Commander Evans was a Native American who joined the navy and was given command of a small destroyer in the Pacific Fleet during World War II. When Cmdr. Evans greeted his crew just before they shipped out of San Diego, California, he told his men that “I intend to take this ship into harms way, if there is anyone on board who wants to step off the ship, do so now”. His crew remained, and Cmdr. Evans proved to be true to his word.
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First American Medal: “The Badge of Military Merit” Revolutionary War
During the first years of our country’s existence the idea of giving medals to Revolutionary War heroes was met with no small amount of resistance, it just reminded people too much of European aristocracy. But on August 2nd 1782 General George Washington issued a general order establishing the Badge of Military Merit, which consisted of a purple cloth in he shape of a heart.
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Fryar, Elmer E.
Born in Denver, Colorado Elmer Fryar joined the US Army in the 11 th Airborne Division As a parachute infantryman. Fighting in the Philippines in May of 1945 Pvt. Fryar was Recognized for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty.
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Gordon, Gary
Mogadishu, Somalia 1993
It has been suggested in recent times by philosophers and historians that the new generation of Americans are not as likely as previous generations to jump to the defense of their country. That assertion may or may not be true but the story of Gary Gordon and Randal Shughart proves that the American spirit is surely alive and well in our young people today.
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Howard, Jimmie E.
Rising nearly 1500 feet above the jungle below, Hill 488 was the perfect place for a Marine recon team but for one minor factor; it was deep in enemy controlled territory, surrounded by massive enemy troop build-ups.
Like David facing Goliath the 16 Marines and 2 Navy corpsmen were pitifully outnumbered on that night of June 15, 1966, and like David so long before, were reduced to ”throwing rocks” at the enemy.
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