Tulsa Oklahoma salutes Medal of Honor recipients (VIDEO)

MOH's on display, pictured with an honor guard.

Newson6.com reports that Medal of Honor recipients from Oklahoma were honored at a special ceremony in Veteran's Park on Saturday, April 30th, 2011.

"There's actually 40 medal of honor recipients that have ties to the state of Oklahoma. There's 22 that are credited to Oklahoma," said Marty McKnight, Commandant of the Albert E. Schwab Detachment 845, a Marine Corps league.

World War II veteran Albert E. Schwab and Vietnam veteran Douglas Fournet were both posthumous recipients of the Medal of Honor, and their medals were on display at the park. Military history groups also brought all kinds of memorabilia and equipment used to fight in America's wars. Exhibits of weapons, vehicles and other items of interest to military buffs, history lovers and patriots were ranged throughout the park.

Read more on Newson6.com: Medal Of Honor Recipients Recognized In Tulsa Ceremony

Historic Event: First bridge in U.S. dedicated to ALL Medal of Honor recipients

First Medal of Honor Bridge in U.S.

On Friday, May 06, 2011, in Tippecanoe Co., IN, a historic event will take place. The very first bridge in the United States is to be dedicated to all Medal of Honor Recipients, past present and future. The bridge is located on Hoosier Heartland Corridor, a four lane highway.

Seven Medal of Honor Recipients will be the guests of honor and dedicate the bridge.

The following heroes will be attending:

Sammy L. Davis - US Army - Vietnam War
Harold Arthur Fritz - US Army - Vietnam War
Don J. Jenkins - US Army - Vietnam War
Ronald Eugene Rosser - US Army - Korean War
Kenneth Edward Stumpf - US Army - Vietnam War
Leo Keith Thorsness - US Air Force - Vietnam War
Hershel Woodrow 'Woody' Williams - US Marines - World War II
 
At 7:00 AM, the MOH Recipients will arrive at Caterpillar Inc. in Lafayette, IN, for a breakfast with Caterpillar employees and a tour of the diesel engine manufacturing plant.

After the plant tour, Indiana Air Search and Rescue (IASAR) will fly the MOH Recipients in their UH-1 Huey helicopter and also be escorted by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders and local law enforcement to the Faith Baptist Church for the Medal of Honor Bridge Dedication Ceremony.  Immediately following the 11:00am ceremony, the MOH Recipients will be flown to - and land on - the NEW Medal of Honor Bridge.  There will be a short ribbon cutting ceremony.  The bridge site we will have State and local officials, a Color guard, a Military flyover, Lafayette Fire Department, Armed Services Representatives.

At 7:00PM that evening, there will be for a symposium at Jefferson High School emceed by Ed Tracy, President and CEO from Chicago's Pritzker Military Library. The MOH Recipients will speak of their accounts of the war and how they earned their medals.

We admire and commend Mr.Dave Shively for his commitment and the efforts of all those involved to have this new bridge named after all Medal of Honor recipients.

Watch video of the event: Hundreds greet MOH recipients at Medal of Honor Bridge dedication (VIDEO)
 
Medal of Honor Bridge website

Photos of MOH recipients Williams and Jenkins at the Kentucky Derby Opening Ceremonies 2011

MOH recipients Hershel Williams and Don Jenkins

On April 16th, 2011, Medal of Honor recipients Hershel “Woody” Williams and Don Jenkins served as the official “Thundernators” for the Thunder Over Louisville show, at the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies 2011. See our previous article: MOH recipients Kentucky Derby 2011 Thundernators

Photojournalist Chuck Bauman (USCGR-Ret.) of the Louisville 2011 CMOH Convention Committee has shared photos of these great heroes with Medal of Honor News.

Williams is a World War II MOH now living in West Virginia; Jenkins is a Vietnam War MOH residing in Quality, KY. At approximately 9:29 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, Williams and Jenkins provided the Thunder countdown and “zero” ignition to activate the Thunder launch system sequence in the Command Center at the Galt House Hotel.

The men’s appearance at Thunder is a prequel to the annual 2011 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention that will take place in Louisville Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. During that time, Louisville will welcome all 85 living Medal of Honor Recipients. The event marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Medal of Honor in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln.

MOH recipients Hershel "Woody" Williams and Don Jenkins being interviewed by a television reporter before the "Thundernators" will activate one of the world's largest fireworks displays.

Hershel "Woody" Williams (left) and Don Jenkins (right) pose with Mike Berry (President of the Kentucky Derby Festival).

Hershel "Woody" Williams and Don Jenkins pose with Wayne Hettinger (Producer of Thunder over Louisville) and Tim Creed (Director of Thunder Over Louisville) as the countdown clock marks the time left before "zero" ignition to activate the Thunder launch system sequence.

Another significant development is that not only will four Medal of Honor recipients: Hershel “Woody” Williams; Ernest West; Don Jenkins and Gary Littrell be the Grand Marshalls for the Pegasus Parade on May 5th but will also carry the famous Kentucky Derby Garland of Roses (a garland of roses for the winning horse) to the Winner's Circle after the race.

For more information about the Louisville 2011 CMOH Convention please visit the official website.

Check back next week for more photos.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Louisville 2011 CMOH Convention Committee

MOH recipient Paul W. Bucha speaks to Bravo Company of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion before deployment to Afghanistan

Mr. Paul W. Bucha,(USACAPOC)

A farewell ceremony was held for the recently deployed Bravo Company soldiers at the Army Reserve Center in Warwick, R.I., on April 14. In attendance was Medal of Honor Recipient Mr. Paul W. Bucha, Governor of Rhode Island Lincoln D. Chafee, 304th Civil Affairs Brigade Commander Col. William P. Barriage, along with many family and friends.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Governor Chafee. On behalf of the people of Rhode Island, he wished the Soldiers great success on the mission on which they are about to embark. Following Chafee, was an honored guest speaker, former Army Cpt. and Medal of Honor recipient Bucha. Bucha earned the Medal of Honor while serving as the commanding officer of a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Vietnam.

During his speech, Bucha reminisces on his return home from the war in Vietnam. He remembers people asking him “What was the worth of what you did?” Bucha would reply, “I don’t know.” He said when he arrived in Vietnam there were no children in sight, not a single a person. They were hiding in their huts. At the end of his tour in Vietnam, he remembered kids playing in the streets and people waving to him. It was at that moment that he asked himself, “What would I give if during the entire life of my young children, not once had they smiled or been out in the street playing with a ball or other kids; what would I give for that?”

“If that was what we gave to those people, surely it was worth the price,” said Bucha.

“That is what you are about to do; you are about to go to reaches that no man has gone to,” Bucha said to Bravo Company. “You are not staying on the silk roads or staying in the major cities, you are going to the villages to talk to the people… and bring them hope. If nothing else comes from this war, then let it be the legacy of hope that you have given to those people; that is something that very few people in the world can work a lifetime to achieve,” said Bucha.

During the ceremony, a yellow ribbon was hung on the wall of the Army Reserve center symbolizing the deployed soldiers of Bravo Company - right next to the yellow ribbon for Charlie Company. The ribbons will hang next to each other on the wall of the Army Reserve Center until all soldiers come home. A yellow ribbon is used as a symbol of solidarity with someone who is far from home, and an expression of hope that they will return safely and soon.

Lastly, the ceremony concluded with the casing of the company guidion until it can be flown proudly outside the company headquarters in Afghanistan. While the shrilling notes of a bagpiper were played, soldiers had a brief opportunity to say goodbye to their family and friends before loading a bus to Fort Dix, N.J. where the unit will undergo deployment-specific training.

Photo credit: Mr. Paul W. Bucha, former Army Cpt. and Medal Of Honor recipient, was among the distinguished guests and speakers during the farewell ceremony for Bravo Company of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Warwick, R.I., April 14. Bravo Company will conduct pre-mobilization training at Fort Dix, N.J. prior to deploying to Afghanistan for a year-long mobilization. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Smolinski) 

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

U.S. Army Korean War heroes PFC. Anthony Kaho’ohanohano and PFC. Henry Svehla will receive Medals of Honor May 2, 2025

Two U.S. soldiers will receive posthumous Medals of Honor for their actions during the Korean War.

Private First Class Anthony Kaho’ohanohano and Private First Class Henry Svehla will be recognized with the Medal of Honor for braving certain death and painful wounds to charge and repel overwhelming enemy forces during the war. Stars and Stripes

PFC. Anthony T. Kaho’ohanohano and PFC. Henry Svehla will receive the medals from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on May 2.

Kaho'ohanohano served in the Korean War and is a recipient of Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest military award.

Kaho'ohanohano was a private first class serving with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. He was in charge of a machine-gun squad near Chup'a-ri, Korea, on Sept. 1, 1951.

As his unit, Company H, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, fell back under superior enemy numbers he ordered his squad to move to a more defensible position and provide covering fire for the retreating forces, according to a White House news release.

"He then gathered a supply of grenades and ammunition and returned to his original position to face the enemy alone - delivering deadly accurate fire into the ranks of the onrushing enemy. When his ammunition was depleted, he engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until he was killed. His heroic stand so inspired his comrades that they launched a counterattack that completely repulsed the enemy,"

“His last words were ‘I’ve got your back,' and he went out and did his job,” his younger brother David Kaho’ohanohano, 77, of Hawaii told Stars and Stripes. “Nowadays, you don’t have too many heroes, and he was one of the big heroes in our family.”

Kaho’ohanohano's sister, Elaine Kaho’ohanohano, and another brother, Eugene Kaho’ohanohano, will be at the White House ceremony.

PFC. Henry Svehla

Private First Class Henry Svehla will receive the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in combat on June 12, 1952, while serving as a rifleman with Company F, 32d Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea.

Coming under heavy fire and with his platoon’s attack beginning to falter, Private First Class Svehla leapt to his feet and charged the enemy positions, firing his weapon and throwing grenades as he advanced. Disregarding his own safety, he destroyed enemy positions and inflicted heavy casualties. When an enemy grenade landed among a group of his comrades, without hesitation and undoubtedly aware of the extreme danger, he threw himself on the grenade. During this action, Private First Class Svehla was mortally wounded.

Private First Class Henry Svehla's sisters, Dorothy Mathews and Sylvia Svehla will join the President at the White House to commemorate their brother’s example of selfless service and sacrifice.

Hallowed ground saved: Gettysburg National Military Park proposed casino rejected

On April 14th, 2011, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board rejected a second proposal to bring casino gambling to the doorstep of Gettysburg National Military Park.

Civil War Trust president Jim Lighthizer issued the following statement:

"Both personally, and on behalf of our members, I would like to thank the members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for their thoughtful deliberation and insightful decision. By stating that the hallowed ground of America's most blood-soaked battlefield is no place for this type of adults-only enterprise, they have reiterated the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's commitment to its priceless history and upheld its obligation to protect such sites from wanton and unnecessary degradation."

Since it was announced last year, the proposal to open Mason-Dixon Gaming Resort a scant half-mile from Gettysburg National Military Park has drawn immense opposition — an early April survey by a nationally renowned polling and research firm found that only 17 percent of Pennsylvanians supported the idea, with 66 percent actively opposed and 57 percent indicating that such a facility would be "an embarrassment" to the Commonwealth.

Tens of thousands of petitions were submitted against the project and nearly 300 prominent historians united to urge its rejection, as did the national leadership of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and the American Legion. Other prominent Americans who lent their name to the campaign to protect Gettysburg include Susan Eisenhower, Emmy-winning filmmaker Ken Burns, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough, Medal of Honor recipient Paul W. Bucha, renowned composer John Williams and entertainers Matthew Broderick, Stephen Lang and Sam Waterston.

See our previous article:

Medal of Honor Recipient Paul Bucha discusses objection to Gettysburg casino (Video)

MOH recipients Kentucky Derby 2011 Thundernators

MOH at Kentucky Derby 2011

Medal of Honor recipients Hershel “Woody” Williams and Don Jenkins will serve as the official “Thundernators” for the Thunder Over Louisville show, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies 2011. Williams is a World War II MOH now living in West Virginia; Jenkins is a Vietnam War MOH residing in Quality, Ky. At approximately 9:29 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, Williams and Jenkins will provide the Thunder countdown and “zero” ignition to activate the Thunder launch system sequence in the Command Center at the Galt House Hotel.

The men’s appearance at Thunder is a prequel to the annual 2011 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention that will take place in Louisville Sept. 28 to Oct. 2. During that time, Louisville will welcome all 85 living Medal of Honor Recipients. The event marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Medal of Honor in 1861 by President Abraham Lincoln.

Don Jenkins

Jenkins joined the Army from Nashville, Tennessee, and by January 6, 2025 was serving as a private first class in Company A, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

During a firefight on that day, in Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, Jenkins repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to engage the enemy, resupply his ammunition, and obtain new weapons. Despite being wounded himself, he made several trips through intense fire to rescue other wounded soldiers. For his actions during the battle Jenkins was promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor.

Hershel “Woody” Williams

Williams was only 17 when he joined the Marines. His accomplishments on Iwo Jima are legendary.

He landed on Iwo Jima on February 21, 1945, then a corporal and distinguished himself two days later when American tanks, trying to open a lane for infantry, encountered a network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands.

He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945, at the White House.

Read more:
The last living Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima

Medal of Honor recipients Speak Out about PTS

 

As part of their commitment to serve their country, more than 30 of the 85 living Medal of Honor recipients have joined in a public service campaign designed to help stem the rising tide of suicides among military service members today.

These recipients, who have survived some of the most harrowing experiences in combat, including years as POWs, physical wounds and emotional trauma, felt compelled to speak out to America's military, share their experiences and encourage them to seek help for behavioral health issues that are often a result of deployment and combat. Their message is simple: Don't let the enemy defeat you at home!

In their own words, Medal of Honor recipients encourage America’s military by reminding them that seeking care is indeed a courageous act. One that shows they recognize the need to stay strong in mind and body.



For more information visit the "Speak Out!Save Lives" website.

Astronaut returns Medal of Honor to mother after 6 months in space

Douglas H. Wheelock, Photo credit: NASA

After six months in space and 63 million miles later, NASA astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock returned Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Lester R. Stone Jr’s, Medal of Honor which he carried with him aboard the International Space Station.

Wheelock, who was born in the same city as Sgt. Stone, returned the medal to Doris Stone, mother of Sgt. Stone during a military-style ceremony at a presentation to elementary and middle school students in Harpursville, NY.

Sgt. Stone was killed in action west of Landing Zone Liz, Republic of Vietnam, on March 3, 2025 when he was 21 years old.

Sgt. Lester R. Stone Jr.

Stone joined the Army from Syracuse, New York, and was serving as a Sergeant in 1st Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division (Americal). On that day, west of Landing Zone Liz in the Republic of Vietnam, he manned a machine gun from an exposed position during an intense enemy attack, allowing others to rescue a wounded comrade.

The Medal of Honor was given to Stone's parents and sister by President Richard Nixon at a White House ceremony on April 7, 1970. Wheelock carried the Medal of Honor during Expeditions 24 and 25 to the space station in 2010 as a tribute to Stone.

Photo caption: NASA astronaut Douglas Wheelock sends a Fourth of July message to the United States and poses with the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to the late Lester Stone, an Army sergeant killed in action during the Vietnam War, on July 4, 2010.

MOH Mike Thornton, Sal Giunta and Bob O'Malley support wounded vets in 350-mile Ride2Recovery

Photo Credit: U.S. Army

Medal of Honor recipients Mike Thornton, Sal Giunta and Bob O'Malley joined veterans, civilians and active U.S. troops from all over the country who set out April 5 on a 350-mile, six-day cycling ride through the state of Texas to support the rehabilitation of wounded veterans.

The cycling tour, put on by Ride2Recovery, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support the rehabilitation of injured veterans through indoor spinning and outdoor cycling, departed from the Center for the Intrepid at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio around 10 a.m. March 28 to start the six-day, 350-mile ride through central Texas with overnight stops in San Marcos, Austin, Ft. Hood, Waco, Cleburne and Arlington.

SAL 10 Commander JR Dye with Mike Thornton, Sal Giunta and Bob O’Malley during the Ride2Recovery Texas Challenge Photo credit: American Legion Post 10

John Wordin, founder of Ride 2 Recovery says:

“There are a lot of guys riding who never thought in a million years they would be able to do this, but they’re doing it,” said Wordin, who founded Ride 2 Recovery in late 2007 after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs asked him to create a program to help wounded troops. “It’s truly amazing,” he added.

The Ride 2 Recovery, which started in California and now supports cycling events in four states in addition to California and Texas, calls attention to the beneficial results that cycling can have on the recovery and rehabilitation process of injured service men and women.



Photo caption:
From right, Nathan Green, a retired airman who was wounded in 2008 during an insurgent rocket attack against the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler, who was wounded during the Nov. 5, 2009, shootings at Fort Hood, pause with fellow riders during a ceremony held March 31, at the flagpole near the III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, Headquarters building.

Resources:

Ride 2 Recovery riders share inspiration with installation Spc. Christopher M. Gaylord, 13th PAD

3 Medal of Honor recipients join 350-mile bike ride to unite nation, wounded warriors Michael Heckman (III Corps & Fort Hood Public Affairs)

MOH recipient SFC Jared Monti's legacy and Operation Showers of Appreciation

SFC Jared Monti

Five years ago, Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. First Class Jared Monti became the first Medal of Honor Recipient from the war in Afghanistan. He gave his life on a mountaintop while trying to save a fellow soldier wounded in battle with Taliban insurgents.

Sgt. John Garner who was on that mountaintop with Jared five years ago named his son Jack Monti Garner after his friend. “Because he saved my life,” said Garner.

On April 2, 2025 twenty expectant military families will receive a baby shower they wouldn’t have received otherwise at the Elsinore Woman’s Club, courtesy of nonprofit partners Operation Showers of Appreciation and SFC Jared C. Monti Memorial Fund.

The event is the Inaugural SFC Jared C. Monti Memorial Baby Shower and will be held annually in memory of the first Medal of Honor Recipient in Operation Enduring Freedom SFC Jared C. Monti. The moms-to-be and moms of newborns up to six months of age will be receiving baby supplies, toys, clothing.

The baby shower will be hosted by Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Melissa Melendez and Courtney Faith Vera, National Guard Family Readiness Group Leader for the 79th Brigade Special Troops Battalion and Bravo Company, 79th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. Melendez is a proud Navy Veteran and Courtney Faith Vera is the proud wife of a National Guard Commander and has been awarded the California Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement for her work supporting military families.

This year, they surprised Jared's sister Nicole who is having her second child this summer.

"We are shipping this to you!” said Courtney Faith Vera, Shower’s of Appreciation organizer as she rolled a baby stroller and diaper bag into view."

Courtney Faith Vera tells her story about SFC Jared C. Monti below in her words. The article can be found on the Lake Elsinore Patch Column that she writes as well.

Photos and list of recipients who attended wreath laying on National MOH day

Photo credit: Medal of Honor Foundation

With so little media coverage for National Medal of Honor's Day, it was surprisingly difficult to find photos and a list of the recipients who attended the awards ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery to celebrate the fourth National Medal of Honor Day on March 25.

The National Medal of Honor Day wreath laying ceremony was performed by five Medal of Honor recipients and the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos.

During the ceremony, approximately 30 Medal of Honor recipients gathered at the tomb to present Timothy Brooks, Philadelphia, Pa.; Marie Conley, Boston, Mass. and Dr. Pascal Spino, Greensburg, Pa. with the Citizen Service Before Self Honors Award.

Major Elliot Garrett, congressional correspondent, National Journal, was the master of ceremonies for the event.

Photo Credit: Medal of Honor Foundation

The following is a list of the Medal of Honor Recipients who attended the ceremony:

John Baker, USA Columbia, SC
Barney Barnum, USMC Reston, VA
Gary Beikirch, USA Rochester, NY
Patrick Brady, USA Cibolo, TX
Bruce Crandall, USA Manchester, WA
Sammy Davis, USA Freedom, IN
Drew Dix, USA Mimbres, NM
Walter Ehlers, USA Buena Park, CA
Michael Fitzmaurice, USA Hartford, SD
Harold Fritz, USA Peoria, IL
Salvatore Giunta, USA Cedar Rapids, IA
Charles Hagemeister, USA Leavenworth, KS
Rodolfo Hernandez, USA Fayetteville, NC
Thomas Hudner, USN Concord, MA
Robert Ingram, USN Irma, WI
Joe Jackson, USAF Kent, WA
Thomas Kelley, USN Somerville, MA
Walter Marm, USA Fremont, NC
Robert Modrzejewski, USMC San Diego, CA
Robert Patterson, USA Pace, FL
Richard Pittman,, USMC Stockton, CA
Alfred Rascon, USA Laurel, MD
Ronald Ray USA Tarpon Springs, FL
Ronald Rosser, USA Roseville, OH
Kenneth Stumpf, USA Tomah, WI
James Taylor, USA Trinity Center, CA
Brian Thacker, USA Wheaton, MD
Michael Thornton, USN Montgomery, TX
Leo Thorsness, USAF Madison, AL
Jay Vargas, USMC San Diego, CA
Hershel Williams, USMC Ona, WV

Hopefully next year and in the years to come, more people will remember those who have risked their lives and have lost their lives, so that we may live in freedom.

Decision to name school after Medal of Honor recipient will be decided tonight

Photo Credit: Morning Sentinel

After months of debate, the school board of Benton Elementary School in Maine will decide if the school should be renamed after hometown Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Brian L. Buker.

If board members follow the advice of residents at the recent Benton town meeting, the answer to the name change is "no."

Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty, an Army veteran who initiated the proposal, conceded on Wednesday that it's unlikely the school board will go against the town meeting results. The proposed name change was defeated 45-22 in a secret-ballot vote.

Kennebec County Sheriff Randall Liberty, an Army veteran who initiated the proposal,
Liberty sees a silver lining even if the school isn't renamed after Buker. The Legislature has renamed a local bridge after Buker, and his medals are now on display at the Lawrence High School library, which has also been renamed after Buker. In addition, the debate has resulted in news stories and widespread community discussion.

All that has helped honor Buker and his service, Liberty said.

"It's been very beneficial," he said. "Everyone in central Maine has had an opportunity to learn his story." Morning Sentinel

See also: School opposes changing name to honor Vietnam MOH recipient