Posted on 01/19/2007 9:48:32 AM PST by RDTF
Naval Academy Midshipman Roarke Baldwin had gone to an Annapolis mall to catch the latest James Bond flick when he found himself in what could have been a scene from an action movie with rapid gunfire, fleeing bystanders and screaming parents herding their children to safety.
Instantly, Baldwin made a decision: He ran toward the gunfire, past the fleeing bystanders and, most significantly, to the aid of a man shopping with his family.
As it turned out, the man -- more Jack Bauer than Bond -- was a federal agent, who, like the hero of the TV show "24," took matters into his own hands, engaging in a gun battle and interceding in a fight between two groups of young men in the mall's food court. When the Secret Service agent went down after being shot in the leg, Baldwin rushed to help.
"I'm not sure I would have done the same thing if it had happened again," said Baldwin, a 19-year-old first-year midshipman from Florence, Mont.
For his actions Nov. 18, which included administering first aid to the agent at Westfield Shoppingtown Annapolis, Baldwin was awarded yesterday with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, which is given to "junior officers and enlisted personnel who distinguish themselves by outstanding professional achievement or leadership," according to the academy.
Baldwin attributed his actions to "years of Scouting" -- and to his parents. "They're both registered nurses," he said.
Baldwin also said he was following the effective leadership principles he has been taught at the Naval Academy -- namely to always put others before yourself. "People needed help," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
ping
I am so damn Proud of our folks in uniform!
And to think, these are the people being lambasted worldwide as evildoers. HA!
Our best and brightest! I do hope he can run a mile and a half in under 10 minutes and 30 seconds, though!
BTTT
Could you please add a dash or something to separate the title properly? Thanks!
It is point of immense pride and humble awe to see the amazing young men and women who walk those hallowed halls and somehow call myself an alumnus.
The history of Annapolis and our graduates could scarecly be conceived in a novel, yet the tradition continues. I am convinced yet again that the future is brighter than we are led to believe.
BZ
Good post...just a couple of questions:
Who is the unsat. looking officer doing the pinning? Is that a woman?
GO NAVY!
Good job plebe!
Duty to God and County, Duty to Others, and Duty to Self. These are not San Francisco values.
I think that is a 7 minute mile pace.
He looks like he's in top condition and at 19, I bet he could make his time with no problem... I, on the other hand would probably have a heart attack trying to make that time! 12 minutes I could do, but not under 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
Times have changed! A plebe at a shopping mall in November?? Was he in uniform or civies?
Good job. Looks like he missed his movie, though...
Great post!
On my honor,
I will do my best,
to do my duty,
to God and my country,
to obey the Scout Law,
to help other people at all times,
and to keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake,
and morally straight.
A Scout is:
Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind
Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean and
Reverent
LOL! I wouldn't worry about it - 19 years old and about 4% body fat. I hate him.
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