I hope your two posts will inspire FReepers to overwhelm the server with patriotic and uplifting Memorial and D-Day tributes. Our country could use a double dose of inspiration’
thank you.
I recently learned of two Keith Richardsons (Both from SE rural Nebraska) who died in the Pacific theater just months apart. Keith #1, Sgt, USA, in the campaign to retake Palau, Keith #2 Cpl, USMC on Okinawa.
Keith #2 was awarded the Navy Cross for grabbing a machine gun, charging some Japanese stronghold, turning the tide of that part of the battle and saving the rest of his fellow Marines’ lives. As it turns out, he is a 2nd or 3rd cousin (never could figure how to count cousin-ness with all the ‘removed’ stuff).
My Uncle Mike was also on Okinawa, got seriously wounded but lived a complete life, with shrapnel still in his body, to a ripe old age. They were a couple of years apart in age and likely went to the same high school. They wound up on the same battlefield on the other side of the world. I often wonder if Keith’s sacrifice helped spare Uncle Mike’s life.
Reading Keith #2’s Navy Cross citation fills me with an awesome pride for having such a warrior for a cousin. I can only assume that the Marines had used up their allotment of Medals of Honor the day Keith died, because his gallantry filled in all the check marks for that recognition in my opinion.