I'll take a WWII Vet over a Baby Boomer anyday. Rest now, Mr. Sorenson. You've earned it.
Is this the man who is in the Swift Boat vets latest ad?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
God rest his soul. He was a true hero and an example for us all.
Semper Fi and rest in peace, Marine; you are once again in God's loving hands.
SORENSON, RICHARD KEITH Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, 4th Marine Division. Place and date: Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll Marshall Islands, 1 -2 February 1944. Entered service at: Minnesota. Born: 28 August 1924, Anoka, Minn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with an assault battalion attached to the 4th Marine Division during the battle of Namur Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, on 1-2 February 1944. Putting up a brave defense against a particularly violent counterattack by the enemy during invasion operations, Pvt. Sorenson and 5 other marines occupying a shellhole were endangered by a Japanese grenade thrown into their midst. Unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Pvt. Sorenson hurled himself upon the deadly weapon, heroically taking the full impact of the explosion. As a result of his gallant action, he was severely wounded, but the lives of his comrades were saved. His great personal valor and exceptional spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
I always thought that bit about throwing yourself on a live grenade was something from the movies not real life. It seems to me that this man's action defines "above and beyond". I remember reading that General Patton order MOH winners to be removed from combat as he considered they needed to be kept alive so they could go back home and instill their heroism in their progeny as well as inspire other Americans. God rest this heroic man.
A Marine is up for the MOH for doing this in Iraq. Sadly he also died from his wounds.
The article says that Mr. Sorenson fathered 5 children in spite of wounds to very sensitive areas. That strikes me as nothing short of miraculous, if indeed they were his birth children, as it sounds.
In any case, God blessed this good man and his wife so that we could have five more solid citizens in this county.
Thank God for Richard Sorenson and men of his quality.