by Barbara Latta
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| Memorial Day Tribute to Little Known Heroes |
Memorial Day is a time set aside to remember the sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our country. Almost 1.4 million military personnel have been killed in battle since the Revolutionary War. Heroes are recognized and decorated as they should be, but most of those who died remain nameless and faceless except to their family and friends.
While we can never list all the heroic actions and names of those who fought and died, here are some little known stories of those who saved the lives of their fellow soldiers while preserving the freedoms we enjoy every day.
World War II
Jack Lummus played football for the New York Giants, but enlisted in the Marine Core in 1942. While spearheading an assault on Iwo Jimo he stepped on a land mine and lost both legs. He later died due to internal injuries.
Korean War
Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins left cover to attack North Korean troops who had his unit pinned down with machine gun fire. He fought through despite sustaining wounds that paralyzed him from the waist down. He ordered contact with his troops to be withdrawn to prevent his exhausted men from carrying him. His actions led to the destruction of almost 500 enemy soldiers.
Vietnam War
Capt. William David Howsa Ragin was killed in action on August 24, 1964 while serving with the Vietnamese 41st Ranger Battalion in Kien Hoa, 45 miles southwest of Saigon. During an ambush more than 200 casualties were recorded, and Capt. Ragin was among four other soldiers who received the Distinguished Service Cross. He was last seen firing a machine gun while covering the withdrawal of the unit.
Iraq War
When the Iraq War began almost 40,000 members of the United States military were not American citizens. Among them was Pfc. Diego Rincon who immigrated with his family from Columbia. Before leaving for Iraq, he got a green card and asked his dad to wait until he returned home to complete the citizenship process so they could do it together.
In 2003, Pfc Rincon was killed by a suicide bomber. His parents were proud of their son for doing something with honor and pride for America.
Diego did receive his citizenship on the day of his funeral. His death aided in getting a bill passed that grants immediate citizenship to immigrant soldiers who die in combat.
As you celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, remember those who have given you the right to do so.
God bless America!
Share your thoughts about our military heroes.
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