved him. Mike Singletary was a scary sonofagun when he played (and even now, if you ask me), but hearing him talk to (and about) his old coach was just incredible. You see how these guys feel about their old coach and you see why people go into coaching. This wasn’t just a guy who called defensive plays and yelled at people, this was a guy who changed lives. RIP Buddy Ryan.