A1C William H Pitsenbarger, MOH

 

This is a somewhat updated repost.  I wrote this post in 2015. Since I'm doing daily Medal of Honor postings it seems to be okay for me to repeat.  Made a few corrections or found additional data which I included.

 

As I've mentioned, I am very interested in Military History and specifically the heroes therein. I also decided to focus on the ones that weren't as famous as Richard I Bong or Eddie Rickenbacker.  I'll get to them later.   Along those lines, I've resuscitated this post. It's the story of the lowest ranking Air Force Medal of Honor Recipient, Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger.

Source

 Here's his citation:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Airman First Class Pitsenbarger distinguished himself by extreme valor on 11 April 1966 near Cam My, Republic of Vietnam, while assigned as a Pararescue Crew Member, Detachment 6, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. On that date, Airman Pitsenbarger was aboard a rescue helicopter responding to a call for evacuation of casualties incurred in an ongoing firefight between elements of the United States Army's 1st Infantry Division and a sizeable enemy force approximately 35 miles east of Saigon. With complete disregard for personal safety, Airman Pitsenbarger volunteered to ride a hoist more than one hundred feet through the jungle, to the ground. On the ground, he organized and coordinated rescue efforts, cared for the wounded, prepared casualties for evacuation, and insured that the recovery operation continued in a smooth and orderly fashion. Through his personal efforts, the evacuation of the wounded was greatly expedited. As each of the nine casualties evacuated that day was recovered, Airman Pitsenbarger refused evacuation in order to get more wounded soldiers to safety. After several pick-ups, one of the two rescue helicopters involved in the evacuation was struck by heavy enemy ground fire and was forced to leave the scene for an emergency landing. Airman Pitsenbarger stayed behind on the ground to perform medical duties. Shortly thereafter, the area came under sniper and mortar fire. During a subsequent attempt to evacuate the site, American forces came under heavy assault by a large Viet Cong force. When the enemy launched the assault, the evacuation was called off and Airman Pitsenbarger took up arms with the besieged infantrymen. He courageously resisted the enemy, braving intense gunfire to gather and distribute vital ammunition to American defenders. As the battle raged on, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to care for the wounded, pull them out of the line of fire, and return fire whenever he could, during which time he was wounded three times. Despite his wounds, he valiantly fought on, simultaneously treating as many wounded as possible. In the vicious fighting that followed, the American forces suffered 80 percent casualties as their perimeter was breached, and Airman Pitsenbarger was fatally wounded. Airman Pitsenbarger exposed himself to almost certain death by staying on the ground, and perished while saving the lives of wounded infantrymen. His bravery and determination exemplify the highest professional standards and traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force."

As I read through that, I thought to myself, how could I NOT have known about him?  Then I looked at the date the Medal was awarded, December of 2000.  I'd been out of the AF for a couple of years, still trying to get situated in my civilian life.  I'll cut myself some slack on this one.

 

Source

Anyhow.  Googling his name, got me to this site.  It's a detailed interview of the survivors of the firefight and their description of AIC Pitsenburger's (Pits) actions.  You're going to have to go and read that one yourself.  There is no way, short of cutting and pasting the entire article, that can capture the detail therein.  As Sarge says, I'll wait.

If that didn't bring tears to the eyes and chill to the bones, I don't know what would.

To me, this said it all

"...Pitsenbarger’s descent into the firefight ‘was the most unselfish and courageous act I ever witnessed. I think of him often now,’ he added. ‘That thing never leaves my mind totally. He did actually give up his life for guys on the ground that he didn’t even know. And he didn’t have to be there. I know he made the conscious decision to stay there.’Salem said that Pitsenbarger had volunteered to go to the ground because the soldiers were having trouble putting a wounded man into the wire basket to be lifted out. The helicopter pilot recalled telling Pitsenbarger that he could leave the chopper only if he agreed that, when given a signal, he would return to the aircraft. ‘As we were [getting in position], I said, ‘Pits, it’s hotter than hell down there; do you still want to go down?’ He said, ‘Yes sir, I know I can really help out.’ He made a hell of a difference. We ended up getting nine more out after he got on the ground. He is the bravest person I’ve ever known,’ Salem said."

 

Source

So, why did it take 34 years for this hero to receive the recognition that he obviously truly deserved?  Interservice rivalry?  Politics?  Standard Bureaucrat mindset?  Who knows. I'm gonna say "Yes all the above."  I'm just glad it happened and there are people like him in the military.

I stand in awe.

2nd Lt. John C. Morgan MOH

 Well, brace yourselves campers, this may be the most challenging Medal of Honor mission, I've read so far and I've read several. Talk about "Never give up, Never surrender"! 

The subject today is  2nd Lt. John C. Morgan, a co-pilot in B-17s in Europe. He went to several colleges but never graduated from one.  As such when he went to volunteer for the Army Air Force he was turned down.  Working on a drilling platform, he broke his neck and was declared 4F by the draft.  He then went to Canada and enlisted in their Air Force and then was posted to Bomber Command in England as a Sergeant Pilot. Flew missions with the RAF for a couple of years and then the US Army Air Force, in 1943, knew they needed experienced combat pilots so invited him to return to them.  He did.

On his 5th US mission, he's flying as co-pilot in a B-17 on a mission to Hanover Germany.  As they are approaching the target, they get attacked head on by Focke-Wulf  190's head on.  Their cannons hit the cockpit and split open the pilot's skull but did not kill him.  He passed out and fell against the controls causing the plane to dive out of formation.  Lt Morgan, with sheer strength,  pulled him off the control stick and brought the plane back into formation.  He decided that it would be better to remain in the formation for protection than going home alone. Probably a good choice.

He manages to get the plane back home with most of the crew still alive.  The pilot died shortly after landing.

Lt Morgan is awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on that mission.

But... 

In March of 1944, he's co-piloting an aircraft to bomb Berlin.  This aircraft gets shot down and in his haste to bail out, he forgets to fasten his parachute.  He exits the aircraft and realized his error.  While falling through the air, he manages to put his parachute on and secure it.  Then pulls the cord and lands safely.  Unfortunately, he is captured by the Germans. 

I'm not certain if this is a point of distinction, but he is the only person to be a POW after receiving the Medal of Honor. 

When asked about the Medal he said "There's no such thing as a hero. …I was pushed into circumstances where I was forced to act. You can never say how you're going to react to something until it happens, but I think most people would have done the same."  

I would hope and pray that is so should I have been presented with similar circumstances. 

 

Ira Eaker pinning on Lt Morgan's Medal of Honor

 

 

 

Citation for the award of the Medal of Honor

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while participating on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe, 28 July 1943. Prior to reaching the German coast on the way to the target, the B17 aircraft in which 2nd Lt.  Morgan was serving as co-pilot was attacked by a large force of enemy fighters, during which the oxygen system to the tail, waist, and radio gun positions was knocked out. A frontal attack placed a cannon shell through the windshield, totally shattering it, and the pilot's skull was split open by a .303 caliber shell, leaving him in a crazed condition. The pilot fell over the steering wheel, tightly clamping his arms around it. 2d Lt. Morgan at once grasped the controls from his side and, by sheer strength, pulled the aircraft back into formation despite the frantic struggles of the semiconscious pilot. The interphone had been destroyed, rendering it impossible to call for help. At this time the top turret gunner fell to the floor and down through the hatch with his arm shot off at the shoulder and a gaping wound in his side. The waist, tail, and radio gunners had lost consciousness from lack of oxygen and, hearing no fire from their guns, the copilot believed they had bailed out. The wounded pilot still offered desperate resistance in his crazed attempts to fly the aircraft. There remained the prospect of flying to and over the target and back to a friendly base wholly unassisted. In the face of this desperate situation, 2nd Lt. Officer Morgan made his decision to continue the flight and protect any members of the crew who might still be in the ship and for 2 hours he flew in formation with one hand at the controls and the other holding off the struggling pilot before the navigator entered the steering compartment and relieved the situation. The miraculous and heroic performance of 2nd Lt. Morgan on this occasion resulted in the successful completion of a vital bombing mission and the safe return of his aircraft and crew.

 

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Morgan 

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/john-c-morgan 

https://www.af.mil/Medal-of-Honor/Morgan/ 

https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-1861/. Only recipient to be a POW AFTER MoH awarded

BG Kenneth N. Walker MOH

 

 

 

OK Campers, this one is a little rough for me.  Prior to Pearl Harbor he served a staff officer tour.  Unfortunately, for a lot of aircrew in WWII, he was a member of the "Bomber Mafia"

Wikipedia has a good passage on what I'm talking about, so....

"He supported the creation of a separate air organization that is not subordinate to other military branches. He was a forceful advocate of the efficacy of strategic bombardment, publishing articles on the subject and becoming part of a clique known as the "Bomber Mafia" that argued for the primacy of bombardment over other forms of military aviation. He advanced the notion that fighters could not prevent a bombing attack. "

In short, "the bomber will always get through".  This thought process was disproved in the attack on Ploesti Oil Fields in Europe (30 percent loss rate, 330+ aircrew killed or imprisoned, oil production was resumed within weeks).

He was transferred to the Pacific where he commanded the Bomber Command of Fifth Air Force.  To his credit, he frequently flew combat missions in the South Pacific including attacks on Rabaul.  Rabaul being a VERY important port for supplying the Japanese army.  On January 5th 1943 , he was leading a daylight attack there where his bomber was shot down and he was killed.   

 

Headquarters buildings were a bit more "casual" back then than they are now. Source

 There's quite a bit more detail about the man in the wikipedia article linked below.  Very worthwhile read.

 

Citation to accompany the Medal of Honor

For conspicuous leadership above and beyond the call of duty involving personal valor and intrepidity at an extreme hazard to life. As commander of the 5th Bomber Command during the period from 5 September 1942 to 5 January 1943, Brig. Gen. Walker repeatedly accompanied his units on bombing missions deep into enemy-held territory. From the lessons personally gained under combat conditions, he developed a highly efficient technique for bombing when opposed by enemy fighter airplanes and by antiaircraft fire. On 5 January 1943, in the face of extremely heavy antiaircraft fire and determined opposition by enemy fighters, he led an effective daylight bombing attack against shipping in the harbor at Rabaul, New Britain, which resulted in direct hits on nine enemy vessels. During this action his airplane was disabled and forced down by the attack of an overwhelming number of enemy fighters. 

 

 

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Walker_(general) 

https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105285/brigadier-general-kenneth-newton-walker/ 

A twofer, 2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski MOH & MajorJay Zeamer MOH

 

 OK, Campers, another Medal of Honor Recipient from WWII.  This one is somewhat unique.  As I've written before, virtually all Medal of Honor awards were awarded to a single recipient.  There two cases were there were two Medal of Honor Recipients on the Mission.  We will be discussing one of those missions (don't worry the other mission is on the schedule.  In this post we will be talking about Joseph Sarnoski and Jay Zeamer.

 

Lt Sarnoski
Source

 

Major Zeamer
Source

This was kind of interesting to me for a variety of reasons.  First, when I hear about B-17s, like most people I immediately think of 8th Air Force, Great Britain and Nazi Germany.  The Flying Fortress flew in every theater of war in WWII, and while I knew that, I didn't appreciate some of the aspects of that fact.

Lt Sarnoski and Major Zeamer are unique in that, although they were in the same aircraft when the action occurred, they received them for different reasons.

This site, as usual, has quite a bit of detailed information about the mission, providing some of those bon mots that bring the incident to life.  

Apparently, Major Zeamer was a natural leader, who had  had a problem checking out as a pilot in the B-26.  In fact, at the time of this mission, he was NOT a qualified B-17 pilot. He had only passed the qualifications to be a co-pilot.

My interpretation of this was not that he lacked the flying ability, but that he lacked the ability to comply with what would later become the SAC way of flying.  Based on this, or perhaps because of this, he was sent to 5th Air Force in the South Pacific, in the B-26.  (Source) He raised the ire of his mates there by, apparently falling asleep, during the bomb run on missions evidently due to boredom.  He was transferred to a B-17 unit, where he was assigned to some one who "got" him, and trained him.  

 

Major Zeamer is 2nd from left back row, Lt Sarnowski is last on the right back row.
Source

Major Zeamer eventually put together a crew of misfits like himself, found a shot up B-17 that was being cannibalized and restored it to flying status, added additional armament to it and began flying missions no one else wanted to fly.  

 

Believed to be the only picture of their aircraft
Source

Such was the state of the war in that theater, that no one really asked to see his "papers" authorizing him to fly as pilot in command.  My kinda guy!  

Fighter Pilot is an Attitude, not an AFSC! (Air Force Specialty Code in your record so that people reading it knew what you were qualified for. Mine was 11F1F (F-15 Pilot)!

In any case, in June of 1943, Major Zeamer takes a mission to map Bougainville, in preparation for invasion.  Somebody, flying a chair, had also asked them to take pictures of the airfield at Buka.  Major Zeamer declined as that would have alerted the Japanese to his approach.

As he's approaching the target, he realizes he's 30 minutes ahead of schedule, so decides to fly over Buka and take the pictures.  He does and now back on time, but with the Japanese alerted, flies on to perform his mapping mission.

Lt Sarnoski had received orders sending him stateside in 3 days as he's been in theater for 18 months and more than exceeded his required missions.  Everything I read about him said he was an outstanding bombardier as well as an excellent shot with the machine gun.  He volunteered to go on the mission as his replacement had come down with malaria and was grounded.

The mission is going to be dangerous for a couple of reasons, as they are taking pictures to be used as maps, the aircraft cannot deviate from the flight path at all.  Straight and level.  Also, in order for the mission to be successful, the film must make it back to base.  Getting shot down is mission failure, as well as the usual bad stuff involved with getting shot down.

They are in the final phases of the mission when they notice Japanese Zero's  taking off and pursuing them.  Modifications to their B-17 were such that instead of the usual 10 x .50 Cal machine guns, they had 19.  The first Zero's that attacked from the tail were shot down.  

Other Zero's maneuvered around to the front for a head on attack.  One is shot down by Lt Sarnoski, but another one attacks and shatters the front end of the bomber severely injuring him, throwing him back under the flight deck.  Damage is such that Major Zeamer can see him through the holes.

Declining first aid, Lt Sarnoski manages to pull himself back to his position and resume firing, destroying a Japanese Dinah twin engine fighter.

 

Source

Major Zeamer has not escaped injury from the head on attacks either.  He's severely injured in the legs and arms, and is flying the aircraft with his fingers.  

Sources I've found say this aerial battle went on from 40 minutes to an hour as the B-17 makes it's exit from the target area. As they prepare to make a final attack, Major Zeamer pulls the B-17 into a steep dive into some clouds. The Japanese being low on fuel and ammunition, assume that was a death dive and RTB.

Major Zeamer pulls the aircraft out of the dive and continues to command the aircraft between periods of unconciousness due to blood loss.  The Co-pilot is performing first aid on Lt Sarnoski and the aircraft is being flown by one of the Gunners.

RTB takes about 4 hours and Lt Sarnoski succumbs to his injuries enroute.  Major Zeamer revives in time to make the actual landing and passes out again on shutdown hearing the medics say to "leave the pilot for last, he's dead."

Fortunately, that wasn't true, although the Doctors eventually pulled 150 pieces of metal out of him, most parts of the B-17.

He passed away in 2017.

One of the sources I found for Lt Sarnoski was entitled, "From a common man, uncommon Valor".  I think that has been a frequent summation for the folks on that monument at Lackland.

 

Major Zeamer's Citation:

On 16 June 1943, Maj. Zeamer (then Capt.) volunteered as pilot of a bomber on an important photographic mapping mission covering the formidably defended area in the vicinity of Buka, Solomon Islands. While photographing the Buka airdrome. his crew observed about 20 enemy fighters on the field, many of them taking off.  

Despite the certainty of a dangerous attack by this strong force, Maj. Zeamer proceeded with his mapping run, even after the enemy attack began. In the ensuing engagement, Maj. Zeamer sustained gunshot wounds in both arms and legs, 1 leg being broken. Despite his injuries, he maneuvered the damaged plane so skillfully that his gunners were able to fight off the enemy during a running fight which lasted 40 minutes. The crew destroyed at least 5 hostile planes, of which Maj. Zeamer himself shot down 1.

 Although weak from loss of blood, he refused medical aid until the enemy had broken combat. He then turned over the controls, but continued to exercise command despite lapses into unconsciousness, and directed the flight to a base 580 miles away. In this voluntary action, Maj. Zeamer, with superb skill, resolution, and courage, accomplished a mission of great value. 

Lt. Sarnoski's Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On 16 June 1943, 2d Lt. Sarnoski volunteered as bombardier of a crew on an important photographic mapping mission covering the heavily defended Buka area, Solomon Islands. 

When the mission was nearly completed, about 20 enemy fighters intercepted. At the nose guns, 2d Lt. Sarnoski fought off the first attackers, making it possible for the pilot to finish the plotted course. When a coordinated frontal attack by the enemy extensively damaged his bomber, and seriously injured 5 of the crew, 2d Lt. Sarnoski, though wounded, continued firing and shot down 2 enemy planes.

A 20-millimeter shell which burst in the nose of the bomber knocked him into the catwalk under the cockpit. With indomitable fighting spirit, he crawled back to his post and kept on firing until he collapsed on his guns. 2d Lt. Sarnoski by resolute defense of his aircraft at the price of his life, made possible the completion of a vitally important mission.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Sarnoski

http://www.homeofheroes.com/moh/citations_1940_wwii/sarnoski.html

http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part2/07_zeamer_sarnoski.html

http://www.hawaiireporter.com/from-a-common-man-uncommon-valor-joseph-r-sarnoski/

http://www.historynet.com/suicide-run-final-flight-old-666.htm

http://zeamerseagerbeavers.com/biographies/jay-zeamer/

https://www.cmohs.org/index.php/recipients/joseph-r-sarnoski 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Sarnoski 

https://www.war.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4214813/medal-of-honor-monday-army-air-corps-2nd-lt-joseph-sarnoski/ 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Zeamer_Jr.

Sources

Lt Frank Luke, MOH

 

OK, I've been thinking about things in my USAF career that brought thought to my brain.  (Easy folks, my feelings could be easily hurt with comments about that.) In any case, one of my first assignments was to F-4 training at Luke AFB, AZ.  I had a lot on my mind at the time having just graduated from pilot training and now about to start learning how to fly a real Fighter!  I was very excited and somewhat nervous.  But...I got through, scared my IP's a couple of times, but I got through. 

But, one of the things that I didn't think about at the time was "Why was Luke AFB named that way?"  Well, I will rectify that right now.  Hang on to your hats.

Source

 The above picture is of Lt Frank Luke one of, if not "the", first aces in the USAF History Books. There is some confusion of when victories by Luke and Rickenbacher occurred. Hence "First" is in doubt.  

My wikipedia source stated "Because of his arrogance and occasional tendencies to fly alone and disobey orders, Luke was disliked by some of his peers and superiors. But the 27th was under standing orders to destroy German observation balloons. Because of this, Luke, along with his close friend Lieutenant Joseph Frank Wehner, continually volunteered to attack these important targets although they were heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns on the ground. The two pilots began a string of victories together, with Luke attacking the balloons and Wehner flying protective cover.  Wehner was killed in action on September 18, 1918, by Georg von Hantelmann in a dogfight with Fokker D.VIIs, which were attacking Luke. Luke then shot down two of these D.VIIs, two balloons, and a Halberstadt; the last "credit" enabled Luke to achieve his 13th official kill—a Halberstadt C-type observation plane of Flieger Abteilung 36."

Luke with his 13th Kill 

Source

Between September 12 and 29, Luke was credited with shooting down 14 German balloons and four airplanes. Luke achieved these 18 victories during just 10 sorties in eight days, a feat unsurpassed by any pilot in World War I. To be honest, Captain Rickenbacker had 26 victories but it took him longer and he survived the war.  

Luke didn't.   One might think shooting down a stationary balloon might be easy.  Not so fast there! The balloons were anchored to the ground and surrounded by a lot, and I do mean an Awful Lot, of AAA as well as German fighters to protect them.  So, not as easy to do as it might seem. 

 

Source

 

 And....Unfortunately, luck didn't hold true for Luke.  He was shot down and surrounded by German Soldiers who ordered him to surrender.  He pulled out his pistol and...That was That.

Rest in Peace, Hero! 

 

Citation for the Award of the Medal of Honor to Frank Luke

 After having previously destroyed a number of enemy aircraft within 17 days he voluntarily started on a patrol after German observation balloons. Though pursued by 8 German planes which were protecting the enemy balloon line, he unhesitatingly attacked and shot down in flames 3 German balloons, being himself under heavy fire from ground batteries and the hostile planes. Severely wounded, he descended to within 50 meters of the ground and flying at this low altitude near the town of Murvaux opened fire upon enemy troops, killing 6 and wounding as many more. Forced to make a landing and surrounded on all sides by the enemy, who called upon him to surrender, he drew his automatic pistol and defended himself gallantly until he fell dead from a wound in the chest.

Never give up, Never surrender! 

Luke AFB was named for him and was the primary fighter training base at the time. His story was a fine example for a budding fighter pilot. 

Rest in Peace, Warrior!

Sources 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Luke 

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196836/lt-frank-luke-jr/ 

https://www.aerotechnews.com/lukeafb/2022/03/22/remembering-luke-afbs-namesake-2nd-lt-frank-luke-jr/ 

The First One!

 Ok, so a bit of a change of pace.  Yes...Still Medal of Honor related (there is a LOT of history in those stories), but I'd always wondered who was the FIRST? And how do you define "First", First one awarded or received for actions in the earliest battle the Medal was awarded for.  

Given my absolute love for gummint bureaucracies, I'm gonna go with the latter as my definition of FIRST. 

So, here we go. 

 

 

This distinguished gentleman is Bernard J. D. Irwin of the US Army.  No, he wasn't Cavalry nor Infantry, rather he was a Doctor.  But...his story is no less riveting.  So.  Here we go.

 

Dr. Irwin was an Army Surgeon in Arizona during the Apache Wars.  

 

 His most notable action occurred on February 13–14, 1861, at Apache Pass, Arizona, where he volunteered to lead a small relief force on a perilous 100-mile mule march through a blizzard to rescue Second Lieutenant George N. Bascom and 60 encircled soldiers from the 7th Infantry, who were besieged by superior Chiricahua Apache forces under Cochise; Irwin's tactical engagement defeated the attackers, recovered stolen livestock, and liberated a kidnapped boy.(6)

 

 

While this action took place  in February 1861 before the Civil War and before the Medal of Honor was created those actions described above were the actions for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor on January 24, 1894. 

 Citation for the Award of the Medal of Honor to Dr. Bernard J. D. Irwin

 

 

 Citation

On this day in 1861, Bernard J.D. Irwin went above and beyond the call of duty while serving our nation during the Indian Campaigns, for which he would later receive the Medal of Honor. Surgeon Irwin voluntarily assumed command of a group of troops and led a successful attack against hostile Indians encountered along the way. This initial engagement showcased his willingness to take charge and his tactical abilities. Further demonstrating his bravery, Irwin volunteered for a perilous rescue mission. 2d Lt. George N. Bascom, 7th Infantry, and 60 men were trapped by Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise. Irwin and 14 men, not having horses, began the 100-mile march riding mules. After fighting and capturing Indians and recovering stolen horses and cattle, he reached Bascom's column and helped break his siege. Irwin's timely arrival and assistance were instrumental in breaking the siege and saving the trapped soldiers. Preserving stories like Irwin’s is essential—not only to honor their sacrifice but to inspire future generations with examples of valor, integrity, and service. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is committed to ensuring these incredible acts of bravery are never forgotten and continue to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience for our nation.

Sources 

1 https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/bernard-j-irwin

2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_J._D._Irwin 

3 https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-275/ 

4 https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/this-day-history-feb-13-1861-army-surgeon-jd-irwin-rescues-60-men-medal-honor 

5 https://www.arizonahistoricalsociety.org/wp-content/upLoads/library_Irwin-Bernard-John-Dowling.pdf 

6 https://grokipedia.com/page/bernard_j_d_irwin 

Demas Thurlow Craw MOH & Pierpoint M Hamilton MOH

 

 I hope y'all had a safe, fun and thoughtful weekend.  There are a lot of people who have paid a high price to get us and keep us free.  We should remember them.  Here are two.

This is an interesting story,  Demas Thurlow Craw Col US Army and his aide Pierpoint M Hamilton Maj US Army, up until Afghanistan, had received the only two Army Air Force Medal of Honor awards not involving air combat.

Source

 

 

Source

 

 

Colonel Craw's Medal of Honor citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. On November 8, 1942, near Port Lyautey, French Morocco,* Col. Craw volunteered to accompany the leading wave of assault boats to the shore and pass through the enemy lines to locate the French commander with a view to suspending hostilities. This request was first refused as being too dangerous but upon the officer's insistence that he was qualified to undertake and accomplish the mission he was allowed to go. Encountering heavy fire while in the landing boat and unable to dock in the river because of shell fire from shore batteries, Col. Craw, accompanied by 1 officer and 1 soldier, succeeded in landing on the beach at Mehdia Plage under constant low-level strafing from 3 enemy planes. Riding in a bantam truck toward French headquarters, progress of the party was hindered by fire from our own naval guns. Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw was instantly killed by a sustained burst of machinegun fire at pointblank range from a concealed position near the road.

Major Hamilton's Citation for the Medal of Honor

 The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major (Air Corps) Pierpont Morgan Hamilton, United States Army Air Forces, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Western Task Force, in North Africa during the landings of Operation Torch. On 8 November 1942, near Port Lyautey, French Morocco, Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton volunteered to accompany Colonel Demas Craw on a dangerous mission to the French commander, designed to bring about a cessation of hostilities. Driven away from the mouth of the Sebou River by heavy shelling from all sides, the landing boat was finally beached at Mehdia Plage despite continuous machinegun fire from three low-flying hostile planes. Driven in a light truck toward French headquarters, this courageous mission encountered intermittent firing, and as it neared Port Lyautey a heavy burst of machinegun fire was delivered upon the truck from pointblank range, killing Colonel Craw instantly. Although captured immediately, after this incident, Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton completed the mission.

 

 *I had no knowledge of Port Lyautey, French Morocco, but Google came to the rescue.  The gap at the very top of the map is the Strait of Gibraltar to help with location.

 Sources

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demas_T._Craw#Medal_of_Honor_citation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierpont_M._Hamilton