Posted on 08/27/2007 5:30:02 AM PDT by Dan Calabrese
Atlas shrugged three years ago when one of the greatest tragedies in modern American military history struck: Pat Tillman, football-player-turned-Army Ranger, died in Afghanistan from friendly fire. Pat Tillman is often called a hero.
The term "hero" has been cheapened and overused, although few can actually define it. American Heritage Dictionary defines "hero" as a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life. This fits all our service men and women, although it seems that some people are more heroic than others.
(Excerpt) Read more at northstarwriters.com ...
An excuse to bash the war.
Pat Tillman wasn’t “more” of a hero, but he was as much of a hero as everone else who answered the call to serve. That he left a lucrative career may make him a bit exemplary and he is entitled to be noted for that. And, being well known, he probably set an example for many other potential recruits and deserves credit for that too.
Most right thinking people have acknowledged our military heroes since day one. This author is revealing her shallow social roots.
Ms. Bill will never be mistaken for a Hero, although certain other terms come to mind.
No hyperbole there, eh?
Nothing to add to that - well-said.
“Pat Tillman is often called a hero.”
Personally, I don’t think this is the right term. He was a fine soldier, but he didn’t display conspicuous gallantry as far as I can tell. By most folks standards, every military person is a hero, but the military has higher standards as to how that term is used.
What he _was_, however was a true patriot and a tremendous role model. It’s too bad more of his fellow athletes didn’t make similar decisions, but that’s what made him stand out so much.
It’s too bad that the word “patriot” has gone so far out of fashion...we sure need more of ‘em.
This is SPAM. Dan Calabrese posts his junk and never returns to respond.
I think I remember hearing that Tillman qualified for a Silver Star for actions occuring before the date of his death, and that there was some “confusion” about the Silver Star being for the night he was killed.
A. Here I am.
B. Why do I need to respond?
C. Why are the columns I post junk?
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My emphasis added.
“I think I remember hearing that Tillman qualified for a Silver Star for actions occuring before the date of his death, and that there was some “confusion” about the Silver Star being for the night he was killed.”
Nope, here’s the text of the citation:
“For gallantry in action against an armed enemy, while serving as a Ranger Rifle team Leader during operation Enduring Freedom on 22 April 2004. Caught between the crossfire of an enemy near ambush, Corporal Tillman put himself in the line of devastating enemy fire as he maneuvered his fire team to a covered position from which they could effectively employ their weapons on known enemy positions. His audacious leadership and courageous example under fire inspired his men to fight at great risk to their own personal safety, resulting in the enemy’s withdrawal, his platoon’s safe passage from the ambush kill zone, and his mortal wound. Corporal Tillman’s personal courage, tactical expertise, and professional competence directly contributed to his platoon’s overall success and survival. In making the ultimate sacrifice for his team and platoon, Corporal Patrick D. Tillman reflected great credit upon himself, the Joint Task Force, and the United States Army.”
A very sad episode.
I believe that almost everyone who serves our country is a hero (notable exceptions are Scott Beauchamp and John Kerry) but that some have the opportunity to be act more heroic than others. My dad joined the Navy when he 17 and the war against Japan ended a day or two before he reached Guam, but he completely expected to be sent to Japan for a fall invasion. The Japanese hiding out on Guam took potshots at the American base and blew up an ammo depot, but not too many Americans lost their lives. I consider dad every bit of a hero.
Here, you can respond to this. Why would you think that any of us want to hear this Lib writer spout her mistaken views on this particular topic?
My husband is over there, I live surrounded by Marines who have been over there many, many times. They have been wounded, they have been shot at while rescuing others, Iraqi or American, and they have been treated like crap by writers like this, and they are, in my eyes, heroes. They signed on to do a job, and they do it. Now your little girl writer here nullifies what they do by adding her opinion that they are doing it for nothing but mistaken policy. I’m not inerested in what she thinks, and you posted this article under the pretense that it is conservative journalism and is some sort of article defining heroes, when all it really is is another liberal writer’s attempt to push their own opinion as fact. That is why this column you posted is JUNK!!!!
Sing it, sister! Just beautiful, I hope Lucia herself sees your comments!
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