December 2009 - Argghhh!

Today is an interesting day in the history of the Medal thus far - only one award, and the recipient was alive to receive it. Another twist - it isn't for an action on this particular day, it is for a period of time. As has been my practice, when a Medal citation lists either multiple days or is for a period of time, I use the closing date as the day to mark the award.The Medal was awarded during Round II of the Great War for Civilization, aka, WWII, to a Marine who later went on to become the...

War takes few holidays, the Christmas Truce of 1914 notwithstanding. Although there are only two wars represented today, they produced 6 Medals, 4 of the 5 during WWII being posthumous. Civil War - A sharp little fight in Tennessee. There are 7 other Medals, covering the attack and capture of Fort Fisher, that will cover from today until 22 January. As is my custom, they will be listed on the closing day of the period.COLLINS, HARRISON Rank and organization. Corporal, Company A, 1st Tennessee Cavalry...

From the Fort Benning Bayonet - a story by Tiffany Nabors: FORT BENNING, Ga. -- More than a year removed from the enemy confrontations where they risked their lives for fellow servicemembers, four former 503rd Infantry Regiment Soldiers were honored for their bravery in combat Monday at the Benning Conference Center.Staff Sgt. Justin Grimm received the Silver Star for gallantry, Staff Sgt. Clifton Anderson and Sgt. Michael Lawrence received the Bronze Star with V device, and Staff Sgt. Zachari Rushing...

Open post for those with something to share, updated through the day. New, complete posts come in below this one. Note: If trackbacking, please acknowledge this post in your post. That's only polite. ******************************* In today's From the Front: (Click on link to read stories highlighted below) Lt Col P: Christmas Eve In Kabul BRIAN TURNER: The Night Visitors Maj. Gen. Tim Haake (Ret): High-tech, low-risk wars David Ignatius: Here's to you, soldiers of the 1-17 in Afghanistan...

There is only one Medal for the 11th - a Civil War classic color-bearer Medal.The opening day of the fight at Fredericksburg - and Sergeant Plunkett paid a hard price for his service.PLUNKETT, THOMAS Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company E, 21st Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date. At Fredericksburg, Va., 11 December 1862. Entered service at: West Boylston, Mass. Birth: Ireland. Date of issue: 30 March 1866. Citation: Seized the colors of his regiment, the color bearer having been shot down...