Do you remember the story of Bill Millin of the 51st Highlanders? Forty years ago today, British troops were pinned down near a bridge, waiting desperately for help. Suddenly, they heard the sound of bagpipes, and some thought they were dreaming. Well, they weren’t. They looked up and saw Bill Millin with his bagpipes, leading the reinforcements and ignoring the smack of the bullets into the ground around him.

Lord Lovat was with him–Lord Lovat of Scotland, who calmly announced when he got to the bridge, “Sorry I’m a few minutes late, as if he’d been delayed by a traffic jam, when in truth he’d just come from the bloody fighting on Sword Beach, which he and his men had just taken.

- Ronald Reagan, Pointe du Hoc, June 6th, 1984

Bill Millin died today at 88.

About a month from now I”ll be in Normandy looking up at the cliffs from the beach and wondering now only how each of you were able to do such an incredible thing – but also giving my thanks that men such as you walked this earth.

RIP.

Mark Halperin writes in the Wall Street Journal:

The debt we owe, and in regard to which we are at present deeply in arrears, may be difficult to pay but it is easy to see. To grasp its conspicuous clarity one need only walk among the graves and pause to give proper thought to even just one life among the many. Read slowly the name, the dates, the place where everything came to an end.

I have seen lonely people of advancing age, yet as constant as angels, keeping faith to those they loved who fell in wars that current generations, not having known them, cannot even forget. The sight of them moving hesitantly among the tablets and crosses is enough to break your heart. Let that break be the father to a profound resolution to fulfill our obligation to the endless chain of the mourning and the dead. Shall we not sacrifice where required? Shall we not prove more responsible, courageous, honest, and assiduous? Shall we not illuminate our decisions with the light that comes from the stress of soul, and ever keep faith with the fallen by embracing the soldiers who fight in our name? The answer must be that we shall.

Read the whole thing, it’s worth the time.

For all of you who have served, and for those of you that have lost loved ones, my thoughts are with you and your families this Memorial Day.

Mrs. P’s husband was killed in action in Afghanistan last week:

Sad isn’t even the word to describe it, but honestly at this point I can’t find the words to describe it. Angry, empty, crushed, confused, shocked, alone, unglued, hateful, depressed, beaten down… none of these words can do justice to my feelings.

I am being forced to do something that no 23 year old woman should ever have to do. I am being forced to do something that no one should ever have to do, not at this early in life, especially. I am being forced to lay the love of my life, my saving grace, my entire world to rest.

…

On Sunday 14 March, Cpl Jonathan Daniel Porto, my one and only soul mate, died while on operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan when the vehicle he was in flipped over.

On Monday 15 March, a CACO came to my house to notify me of the terrible news. I’m not even going to begin to describe my reaction at that.

On Tuesday 16 March I went to Dover AFB to welcome my beloved husband home.

RIP, Corporal Porto

Staff Sergeant Jared Monti, of Raynham, Massachusetts – just a few hundred yards from my former home in Taunton, Massachusetts, was today awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his actions in 2006 in Afghanistan:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Staff Sergeant Jared C. Monti distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a team leader with Headquarters and Headquarters troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in connection with combat operations against an enemy in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on June 21st, 2006.

While Staff Sergeant Monti was leading a mission aimed at gathering intelligence and directing fire against the enemy, his 16-man patrol was attacked by as many as 50 enemy fighters. On the verge of being overrun, Staff Sergeant Monti quickly directed his men to set up a defensive position behind a rock formation. He then called for indirect fire support, accurately targeting the rounds upon the enemy who had closed to within 50 meters of his position. While still directing fire, Staff Sergeant Monti personally engaged the enemy with his rifle and a grenade, successfully disrupting an attempt to flank his patrol. Staff Sergeant Monti then realized that one on his soldier was lying wounding in the open ground between the advancing enemy and the patrol’s position.

With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Monti twice attempted to move from behind the cover of the rocks into the face of relentless enemy fire to rescue his fallen comrade. Determined not to leave his soldier, Staff Sergeant Monti made a third attempt to cross open terrain through intense enemy fire. On this final attempt, he was mortally wounded, sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his fellow soldier.

Staff Sergeant Monti’s selfless acts of heroism inspired his patrol to fight off the larger enemy force. Staff Sergeant Monti’s immeasurable courage and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and the United States Army.

President Obama commented, as was written long ago, that “the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet, notwithstanding, go out to meet it”.

RIP, Staff Sergeant Monti. And thank you for your sacrifice.

After eighteen years – Captain Michael Scott Speicher’s remains have been found:

The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) has positively identified remains recovered in Iraq as those of Captain Michael Scott Speicher. Captain Speicher was shot down flying a combat mission in an F/A-18 Hornet over west-central Iraq on January 17th, 1991 during Operation Desert Storm.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Speicher’s family for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country,” said Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy. “I am also extremely grateful to all those who have worked so tirelessly over the last 18 years to bring Captain Speicher home.”

“Our Navy will never give up looking for a shipmate, regardless of how long or how difficult that search may be,” said Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations. “We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Captain Speicher and his family for the sacrifice they have made for our nation and the example of strength they have set for all of us.”

Acting on information provided by an Iraqi citizen in early July, US Marines stationed in Al Anbar Province went to a location in the desert which was believed to be the crash site of Captain Speicher’s jet. The Iraqi citizen stated he knew of two Iraqi citizens who recalled an American jet impacting the desert and the remains of the pilot being buried in the desert. One of these Iraqi citizens stated that they were present when Captain Speicher was found dead at the crash site by Bedouins and his remains buried. The Iraqi citizens led US Marines to the site who searched the area. Remains were recovered over several days during the past week and flown to Dover Air Force Base for scientific identification by the AFIP’s Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

The New York Times has more:

Conflicting reports from Iraq had, over the years, fueled speculation that the pilot, promoted to captain in the years he was missing, might have been taken into captivity either after parachuting from his jet or after a crash landing.

But the evidence in Iraq suggests he did not survive and was buried by Bedouins shortly after he was shot down.

Late in the afternoon of May 6th, 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early successfully attacked troops under the command of General John Sedgwick.

During that night, General Grant was receiving reports about the “disaster” that had befallen Sedgwick, one of the Union generals expressed grave concerns that Lee would follow up on the Confederate success and move to cut off the Union Army.

Grant said:

Some of you always seem to think that he [Lee] is suddenly going to turn a double somersault, and land in our rear and on both of our flanks at the same time.

Now, go… and try to think about what we are going to do ourselves – instead of what Lee is going to do.

The Lesson: It’s important to know and think about what your competitors may be planning, and the impact that could have upon you… but it is even more important to be thinking about what you could be doing yourself.

There are few stories about the War in Iraq that affected me emotionally as reading about Lt. Colonel Michael Strobl’s story of escorting home the body of PFC Chance Phelps in a series called Taking Chance — now we’re told that HBO is releasing a made for tv movie with the same title on February 21st:

Four and a half years ago, I was asked to post “Taking Chance” by LtCol Michael Strobl. It evoked one of the strongest reactions on BlackFive that I have seen since starting the blog in mid-2003. The story also gave me the honor to get to know some of the friends and family and Marine brothers of Chance.

I included Taking Chance in the Blog of War (Chance is one of the men that the book is dedicated to) and we have followed it’s trajectory until, finally, it will be aired as a movie on HBO on February 21st. Kevin Bacon will portray LtCol Strobl.

Jules Crittenden writes

As we speak, mild-looking old men are limping through airports all over the United States. Each wears a black Stetson cavalry hat, and each is making his way to, of all places, Boise, Idaho. If their fellow travelers ever knew…

Ed “Too-Tall” Freeman, winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts in supporting a heavily engaged infantry battalion in the Ia Drang Valley in Vietnam, evacuating more than 30 seriously wounded soldiers in 14 separate missions under heavy fire, has passed away.

His son related this story from the last few weeks as his father lay in the hospital:

“A guy came into the hospital and said, ‘You don’t know me, but I was one of those people you hauled out of the X-Ray,’” said Mike Freeman, 54, one of Ed’s two sons. “He said, ‘Thanks for my life.’ “

Rest in Peace.

There were less than 15 US military deaths in Iraq during the entire month of July 2008.

Can you point to one major newspaper that covered this in the same fashion in which they covered our more violent months?

I can’t.

Major General William Troy writes in today’s Washington Post about serving as the General Officer assigned to funeral duty several times over the last few years:

My funeral duty has taught me a lot. The cynicism with which some people view politicians doesn’t square with what I’ve seen. Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski and Mike Gregoire, husband of the governor of Washington, attended just about every funeral I went to in their states. Absent the media or official entourages, they personally expressed condolences to grieving families. I’ve learned that the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle club may seem unconventional, but its members’ patriotism and sincerity are undeniable.

And I’ve learned that war most often claims the lives of young kids who go out on patrol day after day, night after night. They go because they are good soldiers led by good sergeants. They go with a singular purpose: to not let their buddies down. Each soldier we lay to rest shared that goal. They kept faith with their comrades, even in the face of danger and death. That is the most humbling lesson of all.

For all those that have given their lives – or sacrificed in other ways – for their friends, their comrades, and their buddies around them at that awful moment… but most importantly for the freedom of total strangers like my family and I – know that today you are never far from our thoughts.

Lex moves on to terminal leave with a brief look behind – and a new career ahead.

Thanks for your service! And now, I’m waiting on the book…

Lex shares a very personal letter from his father from his days at the Naval Academy:

Dear Son,

We are hearing very good things about you, as we told you in our phone conversation last night. We are proud of you indeed and we are sure you’ll make it fine.

I know you won’t believe it now, but the worst is over. It is down hill from here on out.

Well worth reading…

Each of us – in some way – probably has a Final Post written somewhere to be posted in the event that we pass on before our time….

Andrew Olmsted, an Army Reserve Major serving in Iraq, wrote such a post back in July – before his deployment.

Unfortunately, one of his friends had to post Andrew’s ‘Final Post’ earlier this week. Major Olmsted had been killed in action in Iraq.

“I am leaving this message for you because it appears I must leave sooner than I intended. I would have preferred to say this in person, but since I cannot, let me say it here.”
G’Kar, Babylon 5

Read it.

Hat/Tip: Lex

We’re not doubling down here.

We’re all in.

- General David Patraeus
Commanding General, Multi-National Force – Iraq

After nearly eighteen months of silence on this blog, I thought that there was no better day to return than on Memorial Day.

Today is the day that we set aside to honor the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in freedom.

Many of us take the day to BBQ and spend time with family, neighbors, and friends. But we should also take the time to remember those that gave all so that we can live as we do – in a free country, populated by a free-thinking people.

My own memories of Memorial Day run deep. I was raised in a family – and in a community – that honored its veterans and never failed to give them the proper respect. My elementary school music teacher – Carmen Abernathy – often told stories of World War II – when her husband flew B-17s out of England. My community paused on Memorial Day at our veteran’s memorial at the county courthouse on the town square to remember. The traditions, in some ways, of growing up in small town America.

Later in my teen years, as a Boy Scout, we took time on the weekend before Memorial Day to span out across the county in order to place a flag in front of each veteran’s grave in the county. Some had died as old men – having returned home to begin their families or lead successful lives.

Just as many had not.

Today, I pause to remember the more than 600,000 Americans who have died in the service of our country.

Lex posts a letter from a US Navy Pilot directed at the terrorists. A portion reads:

I tell you all this because when I come for you, I want you to know me. I won’t be hiding behind a woman or a child. I won’t be disguised or pretending to be something I am not. I will be in a U.S. issue flight suit. I will be wearing standard US issue flight gear, and I will be flying a navy aircraft clearly marked as a US warplane. I wish we could meet up close in a small room where I could wrap my hands around your throat and slowly squeeze the life out of you, but unfortunately, you’re hiding in a hole in the ground, so we will have to do this a different way.

I want you to know also that I am very good at what I do. I can put a 2,000 lb weapon through a window from 10,000 feet up. I generally only fly at night, so you may want to start sleeping during the day. I am not eager to die for my country but I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect it from animals like you.

I will do everything in my power to ensure no civilians are hurt as I take aim at you. My countrymen are a forgiving bunch. Many are already forgetting what you did on Sept 11th. But I will not forget.

I am coming. I hope you know me a little bit better, see you soon…sleep tight.

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounded determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

- President, Franklin D. Roosevelt

We’ll be in Hawaii next year. One of our stops – no matter how early we have to get up or how long we have to wait in line – will be here:

Because it is only right and proper to remember.

More: Neptunus Lex

Looks like the CIA struck and took out a few enemies of the state.

How y’all feeling about those safe houses now?

Sorry, gotta keep up the tradition. My father and grandfather served in the United States Navy. My grandfather during World War II, my father during Vietnam.

GO NAVY BEAT ARMY!

Sarah, over at Trying to Grok decimates a writer and his letter to Stars and Stripes:

Actually, I know quite a few soldiers who joined “for flag and country”, and I know many who joined just because they wanted a job but end up staying for their country. My husband called the Army a “labor of love” the other day; he could get out and see what other jobs he could find, but he stays out of a sense of purpose and duty.

And, yes, I bet many of them would think you’re a tool.

You probably do indeed lack conviction. Not everyone considers it the Worst Possible Thing In The World to get deployed. Some people, my husband included, think it’s the most important thing they’ve done with their lives, and though they don’t necessarily cherish the thought of deploying for another year and missing out on their own wives’ puppy-dog eyes, they are more than willing to do whatever it takes to see Iraq succeed.