JAG HUNTER HERE: Memorial Day Weekend 2014

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AMAZING GRACE – TAPS

(click here)

Norman Rockwell – “Mending the Flag” 27 May 1922) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

MEMORIAL DAY 2012 (click here)

Sergeant of Marines Timothy Joseph Harrington spent nine-hours in constructing the post linked above. 

Image link above

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Click on underlined “hot-links”

Cemetery Watchmen

Ashes found in trash led to proper burial

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD – United States Military Academy Mens Glee Club

THE NAVY HYMN – United States Naval Academy

Mens Glee Club

ECHO TAPS – United States Marine Corps Band

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Captain William Edward Nordeen, United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

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(Photo links to Brad’s biography)

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Men of the USS STARK (FFG – 31) – 17 May 1987 

SN Doran H. Bolduc, Lacey, WARMSA Dexter D. Grissett, Macon, GAFCCS Robert L. Shippee, Adams Center, NYBM1 Braddi O. Brown, Calera, ALFC3 William R. Hansen, Reading, MASMSA Jeffrey C. Sibley, Metairie, LAFC3 Jeffrey L. Calkins, Richfield Springs, NYGMG3 Daniel Homicki, Elizabeth, NJOS3 Lee Stephens, Pemberton, OHSN Mark R. Caouette, Fitchburg, MAOSSN Kenneth D. Janusik, Jr., Clearwater, FLBM2 James R. Stevens, Visalia, CASN John A. Ciletta, Jr.,  Brigantine, NJOS1 Steven E. Kendall, Honolulu, HIET3 Martin J. Supple, Jacksonville, FLSR Brian M. Clinefelter, San Bernardino, CAEMCS Stephen Kiser, Elkhart, INFC1 Gregory L. Tweady, Champaign, ILOS3 Antonio A. Daniels, Greeleyville, SCSM1 Ronnie G. Lockett, Bessemer, ALET3 Kelly R. Quick, Linden, MIET3 Christopher DeAngelis, Dumont, NJGMM1 Thomas J. MacMullen, Darby, PASN Vincent L. Ulmer, Bay Minette, ALIC3 James S. Dunlap, Osceola Mills, PAEW3 Charles T. Moller, Columbus, GAEW3 Joseph P. Watson, Ferndale, MISTGSN Steven T. Erwin,  Troy, MIDS1 Randy E. Pierce, Choctaw, OKET3 Wayne R. Weaver, II, New Bethlehem, PARM2 Jerry Boyd Farr, Charleston, SCSA Jeffrei L. Phelps, Locust Grove, VAOSSN Terrance Weldon, Coram, NYQMCS Vernon T. Foster, Jacksonville, FLGM3 James Plonsky, Van Nuys, CAIC2 Lloyd A. Wilson, Summerville, SC SMSN Earl P. Ryals,  Boca Raton, FL 

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Click on the patch (scroll down for the full report)

Casualties of the 30 July 1987 “Desert Duck” crash Lt. William E. Ramsburg, 31, of Scotland, S.D., the pilot; Lt. (j.g.) James F. Lazevnick, 25, of Waldorf, MD. the co-pilot, Radioman 2nd Class Albert B. Duparl of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Air Force Lt. Col. Horace S. Gentle, 44, of Mooresville, N.C., a staff officer with the U.S. Central Command.

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Petty Officer Shields Medal of Honor Citation (link)

USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF – 1066) Association (link)

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LCU – 1500 – CLICK ON IMAGE

DEDICATED to the MEMORY of the
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM

* 28 February 1968 *

RMSN K. L. Cook

* 27 February 1969 *

BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burton, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery, RM2 David W. Hawryshko, QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew, GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie, BM3 Donald M. Horton, BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas, FN Joseph F. Burinda, SN Bruno W. Demata, SN Craig E. Swagler, FN Charles A. Tavares

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Seaman James Burkhart, United States Navy – USS STERETT (CG – 31)

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Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, United States Army – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

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Captain Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, Jr., Medical Corps, United States Navy – recipient Bronze Star wtih Combat “V” for Valor (OPERATION TORCH – 8 November 1942) (CLICK ABOVE)

CASABLANCA 1942

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GARDEN OF STONES

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD (Ronan Tynan – click on gray dot with white right pointing arrow next to Ronan’s photo)

Minstrel Boy (John McDermott)

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

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IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA – 35) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

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Second Class Petty Officer  Michael Monsoor, United States Navy – recipient Congressional Medal of Honor (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Second Class Petty Officer Michael Monsoor – CLICK ON IMAGE

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Click on the illustration above for Lieutenant Murphy’s Medal of Honor Citation

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May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind ever be at your back,
May you find old friends waiting to greet you, there on the outside track.
We’re gathered together old times to remember, ’tis but for ourselves we would grieve,
So we’ll sing you a chorus and bid you farewell – fair winds and a following sea.

We’ll sing of ‘The Leaf’ and ‘The Parting Glass’, we’ll raise up our voices in song,
No sadness today for those who have passed, we celebrate with a voices glad and strong.
A catch in the throat, a tear in the eye, but no funeral dirge will this be,
We’ll roar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a victory song – fair winds and a following sea.

And those of us left here will miss a true friend, who shared with us good times and bad, Raising a glass to your memory we’ll say: “We’ve known you – why should we be sad?”
We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: “Fair winds and a following sea!”

JAG HUNTER HERE: Memorial Day 2013 – GIVE THIS MAN A BIBLE!

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AMAZING GRACE – TAPS

(click here)

Norman Rockwell – “Mending the Flag” 27 May 1922) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

MEMORIAL DAY 2012 (click here)

Sergeant of Marines Timothy Joseph Harrington spent nine-hours in constructing the post linked above. 

Image link above

~~~~~~~~~~

Click on underlined “hot-links”

Cemetery Watchmen

Ashes found in trash led to proper burial

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD – United States Military Academy Mens Glee Club

THE NAVY HYMN – United States Naval Academy

Mens Glee Club

ECHO TAPS – United States Marine Corps Band

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Captain William Edward Nordeen, United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

(Photo links to Brad’s biography)

~~~~~~~~~~

Men of the USS STARK (FFG – 31) – 17 May 1987 

SN Doran H. Bolduc, Lacey, WARMSA Dexter D. Grissett, Macon, GAFCCS Robert L. Shippee, Adams Center, NYBM1 Braddi O. Brown, Calera, ALFC3 William R. Hansen, Reading, MASMSA Jeffrey C. Sibley, Metairie, LAFC3 Jeffrey L. Calkins, Richfield Springs, NYGMG3 Daniel Homicki, Elizabeth, NJOS3 Lee Stephens, Pemberton, OHSN Mark R. Caouette, Fitchburg, MAOSSN Kenneth D. Janusik, Jr., Clearwater, FLBM2 James R. Stevens, Visalia, CASN John A. Ciletta, Jr.,  Brigantine, NJOS1 Steven E. Kendall, Honolulu, HIET3 Martin J. Supple, Jacksonville, FLSR Brian M. Clinefelter, San Bernardino, CAEMCS Stephen Kiser, Elkhart, INFC1 Gregory L. Tweady, Champaign, ILOS3 Antonio A. Daniels, Greeleyville, SCSM1 Ronnie G. Lockett, Bessemer, ALET3 Kelly R. Quick, Linden, MIET3 Christopher DeAngelis, Dumont, NJGMM1 Thomas J. MacMullen, Darby, PASN Vincent L. Ulmer, Bay Minette, ALIC3 James S. Dunlap, Osceola Mills, PAEW3 Charles T. Moller, Columbus, GAEW3 Joseph P. Watson, Ferndale, MISTGSN Steven T. Erwin,  Troy, MIDS1 Randy E. Pierce, Choctaw, OKET3 Wayne R. Weaver, II, New Bethlehem, PARM2 Jerry Boyd Farr, Charleston, SCSA Jeffrei L. Phelps, Locust Grove, VAOSSN Terrance Weldon, Coram, NYQMCS Vernon T. Foster, Jacksonville, FLGM3 James Plonsky, Van Nuys, CAIC2 Lloyd A. Wilson, Summerville, SC SMSN Earl P. Ryals,  Boca Raton, FL 

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Click on the patch (scroll down for the full report)

Casualties of the 30 July 1987 “Desert Duck” crash Lt. William E. Ramsburg, 31, of Scotland, S.D., the pilot; Lt. (j.g.) James F. Lazevnick, 25, of Waldorf, MD. the co-pilot, Radioman 2nd Class Albert B. Duparl of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Air Force Lt. Col. Horace S. Gentle, 44, of Mooresville, N.C., a staff officer with the U.S. Central Command.

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Petty Officer Shields Medal of Honor Citation (link)

USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF – 1066) Association (link)

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LCU – 1500 – CLICK ON IMAGE

DEDICATED to the MEMORY of the
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM

* 28 February 1968 *

RMSN K. L. Cook

* 27 February 1969 *

BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burton, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery, RM2 David W. Hawryshko, QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew, GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie, BM3 Donald M. Horton, BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas, FN Joseph F. Burinda, SN Bruno W. Demata, SN Craig E. Swagler, FN Charles A. Tavares

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Seaman James Burkhart, United States Navy – USS STERETT (CG – 31)

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Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, United States Army – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

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Captain Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, Jr., Medical Corps, United States Navy – recipient Bronze Star wtih Combat “V” for Valor (OPERATION TORCH – 8 November 1942) (CLICK ABOVE)

CASABLANCA 1942

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GARDEN OF STONES

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD (Ronan Tynan – click on gray dot with white right pointing arrow next to Ronan’s photo)

Minstrel Boy (John McDermott)

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

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IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA – 35) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

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Second Class Petty Officer  Michael Monsoor, United States Navy – recipient Congressional Medal of Honor (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Second Class Petty Officer Michael Monsoor – CLICK ON IMAGE

~~~~~~~~~~

Click on the illustration above for Lieutenant Murphy’s Medal of Honor Citation

~~~~~~~~~~

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind ever be at your back,
May you find old friends waiting to greet you, there on the outside track.
We’re gathered together old times to remember, ’tis but for ourselves we would grieve,
So we’ll sing you a chorus and bid you farewell – fair winds and a following sea.

We’ll sing of ‘The Leaf’ and ‘The Parting Glass’, we’ll raise up our voices in song,
No sadness today for those who have passed, we celebrate with a voices glad and strong.
A catch in the throat, a tear in the eye, but no funeral dirge will this be,
We’ll roar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a victory song – fair winds and a following sea.

And those of us left here will miss a true friend, who shared with us good times and bad, Raising a glass to your memory we’ll say: “We’ve known you – why should we be sad?”
We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: “Fair winds and a following sea!”

JAG HUNTER HERE: Have a respectful Memorial Day 2012 (I’m back blogging…more next week)

AMAZING GRACE – TAPS

(click here)

Norman Rockwell – “Mending the Flag” 27 May 1922) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

MEMORIAL DAY 2012 (click here)

Sergeant of Marines Timothy Joseph Harrington spent nine-hours in constructing the post linked above. 

Image link above

~~~~~~~~~~

Click on underlined “hot-links”

Cemetery Watchmen

Ashes found in trash led to proper burial

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD – United States Military Academy Mens Glee Club

THE NAVY HYMN – United States Naval Academy

Mens Glee Club

ECHO TAPS – United States Marine Corps Band

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain William Edward Nordeen, United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

(Photo links to Brad’s biography)

~~~~~~~~~~

Men of the USS STARK (FFG – 31) – 17 May 1987 

SN Doran H. Bolduc, Lacey, WARMSA Dexter D. Grissett, Macon, GAFCCS Robert L. Shippee, Adams Center, NYBM1 Braddi O. Brown, Calera, ALFC3 William R. Hansen, Reading, MASMSA Jeffrey C. Sibley, Metairie, LAFC3 Jeffrey L. Calkins, Richfield Springs, NYGMG3 Daniel Homicki, Elizabeth, NJOS3 Lee Stephens, Pemberton, OHSN Mark R. Caouette, Fitchburg, MAOSSN Kenneth D. Janusik, Jr., Clearwater, FLBM2 James R. Stevens, Visalia, CASN John A. Ciletta, Jr.,  Brigantine, NJOS1 Steven E. Kendall, Honolulu, HIET3 Martin J. Supple, Jacksonville, FLSR Brian M. Clinefelter, San Bernardino, CAEMCS Stephen Kiser, Elkhart, INFC1 Gregory L. Tweady, Champaign, ILOS3 Antonio A. Daniels, Greeleyville, SCSM1 Ronnie G. Lockett, Bessemer, ALET3 Kelly R. Quick, Linden, MIET3 Christopher DeAngelis, Dumont, NJGMM1 Thomas J. MacMullen, Darby, PASN Vincent L. Ulmer, Bay Minette, ALIC3 James S. Dunlap, Osceola Mills, PAEW3 Charles T. Moller, Columbus, GAEW3 Joseph P. Watson, Ferndale, MISTGSN Steven T. Erwin,  Troy, MIDS1 Randy E. Pierce, Choctaw, OKET3 Wayne R. Weaver, II, New Bethlehem, PARM2 Jerry Boyd Farr, Charleston, SCSA Jeffrei L. Phelps, Locust Grove, VAOSSN Terrance Weldon, Coram, NYQMCS Vernon T. Foster, Jacksonville, FLGM3 James Plonsky, Van Nuys, CAIC2 Lloyd A. Wilson, Summerville, SC SMSN Earl P. Ryals,  Boca Raton, FL 

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Click on the patch (scroll down for the full report)

Casualties of the 30 July 1987 “Desert Duck” crash Lt. William E. Ramsburg, 31, of Scotland, S.D., the pilot; Lt. (j.g.) James F. Lazevnick, 25, of Waldorf, MD. the co-pilot, Radioman 2nd Class Albert B. Duparl of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Air Force Lt. Col. Horace S. Gentle, 44, of Mooresville, N.C., a staff officer with the U.S. Central Command.

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Petty Officer Shields Medal of Honor Citation (link)

USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF – 1066) Association (link)

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LCU – 1500 – CLICK ON IMAGE

DEDICATED to the MEMORY of the
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM

* 28 February 1968 *

RMSN K. L. Cook

* 27 February 1969 *

BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burton, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery, RM2 David W. Hawryshko, QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew, GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie, BM3 Donald M. Horton, BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas, FN Joseph F. Burinda, SN Bruno W. Demata, SN Craig E. Swagler, FN Charles A. Tavares

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Seaman James Burkhart, United States Navy – USS STERETT (CG – 31)

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Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, United States Army – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, Jr., Medical Corps, United States Navy – recipient Bronze Star wtih Combat “V” for Valor (OPERATION TORCH – 8 November 1942) (CLICK ABOVE)

CASABLANCA 1942

~~~~~~~~~~

GARDEN OF STONES

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD (Ronan Tynan – click on gray dot with white right pointing arrow next to Ronan’s photo)

Minstrel Boy (John McDermott)

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

~~~~~~~~~~

IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA – 35) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

~~~~~~~~~~

Second Class Petty Officer  Michael Monsoor, United States Navy – recipient Congressional Medal of Honor (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Second Class Petty Officer Michael Monsoor – CLICK ON IMAGE

~~~~~~~~~~

Click on the illustration above for Lieutenant Murphy’s Medal of Honor Citation

~~~~~~~~~~

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind ever be at your back,
May you find old friends waiting to greet you, there on the outside track.
We’re gathered together old times to remember, ’tis but for ourselves we would grieve,
So we’ll sing you a chorus and bid you farewell – fair winds and a following sea.

We’ll sing of ‘The Leaf’ and ‘The Parting Glass’, we’ll raise up our voices in song,
No sadness today for those who have passed, we celebrate with a voices glad and strong.
A catch in the throat, a tear in the eye, but no funeral dirge will this be,
We’ll roar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a victory song – fair winds and a following sea.

And those of us left here will miss a true friend, who shared with us good times and bad, Raising a glass to your memory we’ll say: “We’ve known you – why should we be sad?”
We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: “Fair winds and a following sea!”

MEMORIAL DAY 2011

AMAZING GRACE – TAPS

(click here)

Norman Rockwell – “Mending the Flag” 27 May 1922) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

MEMORIAL DAY 2011 (click here)

Sergeant of Marines Timothy Joseph Harrington spent nine-hours in constructing the post linked above. 

Image link above

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Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941

Click on underlined “hot-links”

Cemetery Watchmen

Ashes found in trash led to proper burial

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD – United States Military Academy Mens Glee Club

THE NAVY HYMN – United States Naval Academy

Mens Glee Club

ECHO TAPS – United States Marine Corps Band

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain William Edward Nordeen, United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

(Photo links to Brad’s biography)

~~~~~~~~~~

Men of the USS STARK (FFG – 31) – 17 May 1987 

SN Doran H. Bolduc, Lacey, WARMSA Dexter D. Grissett, Macon, GAFCCS Robert L. Shippee, Adams Center, NYBM1 Braddi O. Brown, Calera, ALFC3 William R. Hansen, Reading, MASMSA Jeffrey C. Sibley, Metairie, LAFC3 Jeffrey L. Calkins, Richfield Springs, NYGMG3 Daniel Homicki, Elizabeth, NJOS3 Lee Stephens, Pemberton, OHSN Mark R. Caouette, Fitchburg, MAOSSN Kenneth D. Janusik, Jr., Clearwater, FLBM2 James R. Stevens, Visalia, CASN John A. Ciletta, Jr.,  Brigantine, NJOS1 Steven E. Kendall, Honolulu, HIET3 Martin J. Supple, Jacksonville, FLSR Brian M. Clinefelter, San Bernardino, CAEMCS Stephen Kiser, Elkhart, INFC1 Gregory L. Tweady, Champaign, ILOS3 Antonio A. Daniels, Greeleyville, SCSM1 Ronnie G. Lockett, Bessemer, ALET3 Kelly R. Quick, Linden, MIET3 Christopher DeAngelis, Dumont, NJGMM1 Thomas J. MacMullen, Darby, PASN Vincent L. Ulmer, Bay Minette, ALIC3 James S. Dunlap, Osceola Mills, PAEW3 Charles T. Moller, Columbus, GAEW3 Joseph P. Watson, Ferndale, MISTGSN Steven T. Erwin,  Troy, MIDS1 Randy E. Pierce, Choctaw, OKET3 Wayne R. Weaver, II, New Bethlehem, PARM2 Jerry Boyd Farr, Charleston, SCSA Jeffrei L. Phelps, Locust Grove, VAOSSN Terrance Weldon, Coram, NYQMCS Vernon T. Foster, Jacksonville, FLGM3 James Plonsky, Van Nuys, CAIC2 Lloyd A. Wilson, Summerville, SC SMSN Earl P. Ryals,  Boca Raton, FL 

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Click on the patch (scroll down for the full report)

Casualties of the 30 July 1987 “Desert Duck” crash Lt. William E. Ramsburg, 31, of Scotland, S.D., the pilot; Lt. (j.g.) James F. Lazevnick, 25, of Waldorf, MD. the co-pilot, Radioman 2nd Class Albert B. Duparl of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Air Force Lt. Col. Horace S. Gentle, 44, of Mooresville, N.C., a staff officer with the U.S. Central Command.

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Petty Officer Shields Medal of Honor Citation (link)

USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF – 1066) Association (link)

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Photo link above

~~~~~~~~~~

LCU – 1500 – CLICK ON IMAGE

DEDICATED to the MEMORY of the
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM

* 28 February 1968 *

RMSN K. L. Cook

* 27 February 1969 *

BMC Donald J. Fisher, EN1 Bert E. Burton, EM1 Cecil F. Bush, CS2 Marvin D. Avery, RM2 David W. Hawryshko, QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew, GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie, BM3 Donald M. Horton, BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas, FN Joseph F. Burinda, SN Bruno W. Demata, SN Craig E. Swagler, FN Charles A. Tavares

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Seaman James Burkhart, United States Navy – USS STERETT (CG – 31)

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Click above to learn more regarding America’s Mighty Warriors!

Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, United States Army – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

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Captain Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, Jr., Medical Corps, United States Navy – recipient Bronze Star wtih Combat “V” for Valor (OPERATION TORCH – 8 November 1942) (CLICK ABOVE)

CASABLANCA 1942

~~~~~~~~~~

GARDEN OF STONES

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD (Ronan Tynan – click on gray dot with white right pointing arrow next to Ronan’s photo)

Minstrel Boy (John McDermott)

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

In Memory of America – A Robert Hefner illustration

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IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA – 35) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

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Second Class Petty Officer  Michael Monsoor, United States Navy – recipient Congressional Medal of Honor (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Second Class Petty Officer Michael Monsoor – CLICK ON IMAGE

~~~~~~~~~~

Click on the illustration above for Lieutenant Murphy’s Medal of Honor Citation

~~~~~~~~~~

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind ever be at your back,
May you find old friends waiting to greet you, there on the outside track.
We’re gathered together old times to remember, ’tis but for ourselves we would grieve,
So we’ll sing you a chorus and bid you farewell – fair winds and a following sea.

We’ll sing of ‘The Leaf’ and ‘The Parting Glass’, we’ll raise up our voices in song,
No sadness today for those who have passed, we celebrate with a voices glad and strong.
A catch in the throat, a tear in the eye, but no funeral dirge will this be,
We’ll roar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a victory song – fair winds and a following sea.

And those of us left here will miss a true friend, who shared with us good times and bad, Raising a glass to your memory we’ll say: “We’ve known you – why should we be sad?”
We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: “Fair winds and a following sea!”

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

AMAZING GRACE – TAPS

Norman Rockwell – “Mending the Flag” 27 May 1922) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

MEMORIAL DAY 2010 (click here)

Sergeant of Marines Timothy Joseph Harrington spent nine-hours in constructing the post linked above – no better place on the Internet paying proper respect!

Cemetery Watchmen

Ashes found in trash led to proper burial

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain William Edward Nordeen, United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

Man of  Honor – Navy Diver Second Class Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem – United States Navy (CLICK ON IMAGE)

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Rev., Dr. Bradford Edward Ableson, Captain United States Navy (CLICK ABOVE)

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Men of the USS STARK (FFG – 31) – 17 May 1987

(click here)

USS Stark casualties
SN Doran H. Bolduc, Lacey, WA	RMSA Dexter D. Grissett, Macon, GA	FCCS Robert L. Shippee, Adams Center, NY
BM1 Braddi O. Brown, Calera, AL	FC3 William R. Hansen, Reading, MA	SMSA Jeffrey C. Sibley, Metairie, LA
FC3 Jeffrey L. Calkins, Richfield Springs, NY	GMG3 Daniel Homicki, Elizabeth, NJ	OS3 Lee Stephens, Pemberton, OH
SN Mark R. Caouette, Fitchburg, MA	OSSN Kenneth D. Janusik, Jr., Clearwater, FL	BM2 James R. Stevens, Visalia, CA
SN John A. Ciletta, Jr., † Brigantine, NJ	OS1 Steven E. Kendall, Honolulu, HI	ET3 Martin J. Supple, Jacksonville, FL
SR Brian M. Clinefelter, San Bernardino, CA	EMCS Stephen Kiser, Elkhart, IN	FC1 Gregory L. Tweady, Champaign, IL
OS3 Antonio A. Daniels, Greeleyville, SC	SM1 Ronnie G. Lockett, Bessemer, AL	ET3 Kelly R. Quick, Linden, MI
ET3 Christopher DeAngelis, † Dumont, NJ	GMM1 Thomas J. MacMullen, Darby, PA	SN Vincent L. Ulmer, Bay Minette, AL
IC3 James S. Dunlap, Osceola Mills, PA	EW3 Charles T. Moller, Columbus, GA	EW3 Joseph P. Watson, Ferndale, MI
STGSN Steven T. Erwin, † Troy, MI	DS1 Randy E. Pierce, Choctaw, OK	ET3 Wayne R. Weaver, II, New Bethlehem, PA
RM2 Jerry Boyd Farr, Charleston, SC	SA Jeffrei L. Phelps, Locust Grove, VA	OSSN Terrance Weldon, Coram, NY
QMCS Vernon T. Foster, Jacksonville, FL	GM3 James Plonsky, Van Nuys, CA	IC2 Lloyd A. Wilson, Summerville, SC
	SMSN Earl P. Ryals, † Boca Raton, FL

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Casualties of the 30 July 1987 “Desert Duck” crash

Lt. William E. Ramsburg, 31, of Scotland, S.D., the pilot; Lt. (j.g.) James F. Lazevnick, 25, of Waldorf, MD. the co-pilot, Radioman 2nd Class Albert B. Duparl of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Air Force Lt. Col. Horace S. Gentle, 44, of Mooresville, N.C., a staff officer with the U.S. Central Command.

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Marvin Glenn Shields, Consttuctionman Third Class Petty Officer – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

LCU – 1500 – CLICK ON IMAGE

DEDICATED to the MEMORY of the
CREW of LCU-1500 KILLED IN ACTION in VIETNAM

* 28 February 1968 *

RMSN K. L. Cook

* 27 February 1969 *

BMC Donald J. Fisher
EN1 Bert E. Burton
EM1 Cecil F. Bush
CS2 Marvin D. Avery
RM2 David W. Hawryshko
QM3 Earnest J. Buckelew
GMG3 Ronald J. Gebbie
BM3 Donald M. Horton
BM3 Ronald P. Yuhas
FN Joseph F. Burinda
SN Bruno W. Demata
SN Craig E. Swagler
FN Charles A. Tavares

~~~~~~~~~~

Seaman James Burkhart, United States Navy – USS STERETT (CG – 31)

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~

Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, United States Army – Congressional Medal of Honor recipient (CLICK ABOVE)

~~~~~~~~~~

Captain Walter Francis Fitzpatrick, Jr., Medical Corps, United States Navy – recipient Bronze Star wtih Combat “V” for Valor (OPERATION TORCH – 8 November 1942) (CLICK ABOVE)

CASABLANCA 1942

~~~~~~~~~~

GARDEN OF STONES

LISTEN, REFLECT, and PRAY

MANSIONS OF THE LORD (Ronan Tynan – click on gray dot with white right pointing arrow next to Ronan’s photo)

Minstrel Boy (John McDermott)

THE NAVY HYMN

ECHO TAPS

MORE (MILlblogging.com)

In Memory of America - A Robert Hefner illustration (CLICK ON IMAGE)

~~~~~~~~~~

IN MEMORY OF THE MEN OF USS INDIANAPOLIS (CA – 35) (CLICK ON IMAGE)

~~~~~~~~~~

Second Class Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, United States Navy – recipient Congressional Medal of Honor (CLICK ON IMAGE)

Second Class Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael Monsoor – CLICK ON IMAGE

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind ever be at your back,
May you find old friends waiting to greet you, there on the outside track.
We’re gathered together old times to remember, ’tis but for ourselves we would grieve,
So we’ll sing you a chorus and bid you farewell – fair winds and a following sea.

We’ll sing of ‘The Leaf’ and ‘The Parting Glass’, we’ll raise up our voices in song,
No sadness today for those who have passed, we celebrate with a voices glad and strong.
A catch in the throat, a tear in the eye, but no funeral dirge will this be,
We’ll roar ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a victory song – fair winds and a following sea.

And those of us left here will miss a true friend, who shared with us good times and bad, Raising a glass to your memory we’ll say: “We’ve known you – why should we be sad?”
We honor a life that was lived to the full, we honor a spirit, now free.
You’ll long be remembered, whenever we say: “Fair winds and a following sea!”

Cemetery Watchmen

I just wanted to get the day over with and go down to Smokey’s.

Sneaking a look at my watch I saw the time. 1655 hours.

Five minutes to go before the Cemetery gates closed for the day.

Full dress was hot in the August sun. Oklahoma summer time was as bad as ever–the heat and humidity at the same level–both too high

I saw the car pull into the drive, ’69 or ’70 model Cadillac Deville. Looked factory new. It pulled into the parking lot at a snail’s pace. An old woman got out so slow I thought she was paralyzed. She had a cane and a sheaf of flowers. About four or five bunches as best I could tell.

I couldn’t help myself. The thought came unwanted and left a slightly bitter taste. She’s going to spend an hour and for this old soldier! My hip hurts like hell and I’m ready to get out of here right now!

But for this day my duty was to assist anyone coming in.

Kevin would lock the “IN” gate and if I could hurry the old biddy along we might make it to Smokey’s in time.

I broke post attention. My hip made gritty noises when I took the first step. The pain went up a notch. I must have made a real military sight: middle-aged man with a small pot gut and half a limp–in Marine full-dress uniform which had lost its razor crease about thirty minutes after I began the Cemetery Watch.

I stopped in front of her halfway up the walk. She looked up at me with an old woman’s squint.

“Ma’am, may I assist you in any way?”

She took long enough to answer.

“Yes son. Can you carry these flowers? I seem to be moving a tad slow these days.”

“My pleasure ma’am.”

Well it wasn’t too much of a lie

She looked at me again.

“Marine, where were you stationed?”

“Vietnam, ma’am…Ground-pounder ’69 to ’71.”

She looked closer.

“Wounded in action I see. Well done Marine! I’ll be as quick as I can.”

I lied a little bigger.

“No hurry ma’am.

She smiled and winked at me.

“Son I’m eighty-five-years old and I can tell a lie from a long way off…let’s get this done. Might be the last time I can do this. My name is Joanne Wieserman and I’ve a few Marines I’d like to see one more time.”

“Yes ma’am! At your service!”

She headed for the World War I section stopping at a stone. She picked one of the bunches of flowers out of my arms and laid it on top of the stone. She murmured something I couldn’t quite make out. The name on the marble was:

DONALD S. DAVIDSON  USMC  FRANCE  1918

She turned away and made a straight line for the World War II section stopping at one stone. I saw a tear slowly tracking its way down her cheek. She put a bunch of flowers on the stone. The name was:

STEPHEN X. DAVIDSON  USMC  1943

She went up the row a ways and laid another bunch on another stone:

STANLEY J. WIESERMAN  USMC  1944

She paused a moment.

“Two more son and we’re done.”

I almost didn’t say anything but then, “Yes ma’am. Take your time.”

She looked confused.

“Where’s the Vietnam section son? I seem to be lost.”

I pointed with my chin, “That way ma’am.”

“Oh,” she chuckled quietly. “Son, me and old age ain’t too friendly.”

She headed down the walk I’d pointed at. She stopped at a couple of stones before she fond the ones she was looking for. She placed a bunch of flowers on each of two remaining headstones:

LARRY WIESERMAN  USMC  1968

DARREL WIESERMAN  USMC  1970

She stood there and murmured a few words I could not make out.

“Okay son, I’m finished. Get me back to my car and you can go home.”

“Yes ma’am. If I may ask…we’re those your kinfolk?”

She paused.

“Yes.

“Donald was my father.

“Stephen was my uncle.

“Stanley was my husband.

“Larry and Darrel were our sons.

“All killed in action.

“All Marines!”

The old woman stopped. Whether she had finished or couldn’t finish I don’t know. She made her way to the car, slowly and painfully.

I waited a polite distance to come between us and then double-timed it over to Kevin waiting by his car.

“Get to the ‘OUT’ gate quick…I have something we’ve go to do!”

Kevin started to say something but saw the look I gave him. Kevin broke the rules by driving down the service road.

We beat her! She hadn’t made it around the rotunda yet.

“Kevin” I said, “stand at attention next to the gate post. Follow my lead!” I humped it hurriedly limping across the drive to the other post.

When the Cadillac came motoring around from the hedges and began the short straight traverse to the gate I called out in my best gunny’s voice:

“TEHEN-HUT!”

“PRESENT HAAARMS!”

Kevin never winched as he came to full-dress attention with a salute that would make his DI proud!

The woman drove through the gate with two old worn out MARINES giving her the respect she’d earned and commanded for service rendered to our country and for her performance of duty, for her honor and for her sacrifice.

I’m not sure but I think I saw her returned salute from the car.

TAPS (click here)!

Sergeant of Marines James Bancroft sends this to us and closes:

“As a final thought on my part let me share a favorite prayer:

Lord, keep our servicemen and women safe,

whether they serve at home or overseas

Hold them in your loving hands,

and protect them as they protect us.

Let’s all keep those “on watch” and those who’ve gone before us in our thoughts. They are the reason for the many freedoms we enjoy.

IN GOD WE TRUST!

(Sergeant Bancroft adds: “Sorry about your monitor…this made mine blurry too. If ever we forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will become a nation gone under. Now, pass this on!”)