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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: John P Baca ~ 06 March 2017
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| StarCMC and The Canteen Crew
Posted on 03/05/2017 5:03:51 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska
Our Troops Rock! Thank you for all you do! |
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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 ~ John P. Baca |
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John Philip Baca (born January 10, 1949) is a former United States Army soldier and a Vietnam War veteran. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration of the United States Armed Forces, for his actions in combat. |
Baca was born on January 10, 1949, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was raised in San Diego, California. Baca was a troubled boy who was often arrested and ran into trouble with the law. After he had been released from the California Youth Authority in late 1966, he tried to enlist in the United States Army, however he could not because he was still on parole. Baca was drafted into the United States Army on June 10, 1968. By February 10, 1970, he was stationed in Vietnam as a Specialist Four with Company D of the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On that day, in Phuoc Long Province, he was serving on a recoilless rifle team when the lead platoon of his company was ambushed. Baca led his team forward through intense fire to reach the besieged platoon. When a fragmentation grenade was tossed into their midst, he "unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety," covered it with his helmet and then laid his body over the helmet, smothering the blast and saving eight fellow soldiers from severe injury or death. Baca survived his wounds and was formally awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard M. Nixon on March 2, 1971. Two other soldiers in Company D, Allen J. Lynch and Rodney J. Evans, had previously earned the medal. In 1990, Baca returned to Vietnam with ten other soldiers of the Veterans Vietnam Restoration Project. The group spent eight weeks working alongside former North Vietnamese Army soldiers building a health clinic in a village north of Hanoi. Baca rarely speaks publicly about the events for which he was awarded the medal. However, he prefers to recall an event that occurred on Christmas Day, 1969. He was walking ahead of his unit, acting as "point," when he surprised a young North Vietnamese soldier sitting alone on top of an enemy bunker in the jungle. He saw that the soldier could not reach his rifle quickly and, not wanting to shoot him, yelled in Vietnamese for him to surrender. Not only was he able to take his "Christmas gift" alive and unharmed, the young man, twenty years later, was among the Vietnamese that Baca worked with building the clinic in 1990. Baca remains active in social causes, particularly related to Vietnam veterans issues and the plight of the homeless. In 2002, a park was named in his honor in Huntington Beach, California. At the park's dedication on April 27, John read the following poem he penned for the occasion:
It's a playground for the young, a walk for the dog, These grounds will be blessed by the rain and the sun, free from the smog. A refuge for the birds vacationing south, "Let's visit Baca's Park." Soon it won't be long for all to enjoy their song! My buddies and friends have joined me for this delight. Some unknown evenings I may be sitting upon my bench enjoying the quiet of the night. What is a park? A site of beauty, a place to rest. A place to stay, leave one's worries, also leave behind their stress of the day. A solitude visitor can be still, enjoy the quiet of their thought. One can hear the voices in the breeze, trees are clapping their hands, with the movement of the leaves. All humanity can find a space. All are welcomed to a safe, you might say sacred place. These grounds will be a witness for families, lovers and friends who picnic, play, hold hands and maybe embrace. It will be filled with harmony and song and the smile of God's grace. One last thing before I depart and be on my way, I sat on the bench and a swing in the park that was dedicated in my honor and in my name on this beautiful day.
John Philip Baca |
Baca's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless rifle team during a night ambush mission. A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

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Please remember, the Canteen is family friendly and we exist to support and honor our troops and their families, as well as our Allies Troops and theirs. Thank you to every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine and Coast Guardsman out there for doing what you do to keep us safe. We are ever in your debt. And thank you, too, to the families and friends who support them. God bless our troops. |
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
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To: Soaring Feather
Hey there Feathers!
Yep, it is right nippy up in your neck o’ the woods. There was ice forming on the pond again when I looked.
Those poor robins. I didn’t realize they’d already arrived up there. They’ve been here a little while but we’ve been fairly warm most of the time so they’ve been able to get a little something to eat. I hope it warms up up there SOON so your robins don’t starve.
21
posted on
03/05/2017 7:35:38 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
Howdy, radu! Good to see you!
Hope you had a bit of warmer weather today! Are your daffodils still blooming like crazy?
22
posted on
03/05/2017 8:34:07 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Hey there LUV!
It was a little warmer today but cloudy and damp. Ran through a few sprinkles when coming home from visiting Aunt Clara. Supposed to be in the 60s all week and that works for us.
More daffodils are opening up as the days go by. Hubby’s mom and aunts planted several varieties and they bloom at different times. It’s a nice, long show. The pear trees are blooming now, too, and it won’t be long before the peach trees bloom. We’re sooooo ready for the colors after looking at drab browns and grays.
How’d your day go? Did you stop at DQ for supper this evening? Blizzard?
23
posted on
03/05/2017 8:39:46 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
No blizzard, but we did go to the DQ. Hubby and I split a Dude Combo and my MIL had her usual 1 taco. We had friends with us and it was nice to sit and chat.
If it was going to rain, wish you had gotten a good one, since your crops will be needing it soon! I’ll bet the flowers from the bulbs and the pear trees are cheering things up around there. The fruitless pear trees around here are blooming too!
24
posted on
03/05/2017 8:45:01 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Dude Combo? LOL! I haven’t paid much attention to their listings since I only get the fish sandwich when I go. And a Blizzard. :-)
How’s your MIL getting along these days? All healed up and no more discomfort?
We’re supposed to get storms through here Tues. so might get a decent amount of rain then. There are other rain chances throughout the week as well. We’re doing alright so far but we’ll take all we can get.
The only flowers blooming so far are the daffodils. They’re our first bloomers. I’m surprised the pear trees are even alive since they’re old trees. Their fruit isn’t worth a flip to eat but the critters love the pears after they’ve fallen to the ground and fermented. They get so drunk. LOL!
The Bradford pears are blooming around the area and I noticed some cherry trees in bloom when I went to see Aunt Clara this afternoon. The whole area is springing to life and it really lifts the spirits. Just so pretty.
25
posted on
03/05/2017 8:55:18 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
I think the
DUDE might be a Texas thang. :) Scroll down to "Sandwiches". They're good! But big and we weren't hungry enough to tackle a whole one alone. I didn't have the courage to check the "nutrition facts". LOL!
Thanks for asking...my MIL is still having some problems with the incision site, but she never complains so I'm not sure if it's better. What I noticed tonight was how she was wheezing when she tried to get in or out of the car. That really concerns me! She's never smoked or had asthma, so not sure what's going on. Told hubby to ask the doc about it next time they go.
26
posted on
03/05/2017 9:04:37 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Could be a Texas thang. LOL! I know they have chicken sandwiches here but just haven’t paid attention to what they call them.
I don’t pay attention to “nutrition facts”. If it’s good, I’m gonna eat it. But having a high metabolism helps. No matter what, I stay thin.
Sorry to hear she’s still having trouble with the incision site. I’d hoped that was a thing of the past by now. And the wheezing does raise red flags, doesn’t it? Does she have a dr. appointment soon? Could be something y’all don’t want to wait too long to have checked out.
27
posted on
03/05/2017 9:14:44 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
The Dude is the steak one. They really are quite tasty!
I’m not sure if she has an appointment soon, but I’ll mention it to [nag] my hubby till maybe he’ll think about how serious it could be. She was wheezing when she had the bad cold last month, but it should have been gone by now. At her age, we can’t take anything lightly!
28
posted on
03/05/2017 9:24:17 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Duh! I just glanced and didn’t see the steak part.
I don’t think they have that here. Hubby’s not all that wild about their burgers but he loves chicken-fried steak. I’ll have to make a point of looking next time I’m there.
Might be a good idea to mention it [nag] because you’re right about not taking things lightly at her age. Could be nothing but you just don’t know. Better safe than sorry.
29
posted on
03/05/2017 9:35:43 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: ConorMacNessa
Glad you were able to sing...gently.
And you can continue planning your garden.
30
posted on
03/05/2017 9:39:39 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: radu
Exactly what I was thinking. She’s come to far to have something happen because no one asked about it!
I think he’ll like it. I usually get a kid’s meal grilled cheese sammich, but when hubby suggests this, I go along. I can’t eat a whole one, so splitting it is perfect.
31
posted on
03/05/2017 9:45:19 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Yeah, she’s been through quite a bit already. Anyone can go into pneumonia so easily when they get to be that age. We don’t want that!
Hubby would be able to eat a whole Dude easily. He has a hefty appetite. I wish he ate fish because I can never quite finish one from DQ. But I do all the damage I can. :-) They’re tasty.
And now I want one! LOL
32
posted on
03/05/2017 10:05:07 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
Good evening/morning, radu....hope your day went well. Rain? Rain on the way?
We had a clear and COLD day....it was beautiful on the inside looking out. I thought I had a couple errands to run, but opted out. d:o)
33
posted on
03/05/2017 10:11:41 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Hey there Kathy!
Been a busy evening with your mom?
Can’t blame you for opting out on the errands today. LOL! Hard to make oneself go out in the cold when it isn’t absolutely necessary. But it was a beautiful sunny day up there. Those mountains are so pretty in the sunshine.
Just a few sprinkles here this afternoon while I was out to visit Aunt Clara but there are better rain chances here and there this week. Supposed to have storms rumble through Tues. and we should get a decent rain out of that.
34
posted on
03/05/2017 10:17:53 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: left that other site
Oh good, you have a clean coat. How about Penny’s coat?
35
posted on
03/05/2017 10:22:25 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: LUV W
Good evening, Luv....he WAS a for sure hero.
36
posted on
03/05/2017 10:32:10 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: radu
It’s a darn shame that the DQs close so early! They’d have a lot more business from nightowls! LOL!
37
posted on
03/05/2017 10:41:07 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Well, I don’t know about a lot more business, at least around here. This is Podunk Nowhere, after all, and probably not that many night owls. :-)
I’ve been sitting here the past several minutes snickering, yet rattled a little. Hubby came inside a while ago with a bleeding boo-boo on his head. He was out by the garage doing some cleaning on the motorhome that belonged to our friend who passed away last week, getting it ready to be sold. All of a sudden a rabbit ran between his feet that was being chased by some coyotes! They rounded the end of the motorhome and almost ran into him!
This all startled him enough to make him jump and he cracked his noggin on the motorhome mirror.
Picturing the whole thing in my mind makes me snicker because it had to have looked a bit comical. But it rattles me that those vile creatures were that close to buildings.
Sure glad we’re making the cats stay inside at night. Whew!!
38
posted on
03/05/2017 10:55:22 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
To: radu
Holy cow! That was almost too close for comfort! Kitties dodged a bullet...as it were!
But....a video of that happening would have been a YouTube hit! LOL! Sorry to laugh, but the thought of the whole episode is kinda funny! Don’t tell him I said that, though. :)
39
posted on
03/05/2017 11:06:16 PM PST
by
luvie
(Be still and know that I Am GOD.....Psalm 46:10)
To: LUV W
Too close for comfort is right! I’m surprised he didn’t need to change his britches after that! LOL!!
Man, it probably WOULD be a YouTube hit. I’m still chuckling just thinking about how it must have played out.
No reason to apologize for laughing. I laughed as he told me about it. It was just too funny.
The good thing about was the rabbit got away. The coyotes turned around and scooted when they saw him and were probably too rattled to go back looking for the bunny.
The best thing was all the kittehs are inside.
40
posted on
03/05/2017 11:15:15 PM PST
by
radu
(May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
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