Posted on 03/22/2007 5:45:06 AM PDT by RDTF
A U.S. Marine helicopter pilot who helped save a British marine’s life in Iraq was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross on Wednesday, the first time an American has received the honor since World War II.
In a Buckingham Palace ceremony in London, Queen Elizabeth II pinned the medal on U.S. Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr. He has served as the weapons and tactics instructor with the British 847 Naval Air Squadron since 2005 as part of an exchange program between the two countries.
His actions during a deployment last year to the British area of operations in Iraq, centered in the southern city of Basra, were cited in receiving the prestigious award, roughly the equivalent of the American Silver Star.
The mission started late on the night of June 10, 2006, as Chesarek and his crew were preparing to support about 100 British marines from the 20 Armoured Brigade as they looked for an insurgent weapons cache in the city of Amarah.
He was piloting a Lynx AH47 helicopter, which usually supported each battle group of a few hundred British troops.
(Excerpt) Read more at stripesonline.com ...
ping
God bless both of them...
"“I had been through some scenarios which age you significantly,” he said. “You’re that much more prepared for it when it happens again, and you’re grateful when it misses you. I remember looking behind me in the face of my door gunner and laughing briefly at the expression on his face just after that(RPG) barely missed.”"
The "crapped in my pants" look is priceless.
Nice story. Thanks for posting it. Congratulations to Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr.
Thanks Queen! And Semper Fi!
AWESOME!!
U.S. Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr. is a true American hero. Wonder why this wasn't a lead story on the news last night? /sarcasm
Pinging a few friends.
Well said.
Equally, i hope the good Major did not bow or salute her. The thought of an American, a soldier of our brave Republic no less, paying homage to the english monarchy is enough to make our founding fathers spin in their graves.
Well! That will certainly impress the board members at the next promotion selection board.
I'm not that familar with British military awards, but I believe that it's the 4th or 5th highest award they bestow.
I disagree. I personally think it's a matter of civility and respect to bow. It implies no servitude, simply courtesy, and we Americans may end up being the last holdouts of western civilization so we should view it as our obligation to be polite and courteous whenever possible.The queen's government may throw an occasional tantrum, but to my knowledge the queen has never expressed anything but affection for the US, and it would be inappropriate to be rude because her ministers are acting like children.
BTTT
Congrats! U.S. Marine Maj. William D. Chesarek Jr.
"Equally, i hope the good Major did not bow or salute her. The thought of an American, a soldier of our brave Republic no less, paying homage to the english monarchy is enough to make our founding fathers spin in their graves."
Her Majesty is Commander in Chief of the British Armed Forces. She also holds the ranks of Admiral of the Fleet (Royal Navy), Field Marshal (Army), and Marshal of the Royal Air Force. A salute is not only appropriate, it is required u nder military courtesy.
Congratulations to the Major on his award.
Another American patriot recognized for bravery.
Wow, he's been hitting the weights.
It was the last item on ABC. Should have been the first. He needs recognition and not just a "mention."
Still...one small step for America...
He had to bow to her, if not for any other reason than respect for her office. I would have thought less of him if he hadn't bowed.
And he COULDN'T salute because he was "uncovered."
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