On the list of things I should have known about my neighborhood is there is a statue and plaza dedicated to CPT Rocky Versace, MOH a few blocks from my house. He grew up around here and I have walked past it several times, but it is not obviously a military statue and it has two kids in it. I thought it was related to the school right next door. That's a lick on me, but fortunately a couple of gentlemen were out publicizing it at a street fair tonight and I got to hear about it and get a clue. Rocky's name was familiar to me because he was awarded his Medal of Honor long after Vietnam in 2002. Versace was the first POW awarded the Blue Max for actions during captivity. He was a friend and compatriot of Nick Rowe in North Vietnamese prison and he was executed by the NVA after they completely failed to break his spirit and he was serving as an inspiration to the other prisoners. Nick recommended him for the MOH when he finally ended his Five Years to Freedom. I have written here several times that I met Nick Rowe on my first SF deployment to the Philippines and that sadly he was killed by scumbag Maoist terrorists while we were on that trip. Two amazing individuals, true warriors and American heroes.
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Posted
May 06 2010, 01:08 PM
by
BLACKFIVE