RIP Leonard Nimoy & Anthony Mason…

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Levi Shoemaker (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 12, 1864, at Nineveh, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag of 22d Virginia Cavalry (C.S.A.).

Major William A. Shomo (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 11, 1945, over Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. Shomo was lead pilot of a flight of 2 fighter planes charged with an armed photographic and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airdromes. While en route to the objective, he observed an enemy twin engine bomber, protected by 12 fighters, flying about 2,500 feet above him and in the opposite direction Although the odds were 13 to 2, Maj. Shomo immediately ordered an attack. Accompanied by his wingman he closed on the enemy formation in a climbing turn and scored hits on the leading plane of the third element, which exploded in midair. Maj. Shomo then attacked the second element from the left side of the formation and shot another fighter down in flames. When the enemy formed for Counterattack, Maj. Shomo moved to the other side of the formation and hit a third fighter which exploded and fell. Diving below the bomber he put a burst into its underside and it crashed and burned. Pulling up from this pass he encountered a fifth plane firing head on and destroyed it. He next dived upon the first element and shot down the lead plane; then diving to 300 feet in pursuit of another fighter he caught it with his initial burst and it crashed in flames. During this action his wingman had shot down 3 planes, while the 3 remaining enemy fighters had fled into a cloudbank and escaped. Maj. Shomo's extraordinary gallantry and intrepidity in attacking such a far superior force and destroying 7 enemy aircraft in one action is unparalleled in the southwest Pacific area.

Private George J. Shopp (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 1, 1865, at Five Forks, Virginia. His citation reads:

Capture of flag.


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There were a couple of deaths last week that made me stop and say, “Aww, man…”. The first was Leonard Nimoy. If you look him up on the interweb, you’ll find he did a lot of work in Hollywood. But, I’d be shocked if anyone would hear his name and not think “Mr. Spock”. The funny thing is, the initial Star Trek run only lasted about 3 seasons. It was not, what many would call, a “success”. The franchise made a comeback with movies and later versions of the show. It is famous for its die-hard fans, but even casual fans know Mr. Spock. The pointy ears, the unique wave, the line, “Live long and prosper”… all made famous by Leonard Nimoy. He was more than a character that many fell in love with, but that character influenced a lot of people to do good things.

The second death that made me sit down was Anthony Mason. I think this one hit me because it took me back to my youth when I loved NBA basketball. He played Forward alongside my all-time favorite NBA player (Charles Oakley) for the New York Knicks during the early – mid 1990s when men played basketball and lay-ups had to be earned. I don’t know how he was as a person (same could be said for Leonard Nimoy… and all other famous people)… I’d like to think he was a good person, but I honestly don’t know. Based on Twitter, I know that Oakley liked him (and it’s always a good sign when your teammates like you). I do know he was fun to watch play. I liked how he played. It would be easier for me to watch the NBA if there were more Mason’s and Oakley’s playing these days.

Up From the Grave He Arose

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Coxswain William Shipman (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Ticonderoga in the attack upon Fort Fisher on 15 January 1865. As captain of No. 2 gun, stationed near the 100-pounder Parrott rifle when it burst into fragments, killing 8 men and wounding 12 more, Shipman promptly recognized the effect produced by the explosion and, despite the carnage surrounding them, and the enemy's fire, encouraged the men at their guns by exclaiming "Go ahead, boys! This is only the fortunes of war!"

Private John Shivers (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Minnesota. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Minnesota, in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Pvt. Shivers advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two_thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.

Private First Class William R. Shockley (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 31, 1945, at Villa Verde Trail, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

He was in position with his unit on a hill when the enemy, after a concentration of artillery fire, launched a counterattack.. He maintained his position under intense enemy fire and urged his comrades to withdraw, saying that he would "remain to the end" to provide cover. Although he had to clear two stoppages which impeded the reloading of his weapon, he halted one enemy charge. Hostile troops then began moving in on his left flank, and he quickly shifted his gun to fire on them. Knowing that the only route of escape was being cut off by the enemy, he ordered the remainder of his squad to withdraw to safety and deliberately remained at his post. He continued to fire until he was killed during the ensuing enemy charge. Later, 4 Japanese were found dead in front of his position. Pfc. Shockley, facing certain death, sacrificed himself to save his fellow soldiers, but the heroism and gallantry displayed by him enabled his squad to reorganize and continue its attack.


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The I’m just sayin… Hymn of the Week

Up From the Grave He Arose


Let me start by telling you this song was written by Robert Lowry (sometime in the 1800s). I’ve seen it listed under various other names (like Christ Arose and Low In The Grave He Lay). Unlike other hymns I’m going to talk about on here, this is one I don’t hear too often in church. In fact, I think I might have only heard it once during a church service. The reason I’m talking about it here is because I remember Dad singing it (kind of) when I was growing up. Let me set the stage… When I was real little, Dad closed in the garage and made it into an office. This quickly changed into Sonny’s room. By the time I was in high school, it was my room. So, more days than not, I remember waking up and walking up the 3 or 4 steps into the kitchen at which point Dad (who was already at the table eating breakfast) would sing (shout?) at the top of his lungs, “Up from the bed he arose…”. Sometimes this would make me laugh, sometimes it would make me roll my eyes… usually I was too tired to acknowledge it… but, I’ve never forgotten it.


Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior,
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!

Refrain:

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!

Refrain

Death cannot keep his Prey,
Jesus, my Savior;
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord!

Refrain