February 2010 - Argghhh!

The Medal has been awarded six times for actions on this day, only one of them posthumous. Three are naval lifesaving Medals, three are combat awards, spanning from the Civl War through Vietnam.Civil War. Every officer hopes to have a Sergeant like this. I've known some officers who would not have been rescued.TOBAN, JAMES W. Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company C, 9th Michigan Cavalry. Place and date: At Aiken, S.C., 11 February 1865. Entered service at: Northfield, Mich. Born: 1844, Northfield...

There are two Medals awarded for actions on this day, both during World War II. One was posthumous.World War II. Two tough small unit leaders.HUFF, PAUL B. Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion. Place and date: Near Carano, Italy, 8 February 1944. Entered service at: Cleveland, Tenn. Birth: Cleveland, Tenn. G.O. No.: 41, 26 May 1944. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, in action on 8 February...

News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

There are two Medals awarded for actions on this day. Both during World War II, and one of them posthumous.World War II. BM2 Hammerberg - that's one special kind of dedication to one's comrades there.*HAMMERBERG, OWEN FRANCIS PATRICK Rank and organization: Boatswain's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy. Born: 31 May 1920, Daggett, Mich. Accredited to: Michigan. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a diver engaged in...

It's a rare day for the Medal - there is only one awarded solely for actions on this day (though there are two that will appear tomorrow that cover 18 February). It was a posthumous award.Vietnam War. If the Civil War had an "iconic" Medal, it was for capturing the enemy's colors. In the modern era, that award is for jumping on grenades. This is one such.* FERNANDEZ, DANIEL Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized...

...plus c'est la même chose.We're an Army at War - with exceptions.The Admin Army still rules in back here in the 'States. As Heinlein noted, the system is dominated by the Practical Joker Department, a branch the size of a Cold War Corps, with branch offices at every installation. The Fairy Godmother Department, on the otter heiny, is staffed by a part-time Grandmotherly type in the basement of the NSA, where she has NIPR access in a SIPR-only environment. And her rotary phone...

News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

<Poit! Releases fly and watches it join the other flies flying in circles> That's why you only pull off one wing... Er, the Whatzis continues to day three...