Speaking of Heroes...

By: Lowell
Published On: 4/5/2006 5:50:55 PM

First, courtesy of Ben Tribbett (aka, "Not Larry Sabato"), here's the last part of the story of how Jim Webb won the Navy Cross in Vietnam:

Despite the smoke and debris from the explosion and the possibility of enemy soldiers hiding in the tunnel, he then conducted a thorough search which yielded several items of equipment and numerous documents containing valuable intelligence data.  Continuing the assault, he approached a third bunker and was preparing to fire into it when the enemy threw another grenade. Observing the grenade land dangerously close to his companion, First Lieutenant Webb simultaneously fired his weapon at the enemy, pushed the Marine away from the grenade, and shielded him from the explosion with his own body.

Although sustaining painful fragmentation wounds from the explosion, he managed to throw a grenade into the aperture and completely destroy the remaining bunker. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and selfless devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Webb upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.


Now, here's another story about yet another great American, this time in the Korean War:

Not long after, on April 18, 1953, Wilder's unit was sent up Pork Chop Hill, a key position held by U.S. troops that was being assaulted by communist Chinese forces.

Wilder repeatedly put himself in the line of artillery and mortar fire to pull wounded soldiers to safety, according to the citation for the Bronze Star he was awarded later. He and two other soldiers managed to force the surrender of 19 Chinese soldiers.

It did not matter that some of the soldiers he helped save were black and others white, he said. "You came to understand that the name of the game is survival," Wilder said. "It didn't matter what color the soldier was who had drunk out of your canteen, or eaten with your fork."

Navy Cross and Bronze Star.   Former Governor and future Senator.  Two American heroes.  Two independent thinkers and mavericks.  Neither man an easy fit in the Republican or Democratic parties.  Both proud men, and rightfully so.  Both fiercely independent.  You think there's something in the water here in Virginia that produces guys like these?


Comments



Jim Webb is a Real Hero -- not a phony (Info_Tech_Guy - 4/6/2006 12:24:58 PM)
Having just read "Born Fighting" and planning to re-read it, I can readily find Webb's character in the book. He's one of the "Great Captains" -- a leader who would not ask anything of his comrades that he himself would not be prepared to do.

Virginians have a tremendous opportunity to elevate an exceptional person to a position in which he can act as a great statesman for both Virginia and the nation.

I'm overwhelmed to think that in this age of cynicism and corruption we can yet find leaders of such tremendous courage and integrity...



I couldn't agree more (Lowell - 4/6/2006 1:35:07 PM)
Do you think some people are just too cynical to see what a treasure we've got in Jim Webb?  I truly hope not, because a Jim Webb doesn't come along too often, that's for sure.


I also read "Born Fighting" because Webb got in the race... (Loudoun County Dem - 4/6/2006 2:19:28 PM)
I agree with your assessment. James Webb is a man of honor, courage, and integrity.

I am also finishing "The Nightingale's Song" by Robert Timberg (a biography of five USNA grads, James Webb, Oliver North, John McCain, John Poindexter, and Robert McFarlane following them through the Academy and the Vietnam War, into the Reagan administration, and through the early 1990's).

The more I read about Webb or talk with those who have dealt with him, the more respect I gain for him. We are truely blessed to have a man of his outstanding character as a candidate (I am aware of how much I am gushing but I stand by my opinion). He never takes the easy or expedient way out of a situation, He carefully considers all situations and does only what he feels is right.

I plan on reading "Fields of Fire" next.



Be careful... (Lowell - 4/6/2006 2:20:28 PM)
you're starting to sound like me! :)


No go forth . . . (JC - 4/6/2006 3:55:32 PM)
And spread the word.

Miller is business as usual.

Webb is the change we've all been praying for.



3 Comments on this post from WordPress (Lowell - 4/7/2006 11:34:10 AM)
#  2006-4-5 @ 6:04:00 pm
Dannyboy
Some people are annoyed by the fact that Doug Wilder is such an independent. That’s one of the things I like about the guy. It’s not about party for him, it’s about what he believes is right. We may not always agree there, but he has my respect no matter what. There’s a reason why everybody listened when he endorsed Kaine last fall. Wilder holds the respect of lots of people, regardless of party. Wilder and Warner were the two most important endorsements Kaine got in 2005.

# 2006-4-5 @ 10:04:38 pm
WendellinChristiansburg
Please let it be so!!!!!!

# 2006-4-5 @ 10:04:03 pm
J.C. Wilmore
Two heroes indeed; we are lucky to have leaders like these.