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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Ed "Too Tall Freeman ~ November 3, 2014
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC
Posted on 11/02/2014 5:05:35 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska
Our Troops Rock! Thank you for all you do! |
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For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces. |
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~ Hall of Heroes ~ Ed W. Freeman Info from this website. |
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Ed W. "Too Tall" Freeman (November 20, 1927 - August 20, 2008) was a United States Army fixed and rotary wing aircraft pilot who received the Medal of Honor on July 16, 2001 for his actions in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965. As a helicopter pilot, he flew through gunfire more than 20 times during a single, ferocious battle, bringing supplies to a trapped battalion of United States soldiers and flying more than 70 wounded soldiers to safety. Freeman flew wingman for Major Bruce Crandall who also received the Medal of Honor for the same missions. He is also honored in the film "We Were Soldiers" and is played by Mark McCracken. Freeman died August 20, 2008 due to complications from parkinsons disease. |
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
- Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
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Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families. This is a politics-free zone! Thanks for helping us in our mission! |
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
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To: Kathy in Alaska
"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
2
posted on
11/02/2014 5:06:05 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Freedos Heroes are never too tall.
3
posted on
11/02/2014 5:10:32 PM PST
by
SandRat
(<Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: ConorMacNessa; The Mayor; SandRat; BIGLOOK; mountainlion; HiJinx; Publius; Jet Jaguar; TMSuchman; ..
4
posted on
11/02/2014 5:22:53 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list
Does God Care? November 3, 2014
Read: Psalm 30
Minnie and George Lacy were faced with some questions: Is Jesus enough? Is our relationship with Christ sufficient to sustain us? Will He be enough to help us want to go on living? Does He care?
While serving as missionaries in 1904, the Lacys youngest daughter fell ill. Then in rapid succession, all five of their children died from scarlet fever, none living to see the new year. In letters to the mission board George Lacy wrote about their deep loneliness and grief: Sometimes it seems more than we can bear. But then he added, The Lord is with us and is wonderfully helping us. In this, their darkest time, they found that Jesus was near and He was enough.
Many of us will face moments when we will wonder if we can go on. If our health fails, if our job disappears, if we lose those closest to us, will we find our relationship with the Lord real enough to keep us pressing forward?
The psalmist reminds us of Gods presence and faithfulness (Ps. 30). When he was deeply depressed, he cried out, Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! (v.10). God gave Him healing and comfort (vv.2-3).
As believers in Jesus, we will never lack what we need to persevere. The Lord will always be near.
Though tempted and sadly discouraged,
My soul to this refuge will flee
And rest in the blessed assurance,
My grace is sufficient for thee. Anon.
Faith in an all-sufficient Christ enables us to press on.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5). David was no stranger to sadness and grief. In these two poignant lines of Scripture we see how anguish can disturb sleep and seem to last throughout the night. But there is always the assurance that each new day brings the hope of Gods providential deliverance and help. This realization can bring joy even to those who grieve.
5
posted on
11/02/2014 5:22:57 PM PST
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: Kathy in Alaska
we are told that there will be a time when they will make war no more.
6
posted on
11/02/2014 5:23:47 PM PST
by
mountainlion
(Live well for those that did not make it back.)
To: Kathy in Alaska
7
posted on
11/02/2014 5:25:42 PM PST
by
SkyDancer
(I Was Told Nobody Is Perfect But Yet, Here I Am)
To: ConorMacNessa
Permission Granted!
8
posted on
11/02/2014 5:25:52 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Salute to you Capt. "Too Tall"! Job well done!
I would have been in awe if I ever had the chance to meet you.
Hi Ma, just loved the movie "We were Soldiers Once", great wartime portrayal of the 1st Cavalry Division Air Cav which I was blessed enough to be a part of; what a growing up experience that was!
Getting moved in, still a lot of unpacked boxes, I'll get there.
Thanks for tonight's Canteen!
9
posted on
11/02/2014 5:28:28 PM PST
by
PROCON
(Ask Yourself This..Are You More Likely to be Infected or Beheaded Today Than You Were 6 Years Ago?)
To: Kathy in Alaska; ALOHA RONNIE
He sure is standing tall in that last photo! Rest In Peace, brave warrior, and Bless you for your service.
10
posted on
11/02/2014 5:28:52 PM PST
by
NonValueAdded
(Pointing out dereliction of duty is NOT fear mongering, especially in a panDEMic)
To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
Good evening, Kathy and Star!
***HUGS***
Thanks very much coming aboard! Rendering Hand Salutes to our National Colors and to the Officer of the Deck!
And thanks very much to you and Star for tonights Hall of Heroes thread! Capt. Ed W. Freeman, USA (MOH). a Hero of Ia Drang, is most worthy of entry into our Hall of Heroes!
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
11
posted on
11/02/2014 5:39:15 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: SandRat
Good evening, Sand...((HUGS))...for sure, heroes are never too tall.
Are you still on the road visiting all the grands?
12
posted on
11/02/2014 5:49:55 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...
Welcome To All Who Enter This Canteen, To Our Serving Military, To Our Veterans, To All Military Families, To Our FRiends and To Our Allies!
Missing Man Setting
"The Empty Chair"
By Captain Carroll "Lex" Lefon, USN (RET), on December 21st, 2004
"In the wardroom onboard the aircraft carrier from which I recently debarked was a small, round table, with single chair. No one ever sat there, and the reasons, both for the table being there, and for the fact that the chair was always empty, will tell the reader a little bit about who we are as a culture. The wardroom, of course, is where the officers will dine; morning, noon and evening. It is not only a place to eat it is also a kind of oasis from the sometimes dreary, often difficult exigencies of the service. A place of social discourse, of momentary relief from the burdens of the day. The only things explicitly forbidden by inviolable tradition in the wardroom are the wearing of a cover or sword by an officer not actually on watch, or conversation which touches upon politics or religion. But aboard ships which observe the custom, another implicit taboo concerns the empty chair: No matter how crowded the room, no matter who is waiting to be seated, that chair is never moved, never taken.
The table is by the main entrance to the wardroom. You will see it when you enter, and you will see it when you leave. It draws your eyes because it is meant to. And because it draws your eyes it draws your thoughts. And though it will be there every day for as long as you are at sea, you will look at it every time and your eyes will momentarily grow distant as you think for a moment. As you quietly give thanks.
AS YOU REMEMBER.
The small, round table is covered with a gold linen tablecloth. A single place setting rests there, of fine bone china. A wineglass stands upon the table, inverted, empty. On the dinner plate is a pinch of salt. On the bread plate is a slice of lemon. Besides the plate lies a bible. There is a small vase with a single red rose upon the table. Around the vase is wound a yellow ribbon. There is the empty chair.
We will remember because over the course of our careers, we will have had the opportunity to enjoy many a formal evening of dinner and dancing in the fine company of those with whom we have the honor to serve, and their lovely ladies. And as the night wears on, our faces will in time become flushed with pleasure of each others company, with the exertions on the dance floor, with the effects of our libations. But while the feast is still at its best, order will be called to the room we will be asked to raise our glasses to the empty table, and we will be asked to remember:
The table is round to show our everlasting concern for those who are missing. The single setting reminds us that every one of them went to their fates alone, that every life was unique.
The tablecloth is gold symbolizing the purity of their motives when they answered the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones who kept the faith.
The yellow ribbon around the vase symbolizes our continued determination to remember them.
The slice of lemon reminds us of the bitterness of their fate. The salt symbolizes the tears shed by those who loved them. The bible represents the faith that sustained them. The glass is inverted they cannot share in the toast. The chair is empty they are not here. They are missing.
And we will remember, and we will raise our glasses to those who went before us, and who gave all that they had for us. And a part of the flush in our faces will pale as we remember that nothing worth having ever came without a cost. We will remember that many of our brothers and sisters have paid that cost in blood. We will remember that the reckoning is not over.
We many of us will settle with our families into our holiday season, our Christmas season for those who celebrate it, content in our fortune and prosperity. We will meet old friends with smiles and laughter. We will meet our members of our family with hugs. We will eat well, and exchange gifts and raise our glasses to the year passed in gratitude, and to the year to come with hope. We will sleep the sleep of the protected, secure in our homes, secure in our homeland.
But for many families, there will be an empty chair at the table this year. A place that is not filled.
WE SHOULD REMEMBER."
Many Thanks To Alfa6 For Finding Capt. Lefon's Chronicle Of "The Empty Chair."
"Träumerei" Robert Schumann (Click)
Never Forget The Brave Men And Women Who Gave Their Lives To Secure Our Freedom!!
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
13
posted on
11/02/2014 5:50:45 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Another fine man who went through Ft. Rucker.
14
posted on
11/02/2014 5:53:12 PM PST
by
yarddog
(G)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Evening, Kathy. How’s Alaska?
15
posted on
11/02/2014 5:56:08 PM PST
by
MoochPooch
(I'm a compassionate cynic.)
To: StarCMC; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; 1stbn27; 2111USMC; 2LT Radix jr; ...
Please note: The author of the Hall of Heroes is StarCMC. Please thank StarCMC for todays thread.
~ Hall of Heroes: Ed "Too Tall" Freeman ~
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16
posted on
11/02/2014 6:02:03 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: The Mayor
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
17
posted on
11/02/2014 6:12:26 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: mountainlion
we are told that there will be a time when they will make war no more.Good evening, mountainlion....unfortunately there will always be those that want that which is not theirs. And those that want to rule the world....
18
posted on
11/02/2014 6:21:12 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: ConorMacNessa
In first....Mac grabs the gold!!
19
posted on
11/02/2014 6:25:51 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(((~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Hi Everybody!
For some reason, setting the clocks back has really upset my inner timing...I am going to retire early tonight, hopefully I will be straightened out by tomorrow!
(((((GOOD NITE HUGS))))))
20
posted on
11/02/2014 6:30:24 PM PST
by
left that other site
(You shall know the Truth, and The Truth Shall Set You Free.)
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