Happy Veterans Day

[getsome]

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the Veterans both past and present for all you do for us every single day....You are the reason I am free and able to enjoy all the benefits of living in the greatest country in the world.....THANK YOU and God bless you all!!!!....:Amflag2:

[CPTKILLER]

We only did our job.

[getsome]

Interesting story as told by WYAY 106.7 News Talk radio Atlanta host, Kim Peterson AKA "The Kimmer" who is a Viet Nam Vet on Veterans Day:

During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. One time his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.

Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return.

As he was returning to the mother ship, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them.

Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc.

Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.

Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier.

He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nations highest military honors. And as you (may or may not) know, the O'Hare Airport in Chicago was named after him.

Prior to this time in Chicago, there was a man named Easy Eddie. He was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the illegal things he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail.

To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well. He not only earned big money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago City block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day.

Easy Eddie had a son. He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education. And because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name but he could change it and did.

Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed. But he wanted most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good name. So he testified.

Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.

This sounds like two unrelated stories. But Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.


Never knew any of that......Butch O'Hare was the Navy's first Fighter Ace and was awarded the Medal of Honor for what he did that day in Febuary 1942 so if you are ever at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, now you know who it's named for and as Paul Harvey used to say, "Now you know the rest of the story"

[getsome]

Another incredible story of bravery under fire....This is the story of what happened the day Sgt. Paul Smith lost his life in Iraq protecting his squad from attack and whose bravery earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously.....This is the same place where we will have to spill more American blood to retake ground that was previously taken at such a high price before Ovomit decided it would look better for him to pull our troops out....

Read it if you have a minute and learn about the kind of brave men and women we are so lucky to have in our Military keeping us safe...


http://www.sptimes.com/2004/webspecials04/medalofhonor/story.shtml

[berettabone]

This is to my father, who survived Africa, Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge......................and to everyone else who has been military...........................my thanks.

[TucsonMTB]

Each year I try to observe Veteran's Day by spending as much time as practical with my fellow veterans at the Pima Pistol Club range. Tuesday is the day most of us old guys get together each week to shoot rifles anyway. There are usually both modern and ancient rifles on the line. Today was no exception.

http://viewsfromtucson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Garand-wTarget-Veterans-Day-20141.jpg

I only own one rifle, the M1 Garand pictured above with today's 100 yard target. As so often happens here in Arizona, today was a perfect shooting day, 68 degrees and sunny with almost no breeze. As usual, this old war horse made me look good. Life is good.

[b4uqzme]

Great rifle Tuscon. Happy Veteran's Day everyone.

[Bob T]

We only did our job.

Yup...

82nd Airborne '75-'79...

[DeaconKC]

Thank you to all you who served

[SlowBurn]

Let's also take a just minute to remember the heroes and heroines in our lives now gone
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