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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Ola L Mize ~ March 17, 2014
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC
Posted on 03/16/2014 4:59:29 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
Our Troops Rock! Thank you for all you do! |
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday... Thank the Veterans who served in The United States Armed Forces. |
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Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States Armed Forces Today! |
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~ Hall of Heroes ~
Ola L. Mize Info from here.
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Ola Lee Mize (August 28, 1931 March 12, 2014) was a United States Army officer and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Korean War. Mize was born in Marshall County, Alabama, the son of a sharecropper. He left school after 9th grade to help support his family. After several years of working for low pay, he attempted to enlist in the Army but was rejected for being too light, at 120 pounds (54 kg). He tried repeatedly to enlist and was eventually accepted, joining the Army from Gadsden, Alabama.
Assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Mize planned to finish his term of service and return to school. When the Korean War began, he changed his plans and reenlisted in hopes of seeing combat. He volunteered for a front-line unit and ended up as a sergeant in Company K of the 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On June 10, 1953, his unit was manning Outpost Harry near Surang-ni, Korea, when the post came under heavy enemy attack. Mize organized defensive positions, rescued wounded soldiers, and engaged the enemy until reinforcements arrived about noon the next day He was subsequently promoted to master sergeant and, on September 24, 1954, awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Outpost Harry.
Mize later joined the Special Forces where he gained a commission and served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War. In 1965, he was assigned to the Special Forces Training Group, where he was the Advanced Training Committee chief for SCUBA, HALO, and the SKY HOOK schools. Colonel Mize is credited for being the officer responsible for starting the present day Combat Divers Qualification Course in Key West, FL. From 1966 to 1967, he was again assigned to Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group where he was an Operational A, B, and C Detachment Commander and once more in 1969, where he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group as the Commander of the 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command (Cambodian Troops). During his tour while commander of B-36 3rd Mobile Strike Force he was awarded the Silver Star for Valor in 1969. He retired in 1981 as a colonel His Medal of Honor is on display at the Guntersville Museum in Guntersville, Alabama. A section of Steel Station Road in Gadsden, Alabama is named Col. Ola Lee Mize Medal of Honor Highway in his honor.
Mize died of cancer on March 12, 2014 at Gadsden, Alabama, aged 82. |
Rank and organization: Master Sergeant (then Sgt.), U.S. Army, Company K, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Surang-ni, Korea, 10 to 11 June 1953.
Entered service at: Gadsden, Ala. Born: 28 August 1931, Marshall County, Ala.
G.O. No.: 70, 24 September 1954.
Citation:
M/Sgt. Mize, a member of Company K, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Company K was committed to the defense of "Outpost Harry", a strategically valuable position, when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Learning that a comrade on a friendly listening post had been wounded he moved through the intense barrage, accompanied by a medical aid man, and rescued the wounded soldier. On returning to the main position he established an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties against attacks from determined enemy assault forces which had penetrated into trenches within the outpost area. During his fearless actions he was blown down by artillery and grenade blasts 3 times but each time he dauntlessly returned to his position, tenaciously fighting and successfully repelling hostile attacks. When enemy onslaughts ceased he took his few men and moved from bunker to bunker, firing through apertures and throwing grenades at the foe, neutralizing their positions. When an enemy soldier stepped out behind a comrade, prepared to fire, M/Sgt. Mize killed him, saving the life of his fellow soldier. After rejoining the platoon, moving from man to man, distributing ammunition, and shouting words of encouragement he observed a friendly machine gun position overrun. He immediately fought his way to the position, killing 10 of the enemy and dispersing the remainder. Fighting back to the command post, and finding several friendly wounded there, he took a position to protect them. Later, securing a radio, he directed friendly artillery fire upon the attacking enemy's routes of approach. At dawn he helped regroup for a counterattack which successfully drove the enemy from the outpost. M/Sgt. Mize's valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and uphold the noble traditions of the military service. |
Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families. This is a politics-free zone! Thanks for helping us in our mission! |
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
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To: Kathy in Alaska
"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
2
posted on
03/16/2014 4:59:47 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list
Perspective From The Clouds
March 17, 2014
Read: Job 3:3-5; 42:5-6
In 1927 the silent film Wings, a World War I film about two American aviators, won the first Academy Award for Best Picture. When it was being filmed, production stopped for several days. Frustrated producers asked the director why. He responded: All we have is blue sky. The conflict in the air will not be as visible without clouds. Clouds bring perspective. He was right. Only by seeing aerial combat with clouds as a backdrop could the viewer see what was really going on.
We often wish for blue skies instead of storm clouds. But cloudy skies may reveal Gods faithfulness. We gain perspective on how God has been faithful in our trials as we look back on the clouds.
At the beginning of his terrible suffering, Job lamented: May the day perish on which I was born . . . . May a cloud settle on it (Job 3:3-5). His experience of despair continued for a long time until God spoke. Then Job exclaimed, I have heard of You . . . but now my eye sees You (42:5). Job had encountered the sovereign Creator, and that changed his perspective on Gods purposes.
Do clouds of trouble fill your skies today? Sooner than you think, God may use these clouds to help you gain perspective on His faithfulness.
God, give us wings to rise above
The clouds of trial that block the sun,
To soar above gray skies and see
The love and goodness of Your Son. Sper
Often the clouds of sorrow reveal the sunshine of His face. Jasper
3
posted on
03/16/2014 5:00:23 PM PDT
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: Kathy in Alaska
4
posted on
03/16/2014 5:03:25 PM PDT
by
Army Air Corps
(Four Fried Chickens and a Coke)
To: The Mayor; ConorMacNessa; SandRat; BIGLOOK; mountainlion; HiJinx; Publius; laplata; Jet Jaguar; ...
5
posted on
03/16/2014 5:04:33 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: ConorMacNessa
Permission Granted!
6
posted on
03/16/2014 5:05:29 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska; StarCMC
Good evening, Kathy and Star!
***HUGS***
Thanks very much coming aboard! Rendering Hand Salutes to our National Colors and to the Officer of the Deck!
And thanks very much to you and Star for tonights Hall of Heroes thread! Col. Ola L. Mize, USA (MOH) is most worthy of entry into our Hall of Heroes!
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
7
posted on
03/16/2014 5:09:45 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: All
8
posted on
03/16/2014 5:13:11 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Will bbl - making soda bread for tomorrow.
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America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi! |
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O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
9
posted on
03/16/2014 5:13:38 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: All
10
posted on
03/16/2014 5:15:33 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: ConorMacNessa
In first....Mac grabs the gold!!
11
posted on
03/16/2014 5:18:32 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: The Mayor
And a close second....The Mayor snags the silver!!
12
posted on
03/16/2014 5:22:50 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
13
posted on
03/16/2014 5:22:58 PM PDT
by
SandRat
(Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
To: The Mayor
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Did you manage a day without snow?
We’ve had a little more....up to about 18” now.
14
posted on
03/16/2014 5:33:04 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Yes, no more snow but cold. 14 degrees right now.
A warmup coming, into 40’s later this week.
15
posted on
03/16/2014 5:48:34 PM PDT
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: Army Air Corps
And rounding out the top three....AAC bags the bronze!!
16
posted on
03/16/2014 5:48:38 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
German POWs West bound over the Rhine. 1945.
17
posted on
03/16/2014 5:55:41 PM PDT
by
yarddog
(Romans 8: verses 38 and 39. "For I am persuaded".)
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...
PM/1 Francis Pierce, Jr., USN (MOH, NC, SS, PH) 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division
From Today in U.S. Military History:
15-16 March 1945 Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, Japan
Citation:" For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while attached to the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division, during the Iwo Jima campaign, 15 and 16 March 1945. Almost continuously under fire while carrying out the most dangerous volunteer assignments, Pierce gained valuable knowledge of the terrain and disposition of troops. Caught in heavy enemy rifle and machinegun fire which wounded a corpsman and 2 of the 8 stretcher bearers who were carrying 2 wounded marines to a forward aid station on 15 March, Pierce quickly took charge of the party, carried the newly wounded men to a sheltered position, and rendered first aid. After directing the evacuation of 3 of the casualties, he stood in the open to draw the enemys fire and, with his weapon blasting, enabled the litter bearers to reach cover. Turning his attention to the other 2 casualties he was attempting to stop the profuse bleeding of 1 man when a Japanese fired from a cave less than 20 yards away and wounded his patient again. Risking his own life to save his patient, Pierce deliberately exposed himself to draw the attacker from the cave and destroyed him with the last of his ammunition Then lifting the wounded man to his back, he advanced unarmed through deadly rifle fire across 200 feet of open terrain. Despite exhaustion and in the face of warnings against such a suicidal mission, he again traversed the same fire-swept path to rescue the remaining marine. On the following morning, he led a combat patrol to the sniper nest and, while aiding a stricken marine, was seriously wounded. Refusing aid for himself, he directed treatment for the casualty, at the same time maintaining protective fire for his comrades. Completely fearless, completely devoted to the care of his patients, Pierce inspired the entire battalion. His valor in the face of extreme peril sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.." |
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
18
posted on
03/16/2014 6:02:25 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...
SP/4 (later LTC) Alfred V. Rascon, USA (MOH) Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) Republic of Vietnam
From Today in U.S. Military History:
Citation: "Specialist Four Alfred Rascon, distinguished himself by a series of extraordinarily courageous acts on 16 March 1966, while assigned as a medic to the Reconnaissance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). While moving to reinforce its sister battalion under intense enemy attack, the Reconnaissance Platoon came under heavy fire from a numerically superior enemy force. The intense enemy fire from crew-served weapons and grenades severely wounded several point squad soldiers. Specialist Rascon, ignoring directions to stay behind shelter until covering fire could be provided, made his way forward. He repeatedly tried to reach the severely wounded point machine-gunner laying on an open enemy trail, but was driven back each time by the withering fire. Disregarding his personal safety, he jumped to his feet, ignoring flying bullets and exploding grenades to reach his comrade. To protect him from further wounds, he intentionally placed his body between the soldier and enemy machine guns, sustaining numerous shrapnel injuries and a serious wound to the hip. Disregarding his serious wounds he dragged the larger soldier from the fire-raked trail. Hearing the second machine-gunner yell that he was running out of ammunition, Specialist Rascon, under heavy enemy fire crawled back to the wounded machine-gunner stripping him of his bandoleers of ammunition, giving them to the machine-gunner who continued his suppressive fire. Specialist Rascon fearing the abandoned machine gun, its ammunition and spare barrel could fall into enemy hands made his way to retrieve them. On the way, he was wounded in the face and torso by grenade fragments, but disregarded these wounds to recover the abandoned machine gun, ammunition and spare barrel items, enabling another soldier to provide added suppressive fire to the pinned-down squad. In searching for the wounded, he saw the point grenadier being wounded by small arms fire and grenades being thrown at him. Disregarding his own life and his numerous wounds, Specialist Rascon reached and covered him with his body absorbing the blasts from the exploding grenades, and saving the soldiers life, but sustaining additional wounds to his body. While making his way to the wounded point squad leader, grenades were hurled at the sergeant. Again, in complete disregard for his own life, he reached and covered the sergeant with his body, absorbing the full force of the grenade explosions. Once more Specialist Rascon was critically wounded by shrapnel, but disregarded his own wounds to continue to search and aid the wounded. Severely wounded, he remained on the battlefield, inspiring his fellow soldiers to continue the battle. After the enemy broke contact, he disregarded aid for himself, instead treating the wounded and directing their evacuation. Only after being placed on the evacuation helicopter did he allow aid to be given to him. Specialist Rascons extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire, his heroism in rescuing the wounded, and his gallantry by repeatedly risking his own life for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army." |
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
19
posted on
03/16/2014 6:04:48 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...
Welcome To All Who Enter This Canteen, To Our Serving Military, To Our Veterans, To All Military Families, To Our FRiends and To Our Allies!
Missing Man Setting
"The Empty Chair"
By Captain Carroll "Lex" Lefon, USN (RET), on December 21st, 2004
"In the wardroom onboard the aircraft carrier from which I recently debarked was a small, round table, with single chair. No one ever sat there, and the reasons, both for the table being there, and for the fact that the chair was always empty, will tell the reader a little bit about who we are as a culture. The wardroom, of course, is where the officers will dine; morning, noon and evening. It is not only a place to eat it is also a kind of oasis from the sometimes dreary, often difficult exigencies of the service. A place of social discourse, of momentary relief from the burdens of the day. The only things explicitly forbidden by inviolable tradition in the wardroom are the wearing of a cover or sword by an officer not actually on watch, or conversation which touches upon politics or religion. But aboard ships which observe the custom, another implicit taboo concerns the empty chair: No matter how crowded the room, no matter who is waiting to be seated, that chair is never moved, never taken.
The table is by the main entrance to the wardroom. You will see it when you enter, and you will see it when you leave. It draws your eyes because it is meant to. And because it draws your eyes it draws your thoughts. And though it will be there every day for as long as you are at sea, you will look at it every time and your eyes will momentarily grow distant as you think for a moment. As you quietly give thanks.
AS YOU REMEMBER.
The small, round table is covered with a gold linen tablecloth. A single place setting rests there, of fine bone china. A wineglass stands upon the table, inverted, empty. On the dinner plate is a pinch of salt. On the bread plate is a slice of lemon. Besides the plate lies a bible. There is a small vase with a single red rose upon the table. Around the vase is wound a yellow ribbon. There is the empty chair.
We will remember because over the course of our careers, we will have had the opportunity to enjoy many a formal evening of dinner and dancing in the fine company of those with whom we have the honor to serve, and their lovely ladies. And as the night wears on, our faces will in time become flushed with pleasure of each others company, with the exertions on the dance floor, with the effects of our libations. But while the feast is still at its best, order will be called to the room we will be asked to raise our glasses to the empty table, and we will be asked to remember:
The table is round to show our everlasting concern for those who are missing. The single setting reminds us that every one of them went to their fates alone, that every life was unique.
The tablecloth is gold symbolizing the purity of their motives when they answered the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones who kept the faith.
The yellow ribbon around the vase symbolizes our continued determination to remember them.
The slice of lemon reminds us of the bitterness of their fate. The salt symbolizes the tears shed by those who loved them. The bible represents the faith that sustained them. The glass is inverted they cannot share in the toast. The chair is empty they are not here. They are missing.
And we will remember, and we will raise our glasses to those who went before us, and who gave all that they had for us. And a part of the flush in our faces will pale as we remember that nothing worth having ever came without a cost. We will remember that many of our brothers and sisters have paid that cost in blood. We will remember that the reckoning is not over.
We many of us will settle with our families into our holiday season, our Christmas season for those who celebrate it, content in our fortune and prosperity. We will meet old friends with smiles and laughter. We will meet our members of our family with hugs. We will eat well, and exchange gifts and raise our glasses to the year passed in gratitude, and to the year to come with hope. We will sleep the sleep of the protected, secure in our homes, secure in our homeland.
But for many families, there will be an empty chair at the table this year. A place that is not filled.
WE SHOULD REMEMBER."
Many Thanks To Alfa6 For Finding Capt. Lefon's Chronicle Of "The Empty Chair."
"Träumerei" Robert Schumann (Click)
Never Forget The Brave Men And Women Who Gave Their Lives To Secure Our Freedom!!
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"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"
Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!
Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)
20
posted on
03/16/2014 6:07:30 PM PDT
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1<center> <table back969 - St. Mlichael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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