36 Comments
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Michael Vallance's avatar

The Greatest Generation. Sorts out the Nazis in the Ardennes forest , the ChiComms in Korea and then spends his post war life going to church and handing out donuts. God bless him.

M. Thompson's avatar

Not just a battlefield hero. He kept leading the rest of his life.

That is the mark of an excellent man.

TrustbutVerify's avatar

Bravo Zulu...guy looks like a REAL Captain America physically and certainly filled the part through his deeds on and off the battlefield.

Jack Zollinger's avatar

R.I.P. Lt. Gwynn.

Doc Krin's avatar

May his Memory be eternal!

Aviation Sceptic's avatar

CDR Sal, thank you for bringing this man's life to our attention. Some people live a long life (he certainly did!). Some people exhibit bravery under fire...and win the lottery of random chance on the battlefield and survive (wounded 24 times!) Not only did he serve in battle but served his community physically and spiritually. Apparently, he was physically gifted. I'd have to say he used those gifts to the fullest in "full spectrum service".

Derek Simmons's avatar

Too few search—but finding and pursuing a purpose in life is what gives our time on earth meaning. His obituary was was sketch art of the meaning of life. Thanks for sharing

Chris's avatar

That man belongs to the Volunteer State, Tullahoma is in Tennessee!

CDR Salamander's avatar

Oops. Mefixie

Patrol Agent's avatar

May he RIP our brother in arms.

Stephen Bloom's avatar

A valorous life well lived. R.I.P.

Nigel Sutton's avatar

Full Bore all the way. Hand Salute..............Two.

The Drill SGT's avatar

Cdr, you used the Obit, written by a LOL. The local paper had a better version. in part:

Mr. Gwynn was a prisoner of war two separate times, and escaped captivity both times. Because of his bravery, he earned numerous awards, including 12 Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Bronze Star, the Combat Badge, the Prisoner of War Medal and the Distinguished Service Cross.

1. 12 PH

2. DSC!

Steel City's avatar

12 PH!!! Unimaginable. Full bore 100%.

Sicinnus's avatar

Excellent FBF CDR! For those who haven't seen it, Operation Song featured him two years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvNeMaI1SZY

... and if you want to hear the full Jason Sever song that his visit with Mr. Gwynn inspired:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV6irkiaDWo

Seawriter's avatar

If he received a purple heart for each of his war wounds, you would not have been able to see the ribbon for all the clusters - four silver and three bronze.

Do you stay near that guy during combat figuring if he survives you'll survive or do you stay as far away as you can figuring you will never be as lucky as he is?

Dan Poore's avatar

On the one hand, the 10th Murphy's Law of Combat says "Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than yourself."

On the other hand, #23 says "Teamwork is essential; it gives the enemy other people to shoot at."

(The numbering from here: https://www.military-quotes.com/murphy.htm )

Peter  Bishop's avatar

Well done thou good and faithful servant...