Fullbore Friday
three giants
On Thursday, we were reminded what the word exceptional actually means.
Three were awarded the Medal of Honor. I tried to find a copy of the text of their citations, but they are not posted yet that I could find.
Retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr.: Recognized for his exceptional bravery and leadership while leading a rescue mission while severely wounded during the Vietnam War.
Retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery: Awarded for his courageous actions and for defending his platoon while under heavy attack in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan.
Late Marine Corps Col. John W. Ripley (Posthumous): Honored for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War, where he exposed himself to intense fire to rig and detonate explosives that destroyed the Dong Ha Bridge and halted an enemy advance. We covered him in March, if you’d like to read more.
If you missed it, here’s the video. Any more commentary on my part would be superfluous.
Honors well overdue. We should not need 50 plus years to recognize their heroism. Get the USS Capers, Dockery, and Ripley in the fleet ASAP.
No optics, no image machine or big name brand endorsements and contracts. Just humility and modesty. These men don't indulge in self importance or self righteousness but do excel in selfless devotion to their comrades and country.
Once again, The strongest among you might not wear a crown.